I need a durable dog bed, help please?

furrro

I have a 7 mo. old black lab, and she's pretty destructive. I always leave nylabones and toys in her crate with her, but she has chewed up every crate bed I've tried to use. I just wasted $20 on a bed that lasted less than 24 hours. Any ideas for a large, durable crate bed, that will stand up to gnawing puppy teeth?

Answer
I found a bed that is one of the most chew-proof beds you'll find. It's called the Everlast dog bed - http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/everlast-dog-bed.html

It comes in 4 sizes (S-XL) and is rectangular so it should fit nicely in the crate. Their dog expert also recommends that you spray the bed (and anything else that gets chewed on) with Bitter Apple spray which deters dogs from chewing on things they shouldn't be.

Hope this helps!

What size airline approved crate should I use for my 1 year old male Siberian Husky?

Q. He is 1 year old and around 70 lbs tops. I am flying home and I want to order a crate from online but Im not sure if I should get a Large or XL??

Thank you!

Answer
I have a large Pet Porter, 36''. I think it would be just right for your dog. Unfortunately, activists have fussed to where the airlines require crates big enough for the dog's head to clear the top when it is standing. I measured and my crate is 24''-25'' floor to ceiling, perhaps not high enough for your Husky.

Remember the only person whose opinion counts is the airline employee whose name you have written down.

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Tips for a first time rabbit owner, please?

dog crate xl size image

Julianna

I'm a first time rabbit owner who has some questions! I am very excited about getting my new pet rabbit, and I've been reading about them and their needs for the past few days.
However, I still have some questions.

1. Is it absolutely MANDATORY to get your rabbit spayed or neutered?
2. Are they happy alone sometimes or do they NEED companions?
3. What sort of fruits/vegetables should I avoid feeding them?
4. What kind of bedding(if any at all) should I buy for my rabbit?
5. How big does their cage need to be? Is it better if I get a two story cage or a regular one?
6. How do I know whether my rabbit is healthy or unhealthy, and what are some ways I could tell if my rabbit got sick?

Thank you!

Answer
1. Getting them spayed or neutered is a good idea. Females do have a high risk of cancer and you really won't know until it is far advanced. Both males and female can have hormonal behaviours such as aggressiveness, humping, spraying, and not using the litter box. Some of these behaviours can really impact your ability to do much with your rabbit and people do give up their rabbit due to hormonal behaviours. A spayed or neutered rabbit does generally make a better house pet. I would get a female done just for the health benefits, but males are more due to behaviour. If you want to bond, both rabbits should be spayed or neutered to prevent breeding and so they can live together peacefully.

2. Rabbits can be fine living alone. Some do like to have a companion, but some actually prefer to be alone. Bonding can take time, you can't just put them together and hope for the best. If you did get a second rabbit, you would need to be prepared for them to not get along.

3. Leafy green veggies are best. Fruit is high in sugar as are carrot, so are best given in small amount. Veggies high in calcium should be limited as they can contribute to bladder stones, sludge and other issues. There are a variety of lists of safe and unsafe foods to feed.

4. Rabbits can be litter trained, so do not need litter in the whole cage. You can use fleece or a towel to provide something soft and give traction. In the litter box, wood or paper pellets are good to use and safe. Wood pellets are quite cheap and very effective.

5. The bigger the cage the better. Most sold at pet stores are too small for an adult rabbit. Look into wire dog crates (XL size), x-pens, or NIC / C&C cages. These all tend to be cheaper than a cage, bigger and more suitable for a rabbit. You can add a level, but still need a good floor space.

6. One major sign that a rabbit is not feeling well is they are not eating. Not peeing or pooping does follow the not eating. This is when they start going into GI stasis and can be deadly quite quickly. Tooth problems are common as well, look for drooling and not wanting to eat some foods, the front teeth are easy to see if they are overgrown. You will get to know the rabbit and can watch for things that are different. If you think there might be a problem, call the vet. My friend's rabbit recently had surgery for a big bladder stone and the only obvious symptom was straining to pee and very frequent tail lifting.

