How to Choose the Perfect Dog Bed

Since your dog spends a good chunk of his life turning around three times then sleeping, the right bed is essential for his comfort and well-being. And there are a lot of choices out there, from frou-frou to functional. You and your pooch can relax, though, since we've got tips to help pick the perfect perch...

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your dog's length

1. Watch your dog sleep. Does he usually curl up or stretch out? If he’s relaxed to the max, make sure the bed is big enough to support his entire body. Measure him lying down then add 12 inches to give him plenty of room.

2. 

   Dogs don’t like to feel as if they’re being snuck up on, especially when they're trying to sleep, and the popular bolster bed, with its high back, gives them a safe, cozy haven. This type is also great for dogs who like a nice pillow to rest their weary heads. Plus, it prevents drafts and protects the walls.

3. 

   Thick orthopedic mattresses, filled with medical-grade foam or even a boxspring, are just the ticket for older dogs. Some even come heated. You can also purchase a separate heating pad that warms in the microwave or plugs into the wall for the ultimate in comfort.

4. 

   Cot-style beds are nice for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors or visiting kennels. It keeps them cooler in summer and off the drafty floor in winter. More traditional-style cushioned outdoor beds are made of tough polyester and resist mildew and fungus.

5. 

   Little dogs like to burrow in and nest, so these small round pillow-type beds are the best. They come in all kinds of colors and materials, and many of them you can toss right in the washing machine (the beds, not the dogs!).

6. 

   Sick of sharing your furniture with your dog? Why not get him his own chair or sofa to stretch out and nap on? Sure, they're expensive. But aren't they worth it?

7. 

   There are also tons of cute novelty beds available for the toy set, from glamorous slipper-shaped cushions to leopard-spotted faux-fur pillows to the "Furrari" of resting spots...

8. 

   Sure, I hear you saying, all these specialty beds are great, but what if I just want the basics? Not to worry. Dog beds today come in all shapes, sizes, colors, patterns and prices to suit any dog and any decor. Some can even be personalized. Most are stuffed with polyfill, often have cedar chips to repel odors and their covers are removable and machine washable. So rest easy...

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog likes to chew a new bed, spray Bitter Apple on the spots he most likes to go after.
• Check www.drsfosterandsmith.com and www.inthecompanyofdogs.com for these and other designs.

[swedishxtheek]

on 5/15/2007 Julie, what kind of dog do you have? My family is considering adopting a pit bull after thirteen years of a Lab. I'm trying to convince everyone else in my house, and the more I know about dogs and the things they need, the more likely I'll be able to take the sweet pit bull out of the shelter!

[julie0323]

on 4/18/2007 I bought my dog a bolster bed like the one that is pictured in step two and he absolutely loves it! I personalized it with his name too!

I bought my at orvis.com (great for dog stuff and swear I don't work there).

His other doggie friends love his bed and take it over when they come over!