You may think that your garage is a perfectly acceptable place for your dog while you’re out during the day as it is, with no modifications. In some ways, that’s true. However, it probably isn’t the most comfortable place for him or her, and chances are good that without some work, there are threats to your dog’s safety in your garage. Below, we’ll take a look at how to transform your entire garage into an area where your dog can stay safe, happy and threat-free while you’re gone.
The benefits of the garage
Before we get too far into the discussion, let’s consider a few of the reasons that the garage is actually a good place to keep your dog while you’re gone. We’re talking about the entire garage, too, not just placing a kennel inside the garage and then crating your dog for the duration of the day.
- Space – One of the most important benefits of using your garage is that it provides your dog (or cat, if you’re a cat person), with plenty of room to stretch his or her legs. Of course, if your dog is accustomed and comfortable with a kennel, and sees that as his or her safe place, you can certainly bring the kennel out to the garage and just leave the door open. That way, your dog has a known safe place, but also room to explore.
- Warmth – During the fall, winter and even early spring, the weather can get downright cold. Keeping your dog outside while you’re gone can be not just uncomfortable, but downright dangerous. There’s the chance that your pet will experience frostbite, or if the mercury plummets unexpectedly, death.
- Quiet and Undisturbed – If your dog is one of those that barks at every passing shadow, or the squirrels cavorting in the yard, then being in the garage can help to keep him or her quiet and undisturbed. With a well‑insulated (R‑16) garage door, your dog won’t see most of what’s going on outside, plus you’ll enjoy an acoustic barrier as well as protection against the cold.
Introducing your pet to the garage
If your pet is already an adult, it might be a good idea to introduce the garage to him or her slowly. Let your dog in for a few minutes at a time to sniff and get used to the garage, and then let him or her back out. Do this several times to build familiarity with the garage, or you could find that rather than a safe haven, leaving your dog in the garage only adds stress. Whatever you do, don’t attach a leash to a fixed point in the garage to set boundaries or to prevent scratching. This can be deadly.
Now it’s time to talk about the mess. If your dog is already housebroken, you don’t really need to worry about him or her messing in the garage. Just make sure to walk your dog before you leave and then again when you return. However, if you have a puppy or a dog that is not housebroken, you’ll need to take precautions. Usually, puppy pads or newspaper on the floor will be enough. If you’re leaving a cat in the garage, all you’ll need is a litterbox.
As your pet becomes more and more used to spending time in the garage, you can increase the amount of freedom they have to roam. If you’ve walled off an area with obstructions, slowly move them farther and farther back, allowing your pet more room to explore and get comfortable with the space. Make sure to spend time with your pet in the garage as well – play with him or her and they will come to see the garage not as confinement, but as a safe place where good things happen.
Ensuring warmth
It’s important to understand that you’ll need to have an insulated garage in order to safely keep your pet there. This applies to both summer and winter, as good insulation will help prevent heat loss during the cold months, as well as heat buildup during the summer.
Make sure that you have a way to keep the garage at least 50 degrees F during the wintertime. In the summer, you should just need to open a window to let air circulate, as long as you have good insulation in place. You also need to consider the humidity in the garage. The humidity should stay below 50% throughout the year, particularly during the winter. Measure the humidity in the garage with a hygrometer, and then use a dehumidifier if necessary.
Food and water
Your dog will definitely need water while you’re away, and may need food if you’re going to be gone for some time. It’s also important that you don’t interrupt your pet’s feeding schedule, as this will affect his or her bathroom schedule. Make sure that you have a full water bowl in place in the garage before leaving, and that it’s within easy reach of your pet – you should never, ever leave a dog or cat alone without water. It’s also worth finding a water bowl that can’t be knocked over.
Keep them comfortable
The concrete floor of your garage might be fine for a quick lie down, but it’s not very comfortable for hours of confinement. Make sure that you have something available to keep your pet comfortable while you’re gone. This might be your dog’s kennel with a bed in it, or it could be something as simple as a cushion or pet bed in the garage for them to relax on. You may also want to make sure that you leave something with your scent on it so they’re not lonely. An old T-shirt can be just the ticket.
Safety matters
Finally, make sure that you remove all safety hazards from the garage. This could be anything that your pet might chew while you’re gone, or it could be exposed wires or extension cords being used. Sweep the floor regularly to remove small choking hazards, and cover items like your lawnmower.
Pay attention to insulation
If your garage door isn’t particularly well insulated, it’s important to fix that before leaving your pet in the garage. You can contact us at 724-834-8450 and we can explain your options. You can even get an online free quote if you’d prefer. And, if you’re thinking about a garage makeover, make use of our Design Centre and peruse our our image gallery to learn more about your choices.
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