When I started researching dog beds, I was surprised to find how many different ones are available. Orthopedic, heated, cooling, designer, etc. I'm glad I've done the research as now I'm more informed and am able to not only decide which kind I need but can inform others of what's available.
Orthopedic dog beds are great for your older dog as they are made from memory foam which conforms to the dog's shape and supports his bones and joints helping to keep arthritis and hip dysplasia at bay - at least for as long as you can. Orthopedic dog beds are lower to the ground, further reducing the risk of injury from getting on and off the furniture. They are also excellent for larger breeds that are prone to these conditions - get him onto an orthopedic dog bed early and I'm sure you'll prolong his life.There are quite a few different heated dog beds available. Heated, orthopedic dog beds are made from the same memory foam but have a heat element within the bed to keep your dog nice and toasty warm in the colder months, further relieving any pain he might be experiencing. You can get thermostatically-controlled heated dog beds which keep the temperature constant within a degree or two. Also there are heated dog beds that remain a 12 - 15 degrees above ambient temperature and then rise to a cozy 102° when the dog gets on the bed and then reverts back when he gets off. You want to check that the bed is still comfortable, being warm isn't enough, your dog doesn't want to feel the heating element through the bed. You can also get heated mats for outside. On that note, heated dog beds are made for either outside or in and you mustn't switch the two, buy one of each if your dog is an indoor/outdoor dog.
Who knew a dog would need a cool dog bed? Thanks to start of the art technology, the Thermoregulating dog bed is comfortable and innovative. It aims for dry, room temperature cooling effect paired with a supportive element in the bed. It's designed to provide comfort for dogs with hip and joint problems as well as skin and other health conditions in which a cooling, soft bed is needed. Cooling beds are easy to clean and maintenance free and fleas can't burrow or lay eggs in this device.
But wait, there's more! Now you can even get the Duo Temp Heating and Cooling Dog Bed which uses convection to circulate air throughout the inner channels of the bed, creating the most effective system for temperature conditioning.
Designer dog beds are another favourite, they come in a timber, bamboo or wrought iron frame with an huge array of covers and styles, it is amazing. You can match your dog bed to your decor. Sofa beds, bolster beds, donut beds, igloos, fold away designer dog beds, chaise lounges. Some have drawers for extra storage space, they really are like our own furniture, with the various material designs and colours. Don't let the term 'Designer' put you off, they start at less than $50.
Other things to take into consideration when buying a dog bed are the size of your dog and they position they sleep in, curled up or stretched out. Also with heated dog beds, make sure the cord is 'bite-proof', look for a cord that is covered or cover it yourself with hose or conduit. Keep in mind that a removable heating pad is a great idea, so you can wash your bed and use all year round. On that point, you will want to look for dog beds that can be washed, preferably in the washing machine. Most dog beds fall in to that category these days anyway. Or maybe you can get extra covers, maybe one for each room in which the bed will be placed. The weight of the bed is an issue if you need to move it around the home, memory foam is light but if the bed has a timber base you'll want to know how heavy it is.
There is quite a bit to take into consideration but the comfort of your pet is the most important factor. They'll feel grateful to have a bed of their own and it will also extend the life of your own furniture because he won't feel the need to get on it anymore - well maybe for a cuddle every now and then!
