Tails

Making pet parenting easy

Rufus' Advice: How to Choose the Best Bed

Just like humans enjoy sleeping in a comfortable bed, so do our dogs. Especially adventurous doggies like Rufus!

Choosing the right bed has pawesome benefits:

- It provides your dog with a sense of security. Remember, they are territorial by nature so they appreciate a place to call their own.

- It’s comfy. Who wouldn’t want some insulation against a hard, cold floor?

- Lastly, it will keep fur and dirt off your own bed or furniture, especially if you have people in the house who suffer from allergies.

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Factors to consider before buying the best bed:

Pet shops offer so many options these days, it can be challenging choosing the best fit. A useful tip is to observe your dog’s sleeping habits before you go out and buy a bed.

- If he or she likes to sprawl out, get a bigger bed. If he or she likes to curl up into a snug ball, go for a smaller one. Some may also like to lean up against something while others may not.

- You may also want to buy one that has a removable cover that you can wash, especially if your dog is very active and likes to bring muddy paws or a wet coat into the house.

- Remember if you have a puppy, you will have to buy larger beds as it grows. Older, bonier dogs will also benefit from a bed with thicker cushioning.

 

Choose the best bed type for your pet

Now the fun begins! Once you have determined what your dog likes, you can buy a bed that best suits their needs. There are a variety of different types to choose from:

 

1) Standard pillow type

This is basically a pillow or cushion-type bed which does not have edges or rims. They are available in many different sizes, colours, materials and shapes (round, rectangular and square). They are usually made with a durable cover such as denim, fleece, flannel or faux suede and have a polyester filling and/or foam padding. These beds are great for dogs that like to stretch out while sleeping.

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2) Donut or nest

These are very similar to the standard pillow type except they have raised sides. Sometimes the raised sides may surround the whole bed or just a portion. Donut or nest beds are perfect for dogs who like to lean against something or like to sleep with their head raised up. It’s also great for dogs that like to curl up and/or smaller dogs as it’s more cozy.

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 3) Flat mats

These are basically a flat type pillow bed that don’t often much cushioning but are useful to put inside kennels or in crates and can be more practical than bulky blankets. They’re also a useful option to keep in your house – especially if your dog has a penchant for snoozing on furniture – or even outside, especially if you don’t have a garden.

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 4) Plastic container

These are basically a receptacle for you to add your own bedding or blanket. Durable and long-lasting they are available in different sizes and can easily be washed down with water when dirty. They are a useful option if your dog has a penchant for treating his soft beds as a chew toy!

5) Raised dog beds

These use a frame (usually made of metal, plastic or wood) to lift the bed off the floor. As such it’s a great choice if you want your pooch to have a bit of distance from a cold floor or perhaps insects in the garden. On the downside they’re not a great choice for dogs with orthopedic problems or breeds prone to back problems like Dachshunds as they have to constantly jump on and off.

Written By Camilla Heath

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