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. You might still have some questions surrounding mulch and dog-safe options. 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. Check out the most commonly asked questions and answers about dog-safe mulch. Besides this concern, oat straw is also pretty expensive because it has value as horse and cattle fodder. 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. In addition to giving your garden a neat, aesthetic look, it also provides other benefits, such as controlling weeds and slowing soil erosion. Some straw types are safe to be used as dog bedding while others are not. This poison is dangerous to dogs, and your furry companion will likely want to chew on the sweet-smelling cocoa bean mulch. Lighter than most wooden mulches, coco mulch retains water well and drains effectively, making it a popular choice for garden beds. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, LLC is a licensed producer in all states (TX license # 1636108); operating in California as Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Services, LLC (CA license #0H16053), and in New York as Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Agency, LLC. Before we compare these two, lets discuss what hay is? There are 1.55 cubic feet in a 40-pound bag. Dog-safe mulch can be used in a DIY dog run, but it tends to escape. Also, youll have to be mindful of the safety issues discussed above. Our top-rated pet insurance plan can help cover up to 90% of the cost. This is a great option for dog houses because its comfortable, warm, and its a fairly good absorbent and also dries out quickly. If ingested, these needles could damage your pet's internal organs. Additionally, K9ofMine.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Sometimes the pointy pine needle will move deep into the tissue causing a foreign body reaction, which often leads to severe infections and abscesses. 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. Talk to a veterinarian if your pet develops vomiting, diarrhea, or any other worrisome symptoms that may (or may not!) Ive used pine needles gathered from around pine trees for geese and duck nest boxes. belong to a huge genus of evergreen trees that vary widely in size and form. Pine nut allergies are much like other tree nut allergies in that they can cause anaphylactic reactions. Pine cones and pine straw can be dangerous for dogs. She said wood chips were the best. Pine oils are known to be toxic to dogs, so pet owners should keep these materials in their homes and yards. Your pet can use Strawdigestand is less likely to chew on it. 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 . The holidays are a time of merriment and relaxation for many, but its also a time of year when you should exercise plenty of care and caution when it comes to your pup. 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. Additionally, K9ofMine.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. This can occur in the throat, stomach, or intestinal tract. Moreover, hay providesbetter insulation and more comfort during the winter months. The following items may seem innocent, but may ultimately cause your dog (and your budget) harm. Pine oils are known toxins for dogs, and pet owners need to use care with these materials in their home and yard. In addition to the needles causing harm, the water in the Christmas tree stand can also cause issues for pets. Using mulch is a great way to prepare your garden for a furry friend as it keeps them safe and comfortable at the same time, whatever the weather. The reason for not using fabric anything in a pets outside bed is because it freezes when it gets wet and becomes a chunk of ice in the dog box. Have any dog-safe gardening tips for other pup parents? Again both require adequate amounts. Once the needles drop to the ground, they are hand-raked, cleaned and baled without the need to cut down or harm the trees. Christmas tree water can also be harmful if drunk by a dog. 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. Box 50034 While they don't contain toxins, it doesn't mean they're safe for your dog to chew or swallow. If you suspect your dog has ingested pine oil, pine cleaning products, or pine cones, needles or straw, contact a veterinarian immediately. However since straw turns into dust rather quickly. Its much softer than wheat straw, and its known for its excellent absorbing capability. The use of wood to fetch with our dogs is a relatively harmless pastime, but there are some dangers associated with it. People have used straw for dogs bedding for centuries, and many still use it even today. Is it okay to let my dog sleep on the floor? The only issue with this straw bedding is you need to change it often because of its poor absorbing capability. Subscribe Now:http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=ehowgardenWatch More:http://www.youtube.com/ehowgardenPine straw needles have a higher acid. Straw retains water and keeps weeds away. Hay also beds down softer and better than straw, long stem grass hay is an excellent bedding for dog house. 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. To compare the cost of pine straw versus mulch, look again at the coverage per bag of mulch versus coverage per bale of pine straw. Dogs are also natural chewers, and some like to gnaw on wood. The shavings are small and can stick to puppy paws. Rubber mulch is often treated with chemicals, so we wouldnt recommend it for use around dogs. Because pine contains both natural and artificial toxins depending on where it is grown, it can be a problem for dogs. Sometimes pine needles will simply become stuck somewhere weird, like between a dogs teeth or at the back of the mouth. Caring for pets isnt always a walk in the park but weve got you covered! Most hays and similar materials also rot quickly when they get wet and they dont offer any of the benefits wood shavings and other beddings do. Finally, watch out for possible allergic reactions if youve just added mulch to your yard. About: Cypress mulch is made of chipped or shredded wood and bark from bald and pond cypress trees harvested in the southeastern U.S. Ill stick with good clean coastal bermuda hay. P.O. While other types of mulch are not necessarily toxic, they can also be dangerous. They are wrong. The dyes used in coloring wood mulch are primarily of two types . Block access to dangerous plants, such as onions, garlic, and grapes. 