Easy fix: Pup chewing dog crate tray?

Puppies love to chew on stuff -- even the trays in their dog crates. Our little dog sure did.

Before we picked her up from the animal rescue, we picked up a sturdy, roomy dog crate with an accompanying tray to place inside it. We tricked it out with a comfy pad (More on that later.) and welcomed the pup to her new den.

Within a day or two, she was chewing the black plastic tray to bits. I honestly worried that she might swallow some of the sharp shards.

LAN photo. All rights reserved.

But the solution was simple.

I returned to the pet store and purchased a new plastic tray. But this time I bought a larger size, so it could go under the crate, instead of inside it. That way, the young dog would not be able to chew on it. (I picked up a few more chew toys at the same time, because a pup can never have enough of those, right?)

Sometimes we just have to think outside the box. (Or the dog crate.)

Gotta love an easy answer.

Also, if you guessed that our dog crate is lined with a faded old quilted English saddle pad, you’re right. We love to re-purpose old stuff.

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Fitness training dogs – personal copyrighted photo.

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Product promo photos / fair use

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Dog Shopping List: Top 21 Items a New Dog Owner Needs

Pick out these pet store pick-ups before picking out your new pup.

What does it take to care for a dog? Prospective pet owners may scratch their heads and wonder how many different products and supplies they must purchase before bringing home a canine as a pet. How much stuff does a dog really need?

Basically, domesticated dogs need food and water, exercise, grooming, shelter and plenty of loving attention.

Here’s a simple shopping list (arranged alphabetically) of the 20 essential items that may be needed for basic dog care in the home.

1. Bowls for food and water – A dog of any age and size will need sturdy, tip-resistant bowls to hold his or her food and water. Pet feeding bowls come in many sizes and shapes. The key features are durability and size-appropriateness for the particular breed of dog. For example, a tiny Yorkie might be fine with small bowls, while a St. Bernard would require much larger ones.

2. Dog bed or mat – Eventually, if allowed, most dogs will prefer the family sofa or a special person’s bed over his or her dog bed or mat. However, many pet owners and trainers insist that a dog must have a spot to call his own. An outside dog generally requires a weather-proof dog house, set within an enclosure for added protection from the elements and predators.

3. Dog carrier or crate – A sturdy dog crate, cage or carrier can be an excellent training and restraining tool for a brand-new pet. Used properly and compassionately, this item may also serve as a safe spot of retreat for an anxious animal in the home. The dog crate or carrier is useful for outings and errands as well. Large dogs may be safely transported inside a vehicle, while smaller breeds are often more secure inside a pet carrier.

4. Dog chew toys – Dogs of all ages, and particularly young pups, tend to love to chew on things. Chewing is also a healthy habit for maintaining a dog’s teeth. By having suitable and safe chew toys on hand, dog owners may minimize damage to household possessions, furniture and structures.

5. Dog collar – A properly fitting dog collar is an essential for any canine pet. The best varieties are adjustable. For larger dogs (or high-spirited ones), a pet harness may be a more suitable choice.

6. Dog treats – Yummy, crunchy dog treats are ideal for training a dog and rewarding good behavior. Of course, only dog-appropriate treats should be offered, as many human-friendly goodies are downright dangerous for dogs. How many well-meaning pet owners have offered unhealthy items to their dogs in take-home doggie bags, for example?

7. Dog vitamins – Pet supply stores offer a myriad of choices of pet vitamins. Some are helpful, although many are not actually needed for healthy dogs. A veterinarian can provide individual insights.

8. Flea and tick collar – A flea and tick collar is a prudent choice for a pet owner, even if the dog is to be bathed and dipped regularly. Especially in warmer months, this easy accessory can provide excellent pest prevention for the pet and the home.

9. Food – At the pet store or the grocery store, dog owners may choose from dry dog food, semi-moist dog food or moist canned dog food. The choice of dog foods is essentially a matter of personal preference, although many veterinarians recommend dogs consume at least some dry dog food daily. The crunching is healthy for a dog’s teeth.

10. Specific dog food formulations are offered for puppies, active dogs, less active dogs, senior dogs and other special needs diets.

11. Leash – Pets must be leashed on many occasions, particularly in public places, so this purchase is a necessity. A proper leash should be at least five feet long. Handy retractable leashes are available, which many dog walkers find extra convenient.

12. Pet first-aid kit – A simple first-aid kit usually includes suitable items for treating human and canine emergencies. Even so, prudent pet owners keep separate kids for people and animals, perhaps for added hygiene. Basically, a dog-care kit should include adhesive tape (or vet wrap), eye dropper, gauze pads, hydrogen peroxide, oral syringe, rectal thermometer and tongue depressors. Adhesive bandages (such as band-aids) should never be applied to pets, as these may be a choking hazard.

13. Pet housetraining pads – These waterproof-lined pads are ideal for housetraining young dogs and even for older pets that may have accidents for any reason.

