Chosing the Right Pet Beds for your Pet

Your pet spends much time sleeping or just laying around. A bed is important for making your pet comfortable, especially an elderly, overweight or arthritic animal. Your dog or cat needs a bed just as much as they need food and veterinary care.

Not only does the pet bed provide comfort against a bare floor or ground, it will also give your pet a sense of happiness and security knowing that the bed is just his or hers. It also gives your pet a private spot where he can lie and sleep undisturbed. For this important piece of furniture, you want to choose a bed that will last and make your pet comfortable.

There are many choices in pet beds. Take into consideration the size of your pet and the durability of beds when choosing one. Get a bigger bed rather than a smaller one if you have to decide. It is hard for a person or a dog to be comfortable in a bed that is too small. Know whether it will be an outside or an inside bed. Where will you put the bed? Do you want it to match its surroundings?

Two Main Pet Bed Styles:

Mattress: This style is good for the pet who likes to stretch out and move around while sleeping. Measure your pet from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Add about six inches to that measurement for a dog and a couple of inches for a cat. Get that size or bigger for your pet.

Nest Bed: Measure your curled dog when asleep to get the measurement for this bed. Measure your pet starting from the top of the head down the back to the tail. Add about six inches to that measurement for a dog and a couple of inches for a cat.

There are two main choices in stuffing for pet beds: solid foam and small piece stuffing. The small piece stuffing is usually poly-fill. A solid foam stuffing is the best stuffing for large dogs and older dogs. Choose a dense and firm foam. You can find medical-grade orthopaedic dog beds made of foam.

With a larger animal, the small piece filling can be flattened right away. For lighter animals, the poly-fill beds will be suitable. Make sure there is a liner between the foam bed and the outer covering. This will protect the stuffing from dirt.

The outer covering of the bed should be easily removed and replaced for washing. Pet beds need frequent washing. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and follow manufacturer's instructions on drying it. Make sure all seams are double stitched for strength. The fabric should be able to endure claws.

Place the bed in a quiet, warm and dry place where the pet will feel secure. It should also be a place where there is not much traffic. There should not be any drafts or other direct airflow from vents on the bed. Entice a pet onto a new bed with a favorite toy or a treat. Praise the pet for getting onto and finally laying on their bed.

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