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Select the Right Dog Bed For Your Pet

There are many different types of dog beds out there, and picking the right one for your dog can be quite difficult. You don't want to buy an expensive bed only to watch it go unused as your dog sleeps on the couch or (even worse?) on your bed. This guide will help you get an idea of what the different dog beds offer and which might be best for your furry friend.

First, size. You want to be certain that your dog can fit in their new dog bed. If you're buying for a puppy, remember that it won't be a puppy for long. Don't buy a small bed or you may find yourself buying another, larger bed in a few months. Take growth into account so you don't end up spending more money than you need to.

Even with a full grown animal, be sure to get a bed big enough that he or she will have room to stretch and won't feel too crowded. If you get a dog bed that's a bit on the small side, your dog may not use it. Also take note of the height of dog beds. You don't want to select a bed that is too high for your small dog. A raised bed, however, may help keep your dog warm if your house is drafty.

Shape is another consideration. Dog beds come in several different shapes and looks. There are round ones, square ones, beds that look like little couches, dog beds with no sides, and beds that have raised sides all the way around. If your dog likes lying with its head up on a pillow, you may want one of these beds with raised sides.

One thing to do is consider your dog's sleeping positions. If they like to sprawl out, then you should probably consider a longer rectangular bed. Some dogs sleep in tight circles, and the round one is generally a match. Once again, if your puppy is under two years old, you should probably consider buying something that will accommodate some growth based on the breed.

Be sure to check the tag before you buy your dog's bed. You want to be sure that at least the main pad can be removed and washed. This is a necessity in dealing both with dirt and with keeping your dog's bed free of fleas. You also want the material to be heavy enough to withstand a little chewing and clawing, especially if the bed is for a puppy.

You should also be sure to check the sturdiness of the item. A few of the dog beds have wood bases, and while they can cost a little more, they may also last longer than a fabric one. It's a good idea to check the stuffing covering the frame to make sure that it is thick enough to keep the bed from being rough.

If your dog has arthritis or has an injury, you may need to purchase a special bed. Orthopedic dog beds, for example, are designed to help ease your dog's joint pain. While you may not want (or need) to invest in a special bed if your dog's injury is minor, if you have an older dog or a permanently disabled one, you might think about it.

So many times people look to color or style when looking at dog beds, but this is only a small part of what makes a good choice. If the bed is going to be placed in a room where there is already an established color pattern you might pick something that matches what is already there.

There are many more options for your dog beds. You can get a dog bed with a built-in heating pad to keep your dog warm, one with special colors or insignias on the fabric, and more. Of course, you may not need any of these options. To decide what you do want in a dog bed, make a list of your dog's needs before heading out to make your buy.