Cedar is non-toxic to dogs, and the scent of cedar even repels insects. Cuteness and Healthy Paws Pet Insurance had a content sharing agreement until 2021. size so you can create an excellent dog bed that will keep your dog warm outside and the value of our best price. First, the straw should be from a reputable source, since these are farm by-products they can contain parasites and bacteria if not handled properly. The dyes used in coloring wood mulch are primarily of two types . The best bedding for dogs should neither be too soft nor too firm. Pine Straw offers unique advantages for . Unfortunately, countless dangerous ingredients are used in landscaping, and mulch is no different. Featuring a cloyingly sweet smell and rich color, cocoa bean mulch is popular with gardeners, but this cocoa shell-derived product is toxic to dogs. A few of the worst such choices include: Although hay and straw often make suitable beddings for livestock, they are poor choices for dogs. There are 1.55 cubic feet in a 40-pound bag. You should be able to cover 500 square feet with this 2.5 cubic foot cube. I worked for a shelter a few years and the owner said never use rugs as they get infested with fleas, ticks and other bugs. Get tons of great dog training tutorials, canine gear guides, and the latest doggy discounts. Hay is a good choice for outdoor dog bedding, it provides a warm and cosy bed for your dog. Like linen or rugs? Ive actually used newspaper for whelping dogs because it is easy to discard and replace when it becomes soiled. Is pine straw bad for dogs? It will provide your dog with much-needed warmth and comfort, especially during cold nights. These substances will poison a dog, leading to symptoms like tremors and vomiting. There are some dog beds that are elevated with a waterproof canopy for added protection. If your pet has had access to these potential toxins, carefully consider this as the cause of his discomfort. 13 Ways to Stop Dogs From Peeing on Your Lawn, One of the cheapest wood mulches available, More eco-friendly than other wood mulches, More acidic than other mulch options, potentially affecting your plants, Stays in place better than other wood mulches during rain, Has a nice natural color that blends into most gardens with ease, Doesnt allow much water to absorb into the soil beneath, Not the most eco-friendly wood mulch choice, Has natural, dog-safe insect-repelling properties, Easier to spread and shape around garden beds than heavier wood mulches, Comes in a soft red-brown shade with no need for artificial dyes, One of the most sustainable mulch options (very small carbon footprint), Doesnt offer natural insect-repelling properties, Contains a natural, lasting soft brown hue without harmful dyes, Contains fewer natural nutrients than other mulch varieties, Wont attract bugs or termites like wood mulch varieties, More eco-friendly and long-lasting compared to traditional mulch, Some dogs like eating rocks, which can be dangerous, Can lead to soil drying, inhibiting plant growth, Stays in place better than other wood mulches, Longer lasting than traditional wood chip mulch, Much more expensive than most mulch options, Large chunked nature is tempting for chewers, risking mouth injury. She graduated with honors from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and has worked as an Associate Veterinarian and Chief of Staff in Virginia, Wyoming, and Colorado. Since the reservoir isnt cleaned frequently, the water can become heavily contaminated with bacteria. You can make your dogs bed more comfortable by adding a pillow or a blanket. Pine oils are known toxins for canines, and pet owners need to use care with these materials in their home and yards. Now you dont want to use your favorite duvet for your dogs house, as shes going to ruin it pretty thoroughly over time. While we provide information resourced and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. While straw is the dry stalk of grains and cereal crops, hay is grass that has been cut and dried. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links. They will also surely eat straws. Are you prepared for a $3,000 emergency vet bill? Dogs are curious animals, and they explore with their mouths. Kelsey is a lover of words and woofs. If you have a bored dog in a kennel with straw bedding, chances are they will curiously chew on the straw to entertain themselves. Therefore, when theyre not handled properly,they can contain bacteria and parasites. This can occur in the throat, stomach, or intestinal tract. Untreated Wood. It is not necessary to put a bed cover on your dogs bed but you can if you want to. Straw is traditionally used to grow grass seeds, but you can use it for garden beds and other areas. Like chocolate, this mulch contains theobromine. Wood chips specifically those made from cedar or pine are another safe option for most dogs. Keep reading more about mulch and pet safety so you can avoid any problems later down the road. I would never useonly instance Ive had to use was to place one temporarily in a new doghouse for one that was very hesitant of using the house. When used as bedding, hay lasts longer and provides better insulation for dogs. 2 2. Amish Aromatic Red Cedar Wood Shavings contains no preservatives and no chemicals and is great for keeping bugs (such as moths and ants) away. Dogs have a habit of chewing everything they see. The main differences between Pine Straw vs mulch are: Pine Straw will mesh together in order to withstand the pressure, whereas Mulch is likely to wash away. Yes, these products can be used in an outdoor dog run. Surplus lines insurance sold only through licensed surplus lines producers. Other symptoms to be aware of include: If you observevomitingor any other