Dog Kennel Guide

You may well find some family and friends almost impossible to buy presents for.  Either they are one of those people who has everything or else there is very little that they want.  However, if they own a cat then there are all sorts of cat gifts that can be bought for them.

Until you start researching cat gift ideas on the internet you will be completely unaware of the sheer range of things out there to buy.  The gifts can be subdivided into two main groups – those for the cat herself and items with a cat theme for the owner.

If you want to buy something for your friend’s cat then something that will make your friend’s life easier is always a good option.  Water and food bowls are a relatively cheap option while if you want to spend a little more then something like a fancy bed or a cat carrier for taking their cat on journeys will be most appreciated.  Cat gift baskets are also a nice idea as they include little treats and toys for the cat in a nicely presented basket.

If you want something with a cat theme for your friend then look on the internet for unique cat gifts so that you can be sure that they don’t already have one.  Many items can be bought with pictures of cats printed on them but if you’re not careful then they can look rather tacky.  One fun idea would be to take a photograph of their cat and have this printed onto something like a mug or a mouse mat.  If they also have a dog then getting a cushion with a picture of the cat printed on it to put in the dog kennel is sure to make them laugh.

If you want something with cat pictures on it that won’t be considered a bit gauche then try something like cat print socks or an umbrella or glasses case with little cats printed onto them.  Of course some people like nothing more than little cat figurines or prints in which case there are simply thousands of items to choose from.

So, before you rush out and buy something for your friend, first think about what type of item would be most appreciated.  If their cat spends the holidays in a cat boarding kennel then something like a carrier might be best but if you know that they already have lots of cat paraphernalia then something else might well be appreciated.

Cats are well known to be home bodies who rarely enjoy being taken anywhere else.  However, there are certain situations where she simply has to be popped into her cat carrier and taken elsewhere – usually the vets or a cat boarding kennels.  There are several different styles of carrier available and so you will need to do a bit of research before you take the plunge and buy one.

If you are environmentally minded then you should consider one made either from re-cycled cardboard or else a natural wicker design.  These materials are great for keeping your cat warm as they are well insulated and can easily be broken down once they are no longer required and so don’t end up filling landfill sites.

Travelling abroad on a plane with your pet will require a special airline cat carrier as the airlines have specific requirements for carrying animals.  These carriers are particularly well ventilated, have a very closely meshed door so that paws can’t fit through and are made from toughened plastic so as not to be easily damaged in transit.  They can also be bought with extra features such as wheels for ease of movement and a water bowl that can be fixed to the door so that it doesn’t get spilt.  Sometimes people will actually use a small dog kennel for this purpose as they are easier to get hold of and also tend to be cheaper!

Before taking your cat on a trip out it is a good idea to get her accustomised to it by leaving it out in the house with the door open and a comfortable or well liked cushion inside it.  This way she will be able to go in of her own accord and so will not feel threatened by it.  You never know, she may like it so much that it becomes an everyday cat kennel!

One of the newest styles is a soft cat carrier made in the style of a bag.  These are made from reinforced nylon with handles on the top for ease of carrying.  The advantage of this type of carrier is that it is easy to compact and store when not in use and the market leader in this area is the Sherpa cat carrier.

As you can see there are plenty of different styles of cat carriers and so it will be easy to find one that will suit your purposes.

With so many pets these days commanding almost equal standing in a family as everyone else there has been an explosion in the number of shops (both online and on the high street) providing services and products designed specifically for dogs.  The upper end of this market is mostly supplied by upmarket dog boutiques who sell ranges of designer dog clothing and accessories.

If you want to be able to buy an item for your dog which you know is of high quality, stylish and made from superior materials then a designer dog boutique should be the first place that you look.  These places have a huge variety of accessories and so take away all the hard work of researching different, good quality shops for different things.  They sell everything from designer dog jackets to plush beds and, if you become a loyal customer, will sometimes even source more unusual items especially for you.

