An Introduction to Dog Beds
by Ken Marlborough
Some people are so attached to
their pets that they wouldn’t dream of asking them to simply
curl up on the floor to go to sleep. Pet owners,
especially dog owners, have created an industry for dog beds
that rivals the bedding industry for humans in both creativity and profit
margins.
Just as dogs come in a variety of sizes -- from toy Chihuahuas
that fit in the palm of your hand to Great Danes who are large
enough to command most of the back of that family SUV -- so do
dog beds. The very first designs for dog beds stressed comfort
and ease of cleaning for the small, medium, large and extra
large pooch in your life. Today there is a dizzying array of
options for dog beds. There are dog beds designed to look like
real beds so the lucky canine doesn’t feel left out, dog beds
designed to look like real furniture, and dog beds for that
aging canine, designed to accommodate his creaking bones and
stiff joints. There are dog beds made out of fabrics designed
to blend in with the décor of your home and there are dog beds
that can accommodate a dog who likes to stretch out while he
naps versus the type who prefers to curl up into a ball.
No longer is it sufficient to simply walk into a pet store,
find a comfortable looking bed for Rex, choose a color that
matches your décor, (or his) and leave. Today you have to take
many factors into consideration when making decisions about
your dog’s sleeping quarters.
The first thing to think about is where in the house you intend
to place the bed. Some people put the dog’s bed in the living
room, so the dog has a place to lounge other than the family
sofa. Other people put the dog bed in their bedroom, so the dog
can be close without needing to jump into their bed. Some other
things to consider are the size of your pet, and his sleeping
habits.
There are also extras such as eucalyptus treatments and cedar
filling (both to repel fleas), foam filling for the comfort of
arthritic animals, and various Velcro attachments. Washing and
cleaning are factors to take into account as well, both in
terms of everyday wear and because of the dirt incurred from
other uses for the bed such as a carrier liner or car seat
protector. Gone are the days when buying a dog bed was simple
and easy, but the tradeoff is a truly mind-boggling array of
options.
About the Author
Dog Beds Info
provides detailed information about small and large dog beds,
as well as designer, orthopedic, and discount dog beds. Dog
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