Reasons that Low Priced and Cheesy Quality Crates Can be Unsafe for a Dog

Did you know that cheap dog crates could kill or injure your dog? Whether it's poorly crafted metal or cheap plastic, a low-quality crate could cut, strangle or seriously injure your animal.

Cheap dog crates can do more than save you money - they may actually kill or injure your dog. Poorly constructed metal and plastic crates cause over 100 dog deaths every year due to cuts, infections and even strangulation. Before you waste your money and possibly your dog's life on a cheap crate, keep reading.

Not Good Enough for Air Travel

There's a reason 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 checked.

Collapsing Crates

Stay away from low-quality, wire crates that are collapsible. Numerous consumers have complained these crates do not hold up and can simply collapse on the animal without warning - a scenario that can be deadly for small puppies. While adult dogs typically won't be severely injured by a collapsed crate, being trapped for possibly hours is stressful and causes anxiety.

Poor Ventilation

Cheap dog crates that are made from plastic or fabric tend to not offer enough ventilation for your animal, 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.

Aside from asphyxiation, the other danger connected to poor ventilation in fabric or plastic dog cases is over-heating. A dog trapped inside a cheap crate for hours on a hot summer day can become dangerously dehydrated.

Buying a Good Crate

When buying a crate, look for one that's made from good materials, is big enough for your dog, has enough ventilation and is easily opened from the outside. If you purchase a wire crate, be sure to buy a crate mate to fit on the bottom.

Other Safety Considerations

It doesn't matter if you're buying a cheap dog crate or the most expensive one in the store - there are some basic safety rules that apply to all. First, take off the dog's collar before you put it in the crate since the collar could get caught and choke the dog. Second, provide your dog with toys and water while crated. Finally, never leave a dog in a crate for more than four or five hours - it's cruel and unhealthy.