Do I need a large puppy crate for my lab puppy?

Kitttay

I already have a coated wire crate with a plastic bottom tray that is only big enough for a regular pillow to fit in and tall enough for the puppy to sit up. My idea was to just use it as a "den" and safe cozy bed for the puppy and to calm him down and put blankets over at night.

but my boyfriend says I need a crate big enough for a water bowl and a bed and a puppy pad for when we go out, but I was just going to use a empty room with the door open and a baby gate up for the puppy when i go out (obv with his water bowl toys puppy pad etc. and no dangerous things around like wires or objects) the room is a very small bedroom that only fits a queen size bed with no room around it.


Do I NEED a XL crate or can I use the empty room and the crate for nightime?

Answer
For a new puppy you just want it in the crate. No pillows blankets or puppy pad. Puppies do not soil in their own dens. They need to be taken out at regular intervals. The crate should be just big enough for the dog so he/she learns not to soil in there. ( the puppy will have accidents at first its a given) that is why you dont put blankets or bedding in there until they can hold it all night long. When you go out for a couple hours the puppy should go in his or her crate but never for longer than 2-3hours a day. So, here is why your bf is wrong. On the other hand a whole room is also too big for the puppy to be left alone....they can be destructive if left alone for long periods of time. What I suggest and have read extensively on is the use of an exercise pen for use when you are gone for long periods of time, if you start to notice destructive behavior. You can place the crate onside the exercise pen along with toys and a water bowl. They also make models that attach to the sides of the exercise pen. It is very important in housetraining and prevention of separation anxiety that you research every possible solution for your new puppy. The puppy pad can be placed inside the exercise pen at the opposite side from where they sleep. That's where the dog naturally will eliminate. Its okay to feed your dog in the crate especially during hectic morning schedules but they should be taken out before and after a feeding. Eating triggers elimination in young dogs. Using the crate only as its den is the right idea. You want the dog to feel safe and secure which is what the crate is intended for. You are right using confinement over crating. Its healthier and the dog shouldn't be crated for longer than 2-3 hours except at night.

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Do you use a crate for your large breed dog?

dog crate xl size image

duman

Is there plenty of room for them in it? I have a couple dog beds for my dog so he can have somewhere depending on where we are in the house but I wondered if maybe they'd rather be in a crate? Are crates too cramped for large breeds?
Oh no, I wasn't asking for punishment purposes or anything. My dog is fine with free run of the house. I'd just read in here quite a few times that they like their crates and are more comfortable in them. I was just curious for that reason if I should get one.

Answer
I have two Mastiffs. The older of the two is three; he is not crated. The younger of the two, who is about a year and a half old, is indeed crated. He's crated for an hour after each meal to force the two dogs to relax separately (this is to reduce the risk of bloat). He used to be crated at night and whenever he couldn't be watched, but he's maturing nicely. Because both dogs have proven to be trustworthy with free run of the house, neither of them are crated overnight or in our absence.

Yes, there is plenty of room in the crate, when he is crated. You need to buy a crate that fits the dog, obviously. Because mine is a giant breed, I have an XL crate. It's, what, 54" long? It's like this:
http://www.pawzpetcarecenter.com/1154u.html
He has more than enough room to sit and stand up. He can easily turn around and can lay down in various positions. Because the crate is suitable for his size, he isn't at all cramped.

As for your situation, no, a crate sounds unnecessary. Crate-trained dogs should love their crates, yes, but dogs who aren't crate-trained and who do not need crates won't really benefit much from them. They might like the cozy atmosphere, but unless your dog displays anxious tendencies (in which case he would benefit from having somewhere safe to hide), then I'm sure he's perfectly fine sleeping on his beds instead.

What kind of pet should I get?

Equitated

I realllly want a pet of my own. We have two dogs and two turtles. I have owned lots of different kinds of pets before in my life because i looooove animals.

