Proper and easy-to-manage flooring is of key concern for most kennel operators. Without it, kennels can become unsanitary and potentially cause illnesses in the dogs. The flooring needs to be tough enough to handle the scratching, biting, drooling and other natural occurrences of dogs both big and small, but should also ideally provide the dogs with a clean and comfortable environment. Some easy kennel flooring options include raised flooring, instant flooring and concrete.
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Raised Flooring
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Raised kennel flooring typically comes in interlocking sections or panels, which are made from plastic or plastic derivatives. To install, you simply place the sections on top of the existing surface, be it concrete, dirt, or grass. According to theflooringsite.com, the flooring, which is typically at least an inch thick, helps keep dogs drier and warmer. This is because air can circulate beneath them, and any liquid, such as urine, drains down to the underlying surface (there are usually long gaps or holes in the sections for drainage). Another positive aspect of raised kennel flooring is that it can easily be disassembled and transported for use in a different location. And while it is portable, the flooring is sturdy enough, according to theflooringsite.com, to be used in permanent applications.
Instant Flooring
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According to infobarrel.com, instant kennel flooring is usually made from rubber or rubber derivatives. Unlike the relatively rigid sections of raised flooring, instant flooring sections are softer and more porous. You can custom order one large section of instant flooring to match the dimensions of your kennel floor, or you can purchase the material in tiles. Like raised flooring, instant flooring is also able to drain fluids, and is relatively easy to transport. However, when it comes to durability, instantly flooring is much more likely to get chewed up in comparison to the raised variety.
Concrete
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Another solution for kennel flooring is concrete. While not as comfortable for the dogs as the above options, it is still a step above dirt or grass. A concrete barrier will help prevent insects and other potentially harmful organisms from having easy access to your dogs, and it will prevent the dogs from tunneling out of the kennel. According to kennelflooring.net, concrete can, however, become smelly and damp over time. Cover your concrete floor with a nontoxic sealant before you put it to use.
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