The vast variety of different dog breeds gives us a massive choice in whatever size and shape of dog we would want as the family pet. We as owners have a great responsibility for the wellbeing of our pets and this means that we have to choose the most suitable accessories such as the correct dog bed and bedding, a correctly fitting dog collar with adequate contact information on a dog tag or similar, a dog lead and even suitable toys.
Of all these items the most beneficial to your dog will be his/her collar and their dog bed, when you think about it your pet will be wearing it's collar at all times so an ill-fitting collar could cause all kinds of problems and certainly it would cause discomfort. Like us humans dogs spend much of their time sleeping and, in a similar way to the collar, the wrong dog bed can cause untold distress to the poor creature.
Imagine, after a hard days work, heading home, having a nice evening meal and, after a little relaxation in front of a roaring fire you head to your bed. It's an idyllic picture of bliss but imagine if that bed is far too small for you with a lumpy mattress and, which ever way you toss and turn, you can never get yourself comfortable. Imagine then, getting up the next morning and setting off to work, just imagine what sort of mood you would be in. I am certain that, like me, you will be far from your happy and chirpy little self, rather, you will feel tired and grumpy.
It is common sense not to choose a tired and grumpy dog as a family pet isn't it? Well, no matter what breed of dog or what temperament it has your dog will suffer if you do not provide a dog bed and bedding which will offer your pet comfort and a good nights sleep and, before you know it, your loving and caring pet will turn into a poor tired and even grumpy specimen. So, it is really best for both you and your pet that you choose the most suitable bed.
Choosing Your Dog's Bed
When selection a dog bed there are a number of considerations. Obviously you will need one in which the animal will be able to fit and have room to move around in but it is highly likely that your pet will not always remain the same size. This is especially so if you have a cute little puppy dog, all puppies are small and are able to sleep almost anywhere but some grow up to be absolutely huge in the shortest time whereas others barely increase in size at all. Understanding which breed of dog you have will help you gauge the expected growth rate and the most likely full grown size but if you have a dog of mixed breed this can be slightly more difficult to predict, so it is best to prepare for the largest possible fully grown dog.
If you pet is of a breed that grows quickly you will have to budget accordingly. If you are on a tight budget it is far better to choose one good quality dog bed of a size suitable for your fully grown pet rather than a number of good fitting but cheap, and rather uncomfortable, beds. If you opt for the larger one and your pet is still more consider adding additional bedding to add comfort.
If you have a larger budget you will have greater freedom of choice. Take a quick look online and you will see that there is a massive choice it pet accessories from the fully functional to the plain ridiculous, but fun, items that are often purchased as Christmas presents for pets. When it comes to beds and bedding you will be able to choose from a truly awe inspiring range. You can buy designer dog beds that will match your decor or your dog, for example, imagine having a black and white spotty bed for your Dalmation.
It is important to remember that a dog's bed can become smelly and dirty and, for this reason, it is far wiser to buy bedding which is machine washable. Some beds have been designed with materials with antibacterial properties, others utilize amazing materials such as memory foam. Whichever you choose remember that your dog's comfort should always be paramount. Also remember that some dogs chew their beds and bedding so you should buy one which does not use harmful materials.
Whichever dog bed you eventually decide to buy for your pet remember to check it periodically. The bed may have become damaged or too small for your dog so checking regular will ensure your pets continued comfort.
Emily Sanchez has had her pet labrador since he was a puppy. He is now 9 years old and still full of life and Emily has learnt much about dogs over the years and now writes about them for a number of web sites in her spare time.