What kind of pet should I get? I need something that doesnt require a ton of care ( a reasonable amount) doesnt smell to high heaven, and relatively inexpensive. Im open to any suggestions!

Answer
I wouldnt recommend a rabbit if you want something low maintainence.. Unfortunately people assume they are easily cared for. I own two and have put alot of money and hard work into them. I have a male and female both spayed and neutered. That cost me $800.. no joke.. If you don't neuter your male you'll end up with behavioural problems such as aggression and spraying. So most go for a female because they are easier to deal with.. Let me tell you this.. You should be spaying for female as well!! 90% of female rabbits die of female cancers such as pyometra ( A condition where their uteruses fill up with pus until they burst!!!!!!!! ) Not very pleasant. The list goes on of problems with intact females. Most die a painful death. Its to be said that all old rabbits are male rabbits because females die so young. Spaying them doubles their lifespan (being about 8-15years depending on breeds) If you do research it is best to spay and neuter and its not cheap!!!
Feeding them can be a pain too!! A proper rabbit diet consists of unlimited hay ( I paid $100 for a 50lb bail, the smaller amounts the more expensive so i buy in bulk ), Pellets ( I use oxbow bunny basics - $17 for 10lbs) and fresh salads ( I use romaine, rodiccho and switch up a third veggie) I give fresh fruit for treats. Pellets every morning and fresh salads in the evening. I buy fresh once a week. So you have to feed them twice a day, which means you have to be home twice a day for the next 10 years!!!!!!!!!!!!
NEXT they need to be let out for exercise everyday. I usually grab a movie and watch while they are out. Which is an average of 2 hours a day. Some experts say they need 3hours +!! Now you need a safe place for them to excerise as they are big chewers! Bunny proofing can be difficult depends on whats around. Make sure anything important isnt able to be chewed and cover all cords and wires! Theres lots of bunny proofing tips online. I have actually rented a 2 bedroom so they have a safe clear room to excerise in.
You have to clean there cage out all the time! A couple times a week is ideal especially if you have a messy bunny! And if you are using the right size cage its fairly big and a pain to clean. Mine are both litter trained and I clean there litter pans out 3 times a week and give them a through cleaning every 2 weeks. By having them spayed and neutered they are easily litter trained.
The list goes on for taking care of bunnys PROPERLY, dont get me wrong, rabbits are a very rewarding pet and I love mine to bits and would recommend them if your willing to do the work. But most people get them not realizing they arent hamsters. Alot of people unfortunately just leave them in a cage (which you'll have to do your research on -mine are in a XL dog crate) and feed them a cup of pellets and think thats it, they need wayy more! My two rabbits (Hank and Lola) are vet checked once a year and are in excellent health and are expected to live long lives.
I'm writing this because unfortunately too many rabbits are bought because they are cute and figured to be low maintanence. There are sad amounts being dumped and abandoned its kills me.

ANYWAY! I would recommend a bearded dragon. They seem like alot of work at first and its alittle expensive to get them set up. Once you get used to the routine its quite easy. I own two. Their diet is a bit high maintainance but it becomes routine. You dont have to clean the tank often just spot clean. But again do your research they may be more work than you'd like. I would also recommend hermit crabs!!! They are soo easy yet so fun! They are very inexpensive! You can have so much fun with their small "crabitats" and decorating and tons of fun shells! You should look into them! I always recommend them. I think they're so neat to look at and hold! Anyway, hopefully I was some sort of help. All I can say is do your research. Being an animal lover I know you'd want to take care of any animal the best you can! Good luck and the most important is ENJOY! You dont want something thats too much work with no time for fun

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Is it cruel to leave a dog in a crate whilst we are out?

dog crate xl size image

Elle25

If my dog stays in her crate between 8.30am to around 10-12am, has a little run around the garden then goes back into the crate until around half four when we take her for a walk, is this cruel?
Just to let you know she has a doggy litter box so she won't be holding on!
thiS would only apply 4 days a week aswell

Answer
No, it's not- just make certain to have the doggy's water in there too. Also, make certain that the crate is big enough for pup to stand up in and rotate. We have an XL wire crate for our pup because he didn't like the airport travel style. He sleeps with his legs stretched way out, so it's great for him. Before he was fully housetrained, we had a divider in it, so that he wouldn't use the corner of it to pee in- but now that he's growing like a weed and is housetrained, we took the divider out. He is crated at night-time- which he sleeps the whole time. Haha, this morning, my boyfriend got up early 5:00 a.m. and pup was still sleeping, he didn't want to go outside to go pee. It was cute. He is only in the crate for about 6 hours or so at the most- we go to bed late and get up early.

