Pampered Dog Blog

One of the accessories no dog owner can afford to be without is a dog crate. This versatile receptacle has many uses, one of the most important of which is an enclosure for safely transporting your dog.

Before you rush out to buy a dog crate, though there are some of the important things to consider.

Size

You need to consider the size of your dog as well as the available space in your vehicle. You’re first consideration should be a crate that will safely and comfortably accommodate your dog. But you’ll also need to make sure that the crate fits into your car.

Don’t ever buy a crate that is too small, just because it fits your car. Your dog should always have enough space to lie down and turn around. Not much more than that though or the dog may “go” in the crate.

Ventilation

Be sure to buy a crate that has adequate ventilation, because dogs overheat quite easily, especially in warm weather. This is particularly important if you have a short-faced breed, like a Pekingese or a Bulldog.

Protection

For transportation, you’ll want to pick a crate that offers your dog the best protection in the event of an accident. This is undoubtedly the molded, plastic type of crate. A wire crate may be okay if you put in adequate padding, but the collapsible, vinyl type of “crate” offers no protection at all.

Hygiene

Provided you followed the advice on crate size, it is unlikely that your dog will relieve himself while he’s in the crate. But if he does have an “accident”, you’ll want a crate that is easy to clean.

Fortunately, this applies to most crates. The plastic crates are particularly easy to clean and can normally be disassembled with a few simple clicks, then washed down and put together again.

View

Some dogs dislike being put into a closed space where they can’t see what’s going on around them. If this describes your dog then the answer is to use a wire crate, which is entirely open on all sides.

A dog crate is essential for protecting your dog while he’s in the car, but not all crates are created equal. The best bet for small to medium-sized dogs is a plastic crate. It is strong, lightweight and very easy to clean.For larger dogs, or those that dislike being closed in, a wire crate with adequate cushioning, may be the answer. It does though provide less protection than a plastic crate.

Soft crates provide no protection at all, and are therefore unsuitable for transportation.

To learn more about dog safety, information on dogs, dog health and other helpful dog information drop in at www.dogsanddogtraining.com