Purchasing the Right Dog Bed

Where does your dog like to sleep? On your bed or furniture, or does he have his own bed? Is your dog a new puppy or an adult dog? When choosing a dog bed, there are several factors to consider.

When you get a new puppy, of course the size of bed you need will be small. But as he grows, obviously he will need a larger bed. While young, he will need a very durable bed because puppies are known to chew a lot. You could, however, decide to select a larger bed that he could grow into so you don’t have to buy too many dog beds.

As you begin the process of trying to decide just what kind of bed would be best, here are a couple of suggestions to aide you in your decision.

As your dog sleeps, does he like to stretch out all fours? In selecting a bed for this type of dog who likes to have space, a rectangular shaped or round bed would be the best for him. Measure him as he sleeps and get a bed that is just a little bigger than he is to give him enough room to be comfortable. He won’t want any of his legs or paws extending beyond the bed because it will be uncomfortable for him.

Maybe your dog likes to curl up. This is quite common in the smaller breeds. It helps them keep warm. If this is how your dog sleeps then a round or donut shaped bed would create for him just the right space.

Some dogs like to prop themselves against something, so any bed that has a bolster around it should be your goal. Bolster beds can be designed in round beds and rectangular beds.

If your dog likes to walk in circles to create a ‘nest’ like area, then a pillow soft bed might be just the perfect choice. As he curls up, he will be able to snuggle down inside the pillow.

After evaluating how your dog sleeps, the next thing to consider is the health of your dog. His health will give you an idea if he would be more comfortable on an orthopedic memory foam bed because it would give him more support, or he just might be young and his doesn’t need this extra support. An orthopedic bed is excellent for the larger breeds or an older dog that is suffering from arthritis because it gives maximum support.

Maybe your dog has allergies so an eco-friendly filling may help him. Cedar fillings also help to reduce flea infestation.

A platform bed raises your dog off of the floor and is especially great for his outdoor bed. It keeps the bugs away. In warm weather, this bed also allows air to flow under the bed to keep him cooler. A platform bed also gives extra support to any dog that may need it. You can also put a pillow type bed on top of the platform for extra comfort.

When a dog loves to sleep on the furniture, getting a throw to cover up your furniture maybe what you are looking for. Throws can also be heated so he can be very comfortable when the temperatures drop. Of course, a throw doesn’t always need to be heated if the weather or room is warm. In either case, a throw would cover up your furniture and keep it dog hair free.

Next, consider where you want him to have his comfortable bed: indoors, outdoors, in his shelter like his dog house or crate, or while traveling with you in the car. You may need to purchase a couple of beds so you have one in a couple of different places.

If you are providing a place for him indoors, is it important to you to have the dog bed go with your décor or color scheme? There are a variety of styles of dog beds, and many color and fabric choices from which to choose. You may want a bed that is under a table, or next to your chair. Take the placement of the bed into consideration so you can get the right size for your space and for your dog.

Fabrics are important for you to consider. If your dog sheds a lot, an easy care fabric is a microfiber. Try to find a fabric that will last, one that will resist some scratching and/or chewing. Remember, however, there is no perfect fabric and that continuous scratching or chewing can destroy a cover. Some fabrics can be machine washed, and some can be hosed down. If the cover is machine washable, it should be washed once a week to keep it free from dirt and irritants. If you are able to buy replacement covers when you purchase the dog bed, it would be advisable to purchase it because you can have one to clean and one for use. If your dog has the unfortunate problem of incontinence, then you will need to change and clean the cover more frequently. A moisture resistant covering between the bed and the outer cover will be necessary to keep the dog bed itself clean.

As you can see, there are many things to take into consideration with making a decision to buy your dog his own bed. You may need to buy one large enough for more than one pet if you have pets that like to sleep together.

Please remember these issues when selecting your dog a bed.

