06/06/2026
There is typically a 30-60% surge in lost dogs over Fourth of July weekends. Keep your pets safe with closed doors and secure and comfortable confinment. Here’s how to select the best crate for your dog this fourth of july:
First, asess your dog. Has your dog ever been in a crate before? Are they anxious when crated or when left alone? Do they have a history of being destructive when crated or left along?
Wire crates can be a great budget friendly options and also great if you are traveling with a crate, as they fold and transport easier than other crates.
A wire crate is ideal for dogs who are already used to being crated and are calm and comfortable in a crate.
However if you have a dog who is anxious or easily excitable, the openness of the wire crate can be a draw back. In a wire crate your dog has an unobstructed view of everything around them which can lead to some dogs struggling to settle. The openness can also be a drawback if you have a dog who can be destructive. Some dogs are able to get their paws or snouts through the bars to either chew up objects outside the crate or pull objects into the crate to destroy. The wire crate is not as sturdy as some other options and a fair amount of dogs do figure out how to break out of wire crates with relative ease.
The plastic crate offers much more stability and security. The enclosed top and sides offer a greater sense of security and feels more ‘den like’ which a lot of dogs like. Anxious or overly aroused dogs typically have an easier time settling in an enclosed plastic crate.
While not 100% escape proof, the plastic crates are much more difficult for an average dog to break out of compared to a wire crate. And the enclosed sides help prevent destruction outside of the crate or pulling objects into the crate.
The plastic crates typically cost a bit more than the wire crate and they don’t collapse as nicely as the wire crate. However the added security may be worth the investment depending on your specific dog.
Stay tuned for part 2 of getting your dog prepared for the Fourth of July
