Give A Dog A Bed - Dog Bed Facts

Why does my dog need his own "doggie bed"?

The average adult dog will sleep 14 - 16 hours a day. If you slept that much, wouldn't you want to do it in comfort? Having a washable dog bed of his own gives your dog his own space where he can feel secure. A dog bed can also save your furniture and help you get a good night sleep by allowing you to have your bed back! Many older or arthritic dogs need a cushiony, firm, supportive bed to relieve pressure on their aching joints. All in all, having his own dog bed will improve the quality of life for your dog. (Of course, he may still enjoy an occasional nap with his person on their bed or couch....)

What size and type of bed do I need for my dog?

To decide what type, shape or size of bed to get for your dog, you first need to pay attention and figure out how he prefers to sleep. Does he like to curl up in a ball? Does he prefer to stretch out in both directions? Does he spend about half of his snooze time stretched out and the other half curled up?

A dog that enjoys napping all curled up would probably prefer a round or oval shaped bed that has lots of cushion. There are several types of beds that are perfect for these "snugglers"! A bolster bed is a bed that has cushion around at least three sides of the bed, providing a more contained environment for your dog. He may feel more secure in this type of bed. There are also snuggle or cuddle beds which resemble a bean bag. These beds allow your dog to "nest" and feel surrounded in cuddly comfort. Some beds even have a tent-like cover on them that allows the dog to burrow inside and be completely covered!

If your dog curls up to sleep, measure him in that position at the longest point, then add 7 inches to each measurement. When shopping, make sure that the dimensions of the bed come close to this number.

If your dog prefers to sleep all stretched out, you may want to think about getting him a rectangular, mattress type bed or pad. These type of large dog beds come in many varieties as well, ranging from a thin foam pad a couple inches thick to a deluxe people-like mattress up to 7 inches thick!

If your dog stretches out to sleep, measure him in the stretched-out position and add 12 inches to that number to ensure the bed is big enough to be comfortable for him.

If your dog likes to sleep both ways, an oval or rectangular pad or mattress type bed may do the trick and allow him to sleep comfortably either way. In this case, measure him as you would a dog who prefers to sleep stretched out!

Other things to consider when choosing the type of dog bed are issues such as the age and health of your dog. If you have an older or arthritic dog, you want to make sure that the bed you choose is easy for him to use or possible heated dog beds. Older and arthritic pets may have trouble getting on and off of a fluffy, snuggly type bed. The firm, supportive mattress-type bed would be more appropriate in these cases. There are many specialty beds available for orthopedic support. These beds are made of a firmer mattress, baffles stuffed with poly-fil for support, or even memory foam. The idea is to not only give your companion a comfortable place to sleep, but also an easy bed to get on or off of.

Can I get a dog bed to match my décor?

You can find a dog bed to match just about any décor. There are many fabrics, styles and colors to choose from. You can even get a dog bed that looks like a little human bed! If your dog prefers to sleep in a crate, there are many types of crate beds and pads that are designed to fit the most common crate sizes. Most places offer personalization for your dog's bed as well. There's almost no limit to the choices available.

What other factors do I need to consider?

Most people want a dog bed that is durable, yet easy to clean and care for. If ease of cleaning is especially important, opt for a dog bed that has a removable washable cover. This will allow you to keep your best friend's bed clean and smelling fresh. Some beds also have an inner lining that can be removed and washed.

If your dog is a chewer, you will want to make sure that the bed can withstand the most aggressive chewer. There are cot-like beds made out of aluminum or pvc pipe that are extremely durable. These beds have a nylon or canvas cot pad that is also durable.

If you are looking for a bed to use outdoors, make sure that the manufacturer has labeled the bed for outdoor use. There are fabrics and fillers that are more appropriate and durable for outdoor use.

Be careful of dog beds that have vinyl covers. Vinyl contains chemicals that are toxic chemicals that are not good for you or your dog! If it has a strong "vinyl" smell, it contains a large amount of phthalates, which are chemicals used to soften the vinyl. In Europe the use of some of these phthalates has been banned in children's toys. While easy to clean, using vinyl in your dog's bed may not be worth the possible health risk.

Where should I put my dog's bed?

If your dog could answer this question, he would most likely say, "In your bedroom, so I can smell you when I'm not with you." Your dog adores you and wants to be near you. If you decide to provide your pal with more than one bed, you could put another in the family area or outside on the back porch where he likes to lay in the sun.

Your dog will benefit from having a comfortable place to call his own. No doubt, you will find him happily snoozing away on his cherished bed. Even if you prefer to share your bed with your dog, he will enjoy having a comfortable dog bed of his own. After all, don't we all prefer to get away for some relaxation and solitude from time to time?

Source:
The Pooch Place is the place to go to find more information on small and large dog beds , heated dog bed, raised dog bed, orthopedic dog bed and much more...Visit The Pooch Place today

Choosing the right bed for your dogs

There are a lot of beautiful dog beds in luxury fabrics and a variety of shapes and sizes including the new double donut dog bed in the market today and you can even choose from dog beds in over 70 different colors and fabrics to match any decor. Style, comfort, price, materials, quality – these are just few of the things that you should consider first when buying dog bed for your precious little ones.

Aside from the comfort that it can give to your dogs, your dog’s bed will be a great addition to your home. We recommend that you visit the retailer’s website to know more information about any of the products that we are featuring here.

We know that every dog needs a place of his own, and the right dog bed can provide that perfect, quiet spot for any canine. Aside from adding a stylish element to your home decor, dog beds can also provide a multitude of benefits for your dog pets. And, with an amazing array of shapes, styles and colors dog beds have really come into their own. There are also functional designs in the market that’s sure to fit your needs. Dog beds can also be used in the overall training program of your dog.

Many of us love snuggling with our dogs in our own beds and even sleeping with them. But do you know that letting your dog sleep with you in your bed can lead to a poor night’s rest for you. A disruptive night can affect your mood and cause you to be less productive the following day – another reason to buy your dog his own bed.

When choosing a dog bed, keep these important considerations in mind:

* Assess the size, age and health of your dog and think about the type and style of bed in which your dog will be most comfortable. Heated Toy Breed Dog Bed is perfect for keeping your small and toy-breed dog warm and cozy year-round. While Pillow beds are a good choice for maximum lounging.
* You should also check to see if the covering on the bed is removable and washable. Try to get a washable cover because coverings will surely get dirty over time.
* You can also try to match the dog bed you wan buy to the overall look or décor of the room where you will be keeping it. Today, there are a lot of fashionable options you have and there is no reason for you to have or to hide an unsightly dog bed.
* Consider what you want to spend. There are a variety of price points to meet your budgetary needs and for more great options and value, visit our recommended retailer’s website.
* Choose a bed that is the right size for your dog. The ratio of the dog to the bed should be proportioned. The dog should be able to lie flat, completely stretched out on his side, without hanging off of the bed.

source:
http://www.dogbed-4less.com/choosing.html