A Pet Owner's Guide: Choosing the Right Dog Bed

Choosing a bed for your furry friend can be just as hard as picking one for yourself. There are many choices available from pet stores to grocery stores, not all are the same though. It is important the proper bed is purchased since the dog will need to feel comfortable in the location and is slightly costly, so the purchase needs to be permanent.

Choosing the right size is one of the most important factors in choosing a dog bed. If purchasing for a puppy, look into information about the growth potential of the dog for the future. If you have purchase a mixed breed and just are not sure what size the dog will reach, try asking the veterinarian during the next visit. Most veterinarians can guess the breeds that have been mixed and give a good guesstimate on the potential size. The right size of the dog bed will provide a feeling of security and protection. If the bed is too small it can cramp the dog. If too large, it will not provide the feeling of protection or security that is needed. The wrong sized bed will lead the dog to seek elsewhere for a sleeping location and leave the new purchase to sit and collect dust.

Choose long-lasting materials that provide durability for even the toughest dogs. Although there are many styles and colors available, it is important to choose a solid supported bed. For larger dogs, try picking a bed that has sturdy side supports. Larger dogs like to lean on the sides of the bed, therefore sturdy sides are needed. For smaller breeds, try choosing a bed that is a little less sturdy and is softer. A smaller dog has less weight and will prefer a softer selection. The best durable material on the market today is the foam mattress with foam sides. It is important though to make sure that the mattress cover is completely removable and washable. No matter how hard an owner tried to keep a dog clean, the bedding will still get stale smelling.