Sometimes, they need to have own time for themselves, sometimes you want to bring them with you during your weekend gateway, and in both cases, having the right crate is essential. When you are travelling with your dog, it is safer to have a crate, and it’s actually mandatory in aircraft. Whether you wish to get a crate for your four-toed buddy or if you want to offer him secluded heaven where he can rest, choosing and maintaining a neat, clean, and smelling fresh home is not that easy.
Our guide will help you to choose the right dog crate, to figure out the aspects that one needs to consider, as well as to get acquainted with the clean-up routine of your dog’s comfy home.
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How To Choose The Right Crate For Your Puppy?
A dog crate can either be used to carry your pet along for casual trips or air travel or as a home that you can upgrade with pads and decorate to make a unique place for him to chill.
The most important thing to take into account when searching for a dog crate is the size of your dog. Indeed, crates should be large enough to cater to the movement of your furry friend. It should be big enough to allow your dog to stand and manoeuvre around comfortably.
A crate that is not large enough to let your canine move can make them restless and force them to want to escape, or to become aggressive and stressed.
On the other hand, a comfortable crate can make them develop a liking for their new shelter. Letting the door open is always a good idea so that your dog can come and go, which will help it become more independent.
Certainly, getting a dog house or a dog playpen will also help you give them a better education, especially when they are young. Puppy tends scratch and bites the walls, the rug, the floor, and if you do not feel safe leaving your puppy alone in the house, then a crate or a kennel could be a good solution.
What Type of Crate Should You Choose For Your Dog?
Crates are available in multiple options varying based on their functionality and purpose.
#1. Portable Carriers
Plastic crates have a handle on the container’s upper side and incorporate a swing door at the front well suited for pups and small-sized dogs. These crates are apt for dogs that get to travel a lot with their owners but note that you should check your airline’s policy about pet transportation beforehand. For instance, American Airlines has specific requirements about kennels and crates, to ensure the security of your dog and the passengers.
#2. Wire Crates
The wire crates usually come in the foldable format and can be easily moved around the house or a car. They are available in multiple size variants and thus are suitable for dogs of all sizes.
These crates allow ample air and comfort for the dog without making them feel squeezed inside the four walls. Also, it is recommended to go for a crate with a flat bottom or a tray on, instead of a wired floor, as they are safer for the dog in general.
Wire crates are also easy to clean and are roomy enough to reposition your dog with a home inside your home.
#3. Soft-Sided Crates
These crates are made of nylon or canvas and are suitable for small-sized dogs that do not have the habit of chewing everything that comes their way. Soft-sided crates are a comfy option and can be used as a lightweight travel alternative.
#4. Heavy-Duty Dog Crates
It is easy to predict that heavy-duty crates are meant for dogs that are in big-sized. The heavy-duty incorporation ensures that the giant-sized dogs do not get a chance to destroy the crate and allow maximum security.
#5.Furniture Crate or Wooden Crates
These crates can be thought of as a double-duty crate that can make your dog cosy inside their comfort zone, extending out as home décor and furniture at the same time. These crates can usually be used as a side table with the crate beneath them and are a perfect fit for the living rooms.
How Can I Keep My Dog Crates Clean?
A clean place is what every soul requires feeling comfy and relaxed, and the same is the case when it comes to your dog.
As a pet owner, it is mandatory to keep your pet’s crate spotless clean to shower them with love and care and here is what you can do regularly:
- Wash the linens first: Before you get started with the exteriors, make sure to remove the interiors of the cage and clean the same by tossing them in a washing machine. You can remove the pet bed, blanket, pads, and any other soft furnishings inside the crate and wash them to make your pet feel fresh and clean as soon as it steps inside its universe.
- Cleaning the accessories and tray: While the furnishings are being washed, you can grab hold of any toys or utensils kept inside the crate and wash them with a pet-safe specially formulated cleanser. Further, if your crate has a tray, remove it from the bottom of the crate and clean it well.
- Odour removal: Once you get the insides of the crate clean, you can use a pet-safe odour remover to get rid of the smelly odours inside the kennel. You can also consider using these odour removers in small amounts daily to keep the dog crate odour-free.
- Wash and Scrub: Next, you can scrub the enclosures and wash the whole crate using a hose or water jet. If you are cleaning the crate inside, you can keep it inside a bathtub and wash it using a cleanser and hot water.
Also, make sure to remove any accumulated rust, if any. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry to get the crate ready for your dogs.
How To Clean A Rusty Dog Crates?
If your dog crate turned out to be rusty and has lost its charm, here is how you can refurbish it for your furry friends:
- Use a wire brush: The first thing that you need to do is to shove off the loose rust particles using a wire brush. Running the brush on each metal bar moving ahead on the entire crate area can extract the loose rust deposits. Next, use a cloth and wipe the rust particles off the bars and the cage floor.
- Using a Hairspray: This may sound a bit bizarre, but yes, hairsprays can work wonders for your rust removal task. All you need to do is spray it on the crate, which aids in getting rid of the leftover rust deposits on a crate. However, ensure that the hairspray is non-toxic so that it does not harm your dog in any way. Keep repeating the brushing and hair spraying technique a few times to get rid of the rust layers that may have been deposited on the crate.
Once you are done, you can give the crate a final rinse with water to get it free from any hair spray remains that may prove toxic for your pets. Dry it properly, and your dog crate is rust-free.
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