As pet owners, it’s important to ensure that our furry friends remain comfortable and safe, especially during cold seasons. One commonly asked question is: do wood chips keep dogs warm? Many pet owners are interested in finding out whether wood chips can be used as a safe and effective insulation material for their canine companion’s outdoor kennel.
The simple answer is yes, wood chips can keep dogs warm. In fact, wood chips are a great natural insulation choice for outdoor doghouses, as they provide a much-needed layer of insulation between the harsh winter elements and your pet. With the right preparation and maintenance, wood chips can keep your pup warm, cozy, and safe during the cold months. But before you begin using wood chips, it’s important to understand how they work, how to properly prepare them, and what kind of maintenance is necessary. This blog post will cover the basics of how wood chips can keep your dog warm and provide a few tips for proper maintenance.
Are Cedar Chips Good For Dog Bedding?
Dog beds made of cedar chips are excellent because they keep insects like fleas and ticks away.
For precisely this reason, commercial dog beds combine chips and fillers.
Besides deterring insects, cedar shavings also help minimize dog odor.
Some of our canine friends can have incredible body odor. Dander, bodily dirt, poor oral hygiene, rolling on smelly surfaces, and anything else you can think of could all contribute to it.
Regardless of how much you adore your dog, you can’t help but dislike the smell.
Cedar chips, which have a very potent sweet scent, will obliterate any other scents released by the dog.
Cedar chips are so natural and eco-friendly. After using them as dog bedding, you can discard them in the garden to serve as mulch.
That way, the environment will thank you for your kindness.
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Are cedar shavings toxic to dogs?
Not really. There are no toxic substances in cedar that could harm dogs.
However, exposure to cedar chips has been shown to cause allergies in some dogs.
Before giving your dog a cedar-filled bed, consult your veterinarian if he is already ill or is very old.
5 dangers when using cedar chips for dogs
Cedar chips, in general, are safe for dogs.
That’s because it’s an all-natural product. So it doesn’t have any added dangerous chemicals.
However, some dogs are still allergic to cedar.
When your dog comes into contact with the cedar chips, this will be apparent.
Moreover, the condition is called contact dermatitis. And it has 2 types, namely:
| Type of contact dermatitis | Description |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Your dog’s skin is specifically sensitive to a substance. |
| Irritant contact dermatitis | This type of allergy shows when your dog comes in contact with an irritant. |
Both types bring damage to your dog’s skin.
However, the irritant type is at fault in this particular scenario.
Now, this condition starts when your dog’s immune system overreacts.
And in this instance, touching the cedar chips causes such a reaction.
Then, the reaction shows through your pup’s skin.
Skin irritation is therefore the primary symptom of this condition.
While the other signs are:
Moreover, secondary infection can occur as well.
That’s because the area affected might be moist and open.
As a result, it becomes a point of entry and a conducive environment for bacteria to grow.
Last but not least, PetMD says that some dogs are more prone to allergies. Those are:
But, every dog can still develop allergies.
FAQ
What is the best thing to put in a dog house for warmth?
The interior of his doghouse can be filled with cedar or pine shavings, which will retain body heat and provide your dog with a cozy place to rest. These wood chips can help prevent fleas and other bugs by acting as natural insect repellents.
Are wood chips OK for dogs?
Any wood-based mulch is safe for your dog. The three most popular types of mulch are probably pine, cedar, and cypress, and they should all be suitable for use with dogs.
What is best bedding for outside dogs?
For your dog’s outdoor kennel, you can use hay, straw, and Indian grass as effective bedding. All of those materials are warm and plush and provide the kennel with excellent insulation in the cold and damp months of the winter and fall.
Will cedar chips keep a dog warm?
Wooden flooring can help people who live in cold climates lessen their reliance on air conditioning than other types of flooring. A dog’s bed is more comfortable thanks to cedar shavings in a number of ways. It prevents the cold from reaching the dog. It is also very soft and comfortable to lie on.