The Importance of Good Pet Beds and How To Pick the Right One

This post, by Metro Mutts co-owner Kelly Hartshorn, was originally published online at ArticlesBase.com, where you will find more articles by Kelly, too. We share it here with our Metro Mutts blog followers.

Cooler weather means BED SEASON...and a good pet bed makes all the difference. Find out why, and how to pick just the right one for your Mutt this season.

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Dogs Should Have Beds of Their Own: Here's Why

• Having his own bed sets boundaries for your dog. If he sleeps in your bed, you are being submissive to him (the way he sees it). Not a good thing.

• A good quality pet bed gives your dog something that is "his." It is a safe place for him to go, a secure place, a comfortable, warm place for him to hang out at.

• A pet bed provides support for your dog's back and joints, especially older dogs that may be arthritic. Sleeping on the floor is not good for such dogs or any dog for any length of time.

• Small dogs can easily get injured jumping up and down on furniture or your bed to sleep.

• Having a separate bed for your dog will help control the spread of hair and dander.

• Sanitation is a real concern. It's easier to clean the cover on your dog's bed than having to clean urine and feces off your furniture or bed.

Picking out a good quality pet bed for your dog  

If you know the answers to these questions when you go looking, you will find it easy to make a good choice:

How big is your dog now, and how big will s/he get? (Plan ahead!)

What are your dog's sleeping habits? (This is surprisingly important!):

• Is your dog a "nester?" Do s/he like to curl up while sleeping? Then a bed with walls around it would be ideal.

• Is your dog a "stretcher?" Does s/he like to stretch out like his owner does when he watches football on TV? Then a pillow or open mat type bed is best.

What is the climate where you live? If you live in a hot climate a sturdy vinyl bed you can fill with cool water may be the thing for your dog. Just cover it with a washable cover, and you're all set. If you live in a cool climate there are dog beds that include a low wattage heating element.

Materials and Construction of Pet Beds

Pet beds come as inner spring mattress beds; foam beds; egg crate beds; shredded foam beds; polyfill beds. They all reduce pressure on joints to keep away orthopedic pains in the joints, hips, as well as give comfort to the arthritic dog. You might also consider a thermal controlled bed.

It is not recommended that you put your dog outside to sleep. They are more susceptible to bacteria, viruses, and parasites. If they do sleep outdoors, however, make sure they have a waterproof bed that is high off the ground.

Whatever bed you choose, make sure it is of high quality so that you dog will have a lifetime of comfort.

7 final tips for Pet Bed Success

1. Your dog should have at least one bed.
2. Provide an extra blanket or cushion in winter for warmth.
3. Keep the bed, blankets and duvets inside in winter or provide a cushion that is waterproof.
4. Get a cover for the bed that is washable, because most beds aren't washable.
5. Have a proper bed for your dog—NOT a basket.
6. Sprinkle baking soda on the bed and bedding between cleanings to keep the odor down.
7. Use wet gloves to clean hair from the bed quickly and easily.

A pet bed is probably the most important accessory your pet should have. Let sleeping dogs lie... in a warm dry place.