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Dog beds main page
Selecting the right dog bed
for your best friend?
Dogs are creatures of habit and enjoy sleeping in the same spot, so
it is important that you choose the right bed to fit into your dogs
current habits.
For most people it isn't possible to
take their dog to a large pet supply store and try out several types
of beds. Most dogs will be too distracted or scared by the
surroundings to pay any attentions to the beds. Therefore, this
section is designed to help you make the right choice on your dog's
behalf.
There are several factors you need to consider when selecting a bed
for you dog or dogs:
1. Size- The bed must be big enough and strong enough to
match your dog's breed, but not so big that you waste money on
unused bed space. Carefully measuring your dog will assure the
proper fit.
Measure your dog once standing up; from tip of nose to base of tail
and also from floor to shoulders or head. If you will be buying a
mattress dog bed, add 12 inches. This will give you an approximate
width and length for a flat dog bed. Measure your dog another time
in his favorite sleeping position; perhaps his length when fully
stretched out, or his diameter when curled into a ball. For nest and
ball-type beds measure the length of your dog while he is curled up.
Measure from the top of his head to the point where his tail meets
his hindquarters, and then add 7 to 9 inches.
The right size dog bed will match or be slightly larger than your
measurements. Beds that are too small may not be comfortable for
your dog. You want to allow room for growth, if you dog is still
growing, and you want to allow room for movement regardless of
whether your dog is still growing or if he's already at maximum
size.
2. Climate and local weather- Will you want your dog bed to
provide warmth in the winter or provide air circulation in the
summer? Will you being using this bed outside in a dog house or on a
front porch? What are the seasonal temperature ranges where you
live? You will need to select a dog bed that can stand up to
whatever Mother Nature throws at it.
3. Shape and style- The shape and style of the dog bed should
be determined by the size and sleeping habits of your dog. Pay close
attention to their favorite sleeping positions and locations. Does
your dog enjoy sleeping in a sunny spot in the morning and by the
bed in the evening? You may want a bed that can be easily moved
about the house and fits the decor in several rooms. Buy a bed that
matches the room where your dog spends the most time sleeping,
usually where ever the family spends the most time. Also keep in
mind the height of the beds. Small dog or dogs with arthritis may
have a hard time climbing up onto a platform or furniture type dog
bed.
How to select the basic shape:
Dog bed come in several different shapes; round nests, donut or
cuddler beds, round fluffy balls or pillows, square flat mattresses
and sofa shaped furniture. Again, to select the right shape for your
dog, pay attention to how he sleeps. If your dog curls up when
sleeping, then a nest or ball is the right choice for him. Nests
provide excellent cold-weather insulation as well since your dog can
snuggle down inside of them. However most nesting beds are just
fabric and fill and are not intended for outdoor use.
If your pet stretches out when sleeping, then a more conventional
dog bed mattress should be your choice. Mattress beds let your dog
toss and turn, curl and stretch, and find whatever position suits
him best.
Dogs that enjoy both stretching out and curling up usually do well
with furniture-like dog beds. The arms and back of these small sofas
are great for snuggling, but the long length make them great for
stretching out. These beds are often more expensive because they
many are made with wood frames like real sofas and couches.
There are also platform style dog beds, many of which can be used
out doors. These beds are often made from wood or plastic and
provide an elevated sleeping area. These are often ideal for hot
climates as some allow for air circulation.
How to select the right filler material
Your basic dog bed filler choices are either solid foam, or
stuffing. Since the type of filling that you choose will impact your
dog's comfort, you should make an informed decision that takes into
consideration your dog's size, age, and health. Inexpensive dogs
beds often use cheap foam that can flatten out within several
months. It is often worth while to pay a little more a quality bed
that will last several years.
Poly-fill dog beds are stuffed with little pieces of foam. There are
different types of Poly-fill to choose from. You want to make sure
that your dog bed uses "high-loft" which means that it will not
flatten out and lose its "spring" over time. Also make sure that you
choose a dog bed style that uses "baffled chambers" which keeps the
fill evenly distributed throughout the bed and keeps it from
shifting to the outer edges as your dog snuggles in for the night.
Solid foam dog bed mattresses are best for large breeds and older
dogs who are still in good health. If your dog has arthritis, or any
back or hip problems, then you need a medical-grade, orthopedic foam
dog bed.
The two key issues when choosing a solid foam mattress are firmness
and density. Just like your mattress, the firmness determines how
hard or soft the mattress is, while density determines how much
"bounce" is in the mattress A good quality solid foam dog bed
mattress will have a higher density and more firmness.
There are some specialty beds available that are made to hold up
against a teething puppy or a dog who likes to chew and tear up
traditional dog beds. Many platform beds (such as Kuranda Dog Beds)
are designed like hammocks so that your dog rests comfortably on
chew-proof mesh or fabric. These types of beds are a great
alternative if your dog has already chewed his way through several
foam beds!
How to select the right dog bed cover
Lets face it, dogs can be messy so make sure that your dog bed cover
is up to the challenge. Choose 100% machine-washable fabrics that
can be removed from the mattress when it's laundry time. Choose a
durable fabric that can stand up to sharp toenails. Make sure that
the seams are double-stitched and insist upon a "self-repairing"
synthetic zipper. Of course, a stain-resistant fabric for your dog
bed is another must-have feature. Many of the new sofa-type dog beds
can be purchased with a washable slip cover and are worth the extra
money.
Your dog's health and comfort depend upon his getting a good night's
sleep. Make an informed decision when you purchase a dog bed and
your dog will benefit for years to come.
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