Do you want to give your dog a space he can call his own? Provide him with a dog bed. Beyond giving your canine friend a soft, comfortable place to sleep and relax, a dog bed provides your pet with a small spot in your house that is completely his territory.
Dog beds come a range of styles, sizes, fabrics, patterns, and colors. Before you match your dog’s bed to your décor, however, consider your pet’s need and preferences. Your pet’s size and sleeping style should influence your ultimate dog bed choice as much as your budget and interior design. Consider these types of beds, along with some of the options in each category.
One of the best ways to describe an orthopedic dog bed is that it is basically a mattress for your dog. This type of bed works well for older dogs or those who experience joint pain, because if provides cushioning and support in a manner similar to that of your own mattress. The large, rectangular shape of an orthopedic bed works well for dogs who like to sprawl when they sleep. Options in this category include (but are not limited to):
• Casper Dog Mattress: a Memory Foam Dog Bed
• Orvis ComfortFill Couch Dog Bed
• Big Barker Premium Bed for Big Dogs
A donut or bolster bed usually is round or oval with a cushioned bottom and a raised side or sides. This style of bed works well for dogs who like to lean against something for security, or prefer to rest their heads on something slightly higher when they sleep. It also works well for dogs who like to curl up when they sleep, as well as for smaller dogs who want to be surrounded by something cozy on all sides. Options in this category include (but are not limited to):
• Majestic Pet Products Suede Bagel Dog Bed
• Hagen Pet Products DogIt Dreamwell Dog Donut Bed
As its name implies, a pillow or cushion bed is simply a pillow large enough for a dog to sleep on. This type of bed comes in a range of sizes, colors and patterns to accommodate a range of dog breeds and pet owner budgets and décor preferences. Options in this category include (but are not limited to):
• K9 Ballistics Original Tuff Bed
• Precision Pet Products SnooZZy Gusset Floor Pillow
A heated bed is another option for older dogs or those with joint issues. These warm and cozy beds provide gentle heat that helps soothe achiness and provide extra warmth for smaller dogs that become cold easily. These types of beds may also work well for families that live in colder climates, and some are designed specifically to be used outdoors, such as in dog houses for pets that spend time outside each day. Options in this category include (but are not limited to):
• K&H Pet Products MET-listed Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper
• Easyology Pets Thermal Pet Warming Bed
• Oxgord Paws & Pals Self-Warming Pet Bed Cushion
Another type of bed for dogs that spend time outdoors is a cot. These raised beds keep your dog off the hot ground in the summer and above the cold ground in the winter, and also keep your dog’s sleeping area from sitting in puddles that might accumulate after rain. Look for models with waterproof fabric and sturdy frames to help the bed last longer while exposed to outdoor elements. Options in this category include (but are not limited to):
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