Walking into any animal store, you’re going to see many different choices of dog beds. Which one should you get? It can be hard to tell, and you don’t want to spend all of that money just to get a bed your dog doesn’t use. This guide lists several different things to take into account when you’re purchasing a bed for your furry friend.
First, size. You want to be certain that your dog can fit in their new dog bed. If you’re buying for a puppy, remember that it won’t be a puppy for long. Don’t buy a small bed or you may find yourself buying another, larger bed in a few months. Take growth into account so you don’t end up spending more money than you need to.
If you’re looking for an adult canine, then it is important you allow them enough room to stretch. Getting a dog bed that is a snug fit may cause your dog discomfort. There are also some higher dog beds, and it’s important you consider the animal’s ability to get onto it comfortably. If you do have a larger dog, these off the ground beds can be perfect to keep them warm and cozy.
Second, shape. Dog beds come in different shapes: rectangular, circular, oval, square, some are even oddly shaped or made to look like miniature sofas or beds. Some are simply flat mattresses, while others have raised headrests or pillows attached. You want to select the shape that best fits your dog.
One thing to do is consider your dog’s sleeping positions. If they like to sprawl out, then you should probably consider a longer rectangular bed. Some dogs sleep in tight circles, and the round one is generally a match. Once again, if your puppy is under two years old, you should probably consider buying something that will accommodate some growth based on the breed.
Once you’ve decided on a style, you should check to make sure that the bed (or at minimum the pad) can be washed. Even the cleanest of dogs will bring in dirt and it’s a good idea to keep the area free of pests as well. The resilience of the bed’s material should be able to handle some tough puppy love as well.
Durability is another thing to pay attention to. Some dog beds feature wooden supports or frames, and these beds may last longer than those that are completely made out of cloth. However, you want to make sure the padding in these beds is sufficient and that the wooden frame won’t poke through or be uncomfortable.
Older dogs may require the purchase of a specialty bed, and there are even orthopedic dog beds which are intended to help ease the stiffening pain of arthritic joints. This is an investment you should consider carefully if your dog is suffering from old age or has an injury which renders it disabled in some way.
Color is a minor consideration when thinking about which of the many dog beds to purchase, but it is something you may want to consider. If your dog’s bed is going to be in your living room or bedroom, you may want to select a bed that doesn’t clash with your established color schemes or overall room design.
There are several other options for your dog bed. Some are heated. Some can be monogrammed or embroidered with your dog’s name. Others are waterproof. The best thing to do before going shopping is to make a list of everything you want for your dog’s bed. Once you get to the store, you can then cut down the list until you find a bed that fits your budget.
