Your dog’s crate is like your beloved pet’s home. However, there are certain types of dog crates such as wire crates that do not provide ample protection from the elements as well as privacy and security for your pet. If you have one of these kinds of dog crates, then you really need a dog crate cover. These especially-designed dog crate covers come in different materials and features offering different levels of protection, comfort, privacy, and security for your dog.
As much as possible you need to pick the best one for your beloved hound. We’re listing some of the best dog crate covers in the market to give you a head start.
Our Top Picks for the Best Dog Crate Covers:
Quiet Time Wire Dog Crate Covers by MidWest Homes for Pets
Best Dog Crate Covers Buying Guide
If you’ve ever bought a cover for your car, then you know that picking the right cover for your dog crate is not as easy as it looks. There are certain factors that you need to consider, but mostly these are all related to how well you understand the reasons for using a dog crate cover. With that said, here’s a little guide to help you gain a better understanding of what dog crate covers really are and what you need to be looking for when picking the right one.
What are Dog Crate Covers?
As the name implies, dog crate covers are pieces of fabric that are placed over certain types of dog crates, but most especially wire types since these are your archetypal dog cages. The materials used in the dog crate covers can vary depending on the manufacturer although polyester is a favorite option because of its durability and comfort for your pet dog.
Why Use a Dog Crate Cover?
There are several reasons why a dog crate cover may be necessary. First, it simulates a dog den when fully covered. Dogs in the wild as well as ancestral canines are known to spend hours inside caves and other similar structures as a means of protection for themselves. If they have young puppies, the den also helps protect their young from both the weather and other animals that might prey on their puppies. This ‘den’ behavior has not gone extinct throughout the ages of canine domestication. Man may have become successful at domesticating these animals, but their innate need to feel secure in a den has been passed on from one generation to the next. Unfortunately, if you have a wire dog crate it is impossible to create a den, unless you put a cover over it.
Second, and this is directly related to canine den behavior, is associated with canine anxiety. Certain dog behaviors such as chewing and barking are generally associated with canine anxiety. Just like humans, anxiety can come from almost anywhere or any event. We know we’re anxious but we just don’t know why. The same is true with dogs. When they are anxious, they don’t know why they are feeling that way. They only know that they have to bark, chew, or display other behaviors we may not want them to show. Providing them a dog crate cover allows them to feel more secure and less anxious. You will have to condition or train them to associate the covered dog crate with something that is safe and secure.
Third, dog crate covers can also be used as a means to manage highly reactive dogs which is a lot similar to having canine anxiety. The thing is that there are dogs that are not really especially suited to sudden changes in their surroundings. As such they may display certain behaviors that we deem unacceptable. Dog crate covers help by reducing their access or view to whatever it is that is making them very jumpy.
Fourth, if you have a dog that really cannot sleep in full view of others having a dog crate cover usually works. At the very least, you’ll be promoting undisturbed sleep for your pet just as you don’t want to be disturbed when you’re in slumber land.
Fifth, if the temperature drops you can be sure your dog will not freeze inside its crate with the cover on. It also works to protect your dog against the wind and other natural phenomena that may be thrown your dog’s way.
Features to Look for in Dog Crate Covers
As we have mentioned in the beginning, there are many kinds of dog crate covers. Picking the right one for your pet is like picking the right cover for your bed, to put it simply. However, there are certain features that we believe you should really look for.
- Durable construction
It would simply be a waste of money if the dog crate cover suddenly rips apart at the seams the first time you put it on. That is why it is important to look for products with double-stitching. Check the material as well so that you can be sure you’re getting a dog crate cover that is going to last many years.
- Mesh panels and other mechanisms that improve ventilation
While it is true you want to cover your pet inside its crate, but is your dog comfortable being covered up? Dens always have an opening on one end. If you have to close all sides of the cover, then how will you provide adequate ventilation? The answer is in the presence of mesh windows or other systems that can help provide for ample air circulation inside the dog crate.
- Ease of cleaning and maintenance
Some dog crate covers can be thrown right into the washing machine and tumble-dried without having to worry about any loss in fabric integrity. Unfortunately there are also those that may require washing by hand and with the use of a certain temperature of water. These may also need to be air-dried and should not be placed in your dryer. Technically, it’s up to you which one you will prefer: convenience or good ‘ol yet tedious washing by hand.
- Design
Some pet parents love to adorn their dog crates with lavish and fancy-looking covers. Others would prefer keeping it simple. The choice is actually yours.
Dog crate covers are important for all dogs living in wire dog crates as it gives them a sense of security, safety, and comfort. It is, therefore imperative that you know how to pick the right one for your canine friend.
You may also want to check out our review of the best dog crate mats.
Sources
- Denning is a Natural Instinct in Dogs, PetCoach
- Should You Cover Your Dog’s Crate?, Cuteness
- What is the Purpose of a Crate Cover?, PetCratesDirect