Six Tips For Choosing The Right Dog Bed

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     For a contented hound, don't spare the pound! Selecting a suitable dog bed for your prized pooch is a very important undertaking. Our dogs are much like us in many ways, except for their passion with rolling in unmentionable sources of odours and sniffing lampposts. They need their sleep as much as we do, and they need to be comfortable. Without an appropriate dog bed our dogs can become uncomfortable, short-tempered, unhealthy and even suffer from arthritis, rheumatism and other ailments which can seriously impede their happiness and welfare.

From small dogs beds to large dogs beds, it's obviously size which will be the initial determining factor. But this is where so many pet owners unwittingly go wrong. It may be wise to wait a short while and work out how your dog actually sleeps. For example, is your dog inclined to curl up in a ball, in a semi foetal position? Or does your dog stretch out, taking up twice as much room as when he's standing up? In some cases your dog may almost elicit concerns regarding fleas, fidgeting all night and going from one position to another.

How your dog sleeps will determine the kind of dog bed you decide on.
For small dogs, and those which sleep curled up, then a soft, cushiony fabric will be most appropriate, permitting him to snuggle up cosily. Large dog beds may give the impression of abundant space, but not all dogs need this. But if your pooch enjoys lying draped across several yards of space, then a large dog bed will be essential. How do you measure your dog? There are two ways.

For dogs which stretch out, measure from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail, and add a few inches. For those dogs which curl up into a foetal ball, measure from their nose to the base of their nail, and again, add around twelve inches.

We love our dogs dearly, but we also have to admit that they can be somewhat lacking in the cleanliness department, and it is for this reason that choosing a suitable material can save a great deal of time and effort later on. For dogs which are outdoors a good deal, it may be a wise idea to have a faux leather or PVC based material which can be easily wiped. All dog beds should incorporate a removable cover for easy cleaning.

Another point to consider when choosing dog beds is where they will be situated in your home. This can make a great deal of difference. If, for example, your large dog beds are to be placed in a kitchen or conservatory it may be that there are drafts circulating at floor level. Sleeping in a draft will be an uncomfortable experience for your canine companion, and can result in premature rheumatism.

Try choosing designer dog beds which are raised up on legs, allowing drafts and cooler air to circulate
underneath the bed, allowing your pampered pooch to doze in warmth and comfort. From sofa beds for restless dogs to nest beds or cushions for dogs which like to snuggle up into a ball, and from warm cotton beds for dogs sleeping in cooler locations to faux leather beds for those sleeping in a warm home, or who have damp paws, there are many types of designer dog beds and large dog beds available.

Don't hurry your choice - take time to appreciate how your dog sleeps and relaxes, and make your choice based on this. Selecting the appropriate dog bed will ensure your hound is happy, healthy and comfortable, and is sure to make no bones about it!