| Your dog is like a member of the family. And, as such, | | | | A bed that is too soft may be a struggle for an older |
| you want to ensure your dog's health, safety and | | | | dog to get in and out. An orthopedic bed, one that |
| comfort. If your dog is like most, he/she spends a large | | | | provides a soft cushion to rest ailing joints but also |
| portion of the day sleeping. Therefore, it is easy to | | | | provides support, may be preferred for older dogs. |
| understand why the proper dog bed can make such | | | | Temperature or Seasonal Conditions |
| an important impact on your dog's quality of life. | | | | Depending upon the temperature of your home, older, |
| The various types of dog beds run the gamut. They | | | | short-haired or smaller dogs might find greater comfort |
| vary in size, shape, design and material. A bed can be | | | | with a heated bed. Some beds feature a built-in |
| a simple mat or an elaborately-embellished plush | | | | heating element, similar to an electric blanket. Other |
| cushion. Still, some fancier bed designs look like, well, | | | | beds simply use special materials and physical design |
| real beds! | | | | to take advantage of the warmth naturally generated |
| Before you purchase a bed for your best friend, there | | | | by the dog to provide a warmer sleeping environment. |
| are a number of factors to consider. They include: | | | | Conversely, long-haired dogs or those accustomed to |
| Size of Your Dog | | | | colder climates may find a bed that provides for a |
| While taking into account the size of your dog may | | | | cooler sleeping arrangement more desirable. |
| seem quite obvious, it may be overlooked when | | | | Mechanical features or simply cooler coverings can |
| browsing through so many different fun-looking and | | | | provide some dogs with relief. Some mats and |
| novel bed designs. However, it is important to | | | | cushions serve a duel purpose by offering a |
| remember that the size of your dog is the number one | | | | fleece-lining on one side and a cooler fabric covering |
| factor in choosing the proper bed. | | | | on the reverse side. |
| In addition, to his/her size, consider the sleeping position | | | | Ease of Care |
| of your dog. Does your dog sleep in a curled position | | | | If your dog enjoys the outdoors, he/she may track |
| or is he/she a "sprawler," sleeping fully stretched out | | | | some of the outdoors indoors. If so, dirt, grass and, |
| with legs in all directions? A bolster bed, an | | | | possibly, insects will find their way into your dog's bed. |
| oval-shaped bed with raised sides, may be ideal for a | | | | Having a bed with a removable and washable cover |
| "cuddler" but unsuitable for a dog that likes to stretch | | | | will be quite convenient. |
| out. Know that the bed should be at least slightly larger | | | | Even if your dog is primarily an inside dog, you may |
| than the size of your dog in his/her normal sleeping | | | | want to consider the merits of a washable cover if he |
| position. | | | | she sheds excessively. Being able to quickly and easily |
| Remember to also consider the height of your dog. A | | | | remove grime and dog hair from your pooch's sleep |
| number of bed designs are raised off of the floor, | | | | quarters will go a long way to making the area more |
| either for functional purposes or merely for | | | | visually attractive, smell better and improve your dog's |
| appearances. In either case, a bed that might provide | | | | overall health. |
| easy access for a Great Dane may prove to be quite | | | | Coordinating Home Decor |
| a struggle for a short-legged Dachshund or a young | | | | Give consideration as to where the bed will be located |
| pup. | | | | in your home. Finding a comfortable bed for your best |
| Also, take into account whether your dog is a growing | | | | friend does not mean the aesthetics of your home |
| pup or fully grown. If your dog is a puppy, you may | | | | have to suffer. The style and design of dog beds |
| what to purchase a bed that is suitable for today but | | | | have come a long way. A dog bed no longer has to |
| will provide comfort as your dog matures. However, | | | | be an eye-sore. It can be a well-coordinated accent |
| please keep in mind, that it may not be possible for a | | | | piece, one that highlights your sense of style. Select a |
| particular bed to be suitable for all stages of your dog's | | | | color and design of bed that will compliment the other |
| life. As your dog grows and ages, bedding needs often | | | | furnishings and décor of the room, as well as |
| change. | | | | be pleasing to your pooch. |
| Age and Health of Your Dog | | | | In conclusion, just a little bit of consideration in the |
| A super plush bed that would be cozy for a young | | | | shopping process will go a long way in finding a dog |
| pup in which to snuggle may be too soft for an older | | | | bed that both you and your dog will love. |
| dog that has arthritis or other joint or muscle aliments. | | | | |