Ways To Keep Your Dog Crate Comfortable

While we know that nobody likes to leave their dog in a kennel for too long, sometimes you have no other option. When that’s the case, it’s vital to make sure that the cage is an ideal environment for it to stay in for a while. If you are unsure how to do that, we are here to help with our list of ways to keep your dog crate comfortable for your favorite pup.

Find the Right Size

If you haven’t bought your dog a crate yet, or you are in the market for a new one, make sure that you get one that is the proper size for it. Most kennels will let you know which sized dogs they are ideal for; however, it’s better to have a cage that’s too big than too small if you’re still unsure. You don’t want your dog to feel cramped.

If you buy a crate for a new puppy, make sure it’s one with your dog’s future size in mind. No one wants to buy another kennel for their growing pup before the first year is over. If you are unsure of how big it will get, look for a temporary cheap cage or a larger one if it ends up getting bigger than you expected.

Make It a Habitable Environment

If your dog will stay in the cage for long periods, the most important way to keep your dog crate comfortable is to make sure you provide some food and water. You may also need to add a toy to keep it preoccupied. Spending large amounts of time in a cage isn’t ideal for a dog, so make sure it goes outside and gets plenty of exercise when you are home.

As a quick note: if you are going to give your dog food and water, don’t give it too much unless you want to clean up the “surprises” that it’ll leave behind. Also, buy food and water bowls or dispensers that can’t get spilled when your dog moves around.

You should get your dog a bed as well. It will spend a lot of its time sleeping, so having a comfy place to do so is imperative. Dog crate pads are the best choice since they lay flat and take up the entire floor of the cage. This allows your dog to move around and lay anywhere while inside the kennel. If your dog is older and needs a comfier bed, make sure you get an orthopedic foam dog bed. We have plenty of variations in stock made specifically for crates.

Ensure That Your Dog Loves It

What good is a dog cage if your pup hates it? The simple answer is none. That’s why you need to see how your dog reacts to it before you commit. One tip that we’d suggest is if it doesn’t seem happy while inside it, try moving it to an area of the house where it enjoys spending time. If your dog likes to sunbathe, it won’t like it if its cage is in a dark corner. Experiment a bit to see what works best for you and your dog.