Other experts report skin sensitivities, itching, or allergies to pine shavings and their pets so it might be irritating to their skin despite being safe for the respiratory tract and liver. However since straw turns into dust rather quickly. It has a fresh aroma and assists in protecting potty odors down. Homeowners there have used this product successfully for more than three decades, protecting gardens and beds even along highways and in industrial locations because of its many benefits. It does not have a thick texture. You could shred the newspaper into long strips if you like, but it is probably safer to leave the sheets whole. So, avoid using barley straw as dog bedding. Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief with a team of qualified veterinarians, their goal? Moreover, if you want to use hay as dog bedding, you can use it becausehayseems to be the better option than straw when we compare their properties. Next, we will review 10 products currently on the market and help you find the best mulch for dogs. Pine needle ingestion can create minor discomfort for pets. Unfortunately, countless dangerous ingredients are used in landscaping, and mulch is no different. If you are unsure it is always best to consult with your veterinarian. While most people use the words pine straw and mulch interchangeably, there is a difference. make sure the pine straw is free of any harmful chemicals or pesticides. However, there are several other safe options, including cedar mulch and pine straw. But unfortunately, its not a good absorbent. You DO NOT put fabric anything in a pets outdoor winter bed!!!! Pine cones and pine straw can be dangerous for dogs. Itll depend on the circumstances, but wood chips are pretty affordable and usually work well. Both have their pros and cons that may make one more preferable to a gardener than another. Why Do My Dogs Eyes Roll Back When Sleeping? Now you dont want to use your favorite duvet for your dogs house, as shes going to ruin it pretty thoroughly over time. While pine straw is often used as bedding for dogs there are a few things to consider before using it. Get tons of great dog training tutorials, canine gear guides, and the latest doggy discounts. 8 Dangerous items dog chew. Can I use dog safe mulch on an outdoor dog run without a roof cover? I and many others disagree with your thumbs down on hay and straw use. Natural wood that hasnt been painted or treated is also safe for dogs. Some dogs cant help but eat things they shouldnt, leading to a digestive obstruction. Mulch is an important element of landscape design, and its function is to help plants grow, even in difficult soils, to retain moisture. Any of the dog-safe mulches discussed earlier will make better, safer alternatives. Is Pine Straw Better than Wood Mulch? The use of wood to fetch with our dogs is a relatively harmless pastime, but there are some dangers associated with it. 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. There are many types of straw depending on the cereal crop its made from, and not every one of them is used for bedding. If your dog suddenly shows signs of stomach irritation such as vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, you can treat mild . Below well discuss the major types of straw and whether or not theyre safe. But you shouldnt keep it for a long time because it can promote mold growth. Hey, Craig. Signs of a stomach obstruction in dogs include: As with poisoning, digestive obstruction in dogs isnt something to treat at home or wait out. Well share some of the best mulches to use around dogs (and a few of the worst) below. But all of them are not safe for dog bedding. Cedar and pine chips have insect-repelling qualities, which will help prevent fleas and other bugs from setting up shop in your dog's house, and they provide great insulation and comfort for your dog too. No matter which mulch you choose, it's important to prevent your dog from eating mulch. Have you had success with any non-traditional options? Lets find the answer. Been thinking of it for my 5 dog houses but have been using cedar wood chips for 2 years. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor dog, its possible to find an excellent and durable dog bed to satisfy your dogs needs. Yes, pine cones are bad for dogs if they eat them. If you notice any of these signs it is best to consult with your veterinarian. 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. Hay is also a good bedding for the dog house, both straw and hay should be sourced from a reputable farm to avoid exposing your dog to contaminated farm by-products that can cause some serious infectious disease. Straw is safe for dogs. Natural woods that haven't been dyed or treated are also safe for dogs. Christmas tree water can also be harmful if drunk by a dog. The pine straw forms a mat so it's less likely to float away with heavy rain, but it's still able to let rain through. I kid you not, one single piece of pine straw that had fallen from our long-needled pine tree could keep our Catahoula dog busy chewing for three straight days. While these additions benefit your gardens looks, they also put your dog at risk since many of these ingredients are toxic. The Answer You Need To Know, The 10 Rare Brown Cat Breeds (With pictures). IS STRAW BAD FOR DOGS TO EAT? 8 min read This site is supported by our readers. Tree of Life Seeds Review: Hemp Oil for Dogs (full Spectrum PCR) Dasuquin For Dogs Review: We Asked A Vet. The best place to put your dogs bed is in a location that is quiet and out of the way. Dogs are very curious and often love to chew on and eatnew things. Here the past couple of weeks I been thinkin bout what to use this winter for my dogs' bedding.I was gonna try pine straw this year cuz ever time I put put wheat straw in their houses,seems like within a day or 2 later they have kicked it all out.Don't know exactly why.That's why I'm gonna try pine straw.I was just scopin out a place today to . Pine oils are known toxins for canines, and pet owners need to use care with these materials in their home and yards. 