sign that your dog ingested Christmas tree needles, fake or real, seek veterinary care for the pup. For an outdoor dog kennel, straw is a good bedding material. However, using straw for bedding requires great care and caution. If you suspect your dog has eaten pine oil, pine cleaning products, or pine cones, contact a vet immediately. Do you use any of the dog-safe mulches on our list? You should wash your dogs bed at least once a month. Thia is not correct. Fortunately, sawdust isnt a terribly popular bedding for dogs; but it is used with livestock on occasion, and Im sure more than one owner has wondered if it would also make a good bedding for their dog. Well, as pet parents and as one myself. [2022] - The Dog Visitor ; 3 3. Straw can be used with a dog blanket to make a better . By Long-stem grass hay is the best natural type of doghouse bedding that is available in most regions. In addition some dogs may be allergic to pine straw. We immediately took the rocks away. While most people use the words pine straw and mulch interchangeably, there is a difference. Another? Cocoa mulch, as you may have already guessed, is made from cocoa beans. Too much straw in your dogs system may cause digestive distress or increase the risk of intestinal blockage. There are many types of straw depending on the cereal crop its made from, and not every one of them is used for bedding. Pine needle straw mulch is a favorite landscaping product from the U.S. South. The nice thing is that unlike straw mulch, it doesn't usually come with weed seeds inside it. Four Winds Trading Natural Cedar Shavings, 5. Wheat straw is also not a good absorbent, but its relatively easy to handle. A choking danger is also posed by mulch. | Quality Dog Resources ; 4 4. Chemically processed pine oils and essences found in cleaning products, such as disinfectants and sanitizers, are toxic to dogs. Medium think blankets seem to work best. Dog houses can be made from a variety of materials, but straw is a good insulator for a dog house because it is a natural material that is both . Straw is yellow, dry and long hollow tube, it tends to be a poor absorbent, brittle and easily breaks down to straw dust. Chubb is the marketing name used to refer to subsidiaries of Chubb Limited providing insurance and related services. You DO NOT put fabric anything in a pets outdoor winter bed!!!! What are some alternative bedding materials for dogs? The pine straw also keeps the soil cooler in the summer. Is pine straw safe for dogs? Linens offer a bit of cushion and they dont cause the mess that particulate beddings (such as wood chips) can or harbor insects as readily. Lets find the answer. Moreover, theyre brittle and can easily break down to straw dust. Not all materials are ideal for pets, and you should be sure to buy a completely pet-safe, non-toxic species. In addition to the needles causing harm, the water in the Christmas tree stand can also cause issues for pets. Some straw types are perfect for dog bedding, and theyre perfectly safe. As we mentioned above, cedar also has some insect repellant properties. How can I make my dogs bed more comfortable? Pine bark and cypress mulch are two of the best choices for families with four-footers. We have a new Sherriff here..thankfully! Box 50034 | Bellevue, WA 98015. There are certain straw types that are safe for dogs and work great as dog bedding. Her favorite dog chew was a piece of pine straw. Most mulch is made from tree bark and has an appealing aroma to canines. Most are able to tolerate severe growing conditions, including drought, harsh winds and poor soil. Dog-safe solutions with a nose-pleasing scent and pest-repelling nature are cedar, pine bark, and coco mulch. Although it falls apart after only a brief time, newspaper is pretty safe (although the ink may stain your pups skin or fur), its essentially free, and it is quite absorbent. Pine cones and pine straw can be dangerous for dogs. One of the favourite pastime activities for dogs is chewing. The poison is not considered fatal, although vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy may follow ingestion. So, if you can monitor your pet, use pine straw asa dogbedding. If you suspect your dog has ingested pine oil, pine cleaning products, or pine cones, needles or straw, contact a veterinarian immediately.J Are dry pine needles bad for dogs? Bellevue, WA 98015, Address: In addition, straw is better than nothing. Is it okay to let my dog sleep on the floor? Avoid rodent-killing chemicals that can harm canines. What is your opinion. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys life in Colorado with her family and friends many of whom walk on four legs. Is it okay to let my dog sleep on the couch? Caution is always good, and shopping for the best mulch for dogs is no exception. So, both of them can be used for dog bedding. But most pet owners are concerned about whether it is safe to use a straw for dog bedding. Pine oils are known toxins for canines, and pet owners need to use care with these materials in their home and yards. They can irritate or puncture the stomach if your friend eats them. You can use it as bedding for horses. "It's the best way to keep pets safe," Jones says. Pine trees aren't toxic to dogs, but they can be to cats and can cause liver damage and even death. Although its the dustiest straw, it also tends to be really warm and doesnt flatten very quickly. Once the needles drop to the ground, they are hand-raked, cleaned and baled without the need to cut down or harm the trees. Try to wash the blanket periodically to keep it as clean as possible and to help prevent odors from developing. