Are Dog Beds Important To You?Why are dog beds so important to our canine friends? By their very nature a dog looks for a comfortable, quite and secure place to call his own. A pet bed provides that place of his own where your dog can go to rest and relax. The excitement of family life can sometimes become a little too much even for a tolerant pet. A comfy pet bed is the perfect place for your canine friend to retreat for some peace and quite or a little downtime. And beds designed to cushion the sore muscles of an active dog or the arthritic joints of a senior dog will be greatly appreciated by your pet.
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Some dogs sleep all curled up nose-to-tail. And others can be found sleeping in positions that show some far out and crazy “attitude” when they crash in their beds.
So before you go out and buy a dog bed... observe how your pet likes to sleep. Just because a dog bed looks beautiful and matches your décor doesn’t mean your pet will use it.
Our family pets need to count on us to provide a comfortable and supportive dog bed that fulfills their need for deep, restful sleep. And just like us, different dogs try different strategies to get comfortable. So remember... the best type of dog bed will suit your dog’s preferred sleeping patterns.
What crazy comfort strategy
does your dog use?
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Does your dog like a headrest or pillow?
Do you often find your dog using a stuffed toy or maybe one of your shoes as a headrest? If so, you may want to consider a lounger, nest or couch style dog bed.
If your puppy is still growing you may want to buy a smaller size interim dog bed. This is especially true if your puppy is teething or is still learning the difference between acceptable chew toys and other household items.
Some dogs may never grow out of chewing on their dog beds... so buying an economy bed until you’re certain may be a good option.
If your puppy proves to be a dog that chews and shreds beds... you’ll want to check out the chew resistant Kuranda dog beds. If chewing isn’t a problem you may want to buy a larger, good quality dog bed that your puppy will grow into.
Crate bedding comes in a variety of sizes to fit different size dog crates. When deciding on a crate dog bed... always verify the internal dimensions of your dog's crate to ensure a proper fit without buckling the bed in the center.
The advantage of the right crate bed over a mat or a pad is that it has a nice plush bumper that goes all the way around the bed. This bumper provides cushioning from the crate frame.
If you decide on a crate bed... look for a one-piece design with a quilted bottom for durability. This type of design is very convenient and should be able to be cleaned in the washer and dryer.
If you have a long haired dog, or a double coated dog that sheds a lot you may want to consider a smooth fabric instead of a dog bed made from rougher surfaces like say... synthetic lambs wool.
Fallen hair is much easier to remove from a smooth fabric. If a smooth fabric isn't an option for the entire bed or cushion, at the very least the cover should be able to go in the washer and dryer. A dog bed that is able to go in the washer and dryer easily usually gets cleaned more often.
Depending on the needs of your pet there are good low maintenance beds available. One example is the Big Shrimpy dog bed.
Does your dog’s bed get really smelly and dirty?
If so, you’ll definitely want to look for a bed that is easy to clean. Try a dog bed that can be wiped off like the Canine Cooler.
Or a bed that can be thrown in the washing machine and dryer like the Big Shrimpy dog bed. If you choose a bed that can’t be washed as a whole you’ll want to make sure that at least the cover can be removed and washed.
Seborrhea is a very common skin disorder in dogs. It results in a combination of excessive grease, dry skin production and a strong doggy odor.
This skin disorder can leave your dog’s bed smelling very bad. So make sure that you choose a dog bed that is easily cleaned and wash it often.
Is your dog sensitive to heat?
A cooling dog bed is designed to remove excess heat from your dog’s body. If you have a dog that is always hot and panting you may want to try a Canine Cooler.
Canine Cooler beds are great orthopedic beds that are also good for dogs with hip or joint problems, incontinence, older dogs, and for post-surgery. They provide comfort with very low maintenance – easily wipes clean.
Is your dog sensitive to cold?
Older dogs are sometimes more sensitive to the cold due to arthritic joints. A heated dog bed can provide much needed relief to dogs who suffer with arthritis.
If your pet suffers from arthritis or sleeps in a damp or chilly area like a gargage or basement a heated bed could make your pet much more comfortable.
Older dogs often suffer from arthritis or hip problems and will benefit from orthopedic pet beds that provides extra padding. Many orthopedic dog beds are designed with high-density foams that will cushion sore, aching joints.
If you're looking for a great orthopedic mat bed then check out all of the features of the Palace pet bed. You may want to consider a heated dog bed in the winter or a Canine Cooler dog bed for the summer. If incontinence is a problem look for a bed that not only cushions but also is liquid resistant and easily cleaned.
Does your dog like to destroy his bed?
Some dogs will “kill” any bedding or stuffed toys that they are left alone with. This natural “killing” tendency is very difficult to stop. If your dog loves to shake and shred stuffed toys, chances are that a nice soft pillow type bed will not survive very long.
A good choice for a dog that chews and shreds stuff is the chew resistant Kuranda dog bed. These beds are extremely tough, will keep your dog off of hard, cold surfaces, and are great for indoor or outdoor use.
Are fleas a problem for your dog?
Cedar is a natural flea repellent. So if fleas are a problem you may want to consider a dog bed with a cedar chip filling.
Since cedar chips will lose their effectiveness over time... look for one with a refillable cushion.
Cedar can sometimes cause an allergic reaction in people. If your not sure... you may want to test your family members before investing in a cedar dog bed.
Does your dog like to sleep close
to a wall or tucked away in a corner?
Some dogs really enjoy dog beds that provides a sense of security. If your dog is security minded... the raised sides of a nest bed may be just what your dog needs to feel safe and secure.
Or your dog may enjoy the safe out of the way feeling provided by a cozy corner bed.
Dog beds that surround your dog... like nest beds and loungers... will also help protect your dog from bone-chilling drafts along the floor.
Does your dog like to snuggle and burrow?
Many small dogs exhibit burrowing instincts and love to curl up under a cover. If you have a burrower... put a cozy machine washable pet blanket in your dog's bed.
You may also want to check out a Snooze Sack. These dog beds are made specifically for dog's that love to bury themselves in their beds.
How do I choose the right size bed for my dog?
If your dog sleeps curled up... measure the diameter of your dog while curled up. If your dog is a “sprawler”... measure the length of your dog as he is sleeping sprawled out.
If the bed you’re considering has sides... make sure you use the manufacturer’s inside dimensions to select an appropriate size. For example, a round nest bed with sides may have an outside measurement of 18”... with an inside measurement of 12”. Be sure to choose the size that best fits your dog.
Best Beds For Our "Wild & Crazy" Dogs
Does your dog sleep in some "Wild & Crazy" positions? Sometimes you just have to laugh out loud when you see what your pup thinks of as comfortable. Moments like that warm the heart of every true dog lover.
Don't you wish you could share those special moments with people who really appreciate that sort of thing?
Why not share those priceless "Kodak Moments" with Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com's community of dog enthusiasts.
Send us your story and photos of your dog's nap time antics and we'll create your own personal story page on our website for you to share and show to your family, friends and our whole dog community.
Do YOU Have A Dog Bed Story?
Show Us YOUR Dog's Craziest Bed Time Antics!
Just fill out the easy form (and Free, of course) to start the ball rolling so we can all share YOUR story.
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