CHOOSING A DOG BED
It is a common problem… fido has taken over your couch, favorite lounge chair, or even your bed. While some pet families enjoy cuddling up with their dog on the furniture, it is also important to give them a place of their own.
With an array of shapes, colors and sizes, Muttropolis dog beds offer style and comfort while featuring durable and washable fabric.
How to select the best dog bed
- Is your dog a burrower or a sprawler?
If your dog likes to sleep curled up, or in a position where its paws are tightly tucked under the body, a bolstered dog bed is ideal. With 'bumpers' surrounding it, a bolstered dog bed resembles a nest and gives the animal a sense of security. Bowsers dog beds are an ideal solution for a burrowing dog. These are also commonly called Donut Beds or Dog Cuddlers.
Donut or Cuddler dog beds cater to smaller, fine-haired dogs that like to burrow into a sleeping position where they can snuggle up and keep warm. These are also great for older or arthritic pets, which need more support for their achy joints.
If your dog likes to stretch or sprawl buy a traditional square, rectangular, or round pillow dog bed. . Pillow dog beds, such as the Ruff Wear Urban Sprawl Dog Bed, are also preferable for larger breeds.
- What size is your dog?
Choose a bed that is the correct size for your dog. When lying flat, your dog should be completely stretched out on their side, without hanging off the bed.
If your pet's measurements are in-between sizes, always purchase a larger sized dog bed.
- Does your dog have special health considerations?
In addition to style and size, dog bed fabric is a key factor to consider. Machine-washable, hypoallergenic dog beds are a must for dogs that suffer from allergies. Clean bedding can reduce the allergens for you and your dog, in addition to prevent a flea infestation.
Eco-friendly dog beds, such as the Eco Nap, give you peace of mind that your dog is resting on safe, sustainable, organic, and recycled materials.
If you have an aging pet, a low, orthopedic dog bed such as the Animals Matter Ortho Dog Bed may be easier for their joints.
- Is your dog destructive or does your dog spend most of the day outside?
If your dog is an aggressive chewer or scratcher, the outer covering of a dog bed should be made of a high quality fabric, such as Microsuede, which is made to withstand pawing and digging. Microsuede dog beds now come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so you no longer have to hide an unsightly dog bed!
Other durable dog beds, such as the Fatboy dog beds, are made for both inside and outside use. Outdoor dog beds can provide your pooch with all the comforts of home while enjoying the fresh air.
- Familiarizing your dog to its new bed
Dogs don't always understand what their new bed is, and many dogs are skeptical of their fancy new pad for the first few days.
Properly introducing your pet to their new dog bed is a simple process. To help your dog get comfortable, use positive reinforcement and never use the dog bed as a punishment.
Hide some healthy dog treats inside, cuddle with them on the dog bed, or give them a new bone to chew when they are lying on their bed. All of these supportive experiences will convince your pet that the new dog bed really belongs to them. Establish a bedtime routine, whether it is a treat or a command of "bed." This way, your dog will know where he or she should be at "bed" time.
Dogs will often lick their bed, but this is nothing to be concerned about - it is simply a way for them to mark it as their own. Try to limit washing the dog bed and eliminating their scent while they are still getting accustomed to it.
As with people, it sometimes takes a week or two to get accustomed to a new sleeping arrangement. But, given time, your dog will be sleeping on their bed instead of yours and allow you both to catch quality zzz's.
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