Buying from a dog boutique will help to ensure that the accessory that you buy is comfortable, well made and, very importantly, chic.  By purchasing from them you will pretty much be getting everything that you look for in a good fashion or furniture shop when buying items for yourself.  You don’t even need to worry that your dog is too large for accessories sold in most pet stores as you can shop in a specialist big dog boutique who understand what owners of larger breeds such as Great Danes and Wolf Hounds need and want for their pets.

Items sold can be divided into several categories:

Furniture – This includes things such as a dog kennel and dog beds.

Clothing – Including practical day wear, evening wear and fancy dress outfits.

Feeding – Not only food and water bowls but feeding mats as well.

Toys – Not just your standard balls and chewy toys but more interactive and unusual toys also.

Walking Accessories – As well as your usual collars and leads you can get harnesses and dog carriers.

Grooming – Brushes, combs, clippers and all the shampoo and body wash you could want.

On top of this some boutiques also sell doggy treats, ID tags and spa treatments.

You may feel that you would prefer a shop that you can visit when buying some of these items but dog boutiques online have very good returns policies if you find that you don’t like something when it arrives or it doesn’t fit your pet.

One market that has expanded almost beyond recognition in the last ten to fifteen years is the market for dog accessories and clothing.  This is partly due to people having larger disposable incomes, which they enjoy spending on their loving, loyal friend. It is also partly due to the fact that most people in first world countries now have access to the internet and so can shop from the comfort of their armchair in stores located far away for their own position.  Though things such as a dog bed or dog kennel are favourite accessories, the most popular single item of clothing always has been and remains, dog jackets.

There are several different types of dog jacket available depending on your need:

Dog Coats – These are designed primarily to keep a dog warm on cold winter walks.  Though most dogs have nice, thick coats that will keep them warm in most situations there are also a lot of dogs with fine or very short fur designed for warmer climes than that in which they live.  Very young, elderly or unwell dogs will also suffer from the cold more than a mature, healthy dog does.  They are made from snug fabrics such as wool or fleece and can cover just the body or also include legs and a hood.

Dog Life Jacket – Though not something that you would instantly think of when contemplating dog jackets a life jacket is an essential piece of clothing if you ever take your dog on board a boat.  Dogs may swim very well but, like humans, if thrown overboard into cold, rough water are unlikely to survive for long without a swimming aid.

Raincoats – Differing from the traditional coat in that its main aim is to keep the dog dry, rather than warm, raincoats are very popular in countries with high rainfall.  Many dogs are not too keen on going for a well needed walk if they know that they are going to get drenched and soggy doggies tend to smell the house out on their return.  A waterproof coat, with or without a fleecy lining depending on the temperature, will protect most of your pet from getting wet.

No matter what your need there will be a variety of dog jackets suitable for your pet.  You needn’t even worry about size as you can get everything from very small to large dog coats and so it won’t be necessary to put your little dog into his dog carrier when you go out in cold weather or to get rid of your big dog’s bed after he has lain in it all wet and muddy.

If you are the owner of a large breed of dog such as an Irish Wolfhound or a Red Setter then you will be aware that simply leaving your pet to roam out in the garden is not always a viable option.  Not only is it possible that he could simply leap over the fence and escape to get lost or hurt on the roads, he is capable of causing untold damage by digging up flower beds or chewing on garden furniture should he start to get bored.  If you try to tie him to his dog kennel to restrict his movement he may well get tangled up or be strong enough to simply drag his kennel around the garden with him! By far the best solution to these problems will be found by looking at a range of large pet pens.

Pens for large dogs come in two main forms: chain link and modular.  How you use the pet play pen should help you decide which would best suit you.  Chain link pens are very easy to construct, light in weight and cheaper to buy.  However, they don’t have the longevity of modular pens, which are often powder coated, and are not quite so strong.  Having a galvanised dog run like this will ensure that it doesn’t rust.  If your dog is a bit of an escape artist then a modular version is pretty much guaranteed to keep him enclosed.  However, they are more expensive, more difficult to construct and, once built, are pretty much permanent structures.

