A Guide to Choosing the Correct Bed for Your Dog

As we all know, animals are creatures of habit, both dogs and cats enjoy sleeping in their special spot which is one of the many reasons why it is important to select the correct type of bed for your dog.

There are many factors to take into consideration when purchasing the right bed for your animal, most of the time you are unable to "try before you buy" due to hygiene and logistical reasons so you need to do your research thoroughly before taking the plunge.

Things to consider;

What size bed should I buy?
Size is the most obvious thing to consider when purchasing the bed.
Check the dimensions of the bed thoroughly before buying, when checking the width of the bed take into account the breed of the dog you have and how much space it will be comfortable with.
Make sure you measure your animal correctly before picking the bed size, if you are purchasing a mattress make your animal stand up and measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Add 12 inches to these measurements and then use this as a guide for selecting the correct sized mattress.
If your dog likes sleeping in the curled, fetal position then you need to measure from the top of their head down to the base of the tail. Add 7-9 inches to this measurement and use this as a guide for selecting the correct bed.
Remember that it is better to select a slightly larger size then a small one in order to avoid discomfort. If your animal is still growing then you also need to take this into account.
If you have more then one animal and they like to sleep with each other then you need to make sure that ample room is available in the bed for them.

Where the bed will be used?
Another important thing to consider is where the location of the bed will be after you have purchased it.
What type of climate will the bed be in? If the bed is primarily during the summer months or in a warm part of the home then you might want to consider a faux/leather based bed as this type of material can feel cooler for your dog. You might also want to consider a mattress for your pet to stretch out in a warmer environment especially if the bed is to be positioned by a radiator.
For the colder environment you might want to think about a cosier bed made of a warmer material such as cotton or polyester. The bed should also be soft and have high sided walls in order to enhance insulation.
Another thing to consider is a bed with legs or a bed that is raised off the floor, this helps avoid draft and damp which can help avoid rumourtism or arthritis in the future.
If the bed is being used in an area with poor shelter then you might want to consider a waterproof or Teflon coated bed.

What shape does the bed need to be?
Beds come in all different shapes and sizes from round nests to square mattress and a lot of people often take for granted how important the shape of the bed is.
Take some time to asses the position your animal likes to sleep in, animals generally like to sleep stretched out or in the fetal position so consider what is suitable when purchasing.
If you animal likes to sleep in a fetal position then a recommended option would be a round bed or nest bed. If your dog likes to stretch out when sleeping then the obvious choice would be a mattress or cushion.
If you have a dog that is a fidget bum and like to sleep both stretched and curled then you might want to consider a sofa bed, these beds usually have the length for stretching plus the raised back and arms give them the option to snuggle against something should they choose to do so.
Also think about where the bed will be kept, or example if the bed is going in the corner of the room then you might want to purchase a bed that is made to fit in a corner.
If you have more then one animal and they tend to sleep together then you also need to take this into consideration.

What type of material should the cover be?
If the bed is outdoors then you obviously need a waterproof cover on your pet bed, especially during the winter.
If you own a messy animal or a working animal such as a gun dog then you should consider a Teflon coated bed or a faux leather bed that is easy to clean, you should definitely purchase a bed that is 100% washable and has a removable cover.

If you have a destructive animal then you need to purchase sensibly, it would not be advisable to purchase a £400.00 piece of designer furniture if your animal likes to like rip its bedding apart!
Consider purchasing a bed that is made of tough material such as corduroy or 100% cotton in order to withstand a hard time.
We would advise keeping your animals toenails' short to help prolong the life of your bed, make sure that other items such as dog toys are available to chew in order to distract the animal from chewing the bed.

Are there any other factors to consider?
Remember that an animal's health can be affected by the amount of sleep they are getting, just like us humans.
If your animal is affected by allergies then you need to make sure the bed is not made of material that could cause an adverse reaction. We would recommend consulting your local vet surgery for advice.
If your animal suffers from skin problems and you are unsure what material may cause irritation then you should again consult your vet for a professional opinion.

If you would like further advice on which bed to purchase then you are always welcome to contact one of our members of staff on 0845 601 0028, alternatively you can email us at helpdesk@luxurypetdept.com and we will always respond to you.