Archive for the ‘Dog Kennel’ Category
Is There a Difference Between a Dog Kennel and a Dog Crate?
Not really, but to begin with, on this subject, never, never use a dog kennel or crate for 
punishment. There have been many questions about the difference between a dog kennel and a dog crate. There is no difference between dog kennels or dog crates, except that dog kennels are usually constructed with wire that can be disassembled on all sides, and will lay flat for storage. Because of this type of construction, they are well ventilated, and your dog can enjoy the sights around them to keep in touch. A cover of some kind could be placed over the top to hang down a bit for privacy, but don’t cover the entire kennel. There are steel framed crates with fabric covers that can be included as additional décor in your home. What fun it would be to cover the kennel with some wild colored material, or pictures of doggies playing. Kennels can also be plastic and attractive and are of different sizes. They should only be used for short periods of time because of their size. Traveling with one of these is handy, especially if your pet is rather small. Making visits for checkups to the veterinary’s clinic is so much easier with small pet kennels. These small kennels can be used for your kitty too. Years ago out in the wild, dogs would make a den of some sort for their protection and comfort. It is not any different today because if you have ever noticed, sometime your dog may lie under a table, under a stairway, perhaps even under a chair where they feel safe. My dog lays under the coffee table much of the time himself, which is funny to watch because he is a large dog. The best part is him getting back out from under the table. That is a sight to see.
It is a natural instinct for dogs to keep their area clean. Their mother taught this to them. Wearing breakaway dog collars should be considered when your dog is in their kennel or crate. They could accidentally strangle themselves. Things happen when we least expect, so keep that in mind to protect your dog. Choose a location for the dog’s kennel where they can enjoy the activities around them. In addition, you may want to have an extra one that can be placed in the bedroom during the night. They will feel close and secure knowing their pet family is close by. Dog kennels can be used inside or outside in your back yard, especially if they are larger than what you want to put in your home. Be Happy!
A Dog’s Lifespan Could Last As Long As 20 Years
Keeping your dog on a healthy diet, giving them plenty of exercise, water, shelter, and an over abundance of love and care, could possibly lead to a longer life span than expected. Some dogs live 10 years, and if proper care 
was given, maybe 15 years, but living past 15 years is an exception and indicates how well you took care of your pet. Noticing any behavioral changes in your dog’s everyday activities is important, because your dog cannot tell you how they feel. Observation is the key. Eating habits may show there is a problem along with weight gain or loss, and the food they eat can cause health concerns, depending on what kind of food you give them. Take notice to the dog food you give your dog because the lack of nutrition is evident in many brands of food. Too much sodium, fillers with high percentage of grains like wheat, corn, and soy increase additional bulk into dog food, but nothing geared toward nutrition for your dog that is of concern in living a long and happy life. We, as humans, know how important it is in taking care of our bodies by eating the right food, exercising …. So there is no difference in a pet parent taking care of their beloved pet, is there?
Many dogs as they age start having health problems and is a hard experience to accept when moving around is hard for them, especially when getting up and down from lying in their dog kennel. I’m sure your dog has their own kennel that is their special 
place of comfort, this is why pet kennels are wonderful to have. If your dog is having difficulty in moving around, then you might want to think about preparing a special dog bed for them as time progresses toward disability. Taking care of your dog is about the most rewarding feeling, knowing you have done your best for them. Be Happy!
If You Are In a Pinch, Consider Pet Sitters
If you are planning a trip, will you take your pet with you? Going on a vacation sometimes does not warrant taking them along. If it is a 
business trip, you would not take your pet with you anyway, but vacations or visiting friends and relatives, may be different. There are several choices you can make remembering the welfare of your dog. If you decide to drive or fly will help you make up your mind to the correct decision. Another thing to keep in mind is if you really want to take your them along with you, then certain preparations will need to be made. Another thought is a pet sitter, or will you have a friend or neighbor watch over them for you in your absence? Will this be the first time you have taken your pet to a kennel, or left them with someone else? Separation from one another is sometime difficult, and may be hard on them. The perfect solution would be having someone you trust to stay and take care of them in your home.
I have personally had an experience several times visiting relatives out of town, and had a woman that sat with pets in addition to her regular job. She was not what you would call a professional pet sitter, but she was certainly good at what she did. After leaving her job at the end of the workday, she would come to my home, feed my dog, take him out for walks, and if there were medications that were necessary, she would do that too. She stayed overnight every day that I was gone, and only asked for a few items to be available in the refrigerator for her. She took care of my plants and did other things that were necessary to maintain an uninterrupted household. 
Before leaving my home to go to work, she made sure my dog was in his dog kennel. If you decide to call upon a family member, a friend, or a neighbor, insist on paying them for their help. They may not want to accept any monetary offer, but usually people do much better jobs if they are paid. (See Part 1 for more into)
Be Happy!