| Picking a good dog bed for your pet is as important | | | | you have a dog that still likes to chew on things, you |
| for a dog as choosing your own bed is to you, in | | | | shouldn't get a very expensive bed just yet, as your |
| fact in ways it is even more so. Dogs spend a lot | | | | dog may just wind up ruining it. Some dogs never |
| more time sleeping or just lying down than people do, | | | | quite outgrow chewing on stuff, should that be the |
| so given that your dog will spend a great deal of | | | | case with your dog, get a chew resistant bed. |
| time on the bed you pick, it is quite important that | | | | Shape |
| you pick a good one. When choosing your dog's bed, | | | | Different dogs have different sleeping preferences; |
| you need to consider these questions: | | | | you should take these into consideration when picking |
| 1. What position does your dog usually prefer, and | | | | beds. Some dogs like to curl up, for such dogs, round |
| where in the house does he or she like to sleep? | | | | beds, donut beds or even nesting beds may be best. |
| 2. Does your dog have particular sensitivity to high or | | | | If your dog likes to lay out, a rectangular bed, a |
| low temperatures? | | | | bumper bed, a couch bed or even a cushioned mat |
| 3. How old is your dog? Does he or she have special | | | | might be ideal. Some dogs like to sleep with a pillow |
| needs? | | | | or a stuffed toy, for such dogs, you can add a pillow |
| 4. Is your dog shaggy, and does he or she shed a lot | | | | or a lounger couch with has a raised provision for the |
| as a result? | | | | dog's head. There are also beds with raised sides or |
| 5. Do you think your dog will want to chew on the | | | | beds specially designed to fit into corners for dogs |
| bed? | | | | that prefer sleeping tucked into a corner. |
| 6. Is your dog a puppy? Or fully grown? | | | | Size |
| How you answer these questions should determine | | | | You don't want a bed that is too big for your dog, |
| your key criteria for picking the perfect bed for your | | | | as it will take up more space than it needs to, worse |
| beloved pet. | | | | still would be getting a bed that is too small. As your |
| Unique requirements and lifestyle | | | | dog will be uncomfortable and may choose not to |
| There are beds that have more padding, these are | | | | use it at all. Measure your dog while he or she is |
| ideal for larger breeds, arthritic dogs and dogs that | | | | asleep, this should be your guide. Manufacturers give |
| get a lot of exercise. If you live in a place that tends | | | | you both an inside measure of the bed and an |
| to be cold in the winter, and you own a short haired | | | | outside measure, the inside measure is what needs |
| dog, you might consider a heated bed. On the other | | | | to be big enough for you dog. |
| hand if you live in a warmer state and you own a | | | | For puppies, you definitely want to allow for growth, |
| Malamute or a Siberian Husky, a cooling bed might be | | | | so buy a bed is a size or two bigger depending on |
| great for the summer months. For shaggy dogs that | | | | how old your puppy is. Don't invest in an expensive |
| tend to shed a lot you want the cushion of your bed | | | | bed for a puppy, as they may outgrow them, and |
| to be upholstered with a smooth fabric, so that hair | | | | they will also likely chew on the bed. Make sure you |
| can be easily cleaned off. | | | | pick out a spot for the bed in your home before you |
| Maintenance | | | | actually start shopping around. If you've the budget, |
| Your pet will definitely prefer a comfortable bet, but | | | | and you see that your dog likes sleeping in many |
| you will probably be more worried about ease of | | | | different places in your house, you may even want |
| maintenance. Make sure the cover of the bed is easy | | | | to get many beds. |
| to clean, preferably something machine washable. If | | | | |