[cuckoo]

Hi,

My dogs are kennelled during the day when I am at work.  Normally use vet bed and blankets as bedding but one of them chews them up and forever need replacing.  Also I have just got a new washing machine and dont want to get this one bunged up with bits of blanket! Dont want to use carpet due to chewing.

I could just keep getting cheap blankets from charity shops but ...

Question - does anyone use straw? I have never used it as not sure if may catch creepy crawlies - but I do have some good quality barley straw.

What about shredded paper - dust??

What about woodshavings?

They are terriers and a spanial

Thanks

Any comments / suggestions

[Mammyshaz]

Plenty of working dogs are bedded on straw. A chewer is at risk of getting a blockage chewing bedding.
A good thick bed of straw will prevent pressure areas, is warm and easily cleaned ( and in your pups case will not cause a blockage. )
As for creepy crawlies, just protect anyway for fleas and ticks with a regular dose of frontline or something similar this should kill any other creepy crawly trying to bed down.

These are my thoughts, perhaps others can give their ideas too.

[jaykay]

When we tried straw, they just peed in it.

But as you say, plenty of dogs do have straw.

I got sick of beds being eaten too. Eventually I bought mine Tuffies, large oval ones so Skye couldn't bunch up the corner between his paws and chew that. They're waterproof and you just hose them down. Not cheap at all but they have lasted three years, which is amazing for dog beds in this house!

[in the hills]

When my father had kennel dogs, he did at times bed on straw. No problems as I remember.

Lady who bred my current dog nearly lost his brother who apparently consumed virtually his entire blanket while she popped to the shops! Vet did save him but it was a close thing. My boy is a house dog and has a quilt but has never been a chewer. Straw maybe safer.

[doganjo]

Why do they need bedding during the day?  How about shredded paper/newspapers? 

My dogs are only in the kennel overnight when my dogsitter is here so it is easier for her, or during the day if I have to go somewhere they can't come too.  I have a wooden kennel inside my brick garage sectioned off with 6ft high run panels.  There is an old carpet on the floor so they don't get cold tootsies on the concrete  and the kennel has carpet that is nailed onto the floor and fits snugly so they can't easily get a corner up.  Overnight they have vet beds (lifted out of reach during the day) - the real stuff that is chew proof - I have had dogs get the cheaper variety stuck in their throats so I never buy it now.  Worth the extra to get the right stuff.

I renew the carpets from freegle/freecycle/friends/neighbours, and the old stuff goes for compost or weed suppressing.

[Moleskins]

Have you figured out which dog it is ?
It's probably bored or stressed because it's been left, don't know where you get them but you can get a ball
which released treats when played with. Could something like this relieve the problem ?

[colliewoman]

Straw is fine hun, you aren't going to leave it in there long enough to harbour a breeding population of parasites
Burns a treat too should any visitors turn up

[cuckoo]

Hi 

Thanks for replies.

It is the IW spanial who chews - she is well exercised, has toys, bones etc and is normally let out during day by neighbour for a run.  Although

I think she just likes to chew - yes probably bored but even though I'd love not to have to go - I do have to go out to work but at least only 2 days in the week!

She is a dab hand at stuffed kongs etc! Today she was in the kitchen - I came back down to find she had removed my daughters shoe from the side and chewed the strap off - well at least it lasted more than a few days - the last pair lasted less than a week - they were clarks too so quite expensive.

Lesson there is to keep things out of her way - hence shoe was on side at back but she has a good reach!

I have some activity balls but dont like to leave food with the dogs in case they scrap over it - they are fine with multiple bones though.

I think I will run with the straw. I dont want to use carpet on floor of kennel as I hose it out with Jeyes to clean it and I think they would chew it.

Picture of Duana below as a pup

Thanks

[jaykay]

That 'butter wouldn't melt' look 

[Mammyshaz]

She is lovely, cuckoo, so innocent 

Why is it no matter how much we spend on entertaining toys, they always chew something else   

I'm guessing she is young looking at her, she will most likely grow out of it. Lots of pups chew, by 2 yr old the majority will settle .... then she can have her duvet back.   

[in the hills]

No ..... youre not telling the truth!!!!  Look at that expression ..... couldnt possibly do anything wrong   

Straw will be good. My father also made them low platforms to rest on in the kennels and runs so that they were off the ground.

My lad never chews though he is totally mad but sisters spaniels still steal and chew up socks .... nothing else but socks .... clean or dirty ..... they dont mind!!!  And they are middle aged boys now.

[sabrina]

I have always used straw in our outdoor kennel with no problems. Any blankets were soon ripped to bits.

[WaltDisneyWorld]

I would definately recommend the indestructible Tuffie. My springer has destroyed so many other beds but not the Tuffie.

[colliewoman]

Also try 'tripecicles'
Stuff a kong with raw green tripe and freeze it solid, my guys won't leave them alone till every molecule of green stinkyness is removed

[Mammyshaz]

I don't know if you already do this. I only use the same couple of toys for a week then change for another two different ones so they don't get bored with the same thing.