Dog Beds

Thinking About Pet Beds

The beds can be in the shape of bean bags, wicker baskets, couches, human-type furniture or balls. Dog beds can be filled with polyfill, craft beads, cedar chips or cotton batting. Some bedding is washable or waterproof, while others are disposable. Dog beds can sit directly on the floor or be raised like a cot. Some dog pads even come complete with built in heating and cooling units. Specialized beds exist for puppies, large breed dogs and older dogs with health problems. An orthopedic bed is one type of specialized dog bed. The simplest bed is a cardboard box outfitted with a pillow.

Which Dog Bed Is Right For My Dog?

So how do you know what type of bed is right for your dog? Trial and error is truly your best bet. But if your dog likes to sleep curled up in a tight ball, nest beds, balls, bean bags and others with a type of backside will most likely fit the bill. If your dog likes to stretch out while he sleeps, a flat bed or pillow that offers him an abundance of room is a good choice. No matter what type of sleeping arrangement you provide, make sure your dog has enough room to walk around the bed and nest.

A flat pillow type bed

The nesting instinct is very strong in dogs. Have you seen your dog walk around in a circle several times, sigh, then lie down and fall fast asleep? If so, you have seen your dog exhibit its nesting instinct. This behavior is rooted deep in your dog's past, from times when dogs were wild and scratched the ground to soften it before sleeping.

Before you make your selection, consider some of the following dog bed details:

• What is the bed made of? Is it washable?
• Is it the right size bed for your pet?
• Where will you keep the bed? Next to your bed? In another room of the house? How will you train your dog to go to his bed at night and not yours?
• Does your dog suffer from allergies that may be irritated by the wrong bed?
• Would a raised bed be more difficult for your aging dog to jump on?
• How durable is the bed?
• What is your budget?
• Do you travel a lot and need a bed that you can take with you?

A Place to Call His Own

You may be asking yourself, why should I provide my dog a bed, when his ancestors slept outside? A dog bed provides a place for your dog to call his own where he can routinely nest. Having a place of his own helps your dog feel safe and protected. A pet bed also keeps your dog warm and comfortable. Floors are hard and cold. Dog beds are warm, soft and fluffy. If you train your dog properly, you can train him to sleep on his bed and stay off your bed and your furniture. Of course, many people prefer to allow their dogs on their furniture. Sleeping with your dog can add wonderful bonding time to your relationship. Allowing your dog on the couch with you can also strengthen your bond as it allows for extra cuddling time. Remember, dogs are pack animals and prefer to stay close to their pack members.

Where Do I Place My Dog Bed?

Ask five different dog owners who have provided beds for their dogs where they placed it, and you may well get five different answers. The key is to make sure your dog sleeps in an area that is away from drafts and hot spots and out of high traffic areas. You want your dog to feel safe and protected while he is sleeping.

Some owners have dog beds located throughout the house, so that their dogs have several choices where to sleep and many comfortable spots to lie down.

A wicker basket bed