Should I make my dog’s crate bigger?

Crates are an excellent way to keep your dog safe and have their own space in your home. You must ensure they can comfortably stand up and turn around in their crate when buying one. They should also be able to stretch and lie down without curling their bodies to avoid joint issues.

How to measure a dog for a crate?

The right dog crate size can significantly change how your dog views their sleeping area.

Some dogs hate being inside their crates because it’s too small or big. Dogs tend to whine when they feel uneasy in their crate and need to be forced to go inside.

This should never be the case. 

Most dogs love having their own space where they feel secure and safe. They also like marking their sleeping area with their scent and don’t like it when other animals use it, especially if they’re not “friends” with your other pets.

However, if you use the right dog crate size, your dog won’t have any issues using it - maybe they’d even love it more than being outside!

To ensure that your dog’s crate is enough for them, you need to measure your dog from the tip of their nose down to the base of their tail.

From there, add 3-5 inches of length on both sides and use that measurement for your dog's crate's width.

How to make dog crate comfortable?

Once you’ve ensured that your dog has the right crate size, there are other factors you need to check so you can make their sleeping area more comfortable.

Entry/exit size

Try to test the size of the crate’s entry point. Some crates have small openings, which are only good for smaller dog breeds.

If the crate’s opening is too small, your dog has to duck down or crawl just to get out. This can be uncomfortable and cause unnecessary string on their joints and neck.

Having an entry point that’s too small also discourages your dog from using their crate.

Soft bedding and pillows

Getting your dog a soft bed and pillows can drastically improve their sleeping habits.

But, before buying your furry friend a new sleeping area, you must find water-resistant ones. These types of dog beds are easy to clean.

Dog scents are strong, and they usually stick to their beds. If you want to lessen  

It would also be better to find dog beds with hypoallergenic materials so your furry friend won’t have any allergic reactions.

Ventilation

Dog crates should also have enough ventilation so your pup won’t be too hot when they sleep in it.

Try to place your crates in areas in your home where the sun won’t directly hit.

Keep it away from appliances such as ovens, refrigerators, and other items in your house that produce heat.