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. Although dyes used today to color mulch are non-toxic, the chemicals can leach into the soil. 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." Like pine straw, hay is a readily available and natural, biodegradable bedding for dogs. Especially if your dog ingests that cocoa bean mulch can be toxic, so as we discussed above, this is not recommended; it just isnt worth the risk. Contact details | Email: james@qualitydogresources.com | Phone: (44) 7919 184 562 | Address: 18 Orchard Hill, Exeter, EX2 9NH. Pine cones, pine straw, and rocks were commonly smuggled items. As the name implies, pine straw comes from pine trees, which shed their needles throughout the year. Youll need to replace the straw every couple of days. Yes, it can be used as dog bedding because pine straw offers plentiful ground tree cover. Cedar is non-toxic to dogs, and the scent of cedar even repels insects. Again both require adequate amounts. Make sure the dog has access to water, but do not attempt to induce vomiting, as it can cause additional damage or can worsen symptoms. Other mulches bear a sweet smell reminiscent of food, like cocoa bean mulch. Pine Straw's Needles are visually appealing due to the light color of it, whereas Mulch is darker and won't look as great in your yard. Some dogs simply cant go a day without chewing, and this is seen more often in young dogs who are still growing and exploring their environment. How often should I change my dog's bedding? Wood chips specifically those made from cedar or pine are another safe option for most dogs. Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and/or vomiting. Untreated Wood. It assists deal with insects in the backyard. Straw is generally safe for dogs but should be changed very often because they tend to break down very quickly. If ingested, these needles could damage your pet's internal organs. In addition some dogs may be allergic to pine straw. Some customers said there were seeds in the product. In addition, straw is better than nothing. Because of this, its important to make sure that your pup never chews on your Christmas tree and doesnt eat tree needles that might have dropped to the floor. Infections can result from a dog eating pine needles, and the needles can get trapped in a dogs paws. Rubber. Ice. While straw is a dry stalk of cereal crops and grains. This straw doesnt get flattened quickly. Whats best to put on the ground around the doghouse and the run for its money. Investigate plants thoroughly before adding them to your garden, particularly flowers and fruit-bearing plants. Hay is grass that is cut and dried. It will provide your dog with much-needed warmth and comfort, especially during cold nights. Infections can result from a dog eating pine needles, and the needles can get trapped in a dog's paws. Pine needles provide nutrients to the soil as they break down, but they can be too acidic for some plants. The shavings are small and can stick to puppy paws. Hay is certainly a better bedding than straw, because straw doesnt bed down well and as a dog moves around in the kennel, the straw bedding is pushed from side to side. In this case, there are two conditions: Firstly, if your dog is eating a significantly less amount of straw, it won't cause harm to your dog. Made of rubber, so it is very likely your dog will not be interested in it. Address: Pine oils are known toxins for dogs, and pet owners need to use care with these materials in their home and yard. Pine. Do let us know what you find out though! Rugs offer most of the same benefits that linens do, and they typically feature a rubberized back, which helps to protect them from moisture and keep them from sliding around. Like, cedar, pine shaving acts as a natural deodorizer, keeping bad smell and insect pests at bay. Homeowners with dogs should stay away from this type of mulch and seek a less toxic alternative. Avoid rodent-killing chemicals that can harm canines. Instead, try to find a durable dog-friendly blanket which you wont mind throwing out after its been used for several months (or years). Its much softer than wheat straw, and its known for its excellent absorbing capability. A little straw may not hurt your dog, but a lot of it certainly will. Yes! I agree not only check with state but local laws regarding shelter. They can irritate or puncture the stomach if your friend eats them. Yew pine (Japanese yew) Pines ( Pinus spp.) Barley straw has long pickle awns that can cause skin irritation. If you are unsure it is always best to consult with your veterinarian. We have traveled for hunting and completions all across the map with anywhere from 3-12 dogs in a dog trailer, dog box and hard sided airline kennels. You have successfully joined our pup pack. Ben Team You can buy dog-safe mulch at your local lawn and garden store. 