Should My Dog Have Its Own Bed?

It's no surprise that dog's like to be comfortable too. And in their minds, your favorite couch, chair or comfy bed can be the perfect place to catch a mid-afternoon snooze. Of course, to the human caretaker, vacuuming up all that hair or even getting your dog to move so - gasp - you can actually sit down yourself, can become somewhat annoying after a while.

The best solution is to buy your pet their own special bed. Aside from protecting your carpet and furniture from dog hair, it can help provide comfort and support to aching joints for those with arthritic problems.

Dog beds come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and prices. Some are quite inexpensive and are perfectly fine for your dog to sleep on and be comfortable. For most people, this is a good solution without breaking the bank. You can easily pick one up at your local pet store for around $20 to $40.

Designer beds are usually made for those who want to "spoil" their dogs and are priced accordingly. In reality, your dog really won't care if the covering is faux suede or not. These designer dog beds can come in a variety of shapes such as miniature sofas, hammocks, cots and day beds.

However, not all beds are created equal. If your dog has arthritic or some other joint problem, choosing an orthopedic dog bed is a wise choice, even if it is a bit more expensive. Most of these types of beds are made of thick soft foam that molds to your dog's body, providing support where needed. Memory foam pads are also available and work the same as the memory foam mattresses and pillows that we humans can buy.

Some other choices in dog beds and furniture include donut beds, nesting beds, bolster beds, dog pillows, travel beds and cooling beds. No matter what type of bed you choose for your pet, be sure it is large enough for him/her to lie down on and stretch out easily. It should have a thick enough padding so as to provide comfort and support in accordance to their weight. You will also want a bed that has a covering that can easily be removed and washed on a regular basis. By paying attention to these details and shopping around, you should be able to find exactly what you need at a price you are comfortable with.

About the Author:

(c) 2006. Rose Smith is the owner of Caring For Canines. Visit us to learn more about the benefits of holistic dog care, better canine utrition, and natural products that can keep your dog happy and healthy. http://www.caringforcanines.com