Dog Forum: Is it ok?

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Topic: Is it ok?

pittiegurl
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Member # 1085

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posted July 06, 2004 12:22 PM

If you have to keep dogs outdoors is it okay to put straw or hay in there dog house to keep them warm at night or during the day when it's cold? I know you can't use blankets because if they get to cold they will freeze & your dog will try to cuddle in them to stay wram & more then likely freeze to death,because the blankets don't have any warmth. [Confused]

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~pitties=love!adopt pitties don't breed 'em!~
*My Pit Bull is not just a Pit Bull!He is not just a dog either.He is a lazy couch hog!*

*~*While my dogs sleep on the couch & loveseat,I'm sleeping on the floor!*~* *:o) ~P*iT*t~ie G*u*R~l*~

Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004

Ken Nielsen
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Member # 922

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posted July 06, 2004 01:44 PM

You should check the relative humidity in your area during cold. If there is low moisture, then the blankets should stay dry. For outdoor, I would insulate the dog house and install a dog house heater for good measure. Hay is bedding for horses and livestock, I have never seen a dog make good use of hay as bedding. There are large mats that are cedar chip filled and made for dogs. These are designed to keep them elevated above the cold floor. I use an old sleeping bag for my dog to cuddle into when it is cold. Rule of thumb: If it would be comfortable for you to sleep on, then it will be fine for your dog.

Why not let the dog sleep inside whenever it is cold? I used to have dogs that I kept in a dog house outdoors in the cold. To this day, I wish I would have been more generous with my house to the poor dear creatures.

Posts: 94 | From: Portland, Oregon | Registered: Apr 2004

ellierat
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Member # 612

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posted July 06, 2004 01:54 PM

The trouble with these kinds of bedding is the environment for fleas, lice etc. to breed in, it is very hard to control these pests with any product on that kind of bedding.
I don't know how many dogs you have, I have 3 myself, Labradors who all sleep outside at night, they have trampoline beds, with a blanket on top to cuddle up to, and also a waterproof, sheep wool lined coat each. I put them on at night when I give their feed and take off in the am if it is a warm day, except Wally's, he will get Sophie to help him pull his off every morning, that is toooo funny, to watch. [Big Grin]

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I love my labs.

Posts: 880 | From: australia | Registered: Feb 2004

lou3
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Member # 343

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posted July 06, 2004 03:52 PM

my dogs all have wood shavings in their kennels the same as we use for the horses. They sometimes get a bit of straw to make a nest with if it is very cold. Never had any parasite problems - and i only use frontline once a year.
Lou

Posts: 461 | From: uk | Registered: Nov 2003

ellierat
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Member # 612

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posted July 06, 2004 04:07 PM

It depends on your weather Lou, we get it quite hot over here, I have used straw before, encountering the problem I mentioned, I have to use Advantage in the summer months every 5 or so weeks and 3 times in the winter. I also opt for the trampoline beds because of the known hereditory problems with Labs, arthritis pretty common, it also stops the sores on their pressure points(elbows).

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I love my labs.

Posts: 880 | From: australia | Registered: Feb 2004

pittiegurl
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Member # 1085

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posted July 09, 2004 11:32 PM

I can't have 7 dogs in my house at once,not enough room.I'm taking in three pit bulls so the lady can rescue 3 more in a very dangerous situation.I have to keep them in the barn.The barn is pretty cozy.I'm taking them as fosters until they get adopted.The ones that she is going to rescue the guy said if she didn't come get them by the beginning of August he was going to use them for dog fighting. [Frown]

Posts: 212 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2004

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