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.". Where is the best place to put my dogs bed? Cedar bedding for dogs; Pine . So, they prefer straw for dog bedding. Hay can also cause digestive distress if ingested in large quantities by your dog. In this review, we will explore why dogs eat mulch, the benefits of mulch and the types of safe mulch for dogs, and the types that are dangerous or toxic. You can put your dogs bed in the dryer on a low setting but it is not necessary. The best bedding for dogs should neither be too soft nor too firm. The needles of many pine trees are toxic and may be dangerous, particularly to cattle and other livestock. K9ofMine.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Clean up gardening debris and clippings regularly. Talk about a cheap date! It is generally recommended to change your dogs bedding at least once a week. It comes loose in the box open cautiously! While pine straw is often used as bedding for dogs there are a few things to consider before using it. 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. Sawdust is simply too fine to be used as a bedding. If a wet animal gets into kennel in winter, the fabric will freeze and never really dry (whereas straw will). However, when eaten, mulch is not necessarily easily digestible, leading to intestinal obstruction. Pine needles from Christmas trees can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs. It depends on the straw type some are better than others. Finally, its an expensive straw, so it must be avoided. When used as bedding, straw should be changed at least once a week. The best way to wash your dogs bed is to machine wash it on a gentle cycle. The only caveat about pine straw is that you will never have ornamental grass growing where it piles up. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links. Dogs eat grass, chew on plaster and basically anything else they find interesting, and if their straw bedding makes it to their list of interesting things to chew on, you really cant stop them. Chubb is the marketing name used to refer to subsidiaries of Chubb Limited providing insurance and related services. Dogs are also natural chewers, and some like to gnaw on wood. According to the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment ( https://ag.umass.edu) the primary concern with colored landscape mulches is not the dyes used for coloring. Dealing with dogs my entire life, I know a lot. Newspaper can make an acceptable bedding choice in a pinch, although youll surely want to pick a more viable long-term solution as soon as possible. Is Straw Bad For Dogs? have owned four Golden Retrievers in the past 15 years. What are some signs that my dog is not comfortable? This communication contains product summaries only. "It's the best way to keep pets safe," Jones says. Well, as pet parents and as one myself. Also, inspect the blanket regularly to ensure your dog hasnt ripped apart the seams or chewed through the fabric. Best dog safe mulch can cause allergic reactions, such as wheezing or rashes. If you want to keep your dog warm during cold weather, keep changing the dog bedding. It seems excellent and retains its color. If a blanket gets wet from rain or from a wet animal lying on it that blanket will be just cold and wet. Is the smell of Pine Sol bad for dogs? If you suspect your dog has eaten pine oil, pine cleaning products, or pine cones, contact a vet immediately. Now this product is taking the world by storm. The shavings are the better option, as they provide much more comfort for your pooch nobody wants to lay on a bunch of hardwood chunks. Bugs don't eat dry pine straw, but other qualities draw in bugs including termites, centipedes and earwigs. The dyes used in coloring wood mulch are primarily of two types . If you suspect your dog has ingested pine oil, pine cleaning products, or pine cones, needles or straw, contact a veterinarian immediately. Try to wash the blanket periodically to keep it as clean as possible and to help prevent odors from developing. make sure the pine straw is free of any harmful chemicals or pesticides. While they don't contain toxins, it doesn't mean they're safe for your dog to chew or swallow. Store gardening products and tools out of your dogs reach. Is it okay to let my dog sleep on the couch? If you have a well-behaved pooch who isnt prone to chewing on things, you may want to select a rug with a long/high pile (long individual fibers), as this will provide greater comfort and warmth. All descriptions or highlights of the insurance being provided are for general information purposes only, do not address state-specific notice or other requirements and do not amend, alter or modify the actual terms or conditions of an insurance policy. About: Not to be confused with dangerous cocoa bean mulch, coco mulch is made of coconut husks. Carefully research plants, gardening products, and chemicals before introducing them to your garden, and never let your dog eat anything youre not 100% sure is dog-safe. 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