Choosing among Dog Beds

1. Size

* The bed must be big and strong enough to match the dog's breed. Carefully measuring the dog will assure the proper fit.
Measure your dog once standing up; from tip of nose to base of tail and also from floor to shoulders or head. If you will be buying a mattress dog bed, add 12 inches. This will give you an approximate width and length for a flat dog bed. Measure your dog another time in his favorite sleeping position; perhaps his length when fully stretched out, or his diameter when curled into a ball. For nest and ball-type beds measure the length of your dog while he is curled up. Measure from the top of his head to the point where his tail meets his hindquarters, and then add 7 to 9 inches.

* The right size dog bed will match or be slightly larger than the measurements.

* Beds that are too small may not be comfortable for your dog. Be sure to allow room for growth, if the dog is still growing, and allot room for movement.

Small Dog Bed	Large Dog Bed
Small Cosy Cave in Navy	Medium Reversible Lounger in Burgundy

2. Climate and local weather

*Seeking for a bed to provide warmth in the winter or provide air circulation in the summer?

* Consider where to use the dog bed ( outside in a dog house, or on a front porch?)

* Also consider the seasonal temperature ranges in the area.

Cooling and Heating Dog Bed	Heated Dog Bed
Dolce Vita Combo Heating and Cooling Dog Bed	Oval Bed Regular Heated Dog Bed Large

3. Shape and style

*The shape and style of the dog bed should be determined by the size and sleeping habits of the dog. Pay close attention to their favorite sleeping positions and locations.

* Look for a bed that can be easily moved about the house and fits the decor in several rooms. Buy a bed that matches the room where your dog spends the most time sleeping, usually where ever the family spends the most time.

*Also keep in mind the height of the beds. Small dog or dogs with arthritis may have a hard time climbing up onto a platform or furniture type dog bed.

Sofa Dog Bed	Round Dog Bed	Rectangular Dog Bed
Deluxe Orthopedic Sofa Dog Bed	Nuzzle Nest	Snoozer Orthopedic Dog Bed

4.Filler Material

* The basic dog bed filler choices are either solid foam, or stuffing. The type of filling chosen will impact on the dog's comfort.

* Take into consideration the dog's size, age, and health in choosing.

* Poly-fill dog beds are stuffed with little pieces of foam. Make sure that the dog bed uses "high-loft" which means that it will not flatten out and lose its "spring" over time.

* Choose a dog bed style that uses "baffled chambers" which keeps the fill evenly distributed throughout the bed and keeps it from shifting to the outer edges as the dog snuggles in for the night.

* Solid foam dog bed mattresses are best for large breeds and older dogs who are still in good health.

* If the dog has arthritis, or any back or hip problems, then choose a medical-grade, orthopedic foam dog bed.

* The two key factors when choosing a solid foam mattress are firmness and density.