Dog cages are a useful tool for pet owners. Also known as dog crates, these cages are the perfect place to keep your furry friends. Ideally, your dog should feel safe and secure in these environments.
Not to mention, these crates allow you to transport your dog to wherever they need to go. Though these cages are often essential for dog owners, they can be quite costly.
In fact, crates tend to be the largest investment that pet owners make. Luckily, this guide will help you to find an amazing dog cage that’s within your budget!
How Much Are Dog Cages?
As with any product, dog cages vary in price dramatically. Factors such as the size of the cage will affect its price. Moreover, more durable cages will also be more expensive.
Generally, dog cages tend to cost between $30 and $70. Of course, if you want a more high-quality model, you will have to spend more money. Some dog cages cost over $120!
Yet, if you are lucky, you may be able to find a dog cage that’s under $30.
Dog Cage Buyer’s Guide
Now that you know the general cost of these dog cages, you might think that you’re in a position to begin searching for one of these products.
But the truth is that finding the perfect dog cage can be harder than you think. So to ensure that you buy the right products, this buyer’s guide will lead you through the process:
Materials
Dog cages can be made from a variety of different materials. These various materials will affect the quality of the cage. Therefore, you should consider which of the following materials is right for your fabulous furry friend:
- Plastic: plastic crates are perfect for shy dogs, as they tend to offer a little more privacy. Another benefit of plastic cages is that they tend to be fitted with handles, which adds to how transportable these cages are.
- Metal: metal is perhaps the most common material used to make dog cages. It’s extremely durable, so this cage should last a long time. Not to mention, metal cages tend to be simple to put together and clean.
- Wood: wooden crates are renowned for their strength. Therefore, your dog is unlikely to damage these wooden cages. But they tend to be a little harder to clean than some of the other options. They can also be a more costly option, though this will depend on the type of wood that’s been used.
- Soft-sided: these soft-sided cages are often more affordable options. Though more mature dogs will be fine in these cages, puppies may not be suitable. This is because they tend to chew the material. In addition, the cages are not suitable for dogs that haven’t been house-trained, as they will be difficult to clean if soiled.
The Size Of Your Dog
Though this may sound obvious, the size of your dog will have a major impact on what crates are available to you. The larger your dog breed, the more space it will require.
If you buy a dog cage that is too small, your dog may end up feeling quite claustrophobic. Therefore, we recommend measuring both the length and height of your dog so that you can find a cage that fits successfully.
Just bear in mind that larger cages tend to be more costly than smaller ones. So if you have a big breed, expect to pay a lot of money for a cage.
The Weight Of Your Dog
For the most part, dog crates are sold with suggested weights. This weight refers to the weight of your dog. If your dog exceeds the suggested weight, it may break the cage when it attempts to use it.
Thus, it’s advised that you weigh your dog before investing in a cage. If you are unsure of the weight of your dog, it’s best to opt for the average weight of whatever breed you have.
This is a particularly great idea if you’ve got a puppy. For instance, small dog cages are ideal for breeds like pugs and chihuahuas. Meanwhile, big cages are best suited to breeds like bulldogs.
As your dog gets older, you may need to invest in a larger cage. After all, your fantastic furry friend will begin to weigh more, meaning that it may exceed the suggested weight.
Comfort
As a safe space for your dog, it’s best to invest in a cage that looks comfortable. If the cage is uncomfortable, your dog will develop a negative relationship with it.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make your dog more comfortable. For instance, you can fill it with dog beds and cushions. Moreover, you can fill the cage with toys so that your dog is more comfortable in this space.
Your Dog’s Age
As mentioned, you may need to invest in new cages as your dog grows. This will be especially true if you have a puppy. If you’ve got a puppy, it’s best to avoid expensive cages.
This is because you will likely end up spending a lot of money on buying replacement cages. Rather than opting for a smaller cage, you should select a bigger one that your puppy can grow into.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dogs Be Left In A Crate Overnight?
Yes, you can leave your dog in a cage overnight. These are suitable spaces for dogs to sleep provided that there is sufficient space. However, you should not keep your dog in a cage for more than 8 hours during the day.
Can Puppies Use Crates?
Yes, crates are suitable for puppies! Crate training can be incredibly useful for puppies.
Final Thoughts
Overall, dog cages can be a costly investment for dog owners, particularly if you live in a multi-dog home. Yet, these tools are considered necessary.
The good news is that you can use this informative guide to help you find the perfect cage for your furry companion!