Kennel bedding

[graygarrod@msn.com]

Hi, I'm just trying to research which is the best type of bedding to use for my two labs who are both kennelled outside. I have been using barley straw for the last two/three years but whilst doing a bit of research I have found information that tells me not to use straw at all. Are wood shavings a good alternative, I don't really want to use cloth bedding as I find it easily becomes soiled. If anyone has a suggestion I would be very grateful. Thanks Graeme.

[Jimsy]

Graeme,
Personal opinion and it works for my kennels is shredded paper, in ribbons not cross cut.

Warm for the dogs and does a good job of drying them off after being out and about.

Never used straw.

I'm sure there will be plenty of other suggestions too !

[MDP]

i have been using straw but cosndiering moving to those tea bag bales that some people use.

Mike

[Lazar]

I'm going to get tea bag bales the trainer i use swears by them.

[graygarrod@msn.com]

Thanks, I've just ordered a bale of tea bag paper bedding. I think it looks like its worth a try at least.

[Rookie]

I used the bales of cardboard squares last winter for the destructive dogs. Did the job fine, not too messy, easily cleaned out, burn it when finished with it.

There's also a dairy cow mat in the bed all year round which helps to hold some heat.

It wasn't overly cold last winter so the cardboard didn't get a really good test but will use it again this year.

[Strathcraig]

Interested in a replacement for teabag bedding. Proving to be a pain in the bum as its being dragged out of the boxes and welds itself to the run floor.

[Naj]

I tried Wullies idea of cheap, synthetic duvets & they worked a treat. Not a good idea if you have a chewer but worth a try with any dog for what they cost.

Naj

[Dawnrazor]

I don't use any bedding, when I did, stopped only a couple of years ago, in one of the really cold winters, dogs kicked whatever I was using, straw, tea bags, cardboard, off the beds ungreatfull buggers!! It blocked drains, blew all over the yard and generally made a bloody mess! The last straw was about two winters ago in late November, minus God knows what, I went out to shut the kennel doors to find the thick layer of tea bags, put in the beds only 4/5 hours before, lying on run floors and 4 of my 5 springers and 2 of my 3 terriers sleeping outside on the benches!!!

[druid]

I am really interested in any alternatives for a chewer. I currently use tea bag paper, however, it does get dragged out and sticks to the floor.