Every dog should have their own dog bed. The varieties of dog beds available are as varied as the number of breeds of dogs. Across the various types of dog beds there are some common factors to consider.
1. Where will you be putting the dog bed? What areas are your dog’s favorite places to snooze. You might want to buy a bed that matches the d?cor in those areas. You don’t want to have to hide the dog bed every time you have guests. This would also be confusing to the dog. If your dog sleeps in a number of different places you might want a more than one dog bed.
2. Bed Covering: Make sure that the bed cover is removable. Most beds have a removable cover. Although fainting couch dog beds and other human like dog beds might not. Make sure the cover is durable and, above all else, machine washable. In the unfortunate event of dog fleas, you will need to wash the cover in hot water more than once. A removable cover makes this easy but even a dog bed without a removable cover can be steam cleaned. Choose a fabric that can stand up to sharp toenails and the occasional scratching. Dogs naturally paw at the ground where they want to lie and this will cause some wear and tear of the dog bed. Make sure that the seams of the cover are double-stitched and the cover has a good quality and heavy duty zipper. A stain-resistant fabric for the bed cover is another handy feature.
3. Dog beds come in a number of different shapes. There are nest beds, foam mattress beds and human-type furniture dog beds. Nest beds also good for colder climates since your dog can snuggle down inside the bed. A conventional and longer dog mattress might be the right choice if your dog stretches out when he sleeps. Dogs that sleep both ways (and generally speaking most do) might do best with a human-type furniture dog beds like a fainting couch dog bed. These beds are also conversation pieces although older dogs with mobility problems may have difficulty climbing up onto a furniture type bed.
4. Bed filling or stuffing: The basic dog bed filler choices are either solid foam or chunks of foam. Inexpensive dog beds often use a cheaper quality foam that can flatten out within several months. You will need to replace cheaper beds more often. It might be worthwhile to pay a little more for a better quality bed that will last several years. However, if you like to change things up go ahead and buy a cheap dog bed knowing that you will need to replace it. If you buy a bed with “high-loft foam pieces” then those won’t flatten out and harden over time. Another nice feature is “baffled chambers” that will keep the stuffing evenly distributed. A bed that is “baffled” into quarters will keep the stuffing from being pushed to outside edges as your dog snuggles in. Good quality solid foam mattresses can handle heavier dogs. If your dog is older or has hip problems, you may want to speak to your vet about the possibility of an orthopedic foam dog bed.
5. What size bed will your dog need? Make sure you buy the right size. A bed that is a little too big is better than a bed that is a little too small. In the event, the bed is too small the dog will simply not use it. In order to determine the proper size you should measure your dog while he or she is sleeping. Consider all of his favorite positions. Keep these numbers in mind and add 2 or 3 extra inches when choosing the right length and width of dog bed.
Armed with the above information you are now ready to buy a new bed for your dog. If chosen wisely you dog will love his new dog bed for years to come.
Tags: animals, dog beds, dogs, Home, pet accessories, pet beds, pets