- Choose your doghouse bedding wisely.Lonely dog watching out of his kennel image by asmik from Fotolia.com
If you have a dog, chances are that you have a doghouse. If you have a doghouse, chances are you also have some type of bedding inside the house. The type of bedding you select can affect your dog's allergies and comfort level, so choosing wisely is important. From cedar chips to foam padding, there is a bedding type available for any budget or need. Just be sure not to use blankets, hay, straw or old carpeting because these will retain moisture and mold and also will attract lice, fleas and ticks. - Cedar chips are natural pest repellents.petrified wood chips image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
Cedar chips are a good choice for dog bedding because the oil in cedar will repel many insects. However, if your dog is one of the few pups that is allergic to cedar, you can cover the cedar with a removable/washable dog bed liner. - Moisture-repelling foam pads make great dog beds.pink foam image by laurent dambies from Fotolia.com
A moisture-repelling foam pad is another alternative, especially for older dogs who may be arthritic, as the pads add comfort. They also do not attract insects. However, if your dog is a chewer, you may want to refrain from this because your pup might ingest the bed and become ill. - Heated dog beds provide a comfy place to sleep on cold nights.Dog Playing in the Snow image by Deby Cohernour from Fotolia.com
There are a variety of heated dog beds and pads available for doghouse use. Some feature indoor/outdoor electric cords, while others are made from heat-reflective materials, which warm up when the pet lays on the bed. The electric beds are made to not only withstand the weather, but also destructive pets. - Ripstop fabric is the same fabric used by mountain climbers in order to stay warm and dry.Mountain Climber image by Daniel Wiedemann from Fotolia.com
Bedding made from ballistic nylon or ripstop vinyl fabric tends to be water resistant and tough, which is great considering most are poly- or foam-filled. Many companies offer a variety of colors and sizes of dog beds, utilizing these fabrics. They also tend to repel dander and are chew-resistant.
