Is straw bad for dogs?

Question

I just built a doghouse and I was going to put straw in it for padding and to keep my dogs warm this winter but someone told me it was a bad idea because it irritates them and I should use something else like carpet or and old blanket. Is this true and if so how does it irritate the dog?

Answer 1

Actually straw is much, much better than carpet or a blanket. You can put the straw in a huge pile and it'll be much warmer and insulating than any blanket could be. Blankets and rugs also freeze in the cold giving the dog no protection.

Answer 2

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RE:
Is straw bad for dogs?
I just built a doghouse and I was going to put straw in it for padding and to keep my dogs warm this winter but someone told me it was a bad idea because it irritates them and I should use something else like carpet or and old blanket. Is this true and if so how does it irritate the dog?

Answer 3

Gosh I hope not, I lay straw down in my dogs house and also on the concrete pad of my patio so that the concrete doesn't get too cold under his paws. It may make a difference where the straw came from or if it is wet or moldy. These might be irritating to your pup. Blankets don't work unless Fido knows how to cover up with it and if he's like mine he would just eat the the blanket or carpet fibers anyway & that can't be good.
I'm anxious to see the answers here to know if I'm doing right by my buddy.
bye.

Answer 4

Hi, My dogs are indoor dogs, but when they go outside to pee or poo their kennel area is covered in plain straw. I found it easier because mud was getting tracked inside the house constantly. Plus, when they have play time they just love when I throw the straw over them. I usually change it out twice a week (3 dogs) but do pee and poo patrol twice daily. I buy the straw bales from local farmers and they run 1-2 dollars per bale. Plus you can compost it after :) Just because you have an outdoor kennel area, doesn't mean your dogs LIVE outdoors (to the poster who assumed that). It just contains the dogs safely when they are wanting outside, it sure beats putting them on a chain, which is cruel, and they can have fun romping outside.

Answer 5

Our Newfoundland slept in a doghouse lined with straw for years - she had plenty of fur, so it was not a problem. If they have thin fur or sensitive skin or allergies, it could bother them, but most dogs would not mind it. It can house insects and such, but any bedding needs to be washed or changed from time to time. My dad would take the straw out in the spring.

Answer 6

no straw is one of the best beddings out there for outdoor dogs. We have used straw to bed animals(dogs and Cats) for over 20 years. The straw is a little prickly but they will spread it out and make a comfortable bed.

Answer 7

I would say that it is okay; after all, where did dogs sleep before people built them a house? In the hay (straw, grass) that's where. However, perhaps it depends upon what kind of dog. Perhaps a French poodle (or other "toy" dog), a man-made breed, would be more sensitive.
I would shun carpets; you can not snuggle in them; they don't fluff up; fleas, etc., love them.
I put straw/hay/even grass in for my dog; never bothered him. (The last dog I had was a black lab; the one before him was a water spaniel.)

Answer 8

If you use bedding for outside, you need to change it regular because it will eventually get wet and it holds mositure. I have used straw and it was fine as long as it was "dry".

I use wood shaving material now. I know some who use saw dust material. I still have to redo their bedding to ensure it is dry. If whatever you use gets wet, then your dog has no where warm to go. Make sure you check it all the time so they are not cold in their own shelter. Keep the opening of there shelter out of the direct wind direction now that it is winter. So that it is shelter from the wind....

Paper, blankets and old rugs get wet and hold moisture alot faster.

Answer 9

Dog training are excellent and very helpful to build you a stronger relationship with your dog. Read more https://tinyurl.im/FgfVK

After I started training my dog, he became very attached to me and loves to stay by side as long as he can. But just going to them won't help. You have to practice what they teach you outside of the class and you need to keep up with it at least every now and then after the class ends otherwise they'll just go back to previous habits. This course is a really good place to go for dog obedience classes. It get's your dog around other people and dogs to socialize while getting the training you need. As for electric collars, I would say to not get one. In my experience, they're only a negative effect on your dog. I mean of course you're going to need to correct your dog, but being positive and encouraging your dog works a lot faster and easier.

Every dog is different, so unless you have a german shepherd or a really smart dog, it might take a while to train her. You might get frustrated with her, but go easy. She's still a puppy and has a lot of energy. A backyard or somewhere to run will help her get rid of a lot of energy that might cause her to misbehave from boredom.

Answer 10

Unless the dog is allergic to grass, straw will not irritate him/her.

Make sure to keep it cleaned out from time to time but it works great and is environmentally friendly.

When you change it out every few weeks or months, you can add it to your compost pile, and it doesn't "off-gas" like many man-made things do.

Better for fido and the planet.

Make sure it stays dry and fluffed up though.