straw/hay

Is it true that using hay/straw for bedding can sometimes cause mange?

I gope not that what I use for my outside dogs.....

It can cause an allergic reaction which can trigger the mange but it does not cause the mange. Some dogs are just allergic to it and you have to make sure it is fresh because the old hay and stuff can cause problems for a perfectly healthy dog!

I dont think so. I havent heard that and I use straw.

Use straw not hay. Straw is hollow and holds heat better. Hay can get wet and moldy.

I agree on the straw the hay getting old and nasty is when problems usually occur but some dogs are allergic to hay not sure about straw.

Are cedar shavings good to use?

As long as you clean regularly it shouldn't cause a problem. Just make sure not to leave any wet stuff in there long.

I think the reason that hay would pose a problem is that you never know which grasses are in the hay and some dogs have reactions to certain grasses just as people do where as straw is generally oat and unless there is still oats attached you should not have a problem.

We use straw and underneathe we use the cedar chips, it makes cleaning a heck of alot easier.

I thought originally that my dogs were having an allergic reaction to it, and Vanna is kind of allergic to the straw, BUT I haven't seen any mange and whatever it was cleared up in no time. So, it wasn't mange, more like irratation.

Wow!!! My dogs just sleep on the couches

no but it causes irritation to skin and lots of times they eat it