What to Put in Dog or Puppy Crates:
The first question many people have is whether or not bedding should be included in your pup’s crate, and if so, what kind. The answer is simple: you should absolutely include bedding. Many people, unfortunately, tend to use the crate as a punishment or simply to prevent accidents around the house. The goal of having a crate is to create a safe and comfortable place for your pup to escape from stimuli throughout the day, and to provide a cozy and safe place at night to sleep. To appeal to both of these goals, you’ll want bedding in your dog’s crate at all times.
So, what kind of bedding should you include? First and foremost, the bedding you put in your dog’s crate should be comfortable. You want the crate to be a place your dog likes to be and feels safe, so soft bedding that provides comfort is your best option.
No matter the age of your dog, the bedding you choose should also be safe. This means there should be no accessible zippers, plastic edges, or other pieces that your dog could potentially chew off and choke on. Having a bed with no choking hazards is especially important for puppies and dogs that have chewing tendencies.
If you’re crate training a puppy or young dog, you’ll also want to choose bedding that is waterproof. Accidents happen, and being prepared for them will make your life and your cleaning process easier! Choose waterproof bedding for puppies or senior dogs who are prone to accidents.
Having trouble finding the perfect bed that’s safe, comfortable, and waterproof? We recommend the Plush Orthopedic Pillow with Removable Cover. This bed is rectangular, so it will fit nicely in your pup’s crate, it’s super comfortable, only has a zipper on the bottom which will be inaccessible to your pup, and the whole bed is waterproof with a washable cover. Your pup will love it for its comfort, and you’ll love it for its convenience.
If Your Dog Drinks too Much Water in His Crate
It’s important your dog is able to stay hydrated.
Hydration is the key to health for humans and for dogs.
With that said, how often should you change the water?
And, what happens if he drinks too much water in his crate?
If your dog drinks too much water and is in his crate for a little too long, he could have an accident in his crate.
There are a few things you can do to be prepared for an accident.
Preferably the tray would be metal as dogs can chew through plastic.
A metal tray on the bottom of his crate will be easy to clean up and ensure no moisture seeps through to your floor.
Most crates are waterproof in that they are made of metal or plastic, which can be easily wiped down and cleaned.
Use a product like this one from Amazon – Mixjoy bedding.
This is a great bedding option for your dog’s crate.
If he has an accident on it, it’s no big deal, as you can throw it right in the washing machine.
You can also cover your dog’s bed with a liner like this one from Amazon – Pet Pillow Cover Liner.
Bed liners are usually washable, and you can easily clean up a mess.
You’ll find a routine for what works for you to clean up accidents.
For me, it’s paper towels and a good anti-bacterial spray. I make sure I’ve always got those on hand.
A mess in your dog’s crate is not the end of the world. There are many products available now to put in your dog’s crate that will make cleanup a breeze.
When your dog is Ill
Some illnesses will cause an increase in thirst, which could lead to an increase in accidents in his crate.
My dog Max had diabetes. Canine diabetes can cause an increase in thirst and urination. He would drink in excess compared to the average dog.
The high blood sugar in your dog will cause more frequent urination.
Your dog might require more frequent bathroom breaks and less time in their crate.
It would be inadvisable to put a dog with diabetes in a crate for longer than a couple of hours at a time.
While your dog is in the crate, it’s not a good idea to put water in there as they will be likely to drink it all and possibly urinate in his crate.
My dog Lucy developed Cushings disease.
Increased thirst and urination with Lucy was one of the first tell-tale signs that something was wrong with her.
Cushing affects the adrenal glands, which impacts the need for your dog to urinate often.
For the same reasons as diabetes, it wouldn’t be a good idea to put your dog in a crate for long periods of time with access to water if they have Cushings disease.
Who among us hasn’t been prescribed a pack of prednisone at least once in our lives? I know for me, it makes me incredibly thirsty.
Dogs, like humans, are prescribed steroids (prednisone) for a variety of illnesses, from UTIs to more serious illnesses.
If your dog is on prednisone, they may drink water more often, which will make them need to urinate more.
I would be careful with how much time your dog spends in his crate with access to water if they are on prednisone.
If your dog has any medical issues requiring any medication, make sure you talk to the vet about his water needs. Ask the question “Will my dog be drinking more water?” or “Should I put water in dog crate during daytime?”.
Crate Training Tips & Tricks 04 – Restricting Water
It is not advised to leave food and water in the crate of your dog. Food and water bowls remaining in the crate are likely to get tipped or knocked over, and if a dog has free access to food and water in the crate throughout the day, it is more probable that they will need more bathroom breaks all day long.