The Best Materials for Outdoor Dog Bedding
They might be simple, but wood chips are actually quite effective as outdoor dog bedding. Not only do wood chips provide cushioning and support for your dog but they can also help keep their dog house warm in colder weather.
Using wood chips for your dog’s bedding doesn’t come without risks, though. Make sure that you use a dog-friendly wood, like pine or cedar, and that the pieces are not too sharp. If your dog tends to eat small objects, especially wood, then it might be best to choose an alternative.
Straw and hay also make excellent dog bedding, especially when used in a dog house. These materials are soft and offer plenty of insulation during the fall and winter.
One major concern of using straw in a dog house is its tendency to attract fleas. Unfortunately, hay and straw make great breeding grounds for fleas and other pests. While this isn’t guaranteed to be a problem in your own outdoor dog bedding, it is a possibility.
As long as their bed is comfortable, your dog really doesn’t care what it looks like. If you have any old linens, blankets, rugs, or carpeting lying around, all of these materials can make excellent outdoor dog beds.
If you don’t have any of these materials lying around, then going out and buying some might not be worth the trouble. Also, some rugs and carpeting might not be appropriate for avid chewers.
Are pine shavings safe for puppies?
Before a puppy is big enough to rip a blanket into shreds and make his own bedding, he needs something that is soft, warm, absorbent and, most of all, safe. Pine bedding meets most of these requirements, but there is some evidence that the same compound that gives it a fresh smell may also be unhealthy for animals.
The Best Dog Beds, According to Dog Experts
Best Rubber Mulch: Playsafer Rubber Mulch Nuggets
It’s incredibly easy to clean, and it’s weather and water-resistant.
You don’t have to worry about it falling apart, fading away, or disintegrating.
Rubber is also shock-absorbent. So, if there are falls or accidents, your dogs will be protected.
The rubber may have a rubbery smell, but it doesn’t retain odors from pet waste.
If you want the rubber mulch to match, it comes in several color choices. Each color can last up to 12 whole years!
This rubber is made of recycled tires, free of 99.9% heavy metals. But, truthfully, rubber isn’t for everyone.
It may not fit into a natural setting in a way that works for you.
Cons
Pine Needle Mulch for Dog Kennel
Not only can your four-legged friend rip up your hard work, they can also suffer some pretty serious consequences if you use mulch that is toxic to dogs.
If you want a lovely outdoor aesthetic while keeping your dog safe from harm, check out my list of the best mulch for dogs.
Also, learn what to look out for so you can avoid harmful outcomes or vet visits.