Choosing The Perfect Bed For Your Dog

Anyone with a pet dog knows that these lovable creatures love to curl up snugly or stretch out nonchalantly at their favorite spot and snooze. Right after an energetic game

of catch or past feeding time, dogs usually retreat to their own space and sleep to regain their strength and liveliness. Dogs love a warm, comfortable and quiet place to rest. Puppies love to be cuddled and usually dig the couch or his master’s lap when about to nod off into dog dreamland. Thus, it is a necessity to have a nice, comfortable and perfectly-sized bed for your dog. Your doggy will absolutely appreciate their own cozy sleeping and napping spot. Dogs are creatures of habit and will typically sleep at the same spot, so a comfy dog bed at their own corner is a great gift that your dog will be grateful for.

1. Assortments Of Dog Beds

Of course you can create your own dog bed: a wooden box with a pillow or blanket is an easy and inexpensive alternative. There are, however, a huge assortment of dog beds available at pet supply stores that will perfectly suit your dog. Really now, Fido can’t choose a bed for himself so here are some tips that can be useful when buying a dog bed.

2. Pick A Bed That Will Suit Your Dog's Personality And Sleeping Habits

You should know the type of bed your dog would be most comfortable in. Dog beds come in many different styles like round nests, donut or cuddler beds, round fluffy balls or pillows, square flat mattresses and sofa shaped beds sized just right for a dog. Does your dog love to curl up into one big fur ball? Then a cuddler, similar to a pillow with sides, would be appropriate. If he’s a sprawling sleeper, a larger mat would be excellent. Some dogs love to sleep on their bellies; a rectangular-style dog bed would be perfect for them.

3. Your Dog's Size

The size of your dog is an important consideration. A small, thinly padded bed would be adequate for toy dogs like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus. In comparison, Dobermans and Huskies would need larger, heavily padded beds where they can stretch out comfortably. Whatever size your dog is, pick a dog bed that is slightly larger than him. This is to allow room for growth, especially for puppies, and allow room for movement.

4. Easily Washable

Make sure the dog bed is made of removable and washable materials. It will definitely get dirty and smelly, so it is important that you can easily wash it anytime. Make sure too that the material is appropriate for the dog's fur. Look for machine washable bedding if at all possible.

5. Get Cedar

- Look for a dog bed that is filled with cedar: cedar repels fleas
- Refillable cedar-filled dog beds will make your pet happier and less stressed
- Make sure you don’t have an allergy to cedar

6. Location, Location, Location

Where will you put your dog bed? This is also an important consideration when choosing a bed for your pet so you can pick the right material. Some dog beds are more suitable for an indoor location like in the bedroom or living room instead of outdoors, like in a porch for instance. Climate and local weather are important factors to consider as well. Choose a dog bed that will provide warmth for your dog in winter and air circulation during summer.

7. Quality

Durability is also essential. The dog bed must be able to withstand Fido’s penchant for chewing as well as his sharp claws. As we all know most dogs are messy, so make sure the dog bed you choose is up to the challenge. Pick a dog bed cover that is washable and made from durable fabric. Consider the color and style of the dog bed too. You might want your dog’s bed to complement your walls or furniture. You should know that there are dog beds that can accommodate a variety of your dog’s special needs. Heated dog beds and orthopedic foam dog beds are available and are excellent choices for older and arthritic dogs. Your dog will definitely appreciate his own bed in his own little space. The health and well-being of your dog will depend not only on diet or exercise but also on how much comfortable sleep and rest he gets.