How to decide on your dog's type of dog bed is not as easy as it may sound. Dogs crave a soft, warm, and comfortable place to sleep just like their human friends. There are some general tips to think about when deciding which type would best suit a particular dog. Get best details about dog beds by clicking on DogBedZone.
General tips that a person should follow when buying a bed include considering the size and health needs of a specific dog; keeping the dog's age in mind; thinking about the kind that a dog would be most comfortable in; asking a salesperson what kind of material the bed is filled with; checking to see if the cover is washable; trying to match the colors of the room that it will be in; and seeking the best price possible.
There is no lack of beds to choose from. In fact, there are many different types and styles of available, including types that are basic, orthopedic, couch-style, raised, or kennel-style. Each of these different types will be discussed in detail.
Basic beds are the most common types available, and they are shaped like standard-sized pillows. They come in square, round, or rectangular shapes, though square and rectangular are the most popular types. These basic beds are stuffed with either foam or cotton that provides extra cushion. Basic beds are typically not expensive and can be found at most any pet supplies retailer. It is best to purchase a basic bed that is twice the size of the dog that will be using it. This allows the dog to feel comfortable and have as much room as possible on the bed. It is also best for the basic bed to have a removable cover for easy clean up.
Orthopedic ones are another type. These are especially designed for older dogs with stiff joints. They contain more cushion in them and are on average a lot thicker than the basic dog beds described previously. Some orthopedic dog beds offer memory foam technology for enhanced comfort and are typically covered in fleece or a like material. These beds are excellent for dogs that have hip problems, and they also come with covers that are removable.
Couch-style beds for dogs are another kind. These beds are characterized by their lushness, and they look great. They are based on the design of a living room sofa. Couch-style beds are very comfortable and provide support for a dog regardless of its age. While this specific type of dog bed is typically tailored to smaller breeds, there are some pet retailers which will carry a variety (albeit small) of these beds for medium and large-sized dogs. These beds usually do not come with removable covers, though slip covers can be purchased to go over them.
Raised beds are yet another type. In fact, these particular beds are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in shelters and dog kennels. They come in a variety of styles and can be utilized in combination with a pillow or by themselves. Raised types are nice for canines who have a hard time getting up off of the floor or who live in houses that are drafty. In shelters, they aid pets who live in a confined area to stay off of the floor.
Last but not least, kennel-style are available. These beds are essentially portable crates. They are used when traveling as well as to provide a place for a dog to stay while its owner is not home. The floors of these beds are plastic, and they are not comfortable for a dog to stay on for very long. To this end, there are specialized kennel-style beds that are made to fit the size of the crate or kennel to provide a dog with comfort when confined.
In terms of where to find dog beds, pet mail order catalog businesses; traditional pet retailers; and online shops are all great places to look. Over the years, people have started to spend increasing amounts of money on their beloved pets, and pet-oriented companies have enhanced their product offerings as a result. As an example of this, there are designer dog beds available, particularly in high-end markets. It should also be noted that a person can make his or her own dog bed, a labor of love that may end up saving him or her some money. However, the time needed to make one has to be considered. Furthermore, a person needs to be careful to tailor the bed to his or her dog's needs.
In conclusion, there are general tips to consider when purchasing a dog bed. There are many types of dog beds available, including: dog beds that are basic, orthopedic, couch-style, raised, or kennel-style. The beds can be found in shops, online stores, and mail order catalog businesses. People can make their own dog beds, but they need to be careful to tailor the beds the make to their dogs' needs.
Choosing the right dog bed is important to the comfort and contentment of your dog. Since your pet will be spending a lot of its down time in the bed you choose, it is important to select one that will provide him or her with the perfect place to relax and recharge.
Although some people know ahead of time just what kind of bed they want, others not only do not know what they want, they don't know how to begin their search. There are so many factors that go into choosing the perfect bed for your pet. It is not quite as simple as just going to the nearest store that sells pet beds and bringing home whatever it is that they have.
What Size is Your Pet?
Just as dogs breeds come in a wide range of sizes, from miniature to gargantuan, there are also a wide variety of sizes and styles of pet beds. Therefore, when it is time to choose a bed for your special pet, you must factor their size into the equation. It is not always simply a matter of assuming that if you have a big dog you will get a large dog bed or that if you have a small dog you will get a small dog bed. Even when two beds are manufactured by the same company, there may be considerable difference in the price of a small bed as compared to a large bed, because the large bed costs more to manufacture as it requires more materials.
The Health of Your Pet
For those pets who are experiencing joint pain from hip problems, disc problems, knee problems, or just plain old age, an orthopedic dog bed may be just the thing to give them some relief. Orthopedic dog beds are manufactured in much the same way as orthopedic beds for humans. The manufacturers use a high-density foam which gives better support to the joints and makes it easier to get up.
Choosing a Fabric
Dog beds are available in a wide range of fabrics including canvas, denim, fleece, cotton and suede. Some of them are even made from upholstery material. When selecting a fabric be sure to take into consideration not only the breed of dog you own but also the climate where you live. If you have a dog with long hair, or an "outdoor" breed such as a Siberian Husky, you will want to choose a cool covering like cotton or canvas to help keep your dog from getting too hot.
If, on the other hand you have a small dog, or one with short hair who becomes more easily chilled, you should think about getting one made of a warmer material. Good choices for pets who get cold easier would be suede, fleece, or even a warm, dense upholstery fabric.
If you have a pet that sheds a lot or spends a lot of time getting dirty, it is important to choose a bed that has a machine-washable cover.
Where Will the Bed be Located?
Another important factor in choosing a bed is where, in or out of the home, it is to be placed. Does you dog sleep in your room, in a spare room, the kitchen or the living room. Does it have a crate? Does it sleep outdoors? It is important that the bed fit the space where the dog sleeps, as well as allowing them to feel comfortable and secure.
Remember to choose a crate bed if your pet sleeps in a crate. These are special dog beds designed to fit the longer shape of the crate without crowding your pet or bunching up and preventing your pet from being able to get comfortable.
The Cost
There is almost as much variety in prices for dog beds as in dogs. As with beds for people, there are a number of brands and price ranges. Should you choose to do so you may even buy a designer or luxury dog bed. Such beds offer extras in the areas of cushioning, support and space. There are even designer dog beds that you can order with the added personal touch of your pet's name.
Since the range of dog beds available is wide, so are the price margins for them. You may only need to shell out $20-$30 for a bed for a small dog or $50-$60 for a large one, or, if you choose, you can go for the designer or luxury dog beds which can cost $150-$250.