Being in the doghouse doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. But if you aren’t using the right kind of doghouse bedding, it can be.
Many dog owners believe wood shavings make comfortable doghouse bedding. But try sitting in a beanbag chair for 30 minutes. After you’ve moved around a little bit, your butt ends up on the floor, and all of the cushioning effect of the chair’s beads is around you rather than under you. It is the same reason that wood shavings make poor bedding material for your dog. Whatever started out in the doghouse under your dog has now moved to the side of him, rather than providing him comfort and insulation from the cold.
So what is the best dog bedding that provides the comfort and insulation your dog deserves? Many dog owners use wheat straw with the assumption that it is the best doghouse bedding material. They are wrong.
Long-stem grass hay is the best natural type of doghouse bedding that is available in most regions. Some dog owners think that grass hay and straw are the same, but the only thing they really share is that they are both plant material. Straw is the stem of individual wheat plants. It is hollow and, because of its structure, much more brittle than grass hay. Straw breaks down quickly under a dog, creating a pile of straw dust. Indeed, it is better than nothing, but if used, it should be changed every few days.
Conversely, grass hay will retain its structure much longer than straw, creating much less dust. The best grass hay suitable for dog bedding comes from warm season grasses such as Big Bluestem and Indian grass. Cool season grasses such as Smooth Brome and Timothy also work very well. Each one of these varieties makes a very nice nest that will surround the dog, allowing him to hunker down with comfort in the coldest of weather. Straw will do this, too, but for a much shorter time while exposing your dog to far more dust.
One of the many things that I have learned in interacting with dog owners and customers is that they—myself included—do not change their dog’s bedding as often as they should. Too often I have had a dog owner talk to me about changing dog bedding in the spring. I always ask if they would go all winter without changing their bed linen. If doghouse bedding is not changed regularly, it begins to break down, no longer making a cozy nest. It can also be moist from exposure to rain, condensation, or your dog tracking moisture into the doghouse on his feet. Wet doghouse bedding makes for a cold dog. So if you want to keep your dog toasty warm in cold weather, give him clean, dry grass hay on a regular basis. There’s nothing your dog loves better than fresh, clean bedding in his doghouse…well, except for an abundance of your attention!
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.
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.
Many dog owners believe wood shavings make comfortable doghouse bedding. But try sitting in a beanbag chair for 30 minutes. After you’ve moved around a little bit, your butt ends up on the floor, and all of the cushioning effect of the chair’s beads is around you rather than under you. It is the same reason that wood shavings make poor bedding material for your dog. Whatever started out in the doghouse under your dog has now moved to the side of him, rather than providing him comfort and insulation from the cold.
So what is the best dog bedding that provides the comfort and insulation your dog deserves? Many dog owners use wheat straw with the assumption that it is the best doghouse bedding material. They are wrong.
Long-stem grass hay is the best natural type of doghouse bedding that is available in most regions. Some dog owners think that grass hay and straw are the same, but the only thing they really share is that they are both plant material. Straw is the stem of individual wheat plants. It is hollow and, because of its structure, much more brittle than grass hay. Straw breaks down quickly under a dog, creating a pile of straw dust. Indeed, it is better than nothing, but if used, it should be changed every few days.
One of the many things that I have learned in interacting with dog owners and customers is that they—myself included—do not change their dog’s bedding as often as they should. Too often I have had a dog owner talk to me about changing dog bedding in the spring. I always ask if they would go all winter without changing their bed linen. If doghouse bedding is not changed regularly, it begins to break down, no longer making a cozy nest. It can also be moist from exposure to rain, condensation, or your dog tracking moisture into the doghouse on his feet. Wet doghouse bedding makes for a cold dog. So if you want to keep your dog toasty warm in cold weather, give him clean, dry grass hay on a regular basis. There’s nothing your dog loves better than fresh, clean bedding in his doghouse…well, except for an abundance of your attention!
Conversely, grass hay will retain its structure much longer than straw, creating much less dust. The best grass hay suitable for dog bedding comes from warm season grasses such as Big Bluestem and Indian grass. Cool season grasses such as Smooth Brome and Timothy also work very well. Each one of these varieties makes a very nice nest that will surround the dog, allowing him to hunker down with comfort in the coldest of weather. Straw will do this, too, but for a much shorter time while exposing your dog to far more dust.
FAQ
What should I put in my outdoor dog house?
- Wood chips.
- Straw.
- Old bedding/Carpeting.
- Traditional dog beds.
- Elevated dog beds.
What can I put in my outside dog house to keep them warm?
How can I keep my outside dog crate warm in the winter?
