Dog Beds: How to Choose One for Your Canine Pet
Buying a dog bed is no longer an easy decision nowadays. Whether you are just adopting a new puppy or looking for a new bed for your dog, you know how it feels when given the myriad of choices. You are confused as to which bed is the best for your canine pet.
As with many people, your dog may play an important role as a member of your family. To express your affection, you need to make sure they sleep well.
Your dog may run around all day and at the end of the day nothing is more pleasing than crashing on a comfortable bed. It may be that he is small enough to jump into your bed. In another situation, it may be that your pet is getting a bit older and it not as agile as he used to be
Manufacturers have noticed these concerns and demands, which in turn started to fill the store with what seems like endless models of beds, each with its own uniqueness and functionalities.
Different Types of Dog Bed and Terminologies
Dog beds come in different shapes and purposes. Your choice of the right one depends on your liking and the needs of the canine pet. Because of the variety, it helps if you understand different options that are available for you from the start.
- Pillow or cushion dog beds. They come in square, round and rectangle shapes. Sizes also vary to fit any breed. Most beds contain either poly foam or combination of foam and cedar chips blend, which serves as a natural flea repellent. Some dogs may not like the smell of cedar chips. It may cause certain allergic skin reaction to the scent. You may want to take this into account before buying this kind of dog bed. Cushion or pillow dog beds are the most common of all.
- Orthopedic dog beds. These dog beds are specially designed for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint problems. They are also suitable for senior dogs regardless of their health condition. Orthopedic dog beds usually are made of high quality / premium foam filling in order to cushion joints and bones. Some of them even include electric heating pads to provide soothing and warm effect that can relieve joint pain. Older dogs that are incontinent need waterproof or washable fabrics with the bed. Without doubt, it is expected that the price of such bed is a little more than conventional ones.
- Nest dog beds. Some people refer to these beds as cuddler or donut dog beds because the bedding usually consists of a deep, soft pillow or form cushion, which is surrounded by a wall made of sturdy material such as stuffed fabric, plastic, wicker or wood. The wall gives the dog warm, comfortable and private feelings when curling up inside the bed.
- Heated dog beds. As the name implies, heated dog beds have an internal heating element which helps keep the bed heated and warm. This type of bed is good for different reasons. Dogs who are recovering from an illness or surgery may need this. It is also suitable for cold places where the dog has problems to get warm.
- Dog mats. A dog mat is a cost effective alternative for dog bed. Dog mats usually consist of a thin layer of foam covered by a washable and waterproof fabric. Mats are great in kennels or crates to help cushion your dog from the cold and hard floor. Mats are also easy to take with you because of the flat and lightweight features. Nowadays, mats are available with high-grade memory foam and/or cooling properties made from high-tech materials.
- Iron dog beds. A wrought iron dog bed comes in different sizes and styles. You have to choose the right kind of mattress so the dog feels comfortable sleeping on it. Certain kinds of guard dogs may prefer to lie down near the front or back door of your home, so you need to think about this before making a decision. If you can't find the right kind of iron bed, you could get a customized iron dog bed.
- Large dog beds. Large dogs and extra large dogs require more complex sleeping situation than small dogs. Choosing the right size of bed doesn't only involve the size of your pet but also the dog breed. Take into account the estimated size of the dog when he is fully grown, and also his sleeping style, whether he sleeps curled up in a ball or stretched out across the space.
- Dog water beds. Your pup can enjoy the amazing feel and comfort of water beds too. They come as cooler pads or hydro mattresses. Dog water beds can be of help for the dogs to cool down because they don't sweat, making it difficult for them to cool down. Because of the fluid, all of those beds are made with strong and durable materials.
- Designer dog beds. This is the right choice for dog owners who don't mind spending some extra money to get their dog a luxury. Designer dog beds are custom made to look like small pieces of furniture. Prices can vary based on the materials. Many beds resemble small sofas with wood frames, including commercial grade foam and fabric. Other beds are made from polished wood. Usually they are hand made and can be custom ordered.
Oh, let's not forget that dog sofas are also available. They offer luxury and modern style furniture for your dog and home. Sofas for dogs may come with different styles too, with a strong wooden frame and quality materials. This makes it possible for you to join your favorite four-legged friend on.
Depends on your dog's need, you may also consider a dog bed ramp. It may be that your pet is getting a bit older and it not as agile as he used to be. Possibly your dog is a smaller breed and not able to jump up onto the bed.
How to Choose the Right Dog Bed
What factors do you want to look into when considering the many choices of dog beds? While different owners have different requirements, we track down the factors into 3 main points:
1. Location
Where are you going to place the dog's bed? You probably don't want your pet to stretch out on your favorite sofa, especially during your favorite TV show. Others would like to prevent their dogs from jumping into their bed, so they would like to have a place where their canine pets could lie down.
Different location in your house requires you to match the dog's furniture with the environment around it. Don't forget to make sure that there is enough room for the new furniture.
2. Design
Beds for canine pets come in different favors. Some resembles a sofa, complete with patterned pillows. Others are portable with lockable wheels. If you look around, you will find different Chaise lounges for puppy, small and large dogs.
If you want simpler option, try donut bed. Not only they are nice, but also easy to clean.
Most importantly for others, design should match the location where you place the bed. See point 1 above.
3. Size of our dog and the breed
Large dogs and extra large dogs require more planning. In most cases, they require more complex sleeping situation than smaller dogs.
A small dog takes fewer room, but for large dogs, you need to pay attention to the location and space you already have.
4. Purpose
What is the purpose of a bed other than as a place to lie and sleep? Well, it may not as simple as you think. As dogs get older, they experience more or less the same problems in their bodies as humans do.
Older male dogs tend to develop arthritis. They can't complain about the pains, but you can notice it when they are walking or running. These dogs have troubles sleeping on the same bed they have been using for years.
Manufacturers have designed Orthopedic dog beds for this purpose as well.
Before You Buy... Tips for Purchasing Online Confidently
The issue is not only about the price but also the quality. While many people at least have an idea about what they want or need, it can be hard to decide without touching and feeling the fabric and quality of materials used for the dog bed.
Buying online provides convenient for busy people. If you live in an area where there are not many options for dog beds, you may be able to get the right dog bed shipped to your house by buying online.
Following are a few tips to help you make online buying a quick, easy and pleasing experience.
1. Research dog bed products
The above information should provide you with the basic to start looking around to buy the right dog bed. Often, popular products have online reviews or a central place where enthusiasts and hobbyists compile or share information related to the products, the benefits and drawbacks, etc.
You may start by researching for 5-10 different dog beds and use the reviews and other product information to nail down your choice.
2. Find the right merchants / stores / companies
Custom made dog beds may be available from a specific vendor, but others are available from different online stores. Once you've nailed down the right dog bed, the next step is to choose the right company that carries or create various dog bed products.
It is better if you already know the reputation of the company. Otherwise, you may do a bit of research to make sure it is reputable with great products and customer service.
3. Locate the product
Popular dog beds are easy to find. However, specific products may be hard to locate. After knowing the merchant you are going to shop with, browse or use the search function to locate the product.
If it doesn't carry the dog bed, consider picking another online store. There is no short of online stores nowadays.
4. Do comparison shopping if necessary
If you are Internet savvy, you may spend some more time to comparison shop the same products from various online stores. It is important that cheapest price doesn't always mean the best service. Also look for shipping and other not-so-obvious, if not hidden, fees.
Who knows, spending time to hop from one store to another may end you up with a better looking or more comfortable dog bed?
With those points in mind, it is time to fire up another browser window and start hunting for dog bed!