Can you use hay for dog bedding? Here’s What to Expect

What can I do with used hay bedding?

What to do with extra hay:

  • Bedding & Nesting material for nesting boxes, coops, hutches, and run-ins.
  • Filler for the pool the pigs built. …
  • Seeding. …
  • Mulch for yard, around trees, or in pumpkin patches.
  • Entertainment – chickens and pigs LOVE to scratch, roll and play in fresh hay.
  • How do you keep a dog house warm in the winter?

    Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your dog stays nice and toasty when the weather outside turns frightful:

  • Make sure your dog’s house is in good condition. …
  • Insulate your dog’s house. …
  • Elevate your dog’s home. …
  • Invest in comfortable, warm bedding. …
  • Fill up excess space.
  • Good Bedding Choices for Your Dog’s House

    People have used a variety of different things for dog bedding over the years, and some have proven more suitable than others. Some of the time-tested materials include:

    A good blanket, sheet, or towel can make a simple and effective bedding for your dog. Linens offer a bit of cushion and they don’t cause the mess that particulate beddings (such as wood chips) can or harbor insects as readily.

    Now you don’t want to use your favorite duvet for your dog’s house, as she’s going to ruin it pretty thoroughly over time. Instead, try to find a durable dog-friendly blanket which you won’t mind throwing out after it’s been used for several months (or years). Try to wash the blanket periodically to keep it as clean as possible and to help prevent odors from developing.

    Note that blankets can serve as hiding places for spiders, snakes and other creepy crawlies, so it is wise to take it out and shake it vigorously once a week or so to limit these types of problems. Also, inspect the blanket regularly to ensure your dog hasn’t ripped apart the seams or chewed through the fabric. Dogs who consume the filler material (even accidentally) may suffer from health problems.

    A nice, fluffy rug can make an excellent bedding for your dog. Rugs offer most of the same benefits that linens do, and they typically feature a rubberized back, which helps to protect them from moisture and keep them from sliding around. However, rugs are not easy for your dog to scrunch up like she can a blanket, so they aren’t as well-suited for extremely cold weather.

    If you have a well-behaved pooch who isn’t prone to chewing on things, you may want to select a rug with a long/high pile (long individual fibers), as this will provide greater comfort and warmth. However, chewers should be given beds with short piles to discourage them from ripping the threads out.

    You can just use an ordinary rug (such as the kind you’d use in front of your door or inside your bathroom), but an indoor-outdoor rug, which is designed to stand up to the elements will last longer.

    A dog bed is one of the more expensive options for keeping your dog warm and comfortable when she’s in her house, but it is also head-and-shoulders more effective than any other option.

    Your dog will love the comfort provided by a good orthopedic mattress (the Big Barker is a great choice for those not frightened by the price tag) or the warmth provided by a heated winter bed, which come in self-warming or electric designs.

    While there are definitely some solid bed options, relatively few dog beds are specifically designed for outdoor use, and low-quality beds will quickly fall apart if left exposed to the elements for a length of time.

    Make sure to opt for a durable bed if you plan on your dog using it for several winter seasons – the cheap stuff won’t cut it. You may also want to invest in a water-proof cover to protect the fabric.

    Wood chips – specifically those made from cedar or pine – are another safe option for most dogs. Cedar and pine chips have insect-repelling qualities, which will help prevent fleas and other bugs from setting up shop in your dog’s house, and they provide great insulation and comfort for your dog too.

    Cedar and pine chips also smell pretty good. However, the same volatiles that are responsible for the pleasant fragrance may be irritating to dogs with sensitive noses or respiratory systems, so keep an eye out for signs of lung or nose irritation, such as sneezing.

    Note that some cedar and pine beddings are comprised of small chunks or blocks of wood, while others are comprised of thin shavings. The shavings are the better option, as they provide much more comfort for your pooch – nobody wants to lay on a bunch of hardwood chunks.

    Note that wood shavings should never be used with pregnant or lactating females, nor should it be used in dog houses containing puppies. Wood shavings can harbor bacteria that, while rarely a problem for adults, can severely sicken puppies.

    Hay! Hay! Keep Your Dog Warm by Ron Ramos