| As your dog gets older, it's likely that he may | | | | Specialised dog beds are also needed for small dogs. |
| develop Canine Arthritis or Hip Dysplasia, especially if | | | | Dachshunds and other breeds with long backs are |
| he is overweight or a larger breed. You may not be | | | | frequently troubled by back problems, usually caused |
| aware of the different types of dog beds and what | | | | by jumping therefore a dog bed all of their own, |
| it is that your dog might require. | | | | close to the floor is essential. |
| An orthopedic dog bed can be used as a way to | | | | Even with a coat of fur, some dogs still feel the cold, |
| delay the onset of some common problems in older | | | | they need a little extra warmth to get them through |
| or overweight dogs, such as Hip Dyslpasia and | | | | the night. As your dog gets older, it may be feeling |
| Arthritis. There are some breeds that are susceptible | | | | arthritic and be in some pain, therefore a heated dog |
| to these problems and you may wish to purchase an | | | | bed may be just what the doctor/vet ordered. |
| orthopedic dog bed to give your dog comfort before | | | | Heated dog beds keep a constant temperature and |
| it's too late. Orthopedic dog beds support the dog's | | | | are designed to keep the temperature at a safe level |
| joints and help alleviate the pain of Hip Dysplasia and | | | | at all times. Heated dog beds have controls that give |
| Arthritis. | | | | you several setting choices. Some more expensive |
| There are a few different types of orthopedic dog | | | | brands are thermostatically controlled thereby |
| beds, different fillings are used. Memory foam is | | | | keeping a consistent temperature, varying only by a |
| made from durable, elastic foam and has the ability | | | | degree or two. Heated orthopedic dog beds are |
| to form to the shape of the dog and mold itself to | | | | great for older dogs or dogs with Arthritis or Hip |
| the dog's contours, then it restores to its original | | | | Dysplasia providing warmth in the colder months, the |
| shape. You can also get gel-filled mattresses although | | | | orthopedic dog beds are made from memory foam |
| the memory foam is better as it conforms to the | | | | and the warmth from a heated dog bed can loosen |
| body. Most orthopedic dog beds are constructed | | | | the muscles and make them more comfortable. You |
| from a wooden frame with the memory foam | | | | can also get heated mats for outside use, pillow beds |
| mattress inserted. | | | | with an internal heater and oval beds for smaller |
| Orthopedic Dog Beds are lower to the ground which | | | | breeds. There is also the thermo-wave microwavable |
| reduces the injuries sustained from jumping up and | | | | dog bed warmer that is placed in the microwave and |
| down from a bed or couch. Because the memory | | | | then into your dog's bed and will stay warm up to |
| foam is light weight, the whole bed is reasonably | | | | twelve hours. |
| easy to move around as it is not too heavy. | | | | You need to check how comfortable the heated dog |
| If you have a large dog, it's best if they have a large | | | | bed is, the last thing your dog wants is to be able to |
| dog bed of their own. When you find that your dog | | | | feel the heating materials through the mattress. The |
| is constantly getting on the sofa and making a mess | | | | mattress stills needs to be of a hardy material with a |
| with all the dog hair, it's definitely time to invest in a | | | | good, solid foam - memory foam is the best. |
| large dog bed. These days you can get large dog | | | | You will need to look out for the cord, look for a |
| beds that look like real furniture so they don't look | | | | steel-wrapped cord or simply cover it with some |
| out of place in your home. | | | | hose or conduit just in case your dog is a 'chewer'. |
| Larger breeds need extra cushioning as they are | | | | Look out for a heated dog bed with a removable |
| prone to Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia, therefore | | | | cover for ease of washing, preferably it will be |
| sleeping on the floor isn't really an option with a large | | | | machine washable. The cover also needs to be of a |
| dog. When buying a large dog bed, you need to think | | | | durable material to keep any clawing or biting in |
| about how your dog sleeps. Does he curl up or | | | | check. |
| spread out, possibly a little of both depending on the | | | | Waterproof dog beds are also available, they have a |
| weather and other factors. | | | | tough polyester cover which will keep out moisture - |
| Once again memory foam beds are the best option, | | | | much the same as your outdoor furniture. After a |
| they have a higher price tag but last a lot longer than | | | | bath, getting home from the beach after a swim or |
| the cheaper dog beds and they are great for | | | | getting stuck in the rain during a walk, you'll be |
| relieving aches and pains. Different material designs | | | | thankful for having a waterproof dog bed. |
| are also available so you should be able to find one | | | | We all want the best for our dogs, we give them |
| that fits in with your decor so they can look like part | | | | the best food, toys and veterinary care but |
| of the furniture rather than a sloppy old mattress or | | | | sometimes neglect the basics. A good dog bed is a |
| sofa. Covers can also be taken off for ease of | | | | necessity and may even prolong your best friend's |
| washing. | | | | life. |