What to Look For In A Dog Bed
Do you spoil your dog, or is your dog a tough dog? Either way they might need a bed. A bed can improve your pet’s life in many ways. You want your pet to be comfortable, and feel secure.
Dog beds have many practical functions, such as insulating your dog from the floor. This is especially nice during winter months, especially if your dog is old, fat, or arthritic.
Dog beds also give dogs a private space. Dogs are pack animals, and you’re the pack. You cannot be home at all times, even if you’re retired or work at home. However, in lieu of being with his master, your dog will appreciate having a ‘den’ to stay in. Dogs are territorial and appreciate having their territory clearly defined for them.
Dogs sleep more than humans. For this reason, it is essential that you select a bed that is suitable and comfortable for your dog. Dog beds are trickier to buy than human beds because you can’t have your dog test out several beds in the store and choose one, nor can you discuss beds with him.
Dog Beds: Size
Size matters when choosing dog beds. It should be big enough to fit your dog comfortably. This may seem obvious, but don’t shop for beds without actually measuring your dog. Leave room for your dog to grow if your dog is young, and leave room for your dog to get fatter if he is older. Also, dog beds should leave dogs with enough room to turn and move around in them.
Measure your dog while sleeping. If your dog curls up, measure your curled up dog at his or her widest point. Also measure your dog from the top of his or her head to the point where the tail meets the buttocks. Add 15 cm to that and you will know the minimum size you need to think about when considering beds. If your dog tends to stretch out when sleeping, add another 25 cm to that.
Does your dog chew furniture? There are beds available that are specially designed to survive your dog’s chewing fits. If your dog lives outdoors, you may need to shop for dog beds that fit in dog houses. Dog houses limit the size of the bed, but you should ideally choose one that is as big as possible without encroaching on dogs’ feeding area within dog houses.
Choosing Dog Beds by Shape
Standard dog beds are usually sorted into the following types: mattresses, balls, or nests. The style of bed that suits your dog depends on his or her sleeping habits. If your dog tends to curl up when sleeping, nests or balls are the best style of dog beds to choose from. Nests provide extra insulation, good for dogs sleeping outdoors.
Dogs that sprawl or spread out when asleep need dog beds that give them room to move around, stretch, or sleep in whatever position suits them at any particular moment.
What’s inside Dog Beds
Poly foam is a normal filler for dog beds. Look for dog beds with “high loft” stuffing, as they will be less likely to get squashed or otherwise lose their shape and fluffiness. Stuffing is more suitable for a small dog than a large one.
Larger dogs tend to do better with solid foam dog beds. So do healthy older dogs. For a dog with serious back or hip problems, you should look into orthopedic foam dog beds. Be aware of the firmness or density of the foam. Firmness indicates how hard or soft the dog bed is, whereas density is the springiness. Better quality foam beds tend to have higher firmness and density.
Finally, you have no doubt noticed that dogs don’t clean themselves. Chances are, they won’t clean their beds either. You have to. Make sure you choose beds that are easy to clean.