A Guide to Choosing Designer Dog Beds
After spending the day running about looking for sticks, balls and the little critters that live in your backyard, your dog needs a place to rest its tired body. Just as you would take time in considering the purchase of your bed to ensure that you are comfortable, so should you when selecting a bed for your pet. A well-rested pet means that you have a more amiable companion during the day.
If you want the best for your dog, you’re probably considering the range of designer dog beds available in stores. If this is true, you may be drawn in by the unique shapes, patterns and colors available. However, there is much more to choosing designer dog beds than simply considering the aesthetic features of the bed.
Finding the right bed for your dog
Like you and me, dogs have personalities. They also have preferences and behaviors that are peculiar to their personalities. Some dogs prefer to sleep on the tiled part of the floor while others will jump right into bed with you at any opportunity they get. Others just like to cuddle up against a soft cushion.
Not all dogs are the same. Manufacturers of designer
dog beds understand this. That’s why you’ll find a wide variety of designer dog beds available in the market. You’ll need to understand your dog’s preferences and behavior in order to select the right type of bed for it. The bed will otherwise go unused.
There are three main factors you’ll have to consider when selecting a bed. These are:
Your dog’s level of activity
Active dogs require designer dog beds that are easy to maintain. Getting rid of muddy paw prints on an expensive fabric may be too much to ask.
Size
A large and heavy dog ought to sleep on a bed that is sturdy and durable. The bed should also be large enough for the dog to sleep comfortably.
Sleeping style
Does your dog like to sleep in a cozy ball or sprawled out? Does it like to burrow into a pile of clothes or lean against the couch? You can determine your dog’s sleeping style by watching her the next time she goes to sleep. This will help you determine the type of bed to purchase.
Bed styles
There is a wide variety of bed styles available in the market. Having determined your dog’s preferences, you can narrow down your search by going through the popular styles available in the market.
Mats and pads
These are perfect for the dog on the go. They are easy to maintain and are an easy solution for protection of your dog’s body from the hard floor beneath. The padding offers comfort and warmth. You can add more upholstery to provide added comfort. Additional padding would be great, especially for pets that are arthritic.
These types of designer dog beds are also perfect for larger dogs and those that like to sleep sprawled out. They will not restrict the dog as it rests.
It is important to look for a mat that is durable. It is also a good idea to look for a color that doesn’t show dirt easily, especially if you don’t want to have to wash the mat every single day.
Loose-filled
These are basically similar to pillows. They are filled with fiber or any other type of material depending on your preferences. For example, if you’re concerned about odor, you may want to choose a bed filled with cedar shavings.
This type of bed is suited for younger dogs. They are also a good choice for older dogs as well as those that are arthritic. If your dog prefers soft surfaces or curling up in a ball, then this could also be a great option.
Ensure that the bed has an out-covering that can be taken off and laundered.
Foam mattresses
These are the height of luxury. If you want the best comfort for your pet, young or old, a foam mattress is the answer. Not all foam mattresses are pricey. In fact, egg-crate foam beds are quite affordable. The cost will largely depend on the brand.
These beds are great for maintaining body heat and ensuring comfort. They are great for any size dog but especially those that have a thin body type.
Finding the right size
Now that you have an idea of what type of bed to purchase, you need to ensure that it is the right size for your dog. You will need to know your dog’s weight and dimensions. Most online dog stores will have size guidelines to help you make a selection. There are no standard sizes for designer dog beds. You should therefore use the guidelines provided by the particular manufacturer or store you are purchasing from.
Ensure that you choose a bed that you can afford and that will offer comfort to your dog.