Just like dogs, dog beds come in all shapes and sizes. And finding exactly the right dog bed for your dog
to sleep on is very important to their health and happiness. Most dogs love
napping, and finding a really comfortable place to sleep is quite high on their
list of priorities!
This guide will guide you
through the bedding maze and help you decide what kind of bed is right for your
pet.
Some dogs of course are
quite happy to just sleep on their favorite blanket – the main thing is that it
marks out some space that ‘belongs’ to them – but a proper bed gets them off the
hard floor and helps them keep warmer at night.
There are quite a few distinct types of bed available: -
Cushion Beds
This is probably the most
common type, and provides a soft bed that dogs can push around to make
comfortable. They come in all different shapes – round, square, rectangular, etc
– and sizes (we’ll look later at how to choose the size and shape for your pet).
Fabric covers might be anything from a light and bright patterned cotton, through heavy duty fabrics,
right up to premium covers like leather. Leather covers are tough and
stain-resistant, but not very cozy – your dog might appreciate a blanket thrown
over the top.
Always check to see if the cover is easily removable and washable – it’s almost inevitable that you will
need to do this sometime (most dogs get ‘messy’ some time). It may seem like a
good idea to chose covers based on the rest of your décor – but that color might
be an issue if your dog sheds a lot of hair – black covers don’t look so good
with a covering of white dog hairs!
These beds are usually stuffed with foam chips. Look out for any special fillings that are designed to
repel fleas (cedar chips are a popular natural flea repellant) as these may be
an irritant to some sensitive dogs.
Mat Beds
Instead of a soft foam filling, these beds have a pad of sheet foam covered in material. They may be
the most basic bedding solution, but some dogs prefer these to a cushion bed.
As they are less bulky than cushion versions, mats are a good choice for traveling with your dog – and
special travel mats and pads are available that are either smaller format or
fold up when not in use. It’s a nice courtesy if you are going to be in someone
else’s home or vehicle that you carry a mat or pad for your pet to use.
Basket Beds
This category includes not only traditional baskets, but a range of designs that have a soft cushion, mat
or pad within a surround. This might be wicker, wood, plastic – or even a soft
fabric donut.
Special Care Beds
Dogs that are infirm or just elderly tend to spend more time in bed – just like us – so it’s important
that a sickly or old dog has a bed that is suitable for their condition.
This may be as simple as paying a little more for a high grade foam pad that offers more support for
arthritic joints. Special foams are now available that are especially warming or
cooling – or even memory foams that provide excellent support.
Heated beds are one of the more popular dog house accessories to make the doghouse usable more of the year,
but they can be used indoors with ill or aged dogs that have difficulty
maintaining their temperature while sleeping.
How To Choose A Bed For Your Dog
How does your dog sleep? Where do they choose to sleep?
If they sleep curled up they will probably prefer a cushion type. If they prefer to stretch out, a mat
or pad might be better.
Dogs that like to sleep on the couch will enjoy the extra comfort of cushion beds, while a dog that sleeps
in the corner of the room might prefer the security of being surrounded by a
basket bed.
Observe your dog and consider their needs and you will choose the right type of bedding to provide
the comfort and rest they need.
Next:
Dog
House Accessories - Add A Little Style
