Dog Kennels

1. Buying an indoor dog kennel or dog crate for a new puppy can be tricky; to eliminate buying multiple pet kennels as the puppy grows, purchase a custom-size kennel based on the estimated adult size of the dog, and section it off according to puppy size. The puppy needs room to stand, stretch, and sleep, and there should be adequate room to turn around.

2. Fenced yards do not provide the security necessary for some dogs. Too often, dogs escape through holes in or under the dog fence, or jump fences, only to become lost, injured, or worse. By placing your dog in a kennel, you eliminate escapes and protect him from getting into potentially harmful pesticides, chemicals, and other poisons when you are not around to supervise. Consider dog runs or dog exercise pens that allow your dog to romp and play safely when not kenneled.

3. Dogs usually use the perimeter of the kennel as their bathroom. Kennels that are too small, causing the dog to step in waste and track it into areas intended for sleeping and eating, can be a source of harmful bacteria and disease, and unwanted parasites. Try out basic dog kennels or custom-size pet kennels to meet the needs of your dog.

4. Kennel size is determined by the size of the dog and how active the animal is; a large dog needs additional space for exercise, while small dogs can survive in a relatively small area that provides separate and sufficient space to sleep, eat, and eliminate waste. Consider custom-size kennels that allow you to accommodate your growing dog, or even take on another dog. Try dog kennel accessories such as dog cots or dog pads to create an ultra-comfortable kennel environment for your furry friend.

5. Exposing dogs to extremely cold weather conditions can cause arthritis; exposure to sudden plunging temperatures can cause osteoarthritis. Pay attention to outdoor temperatures when kenneling dogs outdoors. Give indoor dogs at least a month of outdoor exposure to lowering temperatures during the transition from fall to winter. Dog kennel accessories such as dog kennel covers and roofs may help protect your dog from the harsh elements as well.

For more about pet kennels, check out our helpful information page.