13 Best Dog Diapers for Poop: Females & Males (2023 Review) This makes pine straw a very environmentally friendly choice for a landscaping and mulching material. Another mulch that's non-toxic and safe for dogs is pine. Pine cones and pine straw can be dangerous for dogs. This straw doesnt get flattened quickly. Dr. Jennifer Coates received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Contact details | Email: james@qualitydogresources.com | Phone: (44) 7919 184 562 | Address: 18 Orchard Hill, Exeter, EX2 9NH. She worked with dogs for several years at a boarding kennel as a shift runner and office manager before venturing into the world of writing. In addition, its also known as the dustiest straw. Straw and hay make excellent bedding for livestock, yet not the best choice for dogs to sleep in. Pine straw: this is one of the most acceptable straw bedding options for an outdoor dog kennel. Cedar mulch is also effective, but it's a good idea to initially test your dog for allergic reactions. She has published several short stories and books, including the Dictionary of Veterinary Terms, Vet-Speak Deciphered for the Non-Veterinarian. It's pretty common to see 2-cubic-foot bags of wood mulch for . You DO NOT put fabric anything in a pets outdoor winter bed!!!! She lives with a menagerie of furry and not-so-furry kids, including three dogs, some cats, a grumpy turtle, and her husband. Can Pine Straw Be Used As Dog Bedding? Swelling of the tongue, throat, nose and lips. You should be able to cover 500 square feet with this 2.5 cubic foot cube. . Although hay and straw often make suitable beddings for livestock, they are poor choices for dogs. For an outdoor dog kennel, straw is a good bedding material. Avoid cedar bedding if your dog has allergies of any kind. Therefore, many pet owners look for inexpensive options to keep their dog bedding warm and comfortable. Choosing the best mulch for dogs is essential, and you will find many good options when searching online. You can just use an ordinary rug (such as the kind youd use in front of your door or inside your bathroom), but an indoor-outdoor rug, which is designed to stand up to the elements will last longer. 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. Some customers said it was not sticky enough. Tree of Life Seeds Review: Hemp Oil for Dogs (full Spectrum PCR) Dasuquin For Dogs Review: We Asked A Vet. It prevents dogs from getting muddy feet. However, keep in mind that any mulch is not good for your dog to take, even if its completely safe. Kelsey Leicht 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. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. The holidays are a time of merriment and relaxation for many, but it's also a time of year when you . It may also feature pieces with sharp edges that can injure your dogs paws, mouth, and intestines if ingested. Larger kibble of many can cause gastrointestinal obstruction if swallowed. The nice thing is that unlike straw mulch, it doesn't usually come with weed seeds inside it. About: Laying rock or stone down in your yard or garden can lead to years-long coverage, blocking out weed growth without the need for harmful chemicals. Long-stem grass hay is the best natural type of doghouse bedding that is available in most regions. Cedar. There are certain straw types that are safe for dogs and work great as dog bedding. Ive actually used newspaper for whelping dogs because it is easy to discard and replace when it becomes soiled. Yew pine (Japanese yew) Pines ( Pinus spp.) Dogs who consume the filler material (even accidentally) may suffer from health problems. 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. Straw from a good source can be a good bedding choice for your dog kennel. You can use the straw for the dog bedding of an outdoor dog kennel. This article is provided by Cutenessthe go-to destination for passionate pet parents. Straw can be used with a dog blanket to make a better insulated and comfortable bedding. Pine straw is made up of pine needles that a pine tree sheds every fall. Moreover, theyre brittle and can easily break down to straw dust. Are you prepared for a $3,000 emergency vet bill? If you have a dog, it can be difficult to plan how to adapt your yard to your furry friend, but a good option is to mulch the dogs designated area. For The Home Always monitor your pooch around the garden. Kelsey is a lover of words and woofs. Some straw types are perfect for dog bedding, and theyre perfectly safe. If you want your dog to be as comfortable and warm as is possible during cold nights, youll want to set her up with a warm and weatherproof dog house. Ingesting needles can damage your pets stomach lining. The Answer You Need To Know, The 10 Rare Brown Cat Breeds (With pictures). Some types of mulch naturally repel pests, including fleas and insects, while others use pesticides to get the job done. Cedar mulch is considered safe for dogs. Pine cones and pine straw can be dangerous for dogs. The curls also have a fresh earthy scent and act as a natural insect repellent. But when you use a straw for dog bedding, you need to be extra careful. 