Dog beds

Dogs are members of your family. Doesn’t each family member deserve a bed and each dog deserve a dog bed! Not long ago most dog bed options were limited to a flattened bean bag-type pillow. These days dog bed options are unlimited. A quick glance at some of the more popular dog gear websites and you can find all sorts of dog beds, including dog beds that look like mini fainting couches, dog beds that look like sofas, dog beds on legs that look like people beds complete with head rests! The type of dog bed you choose will depend on your own sense of style. However, there are a number of criteria to consider that are common across the gamut of dog bed options.

The first and most obvious criteria is the size of the dog bed. The dog bed must be big enough and strong enough to match your dog, but not so big that it occupies needless space. Measure your dog to assure the proper fit. Measure your dog standing up; from tip of nose to base of tail and also from the floor to shoulders. This will give you an approximate desired length and width for your dog bed. Just to be sure, measure your dog again in his or her favorite sleeping position; perhaps her length when fully stretched out, or his diameter when curled into a ball and then add 6 to 12 inches.

The right size dog bed will match or be slightly larger than your measurements. Beds that are too small will not be comfortable for your dog and won’t be used. You also want to allow room for potential growth and some wiggle room.
Will you want your dog bed to provide warmth in the colder months (cozy round bed) or provide air circulation in the hotter months (platform bed) or perhaps both? Remember that a dog will instinctively find a cool place to sleep during the hot months and that might not be his or her beloved dog bed. However, a cozy dog bed for the cooler months will be well used. Will you being using this bed outside in a dog house or on a front porch? If so, you will need to consider the durability of the covering and the stuffing material.

Take note of your dog’s favorite sleeping locations. Buy a dog bed that compliments the room where your dog sleeps the most. If your dog sleeps equally in various places you may want a dog bed that can be easily moved and fits the decor of several rooms. Also keep in mind the height of the dog bed. Small dogs or older dogs may have a hard time climbing up onto a platform or furniture type dog bed.
As mentioned above, dog beds now come in a variety different shapes; round nests, donut beds, rounded pillows, square flat mattresses and human-like shaped furniture. If your dog curls up when sleeping, then a nest might be the right choice for him. These types of beds also provide excellent cold-weather insulation as well since your dog can snuggle down inside of them. Most nesting beds are just fabric and fill and are not intended for outdoor use.

If your pet stretches out when sleeping, then a more conventional dog bed mattress might be the right choice. Mattress beds allow your dog to stretch out and find whatever position suits her best.

As is often the case, the same dog might be a stretcher and a curler! Dogs that enjoy both stretching out and curling up might be best with a human-type furniture dog beds. My personal favorite is the fainting couch dog bed. The arms and back of these small sofas are great for snuggling, but the long length make them great for stretching out. The other added advantage is that these dog beds are elevated allowing for air circulation. A drawback to these beds can be the price. They are literally sofa replicas and are often made with more expensive materials.
There are also other types of platform style dog beds, many of which can be used outside. These beds are often made from pre-formed plastic or wood and provide an elevated platform sleeping area.

The basic dog bed filler choices are either solid foam or stuffing. As is commonly the case, you get what you pay for. Inexpensive dog beds often use cheap foam that can flatten out within several months. It is often worthwhile to pay a little more for a better quality bed that will last several years.

There are different types of “stuffed” dog beds to choose from. Make sure that your dog bed uses "high-loft foam pieces" for stuffing which means that it will not flatten out and harden over time. Also make sure that you choose a dog bed style that uses "baffled chambers" which keeps the stuffing evenly distributed throughout the bed. A dog bed that is “baffled” into quarters will keep the stuffing from shifting to the outside edges as your dog snuggles in.

Solid foam dog bed mattresses can stand up to heavier dogs and therefore are a good pick for larger breeds. If your dog has arthritis or hip problems, then you may want to speak to your vet about an orthopedic foam dog bed.

And lastly, dogs can get into a terrible mess so make sure that your dog bed cover is durable and washable. Choose 100% machine-washable fabrics that can be removed from the mattress. Don’t even consider buying a dog bed that doesn’t have a removable cover. In the unfortunate event of dog fleas, you will need to remove the cover and wash it in hot water more than once. Choose a durable fabric that can stand up to sharpish toenails and occasional gnaw. Make sure that the seams are double-stitched and have a heavy duty zipper. Open and close the zipper a number of times in the store. A stain-resistant fabric for your dog bed is another handy feature.

Your dog's health and comfort depend upon her getting a good night's sleep. And when she gets a good night’s sleep you do too. Make an educated decision when choosing a dog bed and you won’t be disappointed.

I hope you found this article on dog beds to be helpful. Please check back to our site as we try to add new and helpful information regularly.