Discover The Right Dog Bed For Your Dog

by Johnathan Livingston

When looking at the variety of dog beds, it’s hard to know which one is the perfect fit for your dog. It would be horrible to put a lot of money into a bed only to find out your dog prefers to nap elsewhere. We will take a step by step look at the various dog beds so you can see what kind of benefits they might offer your canine companion.

The first thing to consider is size. You don’t want to get one of the smaller dog beds for your puppy, especially if it’s a large breed. You don’t want your dog to quickly outgrow its new bed, so be sure to factor in growth before purchasing a new sleeping space for your puppy.

If you’re looking for an adult canine, then it is important you allow them enough room to stretch. Getting a dog bed that is a snug fit may cause your dog discomfort. There are also some higher dog beds, and it’s important you consider the animal’s ability to get onto it comfortably. If you do have a larger dog, these off the ground beds can be perfect to keep them warm and cozy.

Shape is another consideration. Dog beds come in several different shapes and looks. There are round ones, square ones, beds that look like little couches, dog beds with no sides, and beds that have raised sides all the way around. If your dog likes lying with its head up on a pillow, you may want one of these beds with raised sides.

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.

Be sure to check the tag before you buy your dog’s bed. You want to be sure that at least the main pad can be removed and washed. This is a necessity in dealing both with dirt and with keeping your dog’s bed free of fleas. You also want the material to be heavy enough to withstand a little chewing and clawing, especially if the bed is for a puppy.

Durability is another thing to pay attention to. Some dog beds feature wooden supports or frames, and these beds may last longer than those that are completely made out of cloth. However, you want to make sure the padding in these beds is sufficient and that the wooden frame won’t poke through or be uncomfortable.

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.

Color is a minor consideration when thinking about which of the many dog beds to purchase, but it is something you may want to consider. If your dog’s bed is going to be in your living room or bedroom, you may want to select a bed that doesn’t clash with your established color schemes or overall room design.

There are several other options for your dog bed. Some are heated. Some can be monogrammed or embroidered with your dog’s name. Others are waterproof. The best thing to do before going shopping is to make a list of everything you want for your dog’s bed. Once you get to the store, you can then cut down the list until you find a bed that fits your budget.

About the Author: For the largest variety of Pet Products and informative articles, visit Dog House Market. Your source for great pet supplies.