Did you know that cheap dog crates could kill or injure your dog? Whether it's poorly crafted metal or cheap plastic, a low-quality crate could cut, strangle or seriously injure your animal. Before you buy a bargain cost crate for your dog, keep reading to learn why it's a bad idea.
Not Air Certified
Cheap dog crates typically won't meet airline requirements for dog carriers. A good carrier should be easily opened from the outside, provide ventilation, and have a flat surface in case the animal has an accident while traveling.
More important, a good carrier needs to be made from heavy-duty plastic. Last year, over 5 dogs were hurt after cheap plastic dog crates cracked because of pressure changes. The cracked and chipped plastic either cut or hit the animals. Obviously, their injuries were not noticed or treated until well after the plane landed.
Collapsing Crates
Stay away from low-quality, wire crates that are collapsible. Numerous consumers have complained these crates do not hold up and can simply collapse on the animal without warning - a scenario that can be deadly for small puppies. While adult dogs typically won't be severely injured by a collapsed crate, being trapped for possibly hours is stressful and causes anxiety.
Not Enough Ventilation
Cheap dog crates that are made from plastic or fabric tend to not offer enough ventilation for your animal, making them feel trapped and as though they're not getting enough air. Several years ago, dogs in a California kennel were found dead after being kept in cheap, plastic kennels that were too small. The dogs suffocated.
Aside from asphyxiation, the other danger connected to poor ventilation in fabric or plastic dog cases is over-heating. A dog trapped inside a cheap crate for hours on a hot summer day can become dangerously dehydrated.
Buying a Good Crate
Look for a high-quality crate that is easily opened from the outside, provides sufficient ventilation and is large enough for the animal. While high-quality wire crates aren't cleared for air travel, they are great when coupled with a crate mat for the bottom.
Other Safety Considerations
It doesn't matter if you're buying a cheap dog crate or the most expensive one in the store - there are some basic safety rules that apply to all. First, take off the dog's collar before you put it in the crate since the collar could get caught and choke the dog. Second, provide your dog with toys and water while crated. Finally, never leave a dog in a crate for more than four or five hours - it's cruel and unhealthy.By Trevor R. Price
Not Air Certified
Cheap dog crates typically won't meet airline requirements for dog carriers. A good carrier should be easily opened from the outside, provide ventilation, and have a flat surface in case the animal has an accident while traveling.
More important, a good carrier needs to be made from heavy-duty plastic. Last year, over 5 dogs were hurt after cheap plastic dog crates cracked because of pressure changes. The cracked and chipped plastic either cut or hit the animals. Obviously, their injuries were not noticed or treated until well after the plane landed.
Collapsing Crates
Stay away from low-quality, wire crates that are collapsible. Numerous consumers have complained these crates do not hold up and can simply collapse on the animal without warning - a scenario that can be deadly for small puppies. While adult dogs typically won't be severely injured by a collapsed crate, being trapped for possibly hours is stressful and causes anxiety.
Not Enough Ventilation
Cheap dog crates that are made from plastic or fabric tend to not offer enough ventilation for your animal, making them feel trapped and as though they're not getting enough air. Several years ago, dogs in a California kennel were found dead after being kept in cheap, plastic kennels that were too small. The dogs suffocated.
Aside from asphyxiation, the other danger connected to poor ventilation in fabric or plastic dog cases is over-heating. A dog trapped inside a cheap crate for hours on a hot summer day can become dangerously dehydrated.
Buying a Good Crate
Look for a high-quality crate that is easily opened from the outside, provides sufficient ventilation and is large enough for the animal. While high-quality wire crates aren't cleared for air travel, they are great when coupled with a crate mat for the bottom.
Other Safety Considerations
It doesn't matter if you're buying a cheap dog crate or the most expensive one in the store - there are some basic safety rules that apply to all. First, take off the dog's collar before you put it in the crate since the collar could get caught and choke the dog. Second, provide your dog with toys and water while crated. Finally, never leave a dog in a crate for more than four or five hours - it's cruel and unhealthy.By Trevor R. Price