Remember that for a dog to be happy in an enclosed space like this it will need to be large enough for your pet to be able to gather some speed while running and to play with his toys freely.  Don’t forget that if you are going to have a large dog kennel in one corner then the space will be quite reduced and so you may even need to look at an extra large pet pen.  As you see, you will need to have quite a large garden to start with before you even think about this purchase.

Of course not everyone is looking for outdoor pet playpens.  It may be that you need one for in the house to prevent your dog from chewing on the furniture while you are away from home.  As an indoor pet pen can often also double as a room divider or a gate for a doorway they are very versatile in their use.

One of the newest and most innovative areas in dog accessories to surface in recent years has been in the production of dog clothing.  Though it has long been possible to buy dog coats that will keep a dog with fine fur or low levels of body fat warm even in the coldest temperatures, there has recently been a surge in places where you can buy a huge variety of different types of clothes.  These range from quirky witches’ outfits for Halloween to an ever practical dog raincoat for those days when the sky seems to be permanently open and any trip outside is risking a drenching but you don’t want to leave your poor dog in his dog kennel.

Waterproof dog coats have many special design features to make them perfect for keeping your dog clean and dry even in the heaviest downpour.  When searching for a coat to buy for your dog the following are features that you should look for:

• Easy fastening buckles so that you can put on and take off the coat quickly and adjust the size to fit your dog exactly.
• Reflectors to ensure safety.  After all, if it’s raining then visibility is likely to be quite poor.
• Breathable fabric.  Though it’s quite possible to buy cheaper dog raincoats they are generally made from non-breathable fabric and so your dog will sweat and become uncomfortable.
• Taped seams.  If the seams aren’t taped then they will soon start to let in the water and render the coat useless.
• Easy care washing instructions.  The coat is likely to get muddy from splashing through puddles and so you want to be able to pop it into the washing machine to get it clean again.

During particularly cold weather you may find that you need more than just a dog raincoat for your pet.  Though the material will help keep your dog warm by keeping him dry and stopping the wind from getting through many people use fleece dog coats beneath them to add an extra layer of warmth.

As well as looking for the special features that make the dog raincoat a good one you will need to be very careful to check that the coat fits perfectly, with plenty of space for movement without letting it flap about.  Not all coats have a chest panel but this is essential if you want to protect your dog’s chest and abdomen.

There are a few situations where a dog raincoat wouldn’t be recommended.  One is if you are hiking over very rough ground where he is needing to climb and scramble as you wouldn’t want him to get caught and he needs to be able to move as freely as possible.  The other is if you are on board a boat.  Though it might be tempting to put one on him whenever you put on your slicker, in stormy weather you will need to be able to put his dog life jacket on as quickly as possible.

Are you thinking of buying your dog a new bed?  Well there are simply thousands to choose from in a variety of different designs.  You might want a durable, easy to wash plastic bed, a fancy fabric bed, a classy wicker basket or a waterproof bed for those dogs who have a tendency to jump into bed while still soggy from their latest dip in a stream.  However, one of the newer varieties of bed out there is called a Coolaroo Dog Bed.

These are basically raised dog beds where a steel frame, powder coated with zinc to give longevity, is covered with a tough, fabric top.  These beds are particularly useful in certain situations.  If your dog spends his day in a dog pen then there is a chance that he could start to get quite hot on a sunny day.  However, the breathable fabric of these beds ensures that your dog’s body heat can escape and that fresh air can easily circulate around him.  Of course, it’s not just the heat that you want to protect your dog from.  If the weather is very cold then a basket that is placed directly onto the cold ground will soon pass that chill onto your dog.  By being raised off the ground this ceases to be a problem.