*A good quality will last longer than an inexpensive bed. 
*Consider how your dog sleeps; stretched out or curled up. 
*Does he like a pillow or bolster? 
*Will you need an orthopedic memory form mattresses or a polyester filling? 
*Buy one that will eliminate allergies. 
*Should it be heated or unheated? 
*Will the bed be used indoors on the floor? 
*A throw may meet your needs to cover the furniture. 
*Select one that will be comfortable for his crate or dog house. 
*Decide if you want it to blend with your décor or color scheme. 
*Fabric of choice will depend on the dog and where the bed will be placed. 
*A durable fabric that can be machine washed or hosed down, and will resist scratching and chewing.

The better the quality of dog bed, the longer it will last. The proper choice will provide the best rest and sleep. He will like his very own space. Find out best dog bed for great dane by clicking on DogBedZone.

Helpful Tip for Choosing the Right Dog Bed

With all the choices available, how do you choose the best bed for your dog? Of course it depends on your dog, but since they can’t tell you if they like firm or soft and they don’t know what a sleep number is. We need to make the choice for them.

To do this we need to look at our dog, does your dog have a short coat and like to cuddle? Or does your dog have a thick double coat and prefer to lay on the cool tile floors? Do you have a big dog like a Great Dane or cute little Yorkie? Another thing you need to think about is your dog’s age.

When we look at dog beds they come in every shape and size. There are familiar brands such as Serta and Simmons Beauty Rest which mimic our own beds. There are Orthopedic Memory Foam cushions and Bolster and Sofa beds that can be both practical and stylish additions to your décor. Keep all these things in mind when searching for your perfect dog bed.

The first step in choosing the right bed is to Measure your Dog from tip of nose to tail with a measuring tape. This is especially important if your dog loves to stretch out and relax, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the right-sized bed. Some dogs prefer to curl up and be cradled in a smaller round bed. Some beds are based on weight, a large heavier dog will require thicker, denser cushion. A heavier dog will flatten out thinner cushions and your dogs bed won’t last as long or be as comfortable.

The next step in choosing the right bed is to Choose the Location for the Dog Bed. Where you want to put the bed will help to determine the shape and color. Do you have a certain corner or area you’d like to put your dog bed? Keep that area in mind when choosing your pets new bed. Do you want the dog bed in your bedroom or do you prefer them to be in the family room?

Our next important step is Determine Which Features Are Most Important. Is your dog older with arthritis? Then a bed with thick padding or memory foam may be your best for your dog. Is your dog a little shy and tries to find secluded areas to sleep then a hooded bed may make your pup happier. Does your dog like to rest its head on things? A bolster or Sofa bed would be the perfect fit for those dog. There are also Cuddle and Self Warming beds for those dogs that tend to be chilled easy such as short-haired dogs or aging pets.

The final step to choosing a dog bed is Fabric and Washing Instructions. While most dog beds are covered with machine-washable fabrics we need to look at the dog versus need to wash. Do you have a young puppy just learning to be house broken or an older dog with some bladder issues? Then you want a dog bed that is easily washed in your home washer and dryer if accidents happen. If you have a well-adjusted dog, then you can choose a bed that isn’t quite so easy to wash. For outside dogs you will want to look for a bed that is weather resistant and UV protected, Like the cot style beds that are popular now.

Back in the old days, dog beds were nothing fancy, consisting of an old blanket or used sofa cushion tossed on the floor inside the home or in the garage, depending upon where your dog lived.

Dogs sleep differently than we do

The usual amount of shut-eye is about 13 hours a day, but it’s important to realize that dogs sleep differently than we do. They nap often. But once they wake, they’re eager to carry out their assigned tasks. These can vary from affection and companionship inside, to fierce defense of what your dog’s territory outside.

Sleep depends upon the amount of activity and exercise a dog gets during his waking hours, adjusted to coincide with his human owners activities. In short, dogs are active when we are. Quality sleep helps maintain your dog’s health. The types of beds dogs sleep on have a lasting affect on health and well-being.

Why do dogs need dog beds?

Dogs are territorial critters and like to have their own, designated areas just for them. One size does not fit all. There are 493 different dog breeds worldwide. Each breed has a different size, shape, weight and wired-in sleep behavior.

