What to Consider When Purchasing a New Dog Bed

Buying a dog bed is one of the most important purchases you will make for your pet. It is an item that will be used on a daily basis to make your pet feel comfortable and secure. To make sure that you get the right bed for your dog, be prepared when you make your decision.

Size isn’t the only important factor when considering what bed to purchase. There are many different shapes, sizes, colors and materials to consider, as well as orthopedic beds and even luxury beds to choose from. However, size should be the first of these factors to consider. Measure your dog by weight, length and width. Take into consideration any additional weight if your dog is still growing. There’s no sense in buying a new bed every month as they grow.

Secondly, you should observe your dog’s behavior when he or she is sleeping to find out what their preferred position is. Whether you dog likes to curl up or stretch out will help determine what shape of bed to consider. If your dog curls up, a round or oblong bed with raised sides may be more comfortable for them. On the other hand, if your dog likes to stretch out while sleeping, a flat rectangular bed could be a better option. Look at all the options and try to picture which one would accommodate their sleeping behavior the best.

Other factors to consider are the type of material used for the bed. Most dog beds today are made with non-toxic filling, but it’s always a good idea to check the material used for the entire to bed to make sure that if your dog does try to destroy the bed and ingests some material, it won’t be toxic to him or her. Also, your dog’s activity level and location of the dog bed will contribute to what type of bed you will need. If your dog is allowed to frolic in the backyard and come in muddy to his bed in the laundry room, you will most certainly want a washable, durable cover. Some detachable dog bed covers are even moisture and dirt resistant. An indoor dog that sleeps on your bedroom floor will not need such a heavy duty bed.

After you determine the size, shape and material needs of your dog bed, you can consider what colors and patterns will go with your own home décor. You can be assured that if the dog’s bed is comfortable and appropriate for his or her size and shape, they won’t be picky about the color.