Crate Vs Pen for recovery after TPLO surgery

In this month's Post we will discuss your dog's recovery in a Pen vs a Crate.

  We have used crates for dogs as the standard way to keep our pets safe. They are the dog's den / safe space. Crates have been proven to be beneficial to a dog's safety and containment. We at the Healing Pen store own two German Shepherds and use crates on a daily basis. 

Some Benefits of the Crate:

1. Stong wire or hard plastic or metal are what crates are made of.

2. They are designed to be compact in size allowing small amounts of movement.

3. They have a door on the front with a raised lip to secure your dog inside. Some crates have two doors for easy access.

4. For the most part crates are built to be escape proof. Your dog will be right where you left them safe and sound.

Pens are much different. A pen is used when you need to allow your dog more room to move around. Bars on the pens vary. We believe that Pens with vertical bars discourages jumping up. A pen is more therapeutic than a crate. Pens are not designed to be as secure as a crate. They are very effective to aid in your pet's recovery after surgery.

Some benefits of the Pen

1. The pen we sell is made out of furniture grade PVC Pipe. It's durable and should last a lifetime. It may be used inside your home or outside as needed.

2. The pen allows more room for your dog to heal while maintaining the directions of the surgeon for your pet to rest.

3. The door of the pen is flush to the floor. No step up or over with entry and exit. No trip point.

4. Pens are less restrictive than a crate, designed properly a pen will cause less anxiety and depression in your dog for long term confinements after surgery.

5. Pen do not have a roof as a crate does. It allows you to walk inside care for your pets' needs without any issues. It allows you to help your dog in and out with a wide walk-through door.

6. Too much restriction of space after surgery will cause muscle loss due to lack of use. The pen helps deter muscle loss.

     As you can see Crates and Pens are very different and are used in different ways. Ask yourself this question?

If I was a dog recovering from surgery and had a long recovery, would I rather spend my recovery in a pen or a cage?

We believe the answer is clear. Should you have any questions you may reach us at the contact page of the store. 

Thank you 

Ted Smallwood CEO

The Healing Pen Store