An Introduction to Dog Beds

 Some people are so attached to their pets that they wouldn’t dream of asking them to simply curl up on the floor to go to sleep. Pet owners, especially dog owners, have created an industry for dog beds that rivals the bedding industry for humans in both creativity and profit margins.

Just as dogs come in a variety of sizes -- from toy Chihuahuas that fit in the palm of your hand to Great Danes who are large enough to command most of the back of that family SUV -- so do dog beds. The very first designs for dog beds stressed comfort and ease of cleaning for the small, medium, large and extra large pooch in your life. Today there is a dizzying array of options for dog beds. There are dog beds designed to look like real beds so the lucky canine doesn’t feel left out, dog beds designed to look like real furniture, and dog beds for that aging canine, designed to accommodate his creaking bones and stiff joints. There are dog beds made out of fabrics designed to blend in with the décor of your home and there are dog beds that can accommodate a dog who likes to stretch out while he naps versus the type who prefers to curl up into a ball.

No longer is it sufficient to simply walk into a pet store, find a comfortable looking bed for Rex, choose a color that matches your décor, (or his) and leave. Today you have to take many factors into consideration when making decisions about your dog’s sleeping quarters.

The first thing to think about is where in the house you intend to place the bed. Some people put the dog’s bed in the living room, so the dog has a place to lounge other than the family sofa. Other people put the dog bed in their bedroom, so the dog can be close without needing to jump into their bed. Some other things to consider are the size of your pet, and his sleeping habits.

There are also extras such as eucalyptus treatments and cedar filling (both to repel fleas), foam filling for the comfort of arthritic animals, and various Velcro attachments. Washing and cleaning are factors to take into account as well, both in terms of everyday wear and because of the dirt incurred from other uses for the bed such as a carrier liner or car seat protector. Gone are the days when buying a dog bed was simple and easy, but the tradeoff is a truly mind-boggling array of options.

About the Author

Dog Beds Info provides detailed information about small and large dog beds, as well as designer, orthopedic, and discount dog beds. Dog Beds Info is the sister site of Bird Cages Web.

 Ken Marlborough

More Articles 

Removing Dog Urine Stains - Kirsten Hawkins
Ah those lovable dogs and their cute and clever antics! Don't we love the way they play fetch and run and jump and roll around and lick us affectionately and pee all over the carpet and... Pee all over the carpet? Well we don't love that aspect...

Review of K9 Bytes Dog Collars - Patty King
This is an amazingly strong collar for one that is handcrafted. I got one for a large dog who has been known to break collars in the past. Not only is this one sturdy enough for her, but there were so many gorgeous styles to choose from. You are...

Tough Guys Talking Plush Dog Toys - Shannon Weidemann
Recently Camille Tapp with Alpha Pet Products sent me a Billy the Duck Tough Guys Talking Plush Toy. My dog Kelly can be a destroyer of plush toys, ripping them apart and pulling the stuffing out, so I was unsure how long this toy would last. ...

Allergies in Dogs - Valerie Goettsch
Does your dog have allergies? It is interesting how dogs experience many of the health issues that humans do, including allergies. Dog allergies can include skin allergies, dog food allergies (particularly corn and soy), house dust and dust mites,...

WHAT'S IN A DOG'S NAME: 5 TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT NAME FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND - Dean Erickson
Your choice of pet name is important. Here are some things to think about before naming your pet. Your dog's name says as much about your pet as it does about you. There are literally hundreds of potential names you can give your dog, but it has...

Common Signs of Arthritis in Dogs - Overview of Dog Arthritis Medications and Supplements - Valerie Goettsch
Unfortunately, arthritis in dogs is about as common as it is in people. It may range from mild to moderate or severe. If your dog is overweight, the extra pressure on joints can exacerbate the problem. And, as with humans, there may be joint...

Flea Control in dogs and cats - Niall Kennedy
Flea control can be a very hard thing to do especially if you live in areas where fleas are largely populated. Weather has a lot to do with fleas and trying to keep them outdoors and off of your pets can be very changeling. You can try many of the...

Yes, Your Dog Will Be Happier If You Use These Dog Grooming Tips - Niall Kennedy
Most dogs handle their own grooming needs. But, you can offer a helping hand as necessary. If you do this, you will have many benefits to it. For example, it helps the two of you to bond. And, it allows for you to catch diseases or other...

What You Need To Know To Keep Your Dog Safe In Your Car - Niall Kennedy
Man's Best Friend is a great companion around the home, but Rover will love joining you on road trips - short or long - as well. If you've tried taking your dog along in the car before and met with bad results, don't give up. It might take a...

Hip Dysplasia In Dogs - Simon Harris
A fairly common degenerative disease in dogs, canine hip dysplasia, is often misunderstood. Many mistakenly think that the ailment is a form of arthritis, but that is simply not the case. Often, dogs that suffer from hip dysplasia will develop...