Aspects to Consider When Choosing a High-Quality Dog Crate for Your Pet

 

Any caring owner is concerned about the comfort of their pet. In addition to food and attention, the animals near your house also need a proper shelter, and if you have a dog, its dog crate must be chosen carefully. Find out the most important criteria when selecting a cage for your pet friend. Whether you buy one from the store or improvise one, the essential factor you must consider is the size. That will vary depending on how big the dog is or will become at maturity.

Thus, for a small or medium-sized dog, the size of the crate generally varies around 70 cm in length, width, and height. The dimensions must be adapted proportionally for a medium to large dog, usually requiring a cage of about 100 cm length/height and 90 cm width. The cage must provide the dog with enough space so that it does not feel cramped and can stand up and change its position. A smaller cage is favourable during the winter because it will help to maintain heat. However, a more spacious cage will ensure better ventilation during the summer.

The Proper Dog Crate for Your Pet

Of course, in both cases, choose one that is not larger than a third of the dog's size when purchasing a cage. The material the dog crate is made of is also essential to consider. There are various types of materials from which a cage can be made. The most durable and aesthetic choice is still traditional wood. This is the most durable material of all time. Wood withstands no matter the weather conditions or temperatures. At the same time, your quadruped will stay warm, but it will also have the necessary ventilation to minimize moisture.

You can buy a solid wooden cage with a custom-made roof, being an excellent long-term investment. Another increasingly popular material for making cages is plastic. Even if it is not as durable as wood, plastic has some indisputable advantages:

• It is easy to clean by washing.
• It is easy to move with a lower weight.
• It can be disinfected when cleaning, thus reducing the risk of illness and unpleasant odours. At the same time, you can also find metal cage models, which are helpful because they allow quick cleaning.

Most cages have two forms. The classic model is the rectangular dog crate, more precisely, the one in the shape of a parallelepiped, built on a rectangular base, and the square cage on a square-shaped base. The first model is more suitable for large and medium-sized dogs with a longer body shape that resembles a rectangular floor. The second model is instead recommended for small dogs. Both cages have an entrance that allows the dog to enter its home, with a door that must be suitable for the dog's waist.

Thermal Insulation During the Winter

For dogs that live in a colder area, a cage with a resistant roof and thick walls is recommended to protect it from the cold. For some models, the roof of the cage can be removable, making it easy to move it to another place. The wooden cage offers more protection during the winter, having better insulation than the plastic or metal one. Moreover, materials such as plastic and metal automatically absorb heat or cold, greatly influencing the temperature inside the case.

When you choose a specific model, ask the pet store personnel to recommend the best option.

Most commercial cages are thermally insulated, with a roof that prevents the cage from heating up in the summer and the cold from entering in the winter. In turn, the floor should be insulated so that the temperature inside the dog crate does not drop drastically in the winter. A useful tip for better insulation is choosing cages with legs so that the floor is not placed directly on the ground. In this way, the heat inside is better maintained during the winter, and after the rain, the water drains quickly.

Tips for More Comfort

The cage must also be strategically positioned as close as possible to the house during the cold season to protect it from wind and rain. For more comfort, you can ask at the pet store to customize it for your pet with a pillow, or you can use one from home that you know he used before and that it likes to sleep on. Straw is another material that can be laid on the cage floor for thermal insulation and comfort. However, carpets or rugs should be avoided because they retain moisture, promote bacteria development, and attract insects.

At the same time, you can leave inside the dog crate some toys that will keep the puppy company during the long hours of loneliness when you cannot pay attention to it. It is advisable to avoid models treated or painted with chemical substances that could dissolve or be inhaled for wooden houses. You should also ensure that no nails, corners, or rods could injure the dog. Before using it, check it because you do not want your pet friend to get hurt.

A Dog Needs All the Conditions to Live

In pet stores, you will find people who love animals as much as you do. Therefore, they can help you find the most suitable cage for your four-legged friend. Your pet deserves the best, so when you think of buying him one, be sure to opt for the best model the store recommends, as your pet regularly spends long periods in it. Also, where you will place it and what part of the garden is essential.  An animal that likes to be outside a lot will need a comfortable shelter.

Even owners who leave their dog to guard a fenced garden in their absence must provide it with a dog crate to protect it from wind and rain. Another essential thing to consider, especially if you have a model in a new house with a garden, is what plants are around the house. Make sure your home garden is a safe environment for your dog. Learn about poisonous plants that can endanger your dog's health. Before thoroughly cleaning the garden, consider placing your dog's cage in a more free plant zone.