How to Manage a Dog on Crate Rest

If your pooch has been put on crate rest, you’re probably worrying about how to keep them calm and happy. The reality is that most pet parents don’t crate train their puppies – and even if you do, a few hours in a crate is different to a few days, weeks or months.

But when it comes to making sure your dog makes a good recovery from illness or injury, sometimes crate rest can’t be avoided. There are things you can do to manage the situation and make it easier. For you AND the dog, we mean.

Why would a dog be on crate rest?

Your dog might not be too excited about the idea of an extended rest period but sometimes it’s necessary for their health. For example, after certain procedures or injuries requiring prolonged rest to avoid reinjury or further complications.

The problem comes in when the rest period extends past the point where your dog feels better and just wants to get back to regular life.

Here are a few common instances of when crate rest is prescribed:

Illness is another instance in which rest is needed, but crate rest often isn’t necessary in these cases. Your dog will feel sick enough to not want to be racing around playing frisbee or chasing birds.

Crate rest: What to do and what not to do

If your dog has been put on strict crate rest, you might need to implement some emergency strategies. Here’s what to do and what not to do to make sure you both make it through this (trying) time unscathed.

What to do

Firstly, here’s the stuff you definitely should do when a vet prescribes crate rest for your precious pup.

1. Plan in advance

It isn’t always possible to plan in advance for crate rest. But if you have a night or two to prepare, you’ll want to make everything as easy on yourself as possible. Assemble the crate beforehand and make sure it’s comfy for your dog with plenty of blankets or a dog bed inside, plus there’s a way to cover the crate to block out lights if needed.

Check whether you’ll need to carry your dog outside (e.g. to go to the toilet) and make sure there’s an easy place to access a door. Think about any stairs or obstacles you might need to clear, and decide where in the home your pup will be happiest. You might need to move the crate or have two so your pet can be close to you in the day and at night.

2. Have your vet visit at home

If your dog needs plenty of follow ups and supervision, it might be best to ask your vet whether a home visit is possible. If so, it negates the need for you to get them into the car, out to the vet and accompanying you in dealing with all of the associated stuff.

3. Keep your dog stimulated

Of course, you can’t do the usual things like going for a walk. And you can’t even be smart and use one of the ways we suggest you exercise your dog without walking. But you can still stimulate your dog’s senses in a safe way.

For instance, feed them their meals in a treat dispensing toy so they have to spend longer eating and working it out. A frozen Kong or a long-lasting chew is also a good way to keep them occupied for long periods of time.

You should make sure you spend time paying your dog attention too. Talk to them, pet them through the crate, and so on. You can also put on the radio or TV – anything to keep their minds busy, even if their bodies can’t join in the fun. Perhaps you could even find some dog movies they’ll like.

What not to do

Now, on to the things you want to avoid when your dog is on crate rest.

1. Don’t have visitors

Rest time for your dog, certainly in the initial period, means a bit of a pause on your social life. Remember, your dog is probably frustrated and anxious. When you have guests over they generally want to either greet everyone and be involved. Or, they’ll want to make sure the “home invaders” are safe for their human family.

Either way, what they don’t want to do is stick to their crate rest directives. So it’s best to keep the home environment calm and quiet, without lots of people coming and going.

If you can make sure someone is home with your dog during most of the day, even better. That way, you lessen the chances of having to deal with pet separation anxiety on top of crate rest stress.

2. Don’t get a plastic crate

If your dog’s going to be on crate rest for an extended period, metal wire is usually the best option. They tend to be easily collapsible, are sturdy enough to stand up to determined pets trying to escape, and allow your dog to see out. And you to see in, obviously.

There are tons of pet carriers on the market – but what you need for a quick trip to the vet is a bit different to what you need for 6 weeks of rest.

A plastic crate can make dogs feel too isolated as they can’t see in and out. Plus, their ventilation isn’t as the wire ones.

This is how to set up most wire crates:

3. Don’t change routines

Admittedly, your dog’s usual routine will change somewhat. They won’t be going for their morning walk or accompanying you anytime you make a cup of coffee. However, you should try to keep their schedules as regular as possible.

Feed them at the same time, go to bed at the same time, and generally give your dog some sense of structure. It won’t totally alleviate the stress of crate rest, but it will help provide normality.

Final note on crate rest: Insurance for a soft landing

Dog insurance might not cover the cost of the actual crate when it’s time to rest. Having said that, it does mean you don’t need to bankrupt yourself for vet tests and treatment, surgery or hospitalisation. If the idea of a big vet bill sends you into cold sweats, perhaps it’s time to invest in quality, affordable protection for your furkid?