Dog Beds for Larger Dogs -
by Ken Marlborough
Large dogs and extra large
dogs require more thought and planning when owners purchase a
permanent dog bed. Even though large dogs can be just as
lovable as their smaller canine counterparts, they require a
more complex sleeping situation than small dogs. It’s obvious
that a large dog requires a large dog bed, and that an extra
large dog requires an extra large dog bed.
This goes without saying. But how
big? And what kind of bed is best?
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An Introduction to Dog
Beds
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 Beds
Info is the sister site of
Bird
Cages Web.
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In this instance the answer is a function of not only
the size but the breed of dog. You must measure the dog when he
is fully grown, or at least have an accurate idea of what his
size will be when he is fully grown. Just as with smaller dogs,
you have to take into account your dog’s sleeping style – for
example, whether he sleeps curled up in a ball or stretched out
across the bed. All of these factors will help define your
choice of large dog bed for your canine pal.
Placement is more of an issue with larger dogs than smaller
ones. No matter how sweet and cuddly your large dog is, very
few people want to share a bed with a Great Dane. And the size
of the dog definitely limits the spaces available to him for
sleeping. You can’t squeeze a Great Dane comfortably into a
small bathroom and expect him to stay there overnight.
Large dogs tend to have a strong protective instinct, and so it
is quite often the case that they sleep near the front or back
doors. If your living room or family room happens to be the
nearest space to one of those doors, a large bed that resembles
actual furniture serves a dual purpose. First, large dog beds
and extra large dog beds that mimic real furniture will keep
your oversize pet off of the real furniture without making him
feel deprived. And secondly, furniture type beds are actually
more comfortable than a more standard round dog bed. They have
pillows to rest heads and paws on and they are treated with
flea and tick resistant powders to keep your dog free from
those bothersome pests while he sleeps. In addition, they are
sometimes filled with memory foam and gel products that conform
to the musculature of the animal, which helps keep him
comfortable while he sleeps.
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 Beds Info is
the sister site of Bird
Cages Web.
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