If your dog has his own kennel, whether indoors or outside, then he will need a comfortable dog bed or other form of bedding to stay warm and comfortable.
His dog bedding will need to be either easy to clean or cheap enough to dispose of and replace easily.
There are lots of options but what is the best kennel bedding for dogs? We have used hay, straw, blankets, towels and old linen in the past but we have always found that purpose made dog beds are the best solution. They are hardwearing, absorb water and are normally easy to clean.
What to look for when choosing dog bedding
A few points to consider when getting bedding for your dog’s kennel:
Size – Dog beds and bedding come in different sizes. Always check that it is large enough for your dog.
Cleaning – Dogs get dirty and wet, how easy will the bed or bedding be to clean? Is it machine washable? If not how do you get it clean?
Toughness – Most dogs like to have a chew so think about how tough the bed is.
Thickness – You’ll want your dog to be comfortable and warm, and at night, particularly in the winter, if your dog is outside then he will need some protection to keep him warm.
Materials – Most dog beds and bedding are made from dog safe and non toxic materials, but you should always check and make sure that the bed is safe, just in case your dog decides to chew it.
Straw, hay or shavings for bedding?
We have used all of these in the past for various things in our dog kennels. If you have a good supply of these and they are clean and cheap, then this could be an option. There are a few points:
Straw – Straw is often a good home for straw mites that, if present, will get onto your dog and they will cause irritation to your dog’s skin which will then need treating.
Straw also breaks down quickly into dust and needs to be changed frequently. We have experienced this with our spaniels in the past. So we avoid straw.
Hay – The same things can be said about hay. It is also more expensive than straw and, like straw you also have to think about disposal.
Wood shavings – These are not great for dog bedding although they can be put to good use on the floor of an outdoor kennel.
They provide some insulation and are useful for clearing up spills. They are messy and get everywhere.
What is the warmest bedding for a dog?
Any type of bedding that creates a barrier between the floor and your dog is a good place to start.
Most heat is lost into the ground so you should avoid having anything that doesn’t offer this protection.
Dog beds, such as this one that we found on Amazon, provide good insulation.
For outdoor kennels avoiding damp and draughts is one of the most important things to do.
Dogs will not normally get underneath bedding but will tend to make a ‘nest’ type bed out of whatever you provide.
Good quality and good sized dog blankets that are machine washable are the best thngs that we have used to keep our dogs warm and comfortable.
Do dogs need heated beds?
For most dogs a heated bed is unnecessary. Puppies, old dogs and dogs that are unwell could benefit from a heated bed and in the case of young puppies, keeping them warm is vital.
If your dogs live outside and the temperatures are cold, then a heated bed could be useful too.
You should not use a human electric blanket for your dog, it will get too hot and the voltage is too high should your dog chew it.
Purpose made heated dog beds are available for both indoor and outdoor use and work on low voltages to keep your dog safe.
This heated bed from KH Pets is an ideal option for an outdoor heated dog bed.
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Other good bedding choices for a dog house
If your dog’s kennel is outside then, depending on the size, there are lots of different options for bedding and dog warmth and comfort:
Piles of linen, towels and old clothing can make soft and warm beds for dogs.
Old sofas or soft chairs are great in larger kennels. They keep the dogs off the floor and, if they have removable covers are not too tricky to clean.
Rugs or carpet – built into layers these will keep your dog protected from the floor.
When you are planning dog bedding for his dog house then almost anything goes so long as it keeps him off the ground and is soft and comfortable so he can curl up.
Final words
We’ve looked at a few options to help you to find the best kennel bedding for dogs.
When selecting dog bedding always make sure that it is:
Large enough for your dog.
Fits into the kennel, cage or crate where your dog will sleep.
Is thick enough to keep him off the floor.
Can be washed easily.
Our favourite choice of dog bedding, that suits all dogs is the Dog’s bed orthopedic dog bed with memory foam.
This is a great all rounder that works well for dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages.
