Kennel Smell

[Ginny]

I have just purchased a plastic kennel for my puppy. I think it could be kept clean easily but it has a very strong smell and my puppy dosen't really like it. I was wondering if the strong plastic smell could effect the health of the puppy if spending a lot of time in kennel. I have tried to neutralize smell but it is still very strong. What do you think?

[LetsPlay]

Hi there,
a dogs sense of smell is so much stronger than that of a human being, so if you feel that it smells strong than you puppy will find it unbearable.
I'm not sure whether it would cause any health problems, but it wouldn't be a safe and happy place for the pup.
Could you return it and exchange it for a different one?

[kjd]

Have you ever been around a strong smell that made you sick? If the plastic smells that strongly, it is sending off molecules of something -- I'd worry about it. You might leave the crate outside for a week or so, but you need something now. Unless you are really strapped for cash, I'd get a new kennel even if they don't take back the plastic one. You might try a metal crate with a crate cover to give your pup privacy. They come with a tray to make cleaning easier -- or you could use an easily-cleaned mat.