He doesn't get crated during the day because I'm home, but when I go back to work, I want to send him off to doggy daycare or to somewhere like that- maybe a local farm if possible for during the day- ideally, I would like to take him to work with me.

This is what you don't want to do:
my neighbour leaves her dog in a medium size airport crate for between 8-10 hours a day- with no breaks. He is a spaniel so he is very hyper. In the morning, they walk him for like 15 minutes, just around the block- then in the evening- they only walk him for 10 minutes- they don't exercise him either, which is sad. They also don't leave any water for him in his crate. :(

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What is the best rabbit cage for a English spot?

Tori

I have an English spot rabbit and his cage is a little small for him. I don't want a C&C cage or a Playpen cage I just want an indoor cage but I don't know what's best. My Bun is in a cage while i am at school and out running around when im home so I need a descent size cage for my Scooter.

Answer
i dont have a NIC cage (aka C&C cage nor a playpen) instead i have a dog crate! (XL size) it is sturdier than a NIC cage.

my rabbit is out of his cage whenever i am home and whenever he is awake. i ordered a playpen / xpen online a few days ago and it should arrive on tuesday or wednesday so i can take him outside for some fresh air!

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Is it cruel to leave a dog in a crate whilst we are out?

dog crate xl size image

Elle25

If my dog stays in her crate between 8.30am to around 10-12am, has a little run around the garden then goes back into the crate until around half four when we take her for a walk, is this cruel?
Just to let you know she has a doggy litter box so she won't be holding on!
thiS would only apply 4 days a week aswell

Answer
No, it's not- just make certain to have the doggy's water in there too. Also, make certain that the crate is big enough for pup to stand up in and rotate. We have an XL wire crate for our pup because he didn't like the airport travel style. He sleeps with his legs stretched way out, so it's great for him. Before he was fully housetrained, we had a divider in it, so that he wouldn't use the corner of it to pee in- but now that he's growing like a weed and is housetrained, we took the divider out. He is crated at night-time- which he sleeps the whole time. Haha, this morning, my boyfriend got up early 5:00 a.m. and pup was still sleeping, he didn't want to go outside to go pee. It was cute. He is only in the crate for about 6 hours or so at the most- we go to bed late and get up early.

He doesn't get crated during the day because I'm home, but when I go back to work, I want to send him off to doggy daycare or to somewhere like that- maybe a local farm if possible for during the day- ideally, I would like to take him to work with me.

This is what you don't want to do:
my neighbour leaves her dog in a medium size airport crate for between 8-10 hours a day- with no breaks. He is a spaniel so he is very hyper. In the morning, they walk him for like 15 minutes, just around the block- then in the evening- they only walk him for 10 minutes- they don't exercise him either, which is sad. They also don't leave any water for him in his crate. :(

~~

What is the best rabbit cage for a English spot?

Tori

I have an English spot rabbit and his cage is a little small for him. I don't want a C&C cage or a Playpen cage I just want an indoor cage but I don't know what's best. My Bun is in a cage while i am at school and out running around when im home so I need a descent size cage for my Scooter.

Answer
i dont have a NIC cage (aka C&C cage nor a playpen) instead i have a dog crate! (XL size) it is sturdier than a NIC cage.

my rabbit is out of his cage whenever i am home and whenever he is awake. i ordered a playpen / xpen online a few days ago and it should arrive on tuesday or wednesday so i can take him outside for some fresh air!

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