While dogs are happy to lay their heads down in a lot of places throughout your house, including your bed, it is important that your dog has its own space for napping and resting at night.The choices for dog beds can seem overwhelming, so it can be difficult to pick one out.Before you shop, think about your dog's needs.Consider your dog's health issues, age, and personality when choosing a bed.Don't forget about your own concerns, such as the bed's size and price, and whether it fits with your décor.
Step 1: Your dog will sleep.
It is important to think about your dog's sleeping style when selecting a bed.Dogs need a big bed to sleep.A small bed with sides to lean on is what your dog needs if it likes to cuddle up on itself.Look at your dog to see if it is cold or hot while sleeping.Different shapes and styles of beds can help regulate the temperature of your dog.Consider if your dog chews.If you know your dog is prone to chewing and destroying things, it's a good idea to go for a simpler, cheaper bed without heating or cooling.Do you think your dog can handle a different kind of bed?
Step 2: Measure your dog while they sleep.
At the end of a hard day, you want to give your dog enough space to lay down.Measure your dog from its nose to its tail while it sleeps.Determine the length or diameter of the bed by adding between 8 and 12 inches.Measure your dog to make sure he is fully grown.You won't need to replace the bed as quickly if you choose a bigger bed.If your dog is a puppy and you don't want to buy a small bed now and a larger one later, you can add blankets or padding to a bigger bed.
Step 3: Think about your special needs.
Your dog's age or health issues can affect the type of bed you choose.There are beds for dogs with sore joints and cooling pads for long haired dogs.The beds made of high density memory foam conform to your dog's shape and offer comfort and support.It's important to cover a memory foam bed with a waterproof cover because it tends to hold on to odors.Beds that offer a chance to cool off are important for dogs in warmer climates.Dogs with long hair and thick fur are more prone to overheating while sleeping.They do well with cots since they are made of mesh and the air flows beneath the dog as it sleeps.If your dog is not comfortable sleeping above ground, there are beds with cooling pads.
Step 4: The best material to choose is.
Dog beds can be used to deal with issues such as incontinence, odors, or allergies.If your dog is older and incontinent, waterproof beds are ideal.Purchase a waterproof cover for your bed if it isn't waterproof.It's possible to transfer a pleasing scent to your smelly dog with cedar-filled beds.The better your dog smells in the morning, the more it rolls around in its cedar bed.Hypoallergenic dog covers are a good option if your dog is sensitive.You can try different things to see which works best for your dog.
Step 5: The easiest solution is to buy a mat.
If your dog is a type to sleep anywhere, mats are a good choice.If your dog likes to sleep on the floor, they can be used to offer a bit of warmth.If your dog sleeps in a crate, you can get a dog specific mat.You can use a bath mat inside the crate to offer more comfort.
Step 6: A large dog needs a pillow bed.
The large pillows with a loose filling are good for dogs that sprawl out while sleeping.Large dogs tend to stretch out as much as possible while sleeping, so the freedom offered by a rectangular pillow bed or large pad will suit your pup.The filling can clump over time in less expensive models.Since washing the whole bed will decrease the lifespan of it, you should only buy the less expensive models.If your dog chews pillows, choose a pillow bed made of durable materials.The bean bag-type bed is a bit overfilled to offer even more comfort for your dog.
Step 7: If your dog likes to sleep in a donut bed, choose it.
A donut bed is shaped like it would suggest, with raised sides.These are great for small dogs.A donut bed can help keep your dog warm.Some dogs like to walk in circles a few times before laying down, and donut beds are a good option for these pups.
Step 8: Purchase a bed to sleep in.
Similar to donut beds, nest beds have high sides.They are good for dogs that need help staying warm at night.Since the high foam sides of these beds prevent you from putting them in the washing machine, make sure they have aremovable center pillow.
Step 9: If your dog is leaner, buy a bolster bed.
Your dog can rest its head on the raised edge of the beds, which are similar to mini sofas.Bolster beds are good for dogs that like big pillows and tend to startle when approached from behind, since the raised back provides a measure of security.Bolster beds are very well made and can be expensive.This style can take up a lot of space, so make sure you have a good spot for it before shopping.
Step 10: If your dog likes to burrow, you should look for a cave-style bed.
The tent beds have a cave-like arch.The semi-covered design is good for dogs that like to sleep and stay warm.Older dogs have a hard time staying warm.If your dog gets stressed out during the day, a cave-style bed can be a good place to hide.The beds are usually designed for dogs weighing less than 20 pounds.
Step 11: There is a hammock bed that is easy to clean.
These beds are similar to human hammocks in that they are elevated and made of a sturdy material.If your dog is incontinent, they are good since there is nowhere for the urine to settle in and cause odor.The beds are not ideal for all dogs.While sleeping some dogs may feel uneasy being elevated above the floor.
Step 12: A bed that is easy to maintain is a good choice.
Picking a bed that can be easily cleaned is one of the most important considerations when choosing a dog bed.Dog beds need to be cleaned frequently.The outer cover should be washed at least once a week.
Step 13: You can find a bed that will fit in your home.
You want your dog to be comfortable in its new bed, but you don't want it to dominate the room it is in.Dogs like that their beds are located in a quiet area of the house that doesn't get a lot of foot traffic.When necessary, your pet will be able to escape for some alone time.It is possible to find a bed that coordinates with your other furnishings.If space is a concern, you may be able to find a corner bed that you can tuck away.
Step 14: Look for features that are friendly to the environment.
You can buy beds made of recycled plastic bottles if you prefer an earth-conscious lifestyle.Many dog beds and covers are now made from 100 percent organic materials, so you can keep an eye out for those as well.These types of beds and covers can be more expensive than other choices, but they are often highly durable so they last longer.Natural rubber can be used to fill earth-friendly beds.
Step 15: Before you shop, make a budget.
Buying a bed for a dog is easy since you want your dog to have the best of everything.You could end up regretting your shopping spree if you don't have a price in mind before you start.There are different prices for elevated pet beds and nest-type beds.Compare prices and features at big-box retailers, small pet shops, and online stores.If your mattress becomes excessively dirty or worn, you may need to replace it.It's a good idea to keep this in mind while shopping.