Dog Beds

April 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under beds

You may be wondering if a dog bed is something your dog really needs. After all, he seems willing to sleep almost anywhere, right?

The reality is that a good dog bed provides many benefits:

It relieves stress on your dog by establishing a place of his own that brings a natural sense of security.
A proper bed will have insulation that protects your dog from cold floors.
A bed cushions joints and bones.
A bed will also control the spread of pet fur as well as dirt and dander.
Wild dogs are den burrowing animals - a bed is your dog's surrogate den.

Many dog owners also find that pet beds help save their furniture as usually dogs will soon prefer their own beds to the sofa or your favorite chair.

How to Choose the Right Dog Bed:

Start by watching how your dog normally sleeps.

Note his size, and age, and also consider any physical conditions he may have that prevent certain types of movement.

Dog Bed Shapes

The shape of your dog's bed is just as important as its size and the filling it has.

Round dog beds best for younger dogs who need to feel secure and they are also good for dogs who like to curl up in their sleep.

If your dog is the type that likes to stretch out, then a rectangular bed will probably be best. Rectangular beds are also best for older dog and dogs with limited mobility.

Some dogs like to sleep with their back to a wall or cushion. It's because the support against their back reminds them of sleeping next to their mother as a puppy. Bolster style dog beds are the best bet for providing this kind of dog with comfort and security.

Your dog may like a round bolster bed which will give him a place to both curl up and feel supported at the same time.

Rectangular lounge beds come with bolsters on the back and sides that let your dog have the feeling of burrowing in and staying hidden while sleeping.

If you have more than one dog, you might consider a deep dish bolster dog bed with room for two.

Does your dog circle around and around before settling down to sleep? Dogs who display this "nesting" behavior will love a Bagel Bed. These circular beds have an overstuffed bolster that will completely surround a sleeping dog. Bagel dog beds provide a sense of burrowed in security that some dogs need to sleep comfortably.

Many small breeds wont be able to settle down for a peaceful sleep unless they are able to snuggle their backs into something for an added sense of security. Burrow type beds are best for these dogs because the covered, enclosed area acts like a natural den.

Older dogs will appreciate a rectangular beds with memory foam to help ease the aches and pains with stiff joints and muscle pain. These beds are also good for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or injury. By conforming to your dog's individual body shape, these high-tech foam beds exert less pressure on joints and muscles. They will also minimize callus irritation, often a problem in older dogs. In colder climates, you can add a down of fiberfill cover for added warmth and luxury.

If you have puppies or adult dogs that like to chew on everything in sight, the ToughChew Dog's Nest might be your perfect bed. These tough beds are made to be chew resistant and will stand up to puppies as well as adult dogs who like to chew.

Some dogs will claim a spot on the couch and just can't be persuaded otherwise. For dogs like these, a couch guardian will protect your furniture from stains, liquids, pet hair, and odors at the same time it gives your pal a comfortable place to relax and sleep. They come in many colors and even in fine leather, so you should be able to find a couch protector to match your decor.

Recent polls have found that more than half of all dog owners let their dogs sleep on their bed. If you're one of these dog owners, then you know you can use a protective covering for your dog's portion of the bed. A good dog-proof blanket will protect you and your bedding as well as giving your pet a warm and comfortable place to sleep.

Outdoor dogs may be used to roughing it, but they still need a comfortable bed to feel secure while sleeping and a good waterproof outdoor bed is the answer. Easily washed with a garden hose and fast drying, these durable beds will not mold or mildew.

When you travel, don't forget to take a travel mat or a portable dog bed so your best friend always has his own place to sleep. Travel beds and mats fold for ease of packing and will help lower the stress of traveling by providing your dog with a familiar place to sleep no matter where you are.

Dog beds are an essential piece of dog care equipment no matter where or how you live.