One of the worst options for bedding is an old cushion. It is difficult to clean and holds onto moisture. You want to use material that will stay clean and dry with minimal effort on your part. Even well-built wooden dog houses can allow moisture inside. The dog can track in mud and water on its paws or coat.
When we think ?warm and cozy,? we often think of lush and fleecy blankets. While blankets are better than old cushions or no bedding material at all, they can easily hold dampness and dirt. In turn, moisture in the blankets can cause dogs to feel uncomfortable.
If you strongly feel that your dog would prefer a blanket for his bedding, check often to make sure that the blanket remains clean and dry. It would be a good idea to possess more than one blanket suitable for the dog's use. That way, you can immediately replace the soiled blanket, and you can wash and dry the soiled blanket at your convenience.
A better option for dog house bedding is straw. It provides cushioning and generates warmth for dogs. Some dogs may wish to nestle down into the straw a bit in order to get cozy. An added benefit for you is that straw is easy to remove and replace when it becomes damp.
If you buy from the right places, straw should come at a very affordable price. You should be able to purchase straw from local farm and feed stores, or directly from local farmers. If you know someone who keeps horses or other large animals, check with them to see where they obtain straw. Employees at a horse stable should also be able to either sell you straw or direct you toward another place where you can buy some. You might also check with a local pet store to see if they carry straw. And if all else fails, search the Internet for suppliers.
Always check straw for freshness before you place it inside wooden dog houses. An easy way to do this is to simply smell the straw. If it smells like mildew, it probably is mildewed. Don't use it. Use only straw that smells fresh. It will have a smell similar to that of freshly mown grass.
When you prepare bedding for wooden dog houses, you should spread the straw four or five inches thick on the floor of the house. Replace the straw as needed when it becomes damp or dirty.
Use straw as a bedding for wooden dog houses. Straw is an affordable bedding material. It won't trap moisture in the way a blanket will. It provides cushion and warmth for your dog during cold winter months. Straw is easy to replace when it becomes damp or dirty. For all these reasons, straw makes a superior bedding choice for wooden dog houses.
Thinking about how you will position the house you've selected is actually quite important. Before it arrives at your home, you should consider all your options. You might wish to contemplate several factors when deciding where you will place the dog house. These factors will affect your dog's comfort, and maybe even its safety, during inclement weather and during cold or hot months.
You don't want your dog to lie in a puddle of water all night or to sleep on damp bedding. You can create elevation by building a small platform on which to place the dog house. This platform does not need to be high. Some wooden dog houses solve the moisture problem for you. To save yourself time and trouble, you can look for houses with raised floors. In addition to guarding against moisture, elevation also improves the natural insulation of wooden dog houses. The air beneath the floor helps to keep your pet warm during the winter.
Secondly, take advantage of natural warmth. Observe where the sun lights your yard at various times of the day. During cooler months, position the dog house where the sun can warm it for a few hours each day. If the house is not stationary, you may wish to move the house into shade during very warm months.
Regardless of the season, always make sure your dog has access to fresh drinking water. Whether you place a dish inside, install a dispenser, or use another method, keep the water fresh. Even in winter, dogs can dehydrate. Position the dog's shelter where you can easily provide fresh water daily.
Pay attention to the wind patterns, as well. Positioning the dog house in a more sheltered location will help to regulate its temperature. You can also reduce wind by covering the door opening with a flap. Many wooden dog houses today come with flaps already installed. If you prefer a sturdier alternative, you can purchase doors made from Plexiglas. These self-closing doors come equipped with seals to keep out rain, snow, and wind. (If you plan to use a heating and air conditioning unit, the seal will also help to regulate the temperature.)
Remember these things when choosing a position for wooden dog houses: Purchase a shelter with a raised floor or provide elevation by building a low platform as a foundation for the dog house. Take advantage of natural sunlight and shade to help regulate the temperature inside the dog house. If necessary, choose a house that you can move to different locations during seasonal extremes. Place the house where you can easily provide fresh drinking water for your pet. Take precautions to cut down on wind; place the house out of the wind and make sure openings are covered appropriately. Keep your dog safe, happy, and healthy.
Rachel Dawson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Gardening and Pets. Rachel Dawson is a freelance writer who has known several special dogs. She writes about and. Rachel Dawson's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.