| Dog beds, when placed into dog crates or dog | | | | washed to ensure the bed will be pest free. |
| kennels, or on the floor in a certain room of your | | | | 7. Consider the color and style of the outer material. |
| house is where your dog will call home! Your dog will | | | | Does it match the room in which your dog will be |
| spend a great deal of time sleeping, relaxing and | | | | sleeping. |
| resting in his bed; therefore the bed should suit your | | | | 8. And of course consider the price of the dog bed. |
| dogs needs. | | | | There are all types and styles of dog beds to choose |
| 1. Size - the size needs to be approximately twice | | | | from. There are basic, orthopedic, couch, raised, |
| the size of your dog.a. Small dogs like to feel warm | | | | kennel, and crate styles to choose from. Below are |
| and safe; bed bumpers may be a consideration.b. | | | | the descriptions of the different types: |
| Large dogs need room to stretch out; consider a | | | | * Basic dog beds - are the most common types. |
| flatter type of bed. | | | | They are shaped like the standard size pillows. They |
| 2. Location - which room you wish for your dog to | | | | are square, round or rectangular in shape. |
| occupy most of his time.a. Room should be big | | | | * Couch - style beds are very comfortable for your |
| enough for the bed but make your pet feel warm | | | | pet and provide support for the dog no matter what |
| and safe.b. The bed should fit the style of your room | | | | their age. This bed is usually for the smaller breeds |
| and compliment the color in the room. | | | | but can be purchased for medium and large-sized |
| 3. Health needs of the dog should be considered to | | | | dogs. These usually do not come with removable |
| pick the type of bed you need.a. Does your dog | | | | covers. |
| have joint or back problems?b. Consider the age of | | | | * Orthopedic beds are also available for older pets |
| your dog, does your dog have arthritis? | | | | with arthritis, or pets that have joint injuries, leg and |
| 4. What kind of materials are the inside of the beds | | | | hip problems. These beds are made of materials used |
| made from; foam, feathers etc. | | | | to make human orthopedic beds for support which |
| 5. What kind of materials are covering the outside of | | | | can make it easier for the dog to go from sitting to |
| the bed?a. Small dogs or dogs with shorter hair would | | | | standing position. |
| be more suited to a dog bed made of warmer | | | | * Raised beds - are becoming very popular, usually in |
| materials such as fleece, suede or down filled beds.b. | | | | shelters and dog kennels. They come in different |
| Long haired dogs might be better suited to cottons | | | | styles and can be used with a pillow or by |
| or canvas types of materials. | | | | themselves. These are great for dogs that have a |
| 6. Make sure the bed cover can be removed to be | | | | hard time getting up off of the floor. |