Cheap dog crates can do more than save you money - they may actually kill or injure your dog. Poorly constructed metal and plastic crates cause over 100 dog deaths every year due to cuts, infections and even strangulation. Before you waste your money and possibly your dog's life on a cheap crate, keep reading.

Not Good Enough for Air Travel

Cheap dog crates typically won't meet airline requirements for dog carriers. A good carrier should be easily opened from the outside, provide ventilation, and have a flat surface in case the animal has an accident while traveling.

More important, a good carrier needs to be made from heavy-duty plastic. Last year, over 5 dogs were hurt after cheap plastic dog crates cracked because of pressure changes. The cracked and chipped plastic either cut or hit the animals. Obviously, their injuries were not noticed or treated until well after the plane landed.

Too Collapsible

Be wary of cheap wire crates that claim they are collapsible. A poorly made or low-quality crate can easily collapse on a dog, trapping them in or under the crate, a potentially dangerous situation for young and vulnerable puppies. Though the risk for sustained injury is minimal for adult dogs, a collapsed crate can cause unnecessary stress.

Poor Ventilation

Plastic or fabric cheap dog crates may not have enough ventilation holes to provide your dog with sufficient oxygen. Lack of air can cause anxiety, claustrophobia, stress and even death. Several dogs in a California kennel suffocated to death after being kept in poorly-ventilated plastic kennels that were too small for the animals.

Aside from asphyxiation, the other danger connected to poor ventilation in fabric or plastic dog cases is over-heating. A dog trapped inside a cheap crate for hours on a hot summer day can become dangerously dehydrated.

Buying a Good Crate

When buying a crate, look for one that's made from good materials, is big enough for your dog, has enough ventilation and is easily opened from the outside. If you purchase a wire crate, be sure to buy a crate mate to fit on the bottom.

Other Crate Safety Rules

Regardless of whether you're buying top-of-the-line or cheap dog crates, there are other safety factors to consider. For example, never put your dog in a crate while it's wearing a collar, as the collar can easily become caught on the wire. Also, always leave water and toys inside the crate and never, ever leave a dog alone or crated for more than 5 consecutive hours.