Every breeder knows that the first weeks of a litter shape the rest of a puppy’s life. A stable temperature, a dry nest, little exposure to pathogens and clean air for lungs that are still developing. And a large part of that environment is decided by something often chosen without much thought: the bedding. In a breeding kennel, that means choosing the right wood shavings for dogs.
At Visecorsa we have been making natural wood shavings at our plant in Betanzos since 2013, with double screening that removes the dust. They were made for horses and farms, and more and more dog breeders use them in whelping boxes, kennels and weaning areas. Here we explain why they work as wood shavings for dogs and how to use them.
Dust in wood shavings for dogs
Many breeders use shavings because they absorb, insulate from a cold floor and control odour. The problem is that cheap, unscreened shavings carry a lot of fine wood dust that rises every time the bitch or the puppies move.
You notice it straight away. Puppies sneezing and with watery eyes in the first weeks. Adult bitches with irritated airways, especially in short-nosed breeds. Breeders whose allergies get worse every time they change the bedding. And a grey film on bowls, drinkers and surfaces that doubles the cleaning.
Our shavings go through double screening that separates the dust and the finest particles. What remains is clean, soft shavings that do not raise that cloud when moved. We explain it in this article on dust-free shavings.
Wounds in the first days: dust infects, clean shavings do not
Breeders themselves have told us this. In the first days and weeks of life puppies pick up small wounds easily: they bite each other, scratch each other while competing for a teat, rub against the edge of the whelping box. The bitch may also have stitches or abrasions after giving birth.
With dusty shavings, those particles stick to the wound and can infect it. With clean, natural, dust-free shavings the wound stays cleaner and heals without complications. It is one of the reasons why breeders who try our shavings stay with them.
Lower risk of allergies, for dogs and for the people who look after them
When we talk about allergies in a breeding kennel we are talking about two fronts: the animals and the people. In both cases the most common trigger in the bedding is airborne dust, followed by moulds that grow in damp or badly stored shavings.
Clean, dry, dust-free shavings tackle both causes. Many breeders who lived with chronic allergies notice the difference with the first litter.
Natural wood, because puppies chew everything
From three or four weeks old, puppies explore the world with their mouths. They nibble the bedding, move it around and swallow some now and then. That is why the shavings must be natural wood, with no glues, varnishes, paints or chemical treatments.
Ours come from selected wood, processed at our own plant, with no additives. If a puppy swallows a shaving while playing, it swallows plant fibre. Even so, bedding is not a toy, and it is a good idea to offer chew toys so that exploring does not become a habit. We go into more detail in the article on what happens if an animal eats wood shavings.
Absorption and odour in kennels
Outside the whelping box, shavings work just as well in kennels and weaning areas. They absorb urine quickly, leave the floor dry, and the smell of the wood helps neutralise ammonia, which is one of the biggest headaches in a kennel with several adult dogs.
The routine is simple: remove wet and soiled areas daily, turn over the rest and add fresh shavings when the layer gets thin. Used shavings go on the compost heap.
How to use wood shavings for dogs in the whelping box
Every breeder has their own method, but this routine works in most cases:
- For the first few days, many breeders keep blankets or absorbent fabrics where the bitch nurses, so the newborns have grip.
- From the second or third week, when the puppies start moving about and urinating outside the nest, a 5 to 8 cm layer of shavings goes in the toilet area.
- At weaning, shavings over the whole pen, replacing soiled areas daily.
- A complete change between litters, cleaning and disinfecting the floor before bedding down again.
A convenient format for breeders
We supply our wood shavings in heat-sealed bales of around 15 kg, easy to store and to open when needed. For breeders with several whelping boxes or kennels, the practical option is to order by the pallet and keep months of stock, because shavings keep well when dry and under cover. The pallet arrives on a lorry with a tail lift, so you do not have to unload it. You will find the details in the article on wood shavings by the pallet.
Frequently asked questions about wood shavings for dogs
Yes, as long as they are clean, dust-free and made from natural wood. For the first few days many breeders combine shavings with blankets in the nursing area.
With natural, untreated wood shavings, small amounts do not usually cause problems. If you see a puppy eating them repeatedly or it has vomiting or seems unwell, consult your vet.
Dust and damp are the main triggers. Screened, well-stored shavings greatly reduce that risk. If a dog has a diagnosed allergy to wood, your vet will advise on the best alternative.
Yes. In boarding kennels with many dogs, absorption and odour control are what people value most.
Give your next litter clean bedding
If you run a breeding kennel and want to try dust-free shavings made from natural wood in a convenient format, tell us how many whelping boxes and kennels you have. We will prepare a quote based on your consumption.