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe and include: Tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing. The strong smell of cedar can cause allergic reactions in dogs with respiratory problems, therefore it should never be used as bedding for dogs with allergies. On point, I am a bit surprised/confused that article treats hay and straw as the same thing. It depends on the straw type some are better than others. Larger cedar fibers can wreak havoc on the digestive tract, while pine needles can puncture your pets stomach lining. You can put your mind at ease knowing that most mulch is non-toxic, but there are a few that are quite hazardous to dogs and should be avoided. It is safe to use cedar mulch in your dogs run: but only if your dog does not have it. Barley Straw: Barley straw is one of the cheapest types of straw youll find, but it doesnt make a great bedding for dogs. It is a superb really worth for the funds. Bugs don't eat dry pine straw, but other qualities draw in bugs including termites, centipedes and earwigs. It provides a safe and comfortable environment for your feline friend. NexGard For Dogs Review: We Asked A Vet. This can occur because pine tree needles arent easily digested and tend to cause a lot of irritation as they slowly move through the digestive tract. Some signs that your dog is not comfortable include whining pacing and restlessness. You can locate tiny pieces of wire in the mulch. Cat Suffers Pancreatitis; Disaster Narrowly Averted, Bernese Beats Cancer with Help from Healthy Paws, accessibility@healthypawspetinsurance.com. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), if a significant quantity of pine needles are ingested, a dog may experience "gastrointestinal irritation and minor nervous system depression.". Is it okay to let my dog sleep on my bed? Therefore, products such as kiln-dried pine are safe (many pet products are heat-treated like this). Any of the dog-safe mulches discussed earlier will make better, safer alternatives. Another mulch that is non-toxic and safe for dogs is pine. Pine cones and pine straw can be dangerous for dogs. Hay, on the other hand, is the long slender stem of grasses that have been dried. We treat straw and hay similarly because in this context they are quite similar and present the same dangers. 9 min read Quality pine shaving purchased from a reputable company will have no bacteria or parasites present. In addition, its also known as the dustiest straw. While dogs love the feel of mulch, its important to train them not to eat it, and if they get into the habit of eating it, it can have negative effects. Your dog may suffer a digestive obstruction as well if he eats mulch. Talk to a veterinarian if your pet develops vomiting, diarrhea, or any other worrisome symptoms that may (or may not!) While the exact mechanism of toxicity is unknown, some dogs develop an upset stomach after eating pine wood. If you are unsure it is always best to consult with your veterinarian. Rubber. It may also feature pieces with sharp edges that can injure your dogs paws, mouth, and intestines if ingested. If you click and buy we may make a commission, at no additional charge to you. Address: Pine cones, straw and needles are less of a poison to dogs and are more dangerous because of their shape. Caring for pets isnt always a walk in the park but weve got you covered! On the other hand, using grass hay is better as it creates less dust and is longer lasting. Been thinking of it for my 5 dog houses but have been using cedar wood chips for 2 years. Furthermore, if you eat broken wood bits, you are always at risk of gastrointestinal issues. As expected, it has a pleasant pine scent and can be useful in repelling certain insects such as mosquitoes. Let us know about your experiences in the comments below. If your pet ingests needles, they could bring about serious gastrointestinal problems. Pine cones can also be a choking hazard for dogs. Homeowners with dogs should stay away from this type of mulch and seek a less toxic alternative. You are here: Home Best Dog Accessories. Pine needles from Christmas trees can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs. Hives or rash. Eucalyptus isnt as long-lasting as other mulch options, nor is it as readily available stateside, making it pricier. Drs. Cocoa bean mulch contains theobromine, the same poisonous ingredient found in chocolate. And if you have genuine concerns on how to properly insulate your dog house with something inexpensive and easy to get, then you must have thought of straw. Wood shavings can harbor bacteria that, while rarely a problem for adults, can severely sicken puppies. As the name implies, a digestive obstruction is a partial or total blockage in the digestive tract, usually in a dogs stomach or intestines. For a list of these subsidiaries, please visit our website at www.chubb.com. Some dyed varieties are out there, however, so always check the manufacturers information to ensure youre getting a non-dyed, pup-friendly mixture. Otherwise, look for alternative options. Thanks to that sweet smell we mentioned, its also tempting for pups to eat, making it quite dangerous. This straw doesnt get flattened quickly. aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols) that are given off. Fake Christmas tree needles can be just as dangerous. Like, cedar, pine shaving acts as a natural deodorizer, keeping bad smell and insect pests at bay. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I have pointing labs that I hunt upland birds with, I was told not to use cedar chips because it could ruin there smell. But, remember that dead plant materials have the potential to effectively harbour microorganisms including harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause serious infectious diseases in dogs. 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