Daily Dog Care|Dog Day Care|How to Take Care of a Dog

A dog kennel is your dog s place of comfort and security and these two things are promised fully if you use a dog kennel cover to protect the dog as well as the kennel from weather effects and other potentially harmful elements.

Weather Effects And The Material Of Dog Kennel Covers

Wind, rain and snow are harmful to the dog s health as well as to the Kennel s material. Dog kennel covers shelter the kennel and its resident pet from these as well as from heat, cold and solar radiation like the ultraviolet (UV) rays. The material of the kennel cover needs to be selected carefully in order to get maximum comfort. A steel frame made of heavy duty steel is so far the most effective material used in making dog kennel covers against all kinds of weather, and to some degree, radiation contamination. For outdoor kennels, chain link covers are best recommended while one may always choose to get a custom kennel cover upon request. This may cost a bit more but you get an ideal cover according to the specific needs of your dog kennel.

Durability Of Dog Kennel Covers

Durability is one of the most important factors in choosing the best type of dog kennel cover. This is where steel covers take the lead over other materials, steel being the most durable substance so far used in making dog kennel covers. Plastic kennel covers are moderately durable and hence not a very good choice, though they cost less and are lighter to move.

Insulated And Non-Insulated Kennel Covers

Insulated dog kennel covers are those made of special materials like Polypropylene, which is thoroughly treated for UV radiation and hence these covers do not allow the passage of heat into or out of the kennel. Non-insulated covers lack this quality and as a result the insulated kennel covers cost more due to their superiority of offering greater comfort and protection from weather. Kennels with insulated covers remain cool in summer and warmer in cold weather.

Other Considerations

While the material of the cover is the primary factor to consider before buying dog kennel covers, it is important to consider a few other things as well. For example, it is important to choose dog kennel covers that fit perfectly over the kennel, not leaving any portion uncovered. The prices vary from one item to another depending on the cover s material, size and other features. A good cover usually costs about one hundred dollars. After fixing the cover over the kennel, the inside surface of the cover should be regularly examined to make sure it is not infested with insects.

Dog kennel cough is named variously like canine cough, infectious tracheobronchitis and bordetellosis. It is a condition in which a dog s windpipe and upper bronchi are damaged and irritated due to the action of infectious microorganisms. Both bacteria and viruses have been found to cause dog kennel cough.

Nature Of Dog Kennel Cough

The main symptom of kennel cough in dogs is a coarse and dry, hacking cough that appears in the dog within a week, or shortly afterwards, of the initial infection. Bacteria and/or viruses damage the lining of the windpipe and bronchi, exposing nerve endings. Air breathed in and out by the dog passes over these exposed endings of nerves and irritates them, causing the cough.

Severity And Duration Of The Disease

Most cases of dog kennel cough are mild and do not affect the dog s overall health or physical condition, usually not rising the dog s body temperature or causing loss of appetite. The cough, however, is persistent and the dog coughs every few minutes throughout the day. The duration of the disease, in most cases, is one to three weeks. Most dogs recover after that without any medication though using antibiotics is useful in quickening the healing process.

Transmission Of The Disease

Dog kennel cough can be transmitted like a cold in humans. This means that the germs causing kennel cough can be carried in the air, inhaled by another dog causing infection, especially if the recipient dog is susceptible to the microbes. If more than one dog shares a dog kennel the disease spreads among them (hence the name kennel cough). But it can be acquired anytime and anywhere from an infected dog.

Treatment And Prevention

While most dogs recover from dog kennel cough without any medication, the veterinarian usually prescribes cough-suppressing drugs for relieving the annoying cough that characterizes the disease. Occasionally, antibiotics may be prescribed to assist in recovering from the infection.

It is important to have the dog examined by a vet because symptoms similar to kennel cough are also caused by other serious respiratory diseases. Vaccinating the dog against infectious organisms may prevent dog kennel cough. A dog that is not frequently in contact with other dogs already has a low chance of catching kennel cough. In case of vaccination, the dog should be given the vaccine at least a few weeks before taking it to a dog show or out in the company of other dogs.

Having a kennel in your home for your pet dog is just like giving a kid his or her own room. It gives the dog a private place to sleep and play with its toys without irritating the family. Moreover, it is a symbol of the good care provided to the dog. There are two options for getting a dog kennel for your canine pet either buy a commercial dog kennel or build one yourself.

Commercial Dog Kennels

Commercial dog kennels are good for people who do not find enough time or lack the skills required for making a dog kennel. Thus they come ready to use and only need bit of maintenance. Commercial dog kennels, however, have a few disadvantages. First, they require you to pay more than you need to spend if making the dog kennel yourself at home. Secondly, a commercial kennel comes with a predetermined size and other features that may not fit the specific needs of your dog. Adjusting these would then require additional costs. For many dog owners, especially for those who travel more often or frequently have to change houses, commercially available portable dog kennels are a good option. These are smaller and relatively inexpensive kennels that are collapsible and hence easy to carry along. However, these kennels are not a good choice for very strong or aggressive dogs.

Homemade Dog Kennels

If you have the time and basic building skills or if you want to cut some of the cost of a commercial kennel, you may choose to build a kennel for your dog yourself. Building a dog kennel at home is also an enjoyable activity for many people, including kids. While building your own dog kennel, it is important to first consider the zoning and building codes of your locality so to avoid inadvertently transgressing any rules regarding the size of the kennel on your property. Next, carefully select the construction material for the kennel. Steel wires for flooring have fewer chances of hosting infectious microbes or getting splintered (as do wood and plastic) and concrete is known for it strength and facile cleaning, though it may develop cracks and host insects and parasites. Heavy duty fencing material provides extra security against possible threats to the dog in case of any accidents and also prevents the dog from digging all around the place. It is recommended to build the dog kennel on high ground so as to minimize the damage resulting from rain and snow. Finally, remember to provide a little shaded area in the open in front of the kennel. This can be accomplished using a lightweight material.