Another great reason to buy a raised dog bed is if your dog is elderly or suffers from any kind of joint problems.  By having a bed that is off the ground your dog does not need to bend as much when lowering itself into bed and it is not such an effort to get up either.

One reason that Coolaroo dog beds are great dog accessories for any dog at all is that they are resistant to mildew and also, unlike traditional dog cushions, can’t be infested with mites or fleas.  The fabric is also very easy to keep clean by hosing down and dries very quickly in the fresh air.

These elevated dog beds are also particularly popular with dog owners who really like to pamper their pets. Often these dogs have a dog kennel the size of a summer house with loads of very human touches such as curtains and rugs.  Of course, these beds look a lot more like human beds than a basket and so fit in well with the general feel of the dog home.

A Coolaroo dog bed is also very easy to construct and quite cheap to buy in comparison to other types of dog basket.  They generally come with a warranty and spare covers are easy to get hold of.

You may or may not be lucky enough to get your dog for free but either way the real expense starts from this point.  There are so many things that need to be bought to keep your dog happy and healthy and even if you search carefully for cheap dog accessories you will find yourself spending quite a lot of money.  Some things need to be bought immediately while others can be collected over time.

All dogs will need a water and food bowl, collar and lead and somewhere to sleep before they even step through your front door.  Many people will also choose to buy a dog kennel to give their pet the feeling of being in a nice, safe den.  Another essential is a dog comb or brush so that you can keep his coat clean and tangle free by brushing at least once per week.

Of course the type of things that you will need to buy will be somewhat dependent on the size of dog that you own.  If you have one of the tiny breeds then you will need some small dog accessories such as a harness, rather than a collar and lead, and a dog carrier for if you decide to go on walks that are too far for his little legs to carry him.

Big dogs also have their own needs.  Any dog pen that you decide to buy will need to be very large and strong enough to withstand a battering from him.  What with the pen and the large dog kennel that you will have, you had better have plenty of space in your back garden to fit it all.

As well as the essentials there are other items that many people buy their pets simply to give them a bit of luxury.  Dog clothes and accessories fall into this category as t-shirts, hats and skirts become increasingly popular purchases for dog owners.   Though of course there are also plenty of practical clothing items such as sweaters and raincoats which many see as essential.

Nearly all these items can be bought easily in your local pet store though if you want something slightly more unusual, or designer dog accessories, then you are far better off looking online.  Here you will find lots of little doggie boutiques selling all manner of cool and unusual things in a far wider range of colours, patterns and designs.

For many years the traditional way to keep control of a dog while out for a walk has been to use a collar and lead.  While this is still the most popular method of handling a dog, there is a relatively new piece of equipment used by many pet owners.  This is a dog harness.  If you are the owner of a small breed, such as a terrier, who generally uses a dog carrier so as not to put undue strain on the neck of your little pet then you will benefit particularly from a small dog harness.

In its most basic form a dog safety harness is two rings of fabric (a smaller one for round the neck and a larger one for around the torso) joined together by two more fabric bars.  The main advantage of this over a collar is that it stops all the pressure from being put onto your dog’s neck and spine by spreading it out but it also reduces the likelihood of choking and makes it more difficult for a dog to escape by slipping out.  They are also particularly useful for training and for controlling boisterous dogs so that you will no longer need to leave them in their dog kennel as you will be able to put more of your weight into pulling the dog back without throttling him.

Because of the increasing popularity of the small dog harness the producers of dog clothing now often put a reinforced button hole into the clothing so that a lead can be threaded through and attached to it.  Another option is to actually buy a dog harness vest.  These are prettily designed dog vests which also double as a harness when it is time for walkies.

Of course it is not just small dogs who use these harnesses.  A large dog harness is often worn to give owners more control of a particularly strong dog or by assistance dogs such as guide dogs.  These generally give the owner a handle to hold so that they have a more sensitive feel of their dog’s movement.

One final type of harness is for securing your dog within your car.  The harness is plugged into one of the seat belt sockets and has extra padding so that, in the case of an accident, your dog will be safe.

