The sleeping dog

Dog bed

The time dogs sleep on a blanket on the ground is long gone, and thats a good thing to. Dogs a specially larger ones can get calluses on elbows and other bony bits. Older dogs can develop arthritis and a dog bed can be a real benefit to keep your dog healthy.

If you are thinking about buying a dog bed, keep these points in mind.

• How does your dog sleep?
• What dog bed material is best for my dog?
• Is the bed easy to clean and durable?

Round or rectangle?

You have to look how your dog sleeps,  curled up like a ball, or stretched out, then measure your pet while in this curled up position and then add 7 inches (18 cm) to determine the length of the bed (cuddler) or when stretched out  measure your pet and add 12 inches (30 cm) to determine the bed length.
Does your dog sleep curled up? Then choose a round nesting bed and if your dog likes to stretch out a rectangle. Does your dog sleep both ways choose a rectangle.

Material

Filling of the dog bed. Foam is most common but cedar fill repels fleas. Cedar can be refilled too.
Removable and washable bed covers are essential. Heated beds are preferable for older or arthritic dogs and some of them offer the feature of being able to be cooler in hot weather. Thermo-Beds that look quite stylish and have polyfiber filling are easy to wash. They maintain the warmth that matches the body temperature and can be used all the year round. Big dogs, especially, need the kind of bed that can support their weight.

A slightly elevated bed style with soft polyfiber filling conserves heat and the slightly elevated style protects your pet from floor drafts. Removable and washable bed covers are essential. Some beds have an inner wrap that keeps moisture from getting into and ruining core filling.

Dogs that are living in warm climates might want a dog bed that allows air to circulate and cool the dog like Durabed Dog Bed by Petmate, such as a hammock-style dog bed made of durable outdoor fabric. In the winter months up north, a fleece-lined or even electrically heated pet bed is the best choice to stop chilly drafts.

Dog beds come in all sorts of sizes, for small dogs, big dogs, and also for arthritic dogs.