Choosing a bed for your precious dog is a very important decision - especially if your dog is on the larger side.

When it comes to bedding big dogs have some unique and special requirements - it's not as simple as throwing a cushion down on the floor. Your dog will be spending a whole lot of time in the bed you select so why not make it a special place for him/her?

I've come up with a checklist of things to keep in mind when selecting the perfect large dog bed for your housemate. The good news is that if you make a good decision you may even get your place on the sofa back!

Please work your way through the checklist below - hopefully it will help you to identify the most suitable type of bed for your dog.

Choosing A Large Dog Bed - Comprehensive Checklist


1. When it comes to choosing a large dog bed size is important. If you don't get the sizing right then nothing else really matters - it's not going to be much use to your dog. Be sure to purchase a bed that your puppy won't grow out of. As a general guide when determining the right sized bed you should measure your dog when he/she is sleeping, and then add a couple of inches.

2. Make sure you select a bed that will be comfortable for your individual dog. All dogs are different. My Dalmation loves the round style bed with the soft padded sides. He likes to curl up in a tight ball and rest his head on the raised side - what does your dog like?

3. Be sure to select a dog bed that is appropriate for the climate where you live - there's nothing worse than being cold in bed. In some cases you may require a different bed depending on the Season. You can even get heated dog beds these days!

4. The durability of the bed is always important. It's frustrating when you find what appears to be a good large dog bed but then it doesn't cope with day to day life with your dog. There are some beds in the marketplace that are claimed to be "chew proof dog beds" - I'm not sure there is such a thing, but some brands come pretty close.

5. Will the bed be easy to wash? This is an important one, you want it to be a quick and easy process to wash your dog's bed. Try to avoid beds that will take forever to dry. Also keep in mind that some beds are much easier to vacuum which is worth noting if your dog sheds hair.

6. Consider how the bed will look in your home. If you are worried about the appearance of your home you may want to check out some of the luxury designer dog beds.

7. Does your dog have any special needs? Many dogs (especially larger breeds) have aches, pains, stiffness, arthritis or joint problems. These dogs absolutely need a suitable large dog bed for their health and quality of life. You can purchase specially made orthopedic dog beds for such cases.

8. Will the bed be used outdoors or only indoors? If the bed is going to be used outdoors you may need to go for a waterproof product. As a side note - always keep in mind that dogs hate to be in the path of cold drafts while trying to sleep.

9. Will you be moving your large dog bed around? Is it a bed that will need to perform duties such as fitting in your dog's crate or going into the car on road trips?

Good luck in your search for the perfect large dog bed. Another benefit of having a comfortable place for your dog to sleep is that it may even keep him/her out of your bed!

Article Source: http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-articles

Pet lovers always take special care for their pets and spend a lot for pet care products. One of the important pet care products is pet bed. It provides your pet a comfortable place for sleeping. Several kinds of beds are available in the market and most of the beds are bought for pets like dogs and cats. Depending on the type and size of your pet, beds can be chosen. Pet beds are available in varieties like small sized beds, large sized beds, out door beds, indoor beds and luxury beds. Look for important factors such as materials used, comfort, luxury, shape and size of the pet bed.

The pet beds should provide comfort while your pet is sleeping and at the same time the bed material used should create a great look for the bed. Pet beds made of micro velvet nylon gives a luxury look to the pet beds and they can also be easily washed. While buying Pet beds, look for the flexibility so that you can carry your pet and the bed during traveling. Pet beds should be frequently washed and so also the covers. Therefore always check whether the bed covers can be removed and replaced. There are various colors available in pet beds and choose a bed that goes attractive with your pet. The bed material should provide style along with comfort to your pet.

Pet bed sizes vary from small to extra large. The pet bed shapes like round, rectangle etc. can be decided depending upon the size and age of your pet. Round shaped beds are normally suggested for pets as they provide them protection. Polyfiber pet beds are easily washable and detachable. The inner cushion of the pet beds should be thick so that your pet gets total comfort while sleeping. There are reversible pet beds available in the market and you have the advantage of using both sides for your pet alternatively. Another popular pet bed variety is doughnut shaped bed. Some pet beds provide crate pad as additional benefit.

Pet beds for cats should protect them from winter and floor. Many of the pet beds for cats provide heating system in the bed so that the bed temperature is controlled and protects the cat from cold. A pet bed provides your pet its own space and your house will also look in an organized way. You can easily buy pet beds by online means. Usually cats sleep for longer duration in a day to a maximum of 16 hours and a dog sleeps less than a cat.

The extreme changes of weather will not affect your pet if you provide a pet bed for it. By selecting a proper bed you can minimize vulnerable health problems that may affect your pet. Pets are normally subjected to various skin problems and always require a smooth and cool sleeping place. The popular types of beds available are Murphy beds, crib bed, brass bed, orthopedic bed, cooled bed and heated bed. Murphy beds use minimum of space in home and also during traveling. Murphy pet beds are produced using many varieties of wood and stains crib pet beds provide protection to puppies while sleeping and playing. Antique lovers buy brass pet beds with brass carvings for providing elegant look to their houses.

Author: David Hensley
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/finding-suitable-pet-beds-330518.html