Dog Beds and Your Pet

Some people pamper their pets, where others wouldn’t consider that their dog would have the need for a bed. However, even if you are not inclined to pamper your dog, dog beds can improve your dog’s quality of life in many ways.

Dog beds have many practical functions, such as insulating your dog from the floor. This is especially nice during winter months, especially if your dog is old, fat, or arthritic.

Dog beds also give dogs a private space. Dogs are pack animals, and you’re the pack. You cannot be home at all times, even if you’re retired or work at home. However, in lieu of being with his master, your dog will appreciate having a ‘den’ to stay in. Dogs are territorial and appreciate having their territory clearly defined for them.

Dogs sleep more than humans. For this reason, it is essential that you select a bed that is suitable and comfortable for your dog. Dog beds are trickier to buy than human beds because you can’t have your dog test out several beds in the store and choose one, nor can you discuss beds with him.

Choosing Dog Beds to Fit

Size matters when choosing dog beds. It should be big enough to fit your dog comfortably. This may seem obvious, but don’t shop for beds without actually measuring your dog. Leave room for your dog to grow if your dog is young, and leave room for your dog to get fatter if he is older. Also, dog beds should leave dogs with enough room to turn and move around in them.

Measure your dog while sleeping. If your dog curls up, measure your curled up dog at his or her widest point. Also measure your dog from the top of his or her head to the point where the tail meets the buttocks. Add 15 cm to that and you will know the minimum size you need to think about when considering beds. If your dog tends to stretch out when sleeping, add another 25 cm to that.

Durability also matters. Does your dog tend to chew? If so there are beds designed to resist damage from chew-happy mutts. Is your dog an indoor dog or an outdoor dog? Outdoor dogs need beds that fit in their dog houses, whereas for indoor dogs you will likely have more flexibility. Outdoor dog beds need to be able to endure weather and moisture, even if they will be located in dog houses.

Choosing Dog Beds by Shape

Standard dog beds are usually sorted into the following types: mattresses, balls, or nests. The style of bed that suits your dog depends on his or her sleeping habits. If your dog tends to curl up when sleeping, nests or balls are the best style of dog beds to choose from. Nests provide extra insulation, good for dogs sleeping outdoors.

Mattress style dog beds are more comfortable for dogs that tend to sprawl when sleeping. They give your dog room to move around, stretch, or sleep in whatever position suits them at any particular moment.

What’s inside Dog Beds

Filler for dog beds is typically solid foam or stuffing. Poly foam is typically used to make stuffing for dog beds. Look for beds with “high loft” stuffing, as they will be less likely to get squashed or otherwise lose their shape and fluffiness. Stuffing is more suitable for a small dog than a large one.

Solid foam beds are a better choice for larger dogs, and healthy older dogs. For a dog with serious back or hip problems, you should look into orthopedic foam dog beds. Be aware of the firmness or density of the foam. Firmness indicates how hard or soft the bed is, whereas density is the springiness. Better quality foam beds tend to have higher firmness and density.

Lastly, make sure you choose a bed that is easy to clean. Dogs aren’t self-cleaning pets the way that cats are, and dog beds get dirty.

Make sure you pick the right type and size Dog Bed [http://www.doghousemarket.com/All-Dog-Beds.html] for your pet. For the largest selection of Pet Products and informative articles, visit Dog House Market [http://www.doghousemarket.com].

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Johnathan_Livingston/255160