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by Audra on 07 October 2012 - 19:10
Help!
I have two GSDs, one stays outside all the time (I've only had him about a year and the previous owners had him outisde his entire life, he does not enjoy being inside, I have tried. He is an elderly dog and set in his ways.) and one that comes inside once I'm home from work. I am having a hard time trying to figure out what to use for the ground. Most of the area they are in is dirt, which is fine in the summer but in the winter I hate to see them in the mud. Previously, hay was used until I did some research and found that hay can give them mange. I've looked into pea gravel, cedar shaving, pine shavings, playground rubber and fake grass. I was told some dogs can be allergic to cedar, and I just dont want to run the risk. The hay worked very well in keeping them clean and dry and I'd like to find something that can work just as well. I cant put down concrete as I rent this home and need to use something that I can remove when I move. Winter is right around the corner and I'm at a loss for what to use. Anybody out there to help?
I have two GSDs, one stays outside all the time (I've only had him about a year and the previous owners had him outisde his entire life, he does not enjoy being inside, I have tried. He is an elderly dog and set in his ways.) and one that comes inside once I'm home from work. I am having a hard time trying to figure out what to use for the ground. Most of the area they are in is dirt, which is fine in the summer but in the winter I hate to see them in the mud. Previously, hay was used until I did some research and found that hay can give them mange. I've looked into pea gravel, cedar shaving, pine shavings, playground rubber and fake grass. I was told some dogs can be allergic to cedar, and I just dont want to run the risk. The hay worked very well in keeping them clean and dry and I'd like to find something that can work just as well. I cant put down concrete as I rent this home and need to use something that I can remove when I move. Winter is right around the corner and I'm at a loss for what to use. Anybody out there to help?
by llolly on 07 October 2012 - 20:10
I have heard someone say before that hay can give dogs ear mites. I dont think a dog can getable or mites.from good quality clean wheat straw.
by CMills on 07 October 2012 - 20:10
Either use clean straw, or throw down some rubber stall mats. Thats what I use in my outdoor kennels, I buy them at Tractor Supply, you can get 2 different sizes, either the 2x 3 or 3 x 4 ft mats.
by ShelleyR on 07 October 2012 - 20:10
I use rubber stall mats and big, fluffy pine shavings from TS.
by northwoodsGSD on 08 October 2012 - 00:10
While not saying it's false, I've never heard of or seen an animal get mange from hay? My dogs are at the barn all the time & never have any issues from being around the hay.
My kennels are set up with a crushed limestone base. Each kennel has a small raised deck area for lounging and a dog house. I also have a 4x6 mat in each outside kennel. I use both the solid mats & the fatigue type(ones with the holes in them) depending on the area(inside or outside). The fatiguine mats allow for any moisture to go through. I use clean straw inside the dog houses & add a few handfuls of cedar chips every month or so(keeps any bugs away).
My kennels are set up with a crushed limestone base. Each kennel has a small raised deck area for lounging and a dog house. I also have a 4x6 mat in each outside kennel. I use both the solid mats & the fatigue type(ones with the holes in them) depending on the area(inside or outside). The fatiguine mats allow for any moisture to go through. I use clean straw inside the dog houses & add a few handfuls of cedar chips every month or so(keeps any bugs away).
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