| Choosing the right dog bed is important to the | | | | also the climate where you live. If you have a dog |
| comfort and contentment of your dog. Since your | | | | with long hair, or an "outdoor" breed such as a |
| pet will be spending a lot of its down time in the bed | | | | Siberian Husky, you will want to choose a cool |
| you choose, it is important to select one that will | | | | covering like cotton or canvas to help keep your dog |
| provide him or her with the perfect place to relax | | | | from getting too hot. |
| and recharge. | | | | If, on the other hand you have a small dog, or one |
| Although some people know ahead of time just what | | | | with short hair who becomes more easily chilled, you |
| kind of bed they want, others not only do not know | | | | should think about getting one made of a warmer |
| what they want, they don't know how to begin their | | | | material. Good choices for pets who get cold easier |
| search. There are so many factors that go into | | | | would be suede, fleece, or even a warm, dense |
| choosing the perfect bed for your pet. It is not quite | | | | upholstery fabric. |
| as simple as just going to the nearest store that sells | | | | If you have a pet that sheds a lot or spends a lot of |
| pet beds and bringing home whatever it is that they | | | | time getting dirty, it is important to choose a bed |
| have. | | | | that has a machine-washable cover. |
| What Size is Your Pet? | | | | Where Will the Bed be Located? |
| Just as dogs breeds come in a wide range of sizes, | | | | Another important factor in choosing a bed is where, |
| from miniature to gargantuan, there are also a wide | | | | in or out of the home, it is to be placed. Does you |
| variety of sizes and styles of pet beds. Therefore, | | | | dog sleep in your room, in a spare room, the kitchen |
| when it is time to choose a bed for your special pet, | | | | or the living room. Does it have a crate? Does it |
| you must factor their size into the equation. It is not | | | | sleep outdoors? It is important that the bed fit the |
| always simply a matter of assuming that if you have | | | | space where the dog sleeps, as well as allowing them |
| a big dog you will get a large dog bed or that if you | | | | to feel comfortable and secure. |
| have a small dog you will get a small dog bed. Even | | | | Remember to choose a crate bed if your pet sleeps |
| when two beds are manufactured by the same | | | | in a crate. These are special dog beds designed to fit |
| company, there may be considerable difference in | | | | the longer shape of the crate without crowding your |
| the price of a small bed as compared to a large bed, | | | | pet or bunching up and preventing your pet from |
| because the large bed costs more to manufacture as | | | | being able to get comfortable. |
| it requires more materials. | | | | The Cost |
| The Health of Your Pet | | | | There is almost as much variety in prices for dog |
| For those pets who are experiencing joint pain from | | | | beds as in dogs. As with beds for people, there are a |
| hip problems, disc problems, knee problems, or just | | | | number of brands and price ranges. Should you |
| plain old age, an orthopedic dog bed may be just the | | | | choose to do so you may even buy a designer or |
| thing to give them some relief. Orthopedic dog beds | | | | luxury dog bed. Such beds offer extras in the areas |
| are manufactured in much the same way as | | | | of cushioning, support and space. There are even |
| orthopedic beds for humans. The manufacturers use | | | | designer dog beds that you can order with the |
| a high-density foam which gives better support to | | | | added personal touch of your pet's name. |
| the joints and makes it easier to get up. | | | | Since the range of dog beds available is wide, so are |
| Choosing a Fabric | | | | the price margins for them. You may only need to |
| Dog beds are available in a wide range of fabrics | | | | shell out $20-$30 for a bed for a small dog or |
| including canvas, denim, fleece, cotton and suede. | | | | $50-$60 for a large one, or, if you choose, you can |
| Some of them are even made from upholstery | | | | go for the designer or luxury dog beds which can |
| material. When selecting a fabric be sure to take into | | | | cost $150-$250. |
| consideration not only the breed of dog you own but | | | | |