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Pet beds: sleeping in comfort, sleeping in style |
| Louise Scales |
As we love to have a comfortable place to sleep, so do the animals. If they don't already sleep on your bed, you are in a minority. There are various types of beds for the pets to give them a comfortable sleep, whether you have a dog(s) or a cat(s). The main types of beds includes the "keep 'em off the floor" bed, luxury beds (impress their friends), special support and "when are they gonna sleep in that thing?" For the various types of dogs, there are various types of beds like the large dog beds and the small dog beds. Some have high walls on three sides or a partial roof, for privacy. Cats tend to be more uniform in size and hey, they don't like anything we offer anyway, so sniff around and pick a bed YOU like!
As you will probably realize, I have and love cats and do not own dogs, but I have cared for dogs in the past. I tried to focus this article on both types of pets!
Comfort and luxury:
Pet beds not only provide comfort but also look great due to the material used. Some of the pet beds are made up of the micro velvet nylon. The specialty of this is that it is washable. Due to the flexibility of the pet bed it can be used in traveling – just roll it up and tie a rope or belt around it for storage. Occasionally, your travelling pet may actually sleep in the bed if you put it out for that purpose. The other advantages of these beds are that they are machine washable, and the covers are also removable and replaceable. Pet beds are available in various colors and patterns, maybe making the owner wish that he or she was colourblind, and not the pets!
Material used for pet beds:
The material used is not just for comfort but for style also. There are various types and sizes of these pet beds. Some pet beds are rectangular in shape, or round, marshmallow shaped, take your pick. The material used for the pet bed can be polyfiber, foam chip, or one piece of foam, which should be washable and removable. Some companies make their product filling from pure organic cotton. There are various sizes of the beds right from small to extra large. Some pet beds are round in shape for the protection of the animal; special consideration is due when the animal is small in size or is aged. The thick inner cushion provides with the fullest comfort to the animal.
Other varieties of pet beds:
The other varieties of pet beds mainly include the ones with the shape of a doughnut while others are reversible, which can be quite an advantage in longevity of the bed. The inner cushion is removable and it can be washed easily. Some of these pet beds have an additional advantage of a crate pad, to assist in transportation of the animal. They can be big puffy pillows, a nest or bolster type, and such varieties you would not believe! It's fun just looking at them, whether you are buying or not.
Beds for cats
The beds for cats are mainly required so that they are shielded from the winter and protected from the floor, which can be cold. Most of the cat beds are made specifically considering the window or the porch. To make the cats more comfortable the beds have properties that promote airflow. This helps moderate the temperature of the bed and the cats are protected from cold.
Beds for dogs
We know that every dog needs a place of his own, and the right dog bed can provide that perfect, quiet spot for any canine. Aside from adding a stylish element to your home decor, dog beds can also provide a multitude of benefits for your dog pets. And, with an amazing array of shapes, styles and colors, dog beds have really come into their own. There are also functional designs in the market that's sure to fit your needs. Dog beds can also be used in the overall training program of your dog.
Beds can even be used outdoors, in the dog house, on the porch, or the patio, covered by vinyl or canvas, and they're great on family vacations!
Considerations when choosing a pet bed:
* Assess the size, age and health of your dog or