Choosing a Dog Bed
March 27, 2010 by Paris Permenter and John Bigley
Filed under Tips
Today we’ve got a guest post about a very important topic, regardless of the size or type of dog you have: how to choose a dog bed. How can you select a bed that both you AND your dog will love?
When you walk into a pet supply store, you probably see aisles and aisles of dog beds. Dog beds come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and choosing one can be overwhelming. You may be wondering if a bed is actually something your pet needs. Just like us, dogs love to be comfortable. It’s important and beneficial to make sure your pooch has a nice place to rest.
Even though your pet is covered in layers of fur, he can still get cold in the winter. As you grab an extra blanket out of the closet, think about your pooch. He deserves a nice, warm place to lie, especially during the colder months. Beds are a necessity for older pets or those suffering from arthritis. The bed can keep your pooch warm and provide some arthritic relief.
Another reason you may want to get a bed for your dog is that dogs like to have their own space. More than likely, your pooch has picked his favorite spot on the couch and doesn’t like to move. A bed will provide your dog with his own area, while keeping him off your furniture! This is also beneficial for another reason: less hair for you to clean up! If your pet is confined to one area, then much of his shedding hair will fall there. It’s much easier to clean a dog bed than it is to clean a couch or use a slipcover.
So, how do you know which bed is right for your dog? In order to pick the perfect bed, you need to keep your dog in mind. Aside from size (which is pretty obvious), consider the temperament of your pet. Is he rowdy and likes to chew things? Does he destroy new toys quickly? If so, then you’ll need to consider a more durable dog bed. Stay away from the super soft felt lined beds, and consider a bed made of thicker fabric. If that isn’t feasible or available, try to find a durable blanket that can cover the bed. If you keep your pooch outside, or if he’s allowed to roam outside and in, consider an all-weather bed. These beds can be left outside, but they also provide comfortable resting spots inside.
When purchasing a bed, try to find one that’s easy to clean. As mentioned earlier, if your pet likes the bed, then he’ll probably spend a lot of time there. As he sheds, the bed will catch the hair. There are many beds that offer removable covers. Go for one of these, but make sure the cover is machine washable.
As with many consumer items, the higher quality bed will cost more. This is another decision that is up to you. If you are worried that your pooch may not use the bed often, then purchase a cheap one to try out. Once you see how your dog responds, you can consider purchasing a high-quality bed that will last.
Next time you throw an extra blanket onto your bed, think about your pooch. Is he warm and comfortable as well? Does he have a place of his own? Dogs can benefit greatly from having their own space, and a bed is a great place to start!
About the Authors
Written by the team of Pet-Super-Store.com, a place where you can find discount products, such as elevated dog feeders.
About Paris Permenter and John Bigley
DogTipper publishers Paris Permenter and John Bigley are a husband-wife team of full-time writers. The couple has authored over two dozen books and 2,500+ magazine articles.
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