Picking the Right Dog Bed

There are many different types of dog beds out there, and picking the right one for your dog can be quite difficult. You don't want to buy an expensive bed only to watch it go unused as your dog sleeps on the couch or (even worse?) on your bed. This guide will help you get an idea of what the different dog beds offer and which might be best for your furry friend.

First, size. You want to be certain that your dog can fit in their new dog bed. If you're buying for a puppy, remember that it won't be a puppy for long. Don't buy a small bed or you may find yourself buying another, larger bed in a few months. Take growth into account so you don't end up spending more money than you need to.

For adult dogs, you've got to get a bed that gives them the room to stretch out and be really comfortable. If they just barely fit in the bed, chances are your dog won't use it very much. Height is another size requirement. If your dog has short legs, it might not be able to get into a higher dog bed. Larger dogs, though, might enjoy the escape from drafts that higher beds can give them.

Something else you should take under advisement is the shape. Because there are such a variety of breeds, dog beds take on a wide spectrum of appearances and shapes. This includes ones that mimic human items like beds and couches, as well as traditional dog beds that sit on the floor and are circular, rectangular, or square. There are even special beds with raised sides for dogs that prefer to sleep with their head slightly elevated.

To help decide which shape to buy, study your dog and how it sleeps. If your dog enjoys stretching out, a long, large bed might be your best bet. If your dog likes to curl up in a little ball to sleep, it might like a round bed better. Here again, take into account your dog's age. If you're buying for a puppy, be sure to get a larger bed to give it some growing room.

Third, material. Once you've got the size and shape decided on, you want to find a bed that will be easy for you to clean. All dogs bring in mud and dirt occasionally, not to mention some fleas and other insects. Check the dog beds for materials that can be washed and stand up to as much wear and tear as possible.

You should also be sure to check the sturdiness of the item. A few of the dog beds have wood bases, and while they can cost a little more, they may also last longer than a fabric one. It's a good idea to check the stuffing covering the frame to make sure that it is thick enough to keep the bed from being rough.

If your dog has arthritis or has an injury, you may need to purchase a special bed. Orthopedic dog beds, for example, are designed to help ease your dog's joint pain. While you may not want (or need) to invest in a special bed if your dog's injury is minor, if you have an older dog or a permanently disabled one, you might think about it.

So many times people look to color or style when looking at dog beds, but this is only a small part of what makes a good choice. If the bed is going to be placed in a room where there is already an established color pattern you might pick something that matches what is already there.

There are many more options for your dog beds. You can get a dog bed with a built-in heating pad to keep your dog warm, one with special colors or insignias on the fabric, and more. Of course, you may not need any of these options. To decide what you do want in a dog bed, make a list of your dog's needs before heading out to make your buy.

-->