So, no matter what type of harness you need to buy, from a car harness to keep your dog safe to a small dog harness so that your little dog doesn’t get a squashed throat, you will be able to find just what you want.

Just like humans all dogs need a bed.  They may appear comfortable enough lying on the floor but for a good quality sleep, a cosy bed is required.  Luckily enough there are hundreds of different beds out there to suit every size and shape of dog, from a huge Wolf Hound to a tiny Chihuahua.  However, some owners want more than just a place for their dogs to lie.  They want a statement.  Something which tells people about their dog and, if the dog is a female, then this will often be a pink dog bed.  There is a huge range of pink beds on the market and here we will discuss the different types and their advantages.

If your dog sleeps in a dog kennel then the bed may simply be a cushion.  To really make the kennel stand out a fluffy, electric pink cushion is your best option.  People will be able to see it in the doorway and it will give your dog’s home a luxurious feel.  However, if your dog sleeps in one of the rooms in your house or an open dog pen then something more substantial will be required.  Because the whole of the bed will be visible you will want to look at some really fancy dog beds and often the best place to look is an auction site on the internet.

Here you will find pink dog beds made from all different sorts of fabric and often you can select a bed with one colour on the outside and a different one for the inside.  Sometimes you will even be able to have the bed personalised with your dog’s name.  Another great thing about these sites is that often you can buy other matching items to create a whole ‘look’ for your pet.  You may want a bowl, collar and lead or even a dog carrier in the same fabric and style.

One thing that you do have to be aware of with these cute dog beds is that they are not always totally practical. Think carefully about which fabric will best suit your pet as a dog who moults a lot or often gets muddy would probably be best with an easy wash fabric.   If she spends a lot of time out in the wet or jumping in rivers then a waterproof or plastic bed will be the most sensible idea, but don’t worry that you won’t be able to find cool dog beds like this as they also come in a range of pinks!

So, if you want to make your little pooch feel like a special girl then look for a really luxurious pink dog bed for her to curl up in and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

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Though dogs love to play, run around and explore, they also spend a fair amount of their day either asleep or dozing.  If you want your dog’s sleep to be of good quality, which will help to ensure that he remains healthy, then you need to choose carefully when you buy his bed.  Though there are many different types and styles of bed available to buy for dogs, here we are going to discuss the features and advantages of a waterproof dog bed.

Waterproof dog beds have a high quality filling which doesn’t squash and go flat over time, covered with a waterproof polyester fabric.  This fabric can be cleaned by either hosing it down or simply wiping it with a damp cloth and is quite tough, making it difficult (but not actually impossible) for a dog to chew holes in it.

There are several reasons why you might want to buy this sort of bed.  Firstly, it makes an excellent outdoor dog bed for those whose pets spend lots of time in a dog pen.  Their very nature means that it doesn’t matter if there is a rain shower which has not been forecast as they will not be ruined by water, where other beds would become soggy and unusable.  Secondly, if you have a dog who spends as little time as possible in his dog kennel and instead uses his time jumping in rivers or rolling in muddy puddles then you will want a waterproof dog bed.  It won’t matter if he goes straight from a muddy puddle into his bed, you can just wipe the mud off with a cloth.

These beds are becoming so popular that you can now get loads of different varieties from a designer dog bed for a pampered pooch in fancy colours or patterns to an enormous bed that will perfectly suit the large dog kennel of a bulky wolf hound.  You can buy flat beds, which are basically just a cushion, or a basket style bed which helps to keep in the heat and keep a damp doggy warm and toasty.

Though a waterproof dog bed actually needs no additions, some people choose to buy the optional extra of a fleecy cover.  These covers will give extra warmth in particularly cold conditions or for dogs with fine coats and can be easily put into the washing machine if they get a bit dirty or muddy.  As fleece fabric is very quick drying there is no risk of your dog catching a chill.