One of the worst options for bedding is an old cushion. It is difficult to clean and holds onto moisture. You want to use material that will stay clean and dry with minimal effort on your part. Even well-built wooden dog houses can allow moisture inside. The dog can track in mud and water on its paws or coat.

When we think ?warm and cozy,? we often think of lush and fleecy blankets. While blankets are better than old cushions or no bedding material at all, they can easily hold dampness and dirt. In turn, moisture in the blankets can cause dogs to feel uncomfortable.

If you strongly feel that your dog would prefer a blanket for his bedding, check often to make sure that the blanket remains clean and dry. It would be a good idea to possess more than one blanket suitable for the dog's use. That way, you can immediately replace the soiled blanket, and you can wash and dry the soiled blanket at your convenience.

A better option for dog house bedding is straw. It provides cushioning and generates warmth for dogs. Some dogs may wish to nestle down into the straw a bit in order to get cozy. An added benefit for you is that straw is easy to remove and replace when it becomes damp.

If you buy from the right places, straw should come at a very affordable price. You should be able to purchase straw from local farm and feed stores, or directly from local farmers. If you know someone who keeps horses or other large animals, check with them to see where they obtain straw. Employees at a horse stable should also be able to either sell you straw or direct you toward another place where you can buy some. You might also check with a local pet store to see if they carry straw. And if all else fails, search the Internet for suppliers.

Always check straw for freshness before you place it inside wooden dog houses. An easy way to do this is to simply smell the straw. If it smells like mildew, it probably is mildewed. Don't use it. Use only straw that smells fresh. It will have a smell similar to that of freshly mown grass.

When you prepare bedding for wooden dog houses, you should spread the straw four or five inches thick on the floor of the house. Replace the straw as needed when it becomes damp or dirty.

Use straw as a bedding for wooden dog houses. Straw is an affordable bedding material. It won't trap moisture in the way a blanket will. It provides cushion and warmth for your dog during cold winter months. Straw is easy to replace when it becomes damp or dirty. For all these reasons, straw makes a superior bedding choice for wooden dog houses.