It can sometimes be hard to find the perfect dog crate for your dog. One of the most important aspects when it comes to a dog crate is size. If your dog looks uncomfortable in the crate, you might ask yourself “is my dog’s crate too small?”
The fact that improperly sized crate for dogs can cause safety and health difficulties are one of the many reasons why dog owners should ensure they have a properly sized cage. Today’s article will cover important signs that a dog’s crate is too small.
Signs a Dog Crate Is Too Small
The mains signs that a dog crate is too small is if your dog has trouble sitting, cannot turn in crate easily, can’t extend out paws, and physical discomfort.
1. Your dog cannot sit up straight
Check to see whether your dog is able to sit up straight in its cage. If your dog can’t sit up straight, their heads are likely hitting the top of their crates. This is a tell tale sign that the dog crate is too small. A dog should be able to sit straight up in their cage without their head touching the top of the cage.
- Your dog cannot turn inside the crate easily.
Another thing to look for is if they can spin around easily in their cage. While they might make contact with the side of the crate, they should still be able to spin in a circle without getting stuck. One easy way to test this is to do a circle around the cage while you hold a treat.
- Your dog is unable to extend its paws out
Dogs love to lay down and stretch out. It is important that your dog is able to sit down and extend their paws out freely. If your dog cannot do this without sticking their paws into the cage, your cage is too small.
When your dog stretches out, there are a few techniques to see if they fit comfortably inside the cage.
If you want to know the size of the cage you should get, you can try measuring your dog in a laying down position beforehand.
- Your dog looks uncomfortable
Crates are meant to be comfortable for all dogs, but if the dog appears to be uncomfortable in any manner, this may be a sign. You should know your dog best, and be able to sense any signs of pain or discomfort.
How to know if dog crate is too small
Dogs will usually display the below behavior if their crate is too small: growling, barking, whining, trembling, and back and neck pain.
- Growling
A dog that feels threatened will growl. It might also growl if they are in pain, which could be cause be the crate being too small.
2. Barking
Barking is an obvious sign that your dog is unhappy or uncomfortable. While your dog might bark because they are lonely, nonstop barking might be a sign that the crate is too small. Likewise, it might be a sign that the dog is stressed out by the crate size.
3. Whining
Whining is a clear indication that an animal is agitated for some reason. It’s normal to hear the dog whine for a few seconds or minutes when you put them in the cage. If your dog continues to whine, it could indicate that the crate is too small for the dog.
4. Trembling
If your dog is shaking excessively and whining, it is a clear that he or she is not comfortable. While it might be a sign of separation anxiety, it could mean that your dog needs a bigger crate.
5. Back and neck pain, rashes, and other health problems develop in your dog.
Some dogs eventually develop back and neck problems or rashes over time if their crate is too small. This might even affect the way they walk or run.
A small crate can also cause mental health issues for your dog. If the mental health issues continue, it can lead to loss in appetite, aggression, and even lethargy. If your dog experiences any of these conditions, you should take them to a vet immediately.
Conclusion
Dog owners must consider a number of factors when choosing a crate, including the dog’s weight, height, and length. It is important that your crate provides your dog with a sense of security and comfort.
I suggest that before you buy a crate, you measure the height of your dog when they sit and stand. You should also measure their length when they lay down.