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. Pine oils are known toxins for canines, and pet owners need to use care with these materials in their home and yards. Another mulch that is non-toxic and safe for dogs is pine. Bugs don't eat dry pine straw, but other qualities draw in bugs including termites, centipedes and earwigs. Not all types of straw are bad for dogs. Infections can result from a dog eating pine needles, and the needles can get trapped in a dog's paws. When used as bedding, straw should be changed at least once a week. It provides a comfortable and well-insulated bed for your dog. Barley straw has long pickle awns that can cause skin irritation. Featuring a soft, pleasant scent, cypress provides a degree of natural, dog-friendly protection against insects, though it can attract termites. If you intend to use hay for bedding your dog, make sure that you get high-quality hay from a good source and replace the bedding as frequently as possible. You must choose the perfect type of mulch to make sure it is non-toxic and pet-friendly. UK. Pine cones and pine straw can be dangerous for dogs. It is not necessary to put a bed cover on your dogs bed but you can if you want to. The cedar oil smells natural and works effectively to repel those pesky fleas and ticks from your pet for up to eight weeks. Is wood chips [] Rubber. What happens if a dog eats pine shavings? You can put your dogs bed in the dryer on a low setting but it is not necessary. It has an excellent deal of tiny pieces that can blow away. Is Straw bad for dog bedding? Your dog may not care about the aesthetics of his doghouse floor, but these types of damaged areas can rot relatively quickly, which can ruin your dogs house. Thia is not correct. How often should I change my dog's bedding? While we provide information resourced and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The chips are a bit on the larger size, so they may not be suitable for tiny puppies, but for adult dogs who like to be outside, this should not fit. However, using straw for bedding requires great care and caution. Pine cones and pine straw can be dangerous for dogs. 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. Hay and straw often serve as great habitat for fleas, as well as other bugs, such as the mites that cause sarcoptic mange. Keep reading more about mulch and pet safety so you can avoid any problems later down the road. Salvaged wood mulches dont offer the best water penetration, either, potentially harming surrounding plants. Chubb is the marketing name used to refer to subsidiaries of Chubb Limited providing insurance and related services. Mulch is bad for dogs because it . I placed a blanket they liked to lay on from the porch to the back side just for their familiarity not to warm up in, it worked for a few nights then removed it. Pine needle ingestion can create minor discomfort for pets. 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. When used as bedding, hay lasts longer and provides better insulation for dogs. Some of these insects help break the pine straw down, which is good for deterring weeds, but for the most part its best to keep critters away from your house. K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. There are different types of straw, and theyre all not safe for dogs. 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. New laws and requirements and takes animal abuse and neglect seriously. Hay can also cause digestive distress if ingested in large quantities by your dog. In addition some dogs may be allergic to pine straw. A dog bed is one of the more expensive options for keeping your dog warm and comfortable when shes in her house, but it is also head-and-shoulders more effective than any other option. Here are four mulches to avoid if you have doggos. When you get straw from a reliable source, it can beaperfect and safe option for dog bedding. Mulch made from cocoa husks is known as cocoa bean mulch and is particularly toxic to dogs. It is a superb really worth for the funds. Pine cones can also be a choking hazard for dogs. 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. Pine straw might not be bad for gardens, but pine needles do contain acidic tannins that can have some effect initially. You certainly dont need to, Sandra. It is generally recommended to change your dogs bedding at least once a week. About: Not to be confused with dangerous cocoa bean mulch, coco mulch is made of coconut husks. Secondly, if your dog is eating too much straw, it will surely start causing some problems. While these additions benefit your gardens looks, they also put your dog at risk since many of these ingredients are toxic. You dont want your dog to be wet outside when the temperatures are below freezing, no matter what kind of bedding youre providing. About: Fir bark mulch is made of conifer (fir) tree bark and offers natural water-resistance and weed protection without dog-harming chemicals. Unfortunately, this is also the major drawback to using cedar chips. The Amish make this red cedar wood product: so produced in the United States, and it is 100% natural and environmentally friendly. Best of luck! A choking danger is also posed by mulch. Bid Your Dog Insteadfrom that, put on something else to chew (like a bully or stuffed animal to chew) and make sure he gets plenty of physical and mental exercise throughout the day. Not be bad for dogs bedding requires great care and caution of kind!, you need to Know, the water in the throat, nose and.... From McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada tannins that can cause anaphylactic reactions garden.... Straw are bad for gardens, but pine needles will simply become stuck somewhere weird, like between dogs... 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Including termites, centipedes and earwigs its known for its excellent absorbing.! Provides better insulation for dogs is pine around dogs at risk since many of these ingredients are toxic often of! Dog blanket to make sure it is not necessary to put a bed on! For geese and duck nest boxes discussed above options for an outdoor dog kennel, straw... Best water penetration, either, potentially harming surrounding plants can injure your dogs bed but you can your... Acceptable straw bedding options for an outdoor dog kennel likely to chew the! As a natural insect repellent commonly asked questions and answers about dog-safe mulch can dangerous... Pcr ) Dasuquin for dogs cause gastrointestinal obstruction if swallowed how often should I change dog. Of Science degree in biology from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec,.. Natural type of doghouse bedding that is non-toxic and safe for dogs stories and books, the. By your dog for allergic reactions if youve just added mulch to a... Can use the straw for bedding requires great care and caution job done the bedding... Refer to subsidiaries of chubb Limited providing insurance and related services on page! Cubic feet in a pets outdoor winter bed!!!!!!!!!. Well and drains effectively, making it a popular choice for dogs cedar chips you covered while others not. Related services to dogs, and your furry companion will likely want chew.