When preparing a kennel for your dog, one of the most important considerations is what your dog will find comfortable.
When preparing a kennel for your dog, one of the most important considerations is what type of flooring to use. There are several types. The three most important issues to consider are comfort for your dog, ease of cleaning and affordability.
Carpet
Pets usually love carpeting, finding it soft and warm. You don't need to purchase a new piece of carpeting for your pet, however; many people have remnants around from household carpeting projects. If you are without an old remnant, check with friends and neighbors; they may have a small piece they'd be happy to share. If your dog isn't kennel-trained, carpets are not the most ideal option in terms of cleanliness.
Concrete
Concrete is not the most comfortable kennel-flooring option for your pet---it's hard to lie on, it's cold during the cool months and at night, and when pets walk or run on it regularly, it can cause unusual wear on their paw pads. Additionally, the concrete may result in skeletal problems for your dog. (Consult with your vet if this is a concern.) Laying concrete for your pet's kennel is also an investment; however, you may already have a concrete pad somewhere on your property that is ideal for a kennel. Concrete's biggest advantage is that it's easy to clean; simply scoop or use a hose to spray away your dog's messes. Before using the concrete flooring for your kennel, it is a good idea to apply a nontoxic sealant to prevent the concrete from developing odors.
Grass
Grass is a comfortable option; it's soft and stays cool during the summer and does not get too cold during the night or cool months. Grass seed or a small amount of turf is relatively inexpensive. It's also easy to clean: Simply scoop up and discard any messes your dog leaves. Grass' biggest drawback is that it may not hold up to your dog. If your dog is a digger or a pacer, the grass will surely show significant wear, or the dog may even dig a hole underneath the kennel fence and escape. Whether the grass will tolerate your dog's urine is another consideration--it's not uncommon to have lawn urine burns associated with a family dog; however, there are horticultural supplements on the market, such as TurfPro, that may solve the problem. There is the possibility that, if your dog spends the majority of its time lying on grass, the hard dirt underneath may result in disease or skeletal problems. Consult with your vet if you believe this may be an issue for your dog.
Raised Flooring
Raised flooring may be the most expensive option, but it is also one of the best in terms of comfort, cleanliness and convenience. Raised flooring is composed of interlocking pieces that can be placed on your current surface. If the pieces need a significant cleaning, they can easily be lifted out, cleaned and reinstalled. Usually, however, all you need to do is spray the pieces with a hose and apply antibacterial solution. Don't worry about stains; the flooring is odor- and stain-resistant. Raised flooring is made from plastic and plastic derivatives, so it's soft and comfortable for your dog, and it's raised off the ground so your dog will stay warm when it's cold outside. Look for raised flooring with a self-draining system, which will make messes easier to clean.
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