[doganjo]

If anyone gives their dogs shin bones (even the shop bought filled ones) don't throw them out when the dogs give up on them - put them on a quick wash cycle in the dishwasher and they'll go crazy from them afterwards.  Got that tip from my Retriever field Trial Secretary and it really does work.  Stops them going mouldy and stinky too

[YorkshireLass]

Cautionary tale on straw - my dog got a seed stuck in her eye, luckily spotted it quickly, so £93 later and no permanent damage, but could have been very nasty 

[cuckoo]

Thanks for the replies - straw has been used since tues - and apart from the scarecrow look when they come out no problems.  I may also get some dust extrated chopped straw which may reduce risks of seeds.

Thanks

[HelenVF]

We use straw in some of our kennels in the winter and have never had any problems....touch wood!  They each have some cow matting down, then straw on top.  In the summer, it switches to old horse rugs or vet bed.  I am looking into either paper or cardboard for their bedding.

Helen

[Izzy]

I was always told that barley straw was a no-no with dogs. The awns (in late summer look at barley growing and you will see these long needle-like attachments on the grains) end up in the straw and are a threat to dogs' eyes and ears.

I believe wheat and oat straw is fine, but less abundant and harder to find.