If you haven’t done this already, invest some time studying your dog’s behavior as he prepares for sleep. Several breeds display various nesting behaviors. The most common of these is when the dog circles his bed three or four times before finally plopping down.

The type of bed your dog will prefer will depend upon his needs. Some dogs like to curl into a ball with their backs resting against a padded cushion for an extra sense of security. Bigger dogs need to stretch out, so a larger bed would be a must. Some also prefer to be enclosed for an additional sense of comfort and security.

Here what to look for when choosing the best dog bed

Sturdy construction is an absolute

Quality means you’ll get what you pay for. Give every prospective dog bed the “give” test. Grab the bed and jiggle it. “Give” means the joints move or wiggle indicating shoddy assembly. Wooden joints or metal welds must be solid enough to stand up to years of use as your dog repeatedly climbs in and out of his bed several times a day..

Raised beds prevent chills

Dogs suffer cold just as we do. Cold drafts flow along on the surface of floors. Beds raised three to six inches or so provide an insulation affect, so cold won’t seep as it does when beds are laid directly on the cold floor. The opposite is true in hot weather. A raised bed helps the dog sleep cooler, by providing some air circulation that whisks excess heat away.

Durable Fabrics last longer

If your dog chews or claws the cushion before reclining, a strong material that resists this abuse is necessary. Cheap fabrics will soon shred.

Size

Size must suit your pet. It should be large enough for him to comfortably stretch out, yet tight enough to make him feel secure.

If you have a puppy, it’s really important to know what final size and weight he will achieve when fully grown. This is where you need to do some breed research before you shop. When you buy a dog bed for a puppy, look for one that will fit him once he’s full-grown. You can buy a large bed, anticipating growth spurts. But puppies might be overwhelmed in a large bed, feeling lost and insecure. One option might be to buy two beds. One that fits the puppy now and for a couple months of growth, and one for him to fit in comfortably later when he’s an adult. Exposing your puppy to a bed early-on allows for better training, so that the dog knows the bed is his turf and his alone. If you have several puppies, you’ll need a bed for each one.

I recommend choosing the size of your dog bed by considering your dog’s breed, size and weight he’ll achieve once grown.

Small

Weight up to 25 pounds

Breeds: Jack Russell, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Terriers

Medium

Weight up to 45 pounds

Breeds: German Shorthair Pointers, English Setters, Springer’s and Border Collies

Large

Weight up to 70 pounds

Breeds: Labrador, Weimaraner, Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers

Extra-large

Weight up to 100 pounds

Breeds: St Bernard, Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Pyrenees

Shape and Style

Choosing the side and style of the dog bed begins with your observation of your dog’s sleeping habits and behavior. Some dogs curl into a ball, so a bed with high thick sides would be the best choice. Some dogs prefer to sleep on their backs, paws in the air, while others like to hang their heads off the edge. If your dog stretches out, a flat bed or one with lower sides would be the one for him. In any case you need to measure your dog’s width and length before you shop.

Special Needs

Older dogs sometimes develop painful age-onset degenerative joint disease problems and genetic disorders such as hip dysplasia and arthritis. Low stepped beds makes it easy for them to get in and out. A thick cushion and supportive sides are good. There are several memory foam dog beds available for your elderly dog’s comfort. The foam has a “memory” in which means it doesn’t pack down, but rebounds once the dog moves off of it.

Care and Cleaning

Regular cleaning of your dog’s bed can reduce or eliminate that pervasive doggie odor, so choose a fabric that’s easy to clean to make it easy on you. Look for dog beds with machine washable covers, or beds that can be tossed whole into the washer. If your dog sleeps outside, choose beds made with materials that only require light scrubbing with a mild soap and rinsing by spraying the surface with a garden hose.

Colors

Colors don’t matter to dogs since they are color blind. But you’re not. Since dog beds come in a variety of colors and covers, you can change these at a whim, as your home décor style changes, or when you move the dog bed to another room.

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