Pet Supplies Tips :: Cheap Dog Crates
Cheap Dog Crates: Why Cheap and Low-Quality Dog Crates are Dangerous
Did you know cheap dog crates could kill your dog or injure it? 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 cheap crate for your dog, keep reading to learn why it's a bad idea.
Not Air Certified
There's a reason why most cheap dog crates aren't cleared for air travel – they're unsafe and not suited for air travel conditions. Typically, most air crates need to be easily opened and closed from the outside and provide the animal with enough ventilation and protection.
They also need to be made from high-quality plastic. Last year, 6 dogs were injured after low-quality, plastic dog carriers cracked due to air cabin pressure changes.
The cracked plastic cut or sliced the animals, causing pain and injury that could not be treated until the plane landed and the baggage compartment was checked.
Too Collapsible
Be wary of cheap wire crates that claim they are collapsible. A poorly made or low-quality crate can easily collapse on a dog, trapping them in and under the crate, a potentially dangerous situation for young and vulnerable puppies. Though the risk for sustained injury is minimal for adult dogs, a collapsed crate can cause unnecessary stress.
Poor Ventilation
Cheap dog crates that are made from plastic or fabric tend to not offer enough ventilation for your animals, 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.
Another danger associated with poorly ventilated fabric or plastic dog crates is overheating. Without sufficient vent holes, your dog can quickly become overheated on a hot summer day spent inside a plastic crate.
How to Find 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 crates when coupled with a crate mat for the bottom.
Other Safety Considerations
Regardless of whether you're buying top-of-the-line or cheap dog crates, there are other safety factors to consider. For example, never put your dog in a crate while they're wearing a collar, it can easily become caught on the wire.
Also, always leave water and toys inside the crate and never, ever leave a dog alone or crated for more than 5 hours.
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