What You Need To Consider Before Buying a Dog Bed
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 more than one dog bed.
2. What materials is the dog bed cover? The three prime considerations are washable, removable and durable. If possible try to get a bed with a cover that meets all of these criteria. Sometimes fainting couch dog beds and other human like dog beds might not be removable. These types of dog beds will require annual steam cleaning. Dogs naturally paw and scratch at the ground and this will cause some wear and tear on the cover. Make sure the cover is durable.
3. What shape will the dog bed be? Is your dog a stretcher or a curler? If your dog curls up when sleeping, then a nest shaped bed is the right choice. These types of beds are also good for colder climates since your dog can snuggle down inside the bed. If your dog stretches out when sleeping, then a more conventional and longer dog mattress might be the right choice. Mattress beds allow your dog to stretch out and turn over to find whatever position suits her best. These beds are larger than nest beds. Dogs that sleep both ways might do best with a human-type furniture dog beds like a fainting couch. The long length allows your dog to stretch out while the backs and sides allow for snuggling. These types of beds are elevated and allow for air circulation. Be mindful of the the height of the beds. Older dogs with older hips may have difficulty climbing up onto a platform or furniture type beds.
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. It is very important to buy the right sized dog bed. If the bed is too small then your dog will not be inclined to use it and you will have wasted your money. Measure you dog in a number of different sleeping positions. Get a dog bed that is slightly larger than the various measurements and you should be ok.
Make an informed decision when choosing a dog bed. When your dog gets a good night’s sleep, you do too.
