Question of the Week: How do I keep my dog warm inside a crate?

When the temperatures are high, you'll notice that your dog will often sit or sometimes even sprawl across the kitchen floor to cool off. But what do you do when you need to keep your pup warm during the colder months of the year?

Fortunately, most dogs have a thick coat of fur that'll keep them warm, but there are also other ways to help keep your dog at a comfortable temperature. Crate pads, for example, offer insulation which keeps them off cold, hard bottoms of the crates. Unlike blankets, they are water resistant so they do not soak up any potential accidents and give your pup the wrong message on where the appropriate place to potty is. Also, a potty blanket may create a generalized association that can cause your puppy to mistake your bed or your clothes for a potty blanket!

It is also ill advised to simply throw a blanket over the crates because blankets aren't designed to allow sufficient air to go through. Imagine the suffocation when you are completely under a blanket. AnimatedPet Crate Covers are coated with polyurethane which is known for its breathable waterproof and windproof properties and is widely used in outerwear clothing.

A little protection from cold with breathable material is better than stuffing the dog's crate with blankets that can quickly turn into chew or potty blankets. AnimatedPet Crate Covers and Pads provide the needed support and protection for a comfortable pup.

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Question of the Week: Why does my dog keep crawling and hiding under the bed?

When I first noticed this behavior in my roommate's beagle, I thought it fell right in with his feline characteristics. After all, he is a very dainty lap dog rather than a typical beagle. Then I started reading of other people's experiences and realized that it is not a feline characteristic but a canine trait.

Dogs are den creatures who like to burrow in a tight and cozy space. You may notice that if you give bed access to a dog, he may move around pillows and blankets to create some sort of fort. He likes to morph just about any place into his own little fort, including under my bed. When he crawls out, it's almost like he's in the army, crawling through the ditches.

Whenever there are loud noises like fireworks or thunder and lightning, he resorts back to this type of behavior of hiding. It makes him feel safe and secure.

It is important to note that this can be a behavior trait or possibly an illness. If your dog is hiding under the bed and not coming out for food, water, or going outside, it may be a sign of a health problem and your dog should be taken in for veterinary care.

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Question of the Week: What size crate should I get for my dog? What if I have a growing puppy?

When it comes to crates, most pet owners need suggestions on how to pick the right crate for their dogs and what type, size, or even brand to choose.

Each type of crate has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to portability, security, and long-term use. If you plan to travel with your pet, plastic carriers are widely used because they are airline approved for pet travel. Plastic carriers offer more portability, especially for smaller pets. However for long-term use as a crating device, wire crates offer more protection and can allow enough room for your pet to create a den-like environment. Wire crates are also perfect for larger and stronger dogs since they offer the most protection for your pet and are generally less expensive than plastic and tent alternatives.

When it comes to the size of the crate, bigger is not always better. It is best to choose a crate that gives your pet room to be comfortable enough to turn around and lay down. Your dog should also be able to enter and exit the crate in the upright position without having to crouch or crawl through. Crates should be cozy and enclosed to give your dog a safe and comfortable environment that recreates a den-like ambiance suitable for their natural needs.

Extra space is not always a good idea as dogs may begin to section off areas to relieve themselves since there is extra room to lie around away from their new "bathroom" area. AnimatedPet offers a guide for selecting the best dog crates for your pet.

Growing puppies will also need a crate that can accommodate their growth. Dividers are available for the iCrate, LifeStages, and Ultima crates by Midwest which offers your growing puppy room to grow into their full-size without having to change into a different crate.

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