Is it safe to keep your dog in a dog cage? What are the pros and cons of this controversial practice?
Dogs are a part of the family for many people and just like with humans, hygiene and safety come first when it comes to ensuring the animals are healthy. It’s no secret that dogs can be very messy animals and if they don’t have enough space to run around or eat what they want, it can cause health problems. In order to keep your pet happy and healthy, there are a variety of options available to you including the traditional dog collar and leash, as well as smaller and more discreet alternatives that can be used when the animal is inside your home.
The Pros Of A Dog Cage
There are many benefits to keeping your dog in a dog cage. It is a safe and secure alternative to confining the animal outdoors or in a small enclosure. This type of housing can provide your dog with more freedom of movement than they would otherwise have, as well as give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are not out running around in a park or busy street causing mayhem. Another major pro of a dog cage is the cleanliness factor. Animals that are not kept in a clean environment are more likely to become sick or susceptible to diseases. If your dog is tethered to a dog collar and leash, this provides you with the option of keeping them clean by giving them regular baths.
The Cons Of A Dog Cage
There are some significant disadvantages to keeping your dog in a dog cage. The main con of a dog cage is that it prevents the dog from being a free-roaming animal able to exercise and enjoy their natural instincts. If your pet is unable to escape from a cage or small enclosure, this means they will always be at the mercy of their owners and likely to become lonely and sad if they are not able to socialize with other animals. Another con of a dog cage is that it can be a source of stress and anxiety for the animal, especially if they are kept in a small space for a long period of time. They may experience claustrophobia, where they feel anxiety when confined in a small area. It is also possible for a dog to injure themselves while attempting to escape the confines of a cage. If any of these things are a concern for you, there are better options available than keeping a dog in a cage.
Hygiene And Safety For BOTH Humans And Animals
A major con in keeping any animal, including a dog, in a cage is that it promotes poor hygiene and safety. The animal may become sick or injured from lack of care or cleanliness and the owner could potentially be infected by bacteria or parasites. It is also not wise to keep a dog in a cage for long periods of time, as this will cause their muscles to become weak and they will be more likely to succumb to illness. Animals that are in cramped or close quarters are also more likely to injure themselves while attempting to escape, as they cannot stretch out their limbs fully and have more difficulty doing so. This means that they are more likely to be injured when running, jumping or falling from a height.
Freedom Of Movement
One of the biggest draws of having a dog cage is the possibility of granting your pet more freedom of movement than they would otherwise have. If they are not able to roam around as they please, it can cause health problems and damage to their spirit. While it is wonderful to see your dog enjoy themselves when they are out and about with their owners, it is often the case that they are tethered to a leash and are unable to roam far from their owners’ sides due to not having enough space. The benefit of a dog cage is that it provides the dog with more freedom of movement for short periods of time, as they can stretch out their limbs and go where they want to go. This can help to improve their quality of life if they are unable to live life how they want to as a result of being tied down by their collar and leash.
The Overall Opinion
The overall opinion on whether or not to keep your dog in a dog cage is that it is a personal choice and many people believe there are many perks to this lifestyle choice, particularly for animals that are constantly cooped up inside the house. If you plan on keeping your dog in a cage for longer than a few hours at a time, it might not be the wisest choice. If you are looking to give your pet more freedom of movement while also ensuring they are safe and clean, then a dog cage could be a solution. Just make sure you are aware of any disadvantages this lifestyle could have so that there are no nasty surprises when you decide to switch it up.