subject: Dog Beds - How To Find The Right One [print this page] The choice of dog beds has grown dramatically as the number of canines in homes increases and they become part of the family.
There are some simple tips that can make the decision less stressful and ensure your hard earned cash is invested wisely.
Your dog's sleeping style
Some dogs curl up in their bed in a ball, others like to hang their necks over the side of their dog beds, sprawl and stretch out or lie on their backs.
This observation will help your decision. For example, if your four-legged friend likes to stretch out over their bed, then a dog bed with raised sides is probably not the best choice.
Similarly, if your dog likes to roll in a ball and tend to place their back up against something then choosing a bed with raised sides would be ideal.
Consider your climate
If you live in a colder climate your four-legged friend is likely to be warmer in a bed with raised sides as it can curl up against the sides to retain body heat. In warmer climates they are more likely to want to stretch out when sleeping.
If your dog sleeps outside in cooler weather there are a good range of heated dog beds and kennel dog mats that may provide the ideal solution to keeping your best friend warm.
Raised dog beds are also a good option in the heat as it keeps them elevated to enjoy the cool breezes.
The Size of your Dog
If you have a larger breed and they are not fully grown yet, consider their eventual size rather than buying a bed specifically for a puppy.
When checking the measurements of any dog beds also be sure to consider the size of your dog when it's stretched out so you don't end up with a bed that is too small.
Historically, the selection of large dog beds and extra large dog beds were very limited, however there are now a lot of fashionable and practical dog beds for larger breeds, so keep searching, they're out there.
Practicality
This is one of the more important questions to consider when looking for the perfect bed for your four-legged friend. Consider the following:
a)Is the bed machine washable?
If not, you need to consider the expense and time involved in hand washing or dry-cleaning. When considering washable dog beds, also consider what parts of the bed are washable. A number of dog beds on the Australian market have both machine washable covers as well as inserts.
Many outdoor dog beds can simply be hosed down so check for this option as this is a practical choice for an outdoor dog bed.
b) Can you buy spare covers?
This is a great option as you can use the spare cover while the other is being washing. A great convenience for a busy household.
Durability
The durability of a dog bed is particularly important for outdoor dog beds. Some things you should consider are:
a) Check the materials used in the frame of any raised dog beds and any references to rust proofing etc
b) Make it a point to investigate the type of materials used in the cover. For example some raised dog bed covers use Jute which is part of the Hemp plant but much more durable.
If you choose an outdoor dog bed which is more like a cushion than a raised dog bed, then the same principles apply, check the materials used and ask questions about the maintenance for the product, for example can you simply hose down the outdoor dog bed?
Number of Dog Beds
The number of beds you need is not only determined by the number of dogs you have, it's convenient to have dog beds in a couple of areas of the house so you don't have to move them as your four-legged friend follows you from room to room.
Customised Styles
Many suppliers offer different fabric options to allow you to match to your home decor, consider the options they really can change the whole look of the dog bed.
Guarantees & Repairs
Check the supplier offers a product guarantee against manufacturing flaws. Some even offer a free repair service.
By considering all of these tips you'll make a more informed decision about buying a dog bed and a much better chance of getting the perfect dog bed.
