What Questions Should I Consider Before Selecting A Dog Crate?

Before you shop for a dog crate, take some time to consider how you’re going to use it. This will help you get most out of your investment. The type you choose will depend on your lifestyle, your dog’s behavioral patterns and what type of activities you plan to do with your pet. We’ve provided questions below to get you thinking about many different ways that pet crates can be used.

Is this crate for home use only? If you’re not planning on traveling with your dog a basic wire crate is a good choice for an everyday crate. If you're going to keep it in one place you probably don't need a collapsible model.

Are you buying a crate for a puppy? If you have a growing puppy select a crate that your puppy will grow into. Make sure it comes with a divider panel, which will allow you to adjust size of crate as your puppy grows.

Do you take your dog in your car? It’s highly recommended that you crate your dog while traveling by car. You may be able to purchase a crate that you can use at home as well as in your car. Or if you take your dog in car frequently purchasing a separate crate for your car may be best. Either way you may want to consider a folding crate, which is much easier to move around once it is folded up. Even if your dog is not crate trained use still may want to consider crating your pet while in a vehicle.

If there’s any chance that your dog can accidentally get out of your car in a strange and dangerous place that’s a good enough reason to invest in a crate. Crating your pet while you’re driving will also prevent any mishaps that could result from your dog being left loose in your vehicle.

Are you planning on taking your dog on an airplane? You will need a hard plastic airline-approved pet carrier. For small dogs you might be able to use an airline-approved soft pet carrier bag. Wire dog crates are not approved for airline travel. If you travel frequently by plane you may want to look for a hard plastic dog carrier that you can also use as an everyday dog crate.

Do you need a crate that is portable and collapsible? If you plan on moving your dog crate around a collapsible model is a good option. A collapsible model should come with convenient carrying handles. There are also some collapsible hard plastic carriers that can also serve as everyday dog crates.

Do you take your dog hiking or camping? You will certainly want to consider a collapsible soft crate or tent. They are designed to be portable, lightweight and very easy to set up and take down. A warning about soft crates, tents and pet carriers: – If your dog is aggressive, chews, digs or experiences anxiety when crated these are not for you.

As you can see, choosing right dog carrier depends on your dog’s size and temperament, intended location and use, and function and features that you expect carrier to fulfill. Choose dog carrier, kennel, or dog crate that best suits your needs and how you see crate functioning. You’ll want to pick one that offers most convenience for uses that you have in mind.

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Coat Conditioners – There are many pet coat conditioners that will help manage and or improve appearance of your dog's coat like crème rinse, grooming spray, after bath dry skin treatment, and herbal mist conditioner that will soothe, re-moisturize and detangle your pet's coat.

Pet Drying Towels – If you want to get your dog dry faster check out a specialty pet-drying towel. Some are available that will absorb 10 times its own weight in water!

Eye Protective Gel – Are you concerned about shampoo making its way into your dog’s eyes? Just put a little protective eye gel in each eye just before bath time to prevent burning and redness.

Ear Drying Solution – If your dog is prone to ear infections make sure you have some ear-drying solution on hand. Using an ear drying solution will assure that ear canal is nice and dry after bathing.

Brushes/Combs – There are many different styles and sizes of traditional dog grooming brushes and combs that you can choose from. If your dog has very sensitive or irritated skin you may want to consider a higher quality brush that will not scratch skin or aggravate existing skin irritations.

Pet Dryer – If your dog has a thick, long or double coat it’s best to use a pet dryer. Unlike “people” hair dryers, pet dryers are designed to use less heat and more air volume so they quickly and safely dry a dog without damaging coat or burning skin. If you use a "people" blow dryer be very careful since you can easily burn your pet!

Plastic Bucket – It’s very convenient to have a waterproof container that will keep your dog grooming supplies close at hand. Remember to get all your dog grooming supplies ready before hand and let your dog sniff everything.

Why you should brush your dog thoroughly before bathing.

Depending on type of coat your dog has you may need an assortment of grooming brushes and combs to properly care for your dog's skin and coat. Before you bathe your dog it's always a good idea to brush your pet's coat thoroughly to remove any tangles or matted areas as well as any other foreign debris. Many dog owners know first hand that if they don't spend time removing old, established tangles and mats before bathing many times they just get worse. If your dog's coat tangles and mats easily make sure to look for shampoos and conditioners that are formulated to prevent and break up mats.

If your dog has gotten into any sticky or gooey substances like tar or gum never use commercial solvents or industrial cleaners on your dog’s coat. Many of these are toxic to your dog. Try dissolving these substances with mineral oil. If you’re unable to remove something from your dog’s coat carefully snip away affected area. It’s always best to sacrifice some hair or fur since it will grow back rather than risk damage to skin. Brush your dog thoroughly between baths, daily if you can, to distribute natural oils and remove tangles, mats and foreign matter.

Choosing best pet shampoo/coat conditioner for your dog.

Always use a pet shampoo that is specially formulated for pH of your pet's skin. Never use “people” shampoos since our skin pH level is much more acidic than our canine friends and could irritate your dog’s skin.

Start bathing your dog at beginning: Your Dog's Head.

A popular bathing technique is to start at your dog’s head and work your way toward tail. This is especially case if it’s possible that fleas are present. If you know that your dog has fleas you may want to use a flea & tick shampoo. Starting at your dog's head forces any fleas to gather away from your dog’s face, eyes, and ears. It is much easier to dunk rear of your dog into tub than your dog’s face. As you may imagine, your dog is likely to be much more cooperative by following this simple bathing technique.

Let your dog get used to sound of running water. If you’re using a tub or basin fill it with a few inches of warm water. Then get your dog into bath. If you’re using a raised dog bath just secure your dog into dog bath. Starting from head thoroughly wet your dog with warm water. You can use a plastic pitcher or a spray nozzle for this task. If you’re using a spray nozzle make sure spray is not too strong. Never spray water directly onto your dog’s face or genitals.

Apply a pet shampoo/coat conditioner. Follow instructions on package. Work it in from head to tail. Be sure to get all those nooks and crannies; like rectum, between toes, behind ears and under chin. Be careful not get shampoo in your dog’s eyes. If this is a concern you can protect your dog’s eyes by putting some protective eye gel in each eye just before getting your dog into bath.

Rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water. Shampoo residue can cause skin irritations so make sure you give your dog’s coat a thorough rinsing. Towel drying your pet’s coat in dog bath will remove some of excess water before you take your dog out of tub. Some breeds should never be rubbed, only patted, since their coats easily tangle. Dog owners often prefer to use dedicated pet towels. There are pet drying towels available that will absorb 10 times their weight in water. These are very handy towels to use for a dog bath and can also be used any time your pet gets wet.

Although many dog owners think of bathing their dog as a challenge, with right approach, supplies, and equipment, you can get through it relatively unscathed. And don’t forget to reward your dog’s good behavior in bathing process with treats and plenty of loving kindness.

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