| Why does my dog need his own "doggie bed"? | | | | supportive mattress-type bed would be more |
| The average adult dog will sleep 14 - 16 hours a day. | | | | appropriate in these cases. There are many specialty |
| If you slept that much, wouldn't you want to do it in | | | | beds available for orthopedic support. These beds are |
| comfort? Having a washable dog bed of his own | | | | made of a firmer mattress, baffles stuffed with |
| gives your dog his own space where he can feel | | | | poly-fil for support, or even memory foam. The idea |
| secure. A dog bed can also save your furniture and | | | | is to not only give your companion a comfortable |
| help you get a good night sleep by allowing you to | | | | place to sleep, but also an easy bed to get on or off |
| have your bed back! Many older or arthritic dogs | | | | of. |
| need a cushiony, firm, supportive bed to relieve | | | | Can I get a dog bed to match my décor? |
| pressure on their aching joints. All in all, having his own | | | | You can find a dog bed to match just about any |
| dog bed will improve the quality of life for your dog. | | | | décor. There are many fabrics, styles and |
| (Of course, he may still enjoy an occasional nap with | | | | colors to choose from. You can even get a dog bed |
| his person on their bed or couch....) | | | | that looks like a little human bed! If your dog prefers |
| What size and type of bed do I need for my dog? | | | | to sleep in a crate, there are many types of crate |
| To decide what type, shape or size of bed to get | | | | beds and pads that are designed to fit the most |
| for your dog, you first need to pay attention and | | | | common crate sizes. Most places offer personalization |
| figure out how he prefers to sleep. Does he like to | | | | for your dog's bed as well. There's almost no limit to |
| curl up in a ball? Does he prefer to stretch out in | | | | the choices available. |
| both directions? Does he spend about half of his | | | | What other factors do I need to consider? |
| snooze time stretched out and the other half curled | | | | Most people want a dog bed that is durable, yet |
| up? | | | | easy to clean and care for. If ease of cleaning is |
| A dog that enjoys napping all curled up would | | | | especially important, opt for a dog bed that has a |
| probably prefer a round or oval shaped bed that has | | | | removable washable cover. This will allow you to |
| lots of cushion. There are several types of beds that | | | | keep your best friend's bed clean and smelling fresh. |
| are perfect for these "snugglers"! A bolster bed is a | | | | Some beds also have an inner lining that can be |
| bed that has cushion around at least three sides of | | | | removed and washed. |
| the bed, providing a more contained environment for | | | | If your dog is a chewer, you will want to make sure |
| your dog. He may feel more secure in this type of | | | | that the bed can withstand the most aggressive |
| bed. There are also snuggle or cuddle beds which | | | | chewer. There are cot-like beds made out of |
| resemble a bean bag. These beds allow your dog to | | | | aluminum or pvc pipe that are extremely durable. |
| "nest" and feel surrounded in cuddly comfort. Some | | | | These beds have a nylon or canvas cot pad that is |
| beds even have a tent-like cover on them that | | | | also durable. |
| allows the dog to burrow inside and be completely | | | | If you are looking for a bed to use outdoors, make |
| covered! | | | | sure that the manufacturer has labeled the bed for |
| If your dog curls up to sleep, measure him in that | | | | outdoor use. There are fabrics and fillers that are |
| position at the longest point, then add 7 inches to | | | | more appropriate and durable for outdoor use. |
| each measurement. When shopping, make sure that | | | | Be careful of dog beds that have vinyl covers. Vinyl |
| the dimensions of the bed come close to this | | | | contains chemicals that are toxic chemicals that are |
| number. | | | | not good for you or your dog! If it has a strong |
| If your dog prefers to sleep all stretched out, you | | | | "vinyl" smell, it contains a large amount of phthalates, |
| may want to think about getting him a rectangular, | | | | which are chemicals used to soften the vinyl. In |
| mattress type bed or pad. These type of large dog | | | | Europe the use of some of these phthalates has |
| beds come in many varieties as well, ranging from a | | | | been banned in children's toys. While easy to clean, |
| thin foam pad a couple inches thick to a deluxe | | | | using vinyl in your dog's bed may not be worth the |
| people-like mattress up to 7 inches thick! | | | | possible health risk. |
| If your dog stretches out to sleep, measure him in | | | | Where should I put my dog's bed? |
| the stretched-out position and add 12 inches to that | | | | If your dog could answer this question, he would |
| number to ensure the bed is big enough to be | | | | most likely say, "In your bedroom, so I can smell you |
| comfortable for him. | | | | when I'm not with you." Your dog adores you and |
| If your dog likes to sleep both ways, an oval or | | | | wants to be near you. If you decide to provide your |
| rectangular pad or mattress type bed may do the | | | | pal with more than one bed, you could put another in |
| trick and allow him to sleep comfortably either way. | | | | the family area or outside on the back porch where |
| In this case, measure him as you would a dog who | | | | he likes to lay in the sun. |
| prefers to sleep stretched out! | | | | Your dog will benefit from having a comfortable place |
| Other things to consider when choosing the type of | | | | to call his own. No doubt, you will find him happily |
| dog bed are issues such as the age and health of | | | | snoozing away on his cherished bed. Even if you |
| your dog. If you have an older or arthritic dog, you | | | | prefer to share your bed with your dog, he will enjoy |
| want to make sure that the bed you choose is easy | | | | having a comfortable dog bed of his own. After all, |
| for him to use or possible heated dog beds. Older | | | | don't we all prefer to get away for some relaxation |
| and arthritic pets may have trouble getting on and | | | | and solitude from time to time? |
| off of a fluffy, snuggly type bed. The firm, | | | | |