14. Pet identification tag – Although pets are often microchipped or tattooed for identification, a simple pet ID tag may be attached to a dog’s collar for simple security. No special expertise or technology is needed to read a dog tag, so neighbors and others can quickly return a lost or errant dog. Ideally, this tag will include the dog’s name and the owner’s telephone number.

15. Pet nail clippers – Safety clippers are available for trimming a dog’s nails at home, unless the pet is professionally groomed quite often.

16. Pet odor cleaner – Even the best trained dogs occasionally have accidents inside the home, especially during the initial adjustment time. Special pet stain and odor removers can make cleanups much easier.

17. Pet shampoo – Gentle and safe pet shampoos are super for at-home bathing of dogs. Certain formulations do not irritate the skin or eyes.

18. Pet toothbrush and toothpaste – Many people do not realize that a dog’s teeth need to be brushed regularly for oral health. An old soft toothbrush can do the trick, after a cycle through the dishwasher. In addition, annual dental scaling (by a veterinarian) is important.

19. Pooper scooper – Unless a pet owner lives on acres of private land, he or she will need a pooper scooper (or tons of plastic baggies) to pick up after the pooch.

20. Safety gate – A child-safety gate can be handy for keeping a dog confined to the kitchen, laundry room or another area during initial training or when company comes to call.

21. Veterinarian’s telephone number (and appointment) – The single most important item for a new pet owner to possess is the telephone number of a qualified veterinarian. Ideally, the new dog owner will make an initial appointment immediately as well for an examination and the administration of any needed vaccinations.

What other items might a new dog owner need?

Certain pet owners opt to purchase apparel for their dogs, particularly for cold-weather months. This is optional, of course, making the most sense for dogs with frequent clipping and grooming.

Many additional dog-related products may be available as well, including dog seatbelts, dog shoes or boots, dog strollers, dog holiday costumes and a host of dog toys.

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Graphic adapted by this user from public domain artwork/s

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8 ways to make a puppy bed without buying one

Why spend a fortune to tuck in the new pup?

Puppies are adorable, but puppy care can be quite expensive. One visit to the pet supply store can rack up a big bill, once the new owner picks up quality puppy food, a Puppy Collar, with a leash, Puppy ID Tags, and an assortment of treats and toys.

Many first-time puppy owners pick out pricey beds for their young pets, hoping to create cozy nests for these little cuties. Dog training experts, such as Cesar Milan and Pet MD, often recommend specific dog beds. Still, savvy veteran pet lovers often forego this purchase, opting instead to improvise with items they already own.

Consider these eight ways to make a puppy bed without actually buying one at the pet supply shop. Many of these sleeping arrangements can be adapted to fit inside a reasonably sized dog crate, if needed.

1. Basket

A large flat-bottomed woven basket makes a super puppy bed. Just be sure the sides are shallow, so the tiny pup can climb in and out easily. Line the inside with a soft towel or blanket, and it’s ready for use.

2. Box

A low-sided box, such as a sturdy shirt box, can be an ideal bed for the smaller puppy, especially when it holds a fuzzy throw blanket or an old flannel shirt.

3. Briefcase

Why toss out a solid briefcase, once the hinges have broken? If the top and hinges have been removed, this flat-sided tote can become a super puppy bed. It may already have a soft suede lining.

4. Dresser drawer

A bureau drawer, set on the floor and containing a fleecy blanket, may make a superb sleeping spot for a puppy, especially if it’s set right next to the pet lover’s own bed.

5. Mat or small rug

A crated pup may sleep best with a padded mat or a small fuzzy bathmat. A fleecy throw or an old baby quilt will work just as well.

6. Pillow or cushion

The experienced pet owner might hold onto an old pillow, lawn chair cushion, or foam mattress pad. Any of these items can become excellent puppy beds, particularly when covered with soft sheets, beach towels, or old blankets.

7. Suitcase

Like a discarded briefcase, an old suitcase might be transformed into a suitable puppy sleeping spot. Again, for safety, it’s best to remove the top and hinges.

8. Tray

For a small-breed puppy, a simple dinner tray can be a wonderful bed. A soft placemat or small towel makes it especially welcoming and warm. This easily becomes a smaller version of the widely available store-bought kennel trays. Just be vigilant to make sure the puppy does not chew and ingest pieces of plastic.

Despite the puppy owner’s earnest efforts to provide a suitable spot for the new pet to sleep, many cuddly canines almost immediately choose to curl up next to their humans, rather than in their own beds. Still, it’s nice to provide a puppy with a snug spot to call his own.

NOTE:  This blogger has no affiliation with any product/s or companies mentioned in this post and received no remuneration from the manufacturer/s or product promoter/s for this post.

Image/s:

Furhaven Pet Orthopedic Pet Mattress promo photo – fair use

Sleeping Chihuihua – Pixabay public domain photo

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