Pet Bed Buying Guide

By Michele Blandino

Believe it or not, selecting a comfortable place to let your “dog-tired” pet sleep can prove to be quite a challenge.

With pet superstores and specialty boutiques springing up all over, it is not surprising that the number of available pet sleep options have increased as well. But, does it really make a difference where your doggie beds down for the night? Apparently, it does.

Ask the Experts

The folks at Internet-based Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com explain that part of a dog’s inbred nature is to seek out a quiet and comfortable place in which to sleep. Once they find this spot, they will continue to return to it to sleep or even take a short rest. A pet bed makes this spot more inviting and can encourage your pet to sleep in the same place each night.

They also advise that a pet’s bed should be chosen based on their pet’s sleep habits as well as other factors. For example, a dog who likes to sleep with its legs extended may not be particularly comfortable sleeping on a round pillow, but may prefer a couch-style bed. Similarly, pets that are crate-trained likely have different preferences than those who have the run of the house. Other things to consider are the type of coat your dog has, their propensity to chew or otherwise destroy things, their susceptibility for getting fleas, and whether or not they have joint or other types of orthopedic problems.

One Size does not Fit All

Unlike human mattresses, pet beds do not come in standard sizes rather they are designed to accommodate dogs of specific sizes. The best way to ensure you choose the correct size for your dog is to observe their typical sleeping position and take measurements. If, for example, your dog sleeps curled up, you should measure their diameter. A dog that sleeps with its legs extended in front of them should be measured from end to end and from across the body to the end of the outstretched leg.

Care should also be taken to ensure that you carefully read the bed’s dimensions. Beds with sides will have inside dimensions as well as outside dimensions; the actually sleeping space will be equal to the inside dimension.

An Inexpensive Alternative

Pet beds can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred, with most falling in the $20 - $30 range. If you are looking for an inexpensive alternative, or would just like to give your pet’s bed a personal touch, you can consider making one yourself. You can find instructions for making an inexpensive, yet comfortable pet bed at Do it Yourself.com.