If the dog is recovering from an injury, surgery or is ill, crate rest may be a must. To keep the dog from whining, barking or stressing itself, you must keep it happy and comfortable while confined.
Things You'll Need
- Crate
- Crate bed
- Water bowl
- Blanket or towels
- Crate-safe toys
Instructions
Provide a crate large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around and large enough for the dog to stretch its legs out -- roughly one and a half to two and a half times the dog's body length. A wire crate allows more air and view than an enclosed plastic crate.
Put comfortable, padded bedding in the crate. Purchase a fleece bed with bolster sides that fits the crate dimensions or a memory-foam bed for a dog with joint issues. Cover the bed with a towel, small blanket, and waterproof or washable cover if the dog is incontinent or has an incision, to keep the bedding clean.
Put a water bowl in the crate that can be attached or hung from the side so the dog has access to water at all times. You can purchase small bowls for crates from pet supply stores or online.
Place the crate in a room where there is activity, such as a family room or kitchen. The dog will be happier with people than isolated in a quiet room such as a bedroom. Move the crate to the bedroom or room where the dog normally sleeps at night to keep it more comfortable.
Provide the dog with safe crate activities. Fill and freeze hollow rubber toys with peanut butter, yogurt, cream cheese, mashed sweet potato, or pumpkin to keep the dog occupied.
Give the dog chew toys such as rawhide or bones, but only when you are there to supervise.
Leave a radio or TV on in the room with the dog when you are not there. Soft music or the sound of a human voice can be soothing to a dog that is confined. Talk to the dog when you are there. The sound of your voice is comforting.