How To Choose the Right Dog Bed

How to choose the dog bed thats right for your dog:

I have been selling dog beds in one way or another for over 12 years and as a dog owner myself I want the dog bed to suit the needs of my dog and one thats well made.

There are so many styles and colours to choose from but as a general rule of thumb you know what your dog likes and what is best suited to them so just use that as your intial guide. You can measure your dog and its best to do this when they are laying in their natural sleeping postition. Take the tape measure from the tip of the nose to their bottom! Remember to allow a few extra centimetres or inches for comfort.

I've put together a guide to many different types of dog bed and ones that my own two dogs have now or have used in the past.

My favourite are wicker dog beds, which is what we specialise in. I have heard some people say they are unhygenic, but this is a misconception. They are so easy to keep clean by using your vacuum nozzle attachment to get rid of dirt and loose dog fur. For stubborn dirt marks such as dried mud or doggy drool get a clean damp cloth and wipe away. You can also use a pet friendly mild detergent diluted in warm water if you prefer. Another great reason for choosing wicker is that they last for years making them great value for money. All you have to do is change the inner cushion when required and to suit your dogs changing needs.

Waterproof dog beds are very practical and versatile dog beds. They can be kept anywhere in the home but are ideal in the kitchen or a utility room. When you come back from a walk and your dog is wet and has muddy paws, waterproof dog beds are handy to have so your dog won't wet his other beds (most dogs these days seem to have more than one bed dotted around the house). They make great dog beds for the boot of your car too so your wet, muddy dog dirtys the bed and not the boot of your car. To keep them clean is very easy. They can be hosed down, wiped clean with a warm, wet cloth or as many waterproof dog beds have a removable cover, this cover can be placed in the washing machine.

Fabric dog beds come in all shapes, styles and sizes. There are traditional oval dog beds which have high sides and low cut front so dogs can get in and out without too much effort. A majority of these beds have a removable, soft cushion so it can be kept clean. Dog duvet style beds and bean bag beds are the perfect bed, for dogs that like to stretch out and very large dogs as they normally are available in an extra large size.

Vet bedding is great for post operative dogs and Vetbed Gold, in particular, is excellent for dogs with skin allergies. It washes very well and is used by vets which speaks volumes about its use as a dog bed in the home.

Dog Blankets have many uses. They can be used in exisiting dog beds, in cars and, if you allow your dog on the sofa, they will help protect your furniture from loose dog hair and dirty paws. They come in all sorts of designs from paw print in soft fleece like ours or little sheep printed onto a woollen type fleece material.

I have seen some dog beds advertised as luxury but the finish is poor and you can pay alot for it. I think a luxury dog bed should be made up of quality & generous padding, quality fabric and the finish should be perfect. I received some samples of the Red Dingo pet mattress and the Red Dingo Donut style dog bed and I got all these things.

Raised dog beds are ideal to use if your dog sleeps in the kitchen or anywhere that has a cold floor. Being raised it will keep draughts away from your dog as they sleep. Raised dog beds can be made in fabric with a metal frame or if you prefer, the more natural wicker.

Sarah - Fellow Dog Owner