Picking the right dog bed is vital to the wellbeing of your pet. A dog can spend more than 10 hours a day sleeping and as a cherished member, your canine friend deserves the best sleeping conditions. Even if you share the bed with your pet at night, it still requires a special place to relax or have uninterrupted naps.
Before you go out to buy a dog bed, it is important to consider the age, health, breed, size, sleeping habits and activity level of your dog. Also, consider how the bed will look in your house. Will the color match your decor? Is the dog bed easy to clean? Does it fit the size of your pet and room? With numerous options when it comes to these products, you can be certain that there is a dog bed that checks all your boxes from design, quality, comfort, easy to clean, affordable, etc. For value satisfaction and durability, it is advisable to pick the highest quality that your budget accommodates, instead of picking a cheap one that will need replacing in no time. Take a look at the best online store for pets and find the perfect bed for your dog.
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Here are some important tips for picking a dog bed:
The Shape
This is one of the most important aspects when it comes to choosing a dog bed. Your canine friend can help you with this. Observe him or her during sleep. Do they usually burrow in, lean back, sprawl out or curl up? Most dogs fall under one of these sleep personality categories:
Curlers- these dogs like to be securely surrounded by the bed’s contours and are happiest with an oval or round bed that is cozy.
Sprawlers- these spread out in every direction and like a roomy pad. They also like the freedom plus simplicity of a pillow bed that’s rectangular in shape.
Burrowers- these like to go undercover and make a cave style or cozy nest.
Leaners- these like to enjoy the security and support of a dog couch or bolster-style bed.
The Design
Since the dog bed will be a visible part of your decor, then it might as well match your sense of style. You will come across a huge selection of luxe, shaggy faux fur, sumptuous chenille, upholstery-grade microvelvet, rugged canvas just to mention a few. There are many designer patterns and colors to pick from, enabling you to enhance any room.
Easy to Launder
Your dog bed will ultimately become dirty, smelly and wet. As such, it is important to pick a bed that is machine washable or at least has a removable cover that is easy to clean. If your pet especially likes to wander around, you may want to pick the renowned Furfighter type as it is made of fabric that repels dirt, moisture and hair. You can also go for the popular Crypton fabric covered bed as it is virtually impermeable to odors, stains, drool and even muddy paws.
The Support
Young and healthy dogs will sleep soundly on a bed with high-quality and resilient polyfill, polyfiberfill or foam. However, most breeds need the extra support offered by an orthopedic dog bed.
Dogs that are arthritic or aging, recovering from an injury or have hip dysplasia will benefit the most from an orthopedic bed. Such beds, especially those made from high-density foam are excellent for soothing pains and aches, alleviate stress on hips, pressure points and joints and also give superior support. For therapeutic relief and utmost comfort, shop for a dog bed with genuine, NASA certified orthopedic foam.
The Size
Before you click that purchase button on an online store or decide to go to a local store to buy one, ensure you measure your pet from nose to base of the tail while in the sleeping position. You can then add 8 to 12 inches to determine the bed diameter or length.
If uncertain, a good rule of thumb is to round up in size. Also, double check to ascertain that the dog bed will fit in the space you have allocated in your house.
Special Dog Beds for Special Pets
Does your canine friend suffer from hip dysplasia, arthritis or has mobility issues? Well, there are numerous low-profile beds like nappers, pads, mats and pillows that are easily accessible to the aching or aging dog.
Cozy heated pads or beds alleviate pain and aches. The warmth is especially beneficial to less active or old dogs an even those that are recovering from surgery on illness.
Cooling beds, on the other hand, keep the pets from overheating during hot days, while the elevated platform type insulates the canine friends from cold, hard floors.
If you are on the hunt for an eco-friendly dog bed that is also dog-friendly, then search for a ‘green’ product that boasts recycled high-loft polyfill.
If your pet is old, prone to accidents or incontinent, then search for a bed that is easy to clean and features a waterproof liner.
If you like to travel with your dog, then portable travel dog beds that offer familiar comfort and convenience while on the road should be at the top of your list.
For outdoor use, you will want a weatherproof product. Cots and futons allow your pet to camp out in the comfort of your patio or deck, relax under a tree or by the pool and most of them are quite appealing. The best part is that you can use them indoors as seasons change.
