How to choose a dog bed that makes your dog happy and comfortable
Dogs love people by nature. It is normal behavior that your dog has taken over your couch, your favorite lounge chair, or even your bed. While some pet parents enjoy cuddling up with their dog on the furniture, it is also important to give dogs a place of their own: a dog bed.
Mouse over the stack of thick dog bed mattresses to see how cozy it fits into your dog's comfy crate.
In fact, it's a good idea to give your dog several spots in the house that are just for your dog. Put 2 or 3 dog beds around the house. In addition to adding a stylish element to your home decor, a dog bed provides a multitude of benefits for your dog (and you). Surprisingly, it may not be so easy to find the right size, style and fabric for your dog, because in today's marketplace, you have so many choices. On the other hand, with all the choices comes a perfect for you, your home and your dog. Here are some examples, including the thick dog mattress shown left.
Things to consider before buying your dog a bed:
* What size is your dog now?
* What size is your dog going to be?
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Does your dog have special health considerations?
* Do you need more than one type of bed?
* Is your dog a burrower or a sprawler?
* Is your dog tend to be destructive?
Once you've evaluted your dog's type and needs, consider the dog bed choices. The more you know about the choices that are available, the easier it is to choose the best bed for your dog. Remember that support and comfort are important factors.
When shopping for a bed for your dog, keep in mind that the bed is more than a place to sleep at night. Get your dog a bed to use as a resting place in several areas of the home, such as a bed in the family room, a bed upstairs and a bed to use in the kitchen - in addition to the bedding for the crate or kennel where the dog sleeps at night.
Buying a bed that your dog likes and that is suitable for the different spots in your home can be a challenge. So, what do you look for when purchasing a bed?
Here are some tips:
Dog bed designs
You can find comfy beds to put around the house even if you have a dog with health problems. Your dog needs belongings to feel safe and comfortable.
Wolfie loves Bailey's bed, too
Our Bailey bed is a 3-door, 48 inch crate with a divider we used to create a space inside the crate for the 12 lb puppy. We moved the divider back as he grew.
His bed is nice and comfy with a three-piece bedding set in a khaki color that includes the mattress, bumpers and covering.
The bumpers control the dog hair so there's no collection of dog hair on the carpet where the crate rests, which used to happen before the bedding arrived.
Dogs need care and consideration just like people. We did not use the old kennel from our dog that passed. We wanted Bailey to have his own belongings, and we didn't want his "cave" to have another dog's scent. Bailey deserves his own bed. That's just how we feel about our dogs.
Evaluate the size, age and health of your dog and think about the type of bed in which your dog will be most comfortable. If your dog likes to sleep curled up, or in a position where their paws are tightly tucked under their body, a bolstered type bed is the best.
This popular type of bed has 'bumpers' surrounding it giving your dog a sense of security. It also resembles a 'nest' or 'cave' that dogs create as they turn around and around before curling into a ball to sleep.
Cratewear sets with a crate mattress, bumper pads and a 4-sided covering create that 'cave' feeling for your dog, which we believe is a must for big dogs. But small and medium dogs crave the 'cave' like feeling, as well.
Dog beds with cushioned sides or bolsters are perfect for small dogs or those that like to burrow into a sleeping position as they can snuggle in and keep warm. This style of dog bed comes in several colors.
If you have an older pet, or an arthritic dog... a low to the floor, orthopedic or heated dog bed may be easier on their aching joints. There are so many choices that you can even find a "cool" dog bed and several options for a dog with allergies.
Size: Choose a bed that is the right size for your dog. The dog should be able to lie flat, completely stretched out on their side, without hanging off of the bed. If they like to stretch out, a good choice is a traditional square or rectangular pillow type dog bed.
Style: Usually, larger dogs prefer to sleep in a stretched out position. Pillow dog beds are a good choice for a cushy feel and maximum lounging. If you find yourself in between sizes based on the measurements, always go for the larger dog bed.
Type: Look for washable pet beds, especially if your dog has allergies. Clean bedding reduces allergens for you and your pet and prevents the possibility of a flea infestation. A washable cover is almost a necessity since it will surely get dirty over time. After you have identified the right style and size, you are ready to select the fabric.
Fabric: If your pet is an aggressive chewer or scratcher, look for a bed that can resist their behavior. For tough chewers or diggers, the outer covering of a pet bed should be made of a high quality fabric, such as canvas or Microsuede that can withstand pawing and digging. With so many designer fabrics, you no longer have to hide an unsightly bed. Dog beds today easily blend in with your home decor.
Dog beds are chairs
Our dogs follow us around and plop down whereever we stay for any length of time. So we have dog 'chairs' for them.
What I mean is that we invested in some less elaborate dog beds and placed one in each room where we spend a lot of time. It's amazing how Bailey just goes to his 'chair.' We don't tell him to. He just seems to prefer his own belongings. He sure knows what's his, and he's only a year old.
Our dog supply store offers an assortment of high quality dog beds in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. You can find the perfect bed for your dog for every room in your home. But if you have a big dog like our Bailey, you can now get a Bailey Boy kit.
