Cots for Dogs

Difference Between Dog Beds and Cots

For the sake of this discussion, let's be sure that everyone is working with the same definition of a dog bed and a dog cot.

Most of us are familiar with the typical dog bed. It can be a basket lined with a cushion, a soft construction of material and padding, or even a flat cushioned mat without any sides. A dog bed typically sits directly on the floor, unless it happens to be a luxury dog bed that more closely resembles a miniature version of furniture for humans.

A cot is a slightly different item, although it generally serves the same purpose as a dog bed. Cots for dogs are typically constructed from some sort of material stretched across a framework on raised legs. Just like dog beds, cots come in a variety of sizes to accommodate a large size range of canines.

When to Choose Cots for Dogs

Although every dog can benefit from a nice comfy bed, there are some situations where using a cot is more appropriate.

Consider an outdoor kennel; it's typically not fully weather-proofed. This means that wind and rain can make the environment damp. Add to this the fact that no matter which type of flooring is used, between a dog's eliminations and the weather the floor can be wet. This is not an ideal place for your dog to lie down.

Would you add a dog bed to this environment? Probably not. The typical bed would soak up moisture and not remain suitable bedding for your dog. Even a plastic dog bed would hold rainwater.

In this case or anytime an outdoor bed is required, a dog cot may be far more suitable. Some cots are made with a polyester mesh fabric that promotes excellent circulation. If it gets wet, it dries out again just as quickly. Having raised legs, the cot allows air to continue circulating beneath it. This helps the dampness dry out, and keeps the cot from wicking up moisture.

When to Choose Dog Beds

As great as cots for dogs can be, sometimes a dog bed is a better choice.

Inside the house or on an enclosed porch, there is little worry about wet floors. In this situation, both types of bedding are suitable, but there's no reason not to provide your dog with a typical dog bed. However, there can be a good reason to avoid a cot.

Senior dogs, arthritic and/or injured pets may all have difficulty climbing up into a dog cot, even if it is only a few inches off the ground. Just this small extra effort can put additional stress on painful joints. In cases like this, a cushioned mat without side walls or an orthopedic dog bed may be a more appropriate solution than a cot.

Where to find Dog Cots

Dog beds are easy to find online and at your favorite pet supply store. Locating cots can be more difficult at the local level, but the Internet yields a number of retailers that carry these bedding alternatives. Let's check out a couple.

Greg Robert

Greg Robert Quality Pet Supplies carries a number of cots for pets.

Choices include:

• Portable Pet Cot: This is a classically simple cot, made with mesh fabric. The screw-on legs make this cot easy to travel with, and you can level it on nearly any surface by adjusting how tightly you screw each leg on.
• Bone Lounger Cot: Who knows better how to manufacture quality outdoor items than Coleman? This polyester cushioned cot is as cute as it is functional. It's designed with the same type of easy-fold legs as a camp chair, so you can easily move it anywhere, anytime.

The Pet Cot Company

Pet Cot Company also offers very nice cots for pets.

Styles are basically the same, but sizes include:

• Small: Holds up to 20 pounds, and has an area of 22" x 22" x 4.5"
• Medium:Designed to hold 25-60 pounds, with an area of 39" x 22" x 4.5"
• Large: Holds between 60 and 90 pounds, with an area of 39" x 28" x 4.5"
• Extra Large: Designed to hold up to 90+ pounds, and has an area of 46" x 30" x 4.5"

Conclusion

Hopefully you now feel armed with the information you need to decide if your pet is better off with a bed or a cot. If you're still in doubt, providing a traditional bed indoors and a cot outside might be the right solution to your pet's bedding needs.