Dog mats
Had an interesting call today, I was getting a quote for someone that was looking for rubber mats for their dog runs. I learned some things that I thought I would pass along to everyone, common sense things, but things you may not think of.
First off rubber is usually black, and these mats are, dog runs are usually outside. Being outside and black you have to consider that at least part of the day the sun will shine on these mats, being black they will heat up fast and hold the heat longer. Morning or even late afternoon sun may be fine, but this does bring up the fact that black rubber mats could be to hot for the animal if in the direct sun. I would rather not sell a mat and have an animal safe. Take a careful look at your layout and see how much sun (whether indoors or outdoors) hits the area where you are considering putting mats, make sure you note different days and different amounts of sun,and don't forget to account for different seasons too. Please think of this no matter what you are considering putting down; matting, cement,black top, etc...
Some other things to think about is what you put the mats on, a firmer surface or subsurface in this case is better.Cement is idea, if not cement then consider digging down and adding very fine packing stone, maybe lime stone. Get it a bit wet and make sure you pack it tightly, then lay mats on top. You will have drainage as well as a firm subsurface.
The thinner mats cost less, but depending on the size of the animal, they could be able to feel the stone or irregular subsurface. You can get a thicker mat and would not have to worry about this problem.
Please keep these things in mind when picking a surface for your dog runs - most importantly, and simply, just keep the animals best interest and comfort in mind and you'll do great!
With all that said, on of the best mats around for animals is the Humane products. They offer warranties, quality,comfort and years and years of manufacturing, different thickness and for all animals and uses, They are top of the line and prepare to pay a higher price, after all you do get what you pay for with animal mats.There are cheaper, but that is exactly what you'll get - cheap! Mymatting.com is a matting manufacturer too and they seem to have really low markups and off mats and coverings, and animal mats (Humane) at amazing pricing, nice service too, check it out.
First off rubber is usually black, and these mats are, dog runs are usually outside. Being outside and black you have to consider that at least part of the day the sun will shine on these mats, being black they will heat up fast and hold the heat longer. Morning or even late afternoon sun may be fine, but this does bring up the fact that black rubber mats could be to hot for the animal if in the direct sun. I would rather not sell a mat and have an animal safe. Take a careful look at your layout and see how much sun (whether indoors or outdoors) hits the area where you are considering putting mats, make sure you note different days and different amounts of sun,and don't forget to account for different seasons too. Please think of this no matter what you are considering putting down; matting, cement,black top, etc...
Some other things to think about is what you put the mats on, a firmer surface or subsurface in this case is better.Cement is idea, if not cement then consider digging down and adding very fine packing stone, maybe lime stone. Get it a bit wet and make sure you pack it tightly, then lay mats on top. You will have drainage as well as a firm subsurface.
The thinner mats cost less, but depending on the size of the animal, they could be able to feel the stone or irregular subsurface. You can get a thicker mat and would not have to worry about this problem.
Please keep these things in mind when picking a surface for your dog runs - most importantly, and simply, just keep the animals best interest and comfort in mind and you'll do great!
With all that said, on of the best mats around for animals is the Humane products. They offer warranties, quality,comfort and years and years of manufacturing, different thickness and for all animals and uses, They are top of the line and prepare to pay a higher price, after all you do get what you pay for with animal mats.There are cheaper, but that is exactly what you'll get - cheap! Mymatting.com is a matting manufacturer too and they seem to have really low markups and off mats and coverings, and animal mats (Humane) at amazing pricing, nice service too, check it out.
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