dog care issue, not health issue

[ggreg]

We have two indoor dogs, big short-hairs.  They play and hang out in the yard a few hours each day.  They tend to get underneath the deck in our newer house, which the ground is hard, bare clay, which occasionally gets damp.  I'm trying to figure out what "bedding" I can put down there, so they don't have to lay right on the dirt.  I've thought of pine straw, but it is flammable from what I understand.  I thought of cedar bedding, but it clings to their coats.  I thought of bark mulch, but one of them used to eat it.  

Then I saw on TV where they used pea gravel for children's play areas.  I'm wondering if that would be a good idea, or would it feel too hard or rough to them.  Or maybe larger smooth river rock would be better.  The dogs already lay sometimes on some other regular and bigger white gravel near the back gate, so I reckon they don't mind rocks.  But I'd prefer something softer.  Would pea gravel be a good idea?  Or does someone have any ideas?  It's a small spot where they lay under one end of the porch, maybe a 10' by 10' area.  Thanks for any feedback.

[modelgrl1687]

cedar is a great thing to use even though it may cling to their coats it does repel flas and other bugs that your dog might bring into the home.

[chihuahuagrandma]

If you use mulch, use the cedar, cedar mulch keeps the insects away...but, in hair the mulch can stick to it...
Lava rocks are cool to touch, good drainage, stays in place well...
pea size rocks can get between the toes, and I have heard of dogs trying to catch a bug in pea size rocks and end up w/an accidental swallowing of rocks...
Walmart should carry the lava rocks....
And you could put a small bed on top of the lava rocks, build a box and put straw in or dog bedding.
We layed pavers, same thing as bricks, you could line out brinks, flag stones, pavers, they are cool too w/drainage...we liked the pavers cause they were smoother and easy to stick hose under to wash off and cool to lay on, and just a bit cleaner..we sleep w/our guys and sometimes the smell of fresh dirt just doesn't appeal...they are air condition dogs, hahaha or their Momma is...so out the door and get some sun a little cool shade and back in the house, try not to get too dirty..hahaha...
Good luck...

[ggreg]

Jaybay and Babalu,
Both of you have given me very good ideas to look into.  Yes, we like it that they go under there, and actually they don't bring in dirt, but I was just sad that they are forced to lay on hard damp ground just to get some shade.  But we've got lots of grassy shady spots in the yard that they ignore.  I guess it didn't occur to me that they might like the cool clay.  Like you say Jaybay, they don't want the good stuff, they want the worn stuff.

I think I shall look into the cedar shredded mulch, great idea, I remember using some of that in the garden one time, and it doesn't stick like the shredded bedding type cedar does.  And I might get a roll of natural fiber canvas type stuff to lay on the dirt itself, with the shredded cedar on top.  Of course, then I guess they'll hate it.  Ha!  Thanks again so much.  I was really drawing a blank.

[BabaluandOtis2]

If you really want something there so as to cut down on the dirt that gets and stays on them and then is brought into the house you could also look into those indoor/outdoor "rugs" they have now. They are fantastic, come in all sizes, are made from several different type materials. Are mildew/mold resistent, can be hosed off etc..
Some are softer than others depending what you want.
I was just looking at some at Sams a 6x9 ft. I think it was.....and about $65. It can be rolled up and stored when you don't want it there.
Some are bamboo, sisal, manmade fibers, etc..
You can just google "outdoor" carpet or rug and you will see many different online stores and can view them. Try Overstock too.
Take care ; )

[Jaybay]

Dogs just love nice soft dirt as a place to cool off and flake out.  We've got a huge, gorgeous lot for our two curs, and where do they hang out?  The one spot that nothing will grow and is just dirt - under the bird feeders.  LOL!

I wouldn't worry about putting anything under there since they obviously enjoy it.  Shredded cedar mulch might not be a bad idea.  Most dogs don't like the taste, and it also helps keep bugs away that like to get in the house or chew up the wood in the deck.  If you want to keep them out of the area completely, river rocks would probably do it.  Most dogs don't like the feel of walking on river rocks.  Either that or find a way to block off their entry points.