Dogs use crates as a way to calm down when they feel overwhelmed. By covering the crate on all sides, you can limit the stimuli your dog is exposed to, including lights, sounds, and smells. This will make your dog feel safe and secure when they retreat to their crate.
In this guide, I have explained in detail the importance or benefits of using a dog crate cover. A dog crate cover has many benefits that can be very helpful to you and your dog.
What is a dog crate?
It is a thin piece of cloth or other material that is placed over the top and sides of a dog crate to provide privacy, darkness, and warmth. With the cover, your dog’s stimuli is limited, and he can feel calm and relaxed.
5 Dog Crate cover Types/Designs to Consider
1. Cage/Kennel Style dog crate
-The first type of dog crate cover is the “cage” or “kennel” style. This cover typically has a solid top and sides, with an opening in the front for your dog to enter and exit the crate. The cage style is good for dogs who need complete privacy and darkness to feel calm and relaxed.
2. Partial/half Cover Design
-The second type of dog crate cover is the “partial” or “half” cover. This cover has a solid top, but the sides are open or have mesh panels. The partial cover is good for dogs who need some privacy and darkness, but also need to be able to see what’s going on around them.
3. Blanket Design
-The third type of dog crate cover is the “blanket” style. This cover is simply a large, flat piece of fabric that drapes over the entire crate. The blanket style is good for dogs who just need a little bit of darkness and privacy, and don’t mind being able to see out.
4. Canopy/Tin Design
-The fourth type of dog crate cover is the “tin” or “canopy” style. This cover has a solid top and sides, with a flap that opens in the front. The tin style is good for dogs who need complete privacy and darkness, but also need to be able to get some fresh air.
HiCaptain Double Door Dog Crate Cover brand is my favorite and top recommendation of this canopy-style dog crate covers. HiCaptain brand has over 7,600 reviews with a high approval rating averaging 4.6/5.
Below is an image of this cover type:
5. Roof Design:
-The fifth and final type of dog crate cover is the “roof” style. This cover has a solid top, but the sides and front are open. The roof style is good for dogs who need some privacy and darkness, but also need to be able to see what’s going on around them.
3 Color Patterns of Top Dog Crate Covers:
Geometric dog crate Cover patterns:
One of the most popular pattens is the geometric dog crate cover. it has a modern and sleek design that will look great in any home. This type of cover typically has a solid top and sides, with an opening in the front for your dog to enter and exit the crate. The geometric pattern is good for dogs who need complete privacy and darkness to feel calm and relaxed.
The Midwest Dog Crate Cover brand shown in the image below is an example of a geometric crate cover pattern design.
Printed patterns:
These covers feature fun and trendy prints that can add some style to your dog’s crate. They come in a variety of colors and designs, so you can find one that fits your taste. The printed pattern is good for dogs who just need a little bit of darkness and privacy, and don’t mind being able to see out.
Plain colors:
These covers come in a variety of solid colors, so you can find one that fits your home’s décor. They are simple and classic, and they provide your dog with the privacy and darkness he needs to feel calm and relaxed.
X-ZONE PET Dog Crate Cover is an example of top-rated plain-color dog crate cover.
Now that you know the different types and patterns of dog crate covers, you can choose the one that is right for you and your dog. With so many options available, you are sure to find the perfect cover for your needs. Thanks for reading!
Dog Crate Cover vs Dog Bed Cover – Are they similar?
No, covering a dog crate is not the same as covering a dog bed. A dog crate cover is made from a thin material that has plenty of airflow so your dog doesn’t get too hot. A dog bed cover is usually made from a thicker material that will keep your dog warm.
If you are using a cover for insulation, make sure there is plenty of airflow so your dog doesn’t get too hot. If you are using a cover to keep your dog calm, make sure it is not too loose or they may be able to see what is going on outside and get excited. Always make sure the crate is not too close to any heat source.
10 Reasons why you should cover your dog in a crate:
1.Make your dog feel more secure:
By covering the crate on all sides, you can limit the amount of stimuli your dog is exposed to, including lights, sounds, and smells. This will make your dog feel safe and secure when they retreat to their crate.
2.Keep your dog calm:
Dogs use crates as a way to calm down when they feel overwhelmed. By covering the crate, you can help your dog to stay calm and relaxed. You’ll notice that your dog is less likely to bark or whine when they are in a covered crate.
3.Protect your furniture:
If you have a puppy or an adult dog that likes to chew on things, a crate cover can help to protect your furniture from being damaged. By covering the crate, you create a barrier between your dog and your furniture.
4.Keep your dog from escaping:
If you have a dog that is prone to escape, a crate cover can help to keep them inside the crate. By covering the crate, you make it more difficult for your dog to see what’s going on outside and this will deter them from trying to escape.
5.Prevent your dog from being distracted:
If you have a dog that is easily distracted, a crate cover can help to keep them focused on what’s inside the crate. By covering the crate, you limit their ability to see and hear things that are going on outside of the crate. This will help your dog to stay calm and relaxed inside the crate.
6.Keep your dog warm:
If you live in a colder climate, a crate cover can help to keep your dog warm. By covering the crate, you create a barrier between your dog and the cold air. This will help to keep your dog warm and comfortable inside the crate.
7.Keep your dog cool:
If you live in a hotter climate, a crate cover can help to keep your dog cool. By covering the crate, you create a barrier between your dog and the hot air. This will help to keep your dog cool and comfortable inside the crate.
8.Reduce the amount of noise:
If you have a dog that is easily startled by loud noises, a crate cover can help to reduce the amount of noise that they are exposed to. By covering the crate, you create a barrier between your dog and the outside noise. This will help to keep your dog calm and relaxed inside the crate.
9.Keep your dog out of sight:
If you have a dog that is easily excited by the sight of people or other animals, a crate cover can help to keep them out of sight. By covering the crate, you limit their ability to see what’s going on outside. This will help your dog to stay calm and relaxed inside the crate.
10.Protect your dog from the elements:
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, a crate cover can help to protect your dog from the elements. By covering the crate, you create a barrier between your dog and the outside world. This will help to keep your dog safe and comfortable inside the crate.
When you should not cover your dog crate:
1.If your dog is suffering from heat stroke:
If your dog is suffering from heat stroke, do not cover their crate. Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency and covering the crate will trap the heat inside and make the situation worse.
2.If your dog is suffering from cold weather:
If your dog is suffering from cold weather, do not cover their crate. Cold weather is a serious medical emergency and covering the crate will trap the cold air inside and make the situation worse.
3.If your dog is in a car:
If your dog is in a car, do not cover their crate. Covering the crate will trap the heat inside and make the situation worse.
4.If your dog is in an enclosed space:
If your dog is in an enclosed space, do not cover their crate. Covering the crate will trap the heat inside and make the situation worse.
What dog crate covering does to anxious dogs:
1. Reduces their stress and anxiety:
A dog crate cover can help to reduce the stress and anxiety of an anxious dog. By covering the crate, you create a calm and secluded environment for your dog. This will help to reduce their stress and anxiety levels.
2. Helps to keep them calm:
A dog crate cover can help to keep an anxious dog calm. By covering the crate, you limit their ability to see and hear things that are going on outside. This will help your dog to stay calm and relaxed inside the crate.
3. Helps to keep them comfortable:
A dog crate cover can help to keep an anxious dog comfortable. By covering the crate, you create a barrier between your dog and the outside world. This will help to keep your dog safe and comfortable inside the crate.
4. Helps to protect them from the elements:
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, a crate cover can help to protect your dog from the elements. By covering the crate, you create a barrier between your dog and the outside world. This will help to keep your dog safe and comfortable inside the crate.
5. Helps to reduce the amount of noise:
If you have a dog that is easily startled by loud noises, a crate cover can help to reduce the amount of noise that they are exposed to. By covering the crate, you create a barrier between your dog and the outside noise. This will help to keep your dog calm and relaxed inside the crate.
How to properly cover your dog’s crate:
Use thin material with plenty of airflow:
When you are covering your dog’s crate, use a thin material that will allow plenty of airflow. This will help to keep your dog cool and comfortable inside the crate. The cover should dull the outside stimuli but not block it entirely.
Make sure the cover is not too tight:
When you are covering your dog’s crate, make sure that the cover is not too tight. The cover should be snug but not too tight. If the cover is too tight, it will trap the heat and make the situation worse.
Make sure the cover is not too loose:
When you are covering your dog’s crate, make sure that the cover is not too loose. The cover should be snug but not too loose. If the cover is too loose, your dog will be able to see and hear things that are going on outside. This will make the situation worse.
How do I know when my dog is ready for crate training and crate covering:
Crate training is a process that takes time and patience. It is important to start with short periods of time in the crate and gradually increase the amount of time as your dog becomes more comfortable. If you try to crate-train your dog before they are ready, it will only make the situation worse.
Here are some signs that your dog is ready for crate training:
1.They are comfortable being in their crate:
If your dog is comfortable being in their crate, they are ready for crate training. This means that they are not trying to escape the crate and they are not showing signs of stress or anxiety.
2.They are eating and drinking inside the crate:
If your dog is eating and drinking inside the crate, they are ready for crate training. This means that they are comfortable being in the crate and they are not showing signs of stress or anxiety.
3.They are sleeping inside the crate:
If your dog is sleeping inside the crate, they are ready for crate training. This means that they are comfortable being in the crate and they are not showing signs of stress or anxiety.
4.They are not whining or barking:
If your dog is not whining or barking, they are ready for crate training. This means that they are comfortable being in the crate and they are not showing signs of stress or anxiety.
5.They are not trying to escape:
If your dog is not trying to escape, they are ready for crate training. This means that they are comfortable being in the crate and they are not showing signs of stress or anxiety.
Dog Crate Cover DIY:
If you want to cover your dog’s crate but you don’t want to spend the money on a commercial cover, you can easily make your own. Here is a simple DIY dog crate cover tutorial:
- 1. Cut a piece of fabric that is slightly larger than the opening of the crate. If the crate size is 24×36 inches, the fabric should be 26×38 inches.
- 2. Hem the edges of the fabric to prevent fraying. Make sure the fabric you choose is made from thin material so it has plenty of airflow.
- 3. Attach velcro strips to the corners of the fabric. Make sure the velcro is not too tight so it doesn’t trap heat inside the crate.
- 4. Place the fabric over the opening of the crate and secure it with the velcro strips. If you want, you can add a second layer of fabric for extra insulation.
- 5. Make sure the crate is not too close to any heat source so your dog doesn’t get too hot.
Dog Crate Cover Tips:
- 1. If you live in a hot climate, make sure the cover is made from a thin material that has plenty of airflow.
- 2. If you live in a cold climate, make sure the cover is made from a thick material that will keep your dog warm.
- 3. If you have a small dog, make sure the cover is not too loose or they may be able to escape.
- 4. If you have a large dog, make sure the cover is not too tight or they may get too hot.
- 5. Always make sure the crate is not too close to any heat source.
- 6. If you are using a commercial cover, make sure it fits snugly but is not too tight.
- 7. If you are making your own cover, make sure the fabric is hemmed to prevent fraying and attach velcro strips to the corners.
- 8. If you are using a cover for insulation, make sure there is plenty of airflow so your dog doesn’t get too hot.
- 9. If you are using a cover to keep your dog calm, make sure it is not too loose or they may be able to see what is going on outside and get excited.
- 10. Always make sure the crate is not too close to any heat source.
What this means for new dog owners:
If you are a new dog owner, you may be wondering if you should cover your dog’s crate or not. The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the climate you live in, the size of your dog, and the reason you are using the crate.
If you live in a hot climate, it is important to make sure the crate is covered with a thin material that has plenty of airflow. If you live in a cold climate, it is important to make sure the crate is covered with a thick material that will keep your dog warm. If you have a small dog, make sure the cover is not too loose or they may be able to escape.
If you have a large dog, make sure the cover is not too tight or they may get too hot. Always make sure the crate is not too close to any heat source.
If you are using a commercial cover, make sure it fits snugly but is not too tight.
FAQs
Are dog crate covers safe?
ilst dog crate covers are safe, you need to take some precautions. If you live in a hot climate, make sure the cover is made from a thin material that has plenty of airflow. If you live in a cold climate, make sure the cover is made from a thick material that will keep your dog warm. Always make sure the crate is not too close to any heat source.
Should I cover my dog’s crate at night?
If you are using the crate to train your dog, it is important to cover the crate at night so they do not associate the crate with sleep. If you are using the crate for another purpose, such as keeping your dog calm, it is upilst dog crate covers are safe, you need to take some precautions. If you live in a hot climate, make sure the cover is made from a thin material that has plenty of airflow. If you live in a cold climate, make sure the cover is made from a thick material that will keep your dog warm.
What are the best dog crate covers?
Dog crate covers come in a variety of styles, but the best ones provide both privacy and ventilation for your pooch. Look for models with features like mesh panels or retractable blinds that let you create more or less privacy as your dog needs it. The best dog crate covers will help your dog feel cozy and safe without being too hot or stuffy. Dog crate covers in canvas, cotton or other washable materials are also easier to clean.
Go for brands that offer a good variety of sizes to ensure you can find a cover that fits your dog’s crate perfectly. And make sure the cover you choose is easy to put on and take off, so you can quickly give your dog the privacy or ventilation he needs.
Are dog crate covers breathable?
Some dog crate covers are breathable, but not all of them. In fact, they all restrict airflow to some degree or another, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your pet. If possible, avoid covering the crate completely and seek out those with mesh openings for added ventilation. Covers made from lightweight cotton material can also help improve airflow.
Hi there! I am Anthony, the founder of the Best Dog Bed Reviews site. I have been a certified dog breeder for 15 years and currently own 12 dog breeds on my farm in Atlanta, Georgia. I am also a co-founder of the Dog Breed Info group, which is one of the biggest online communities for dog enthusiasts. I have been writing about dogs and other pets for more than 10 years and have been recognized as one of the leading experts in dog sleep and dog beds. You can find some of my articles on other websites such as The Farm Store and Petplus HQ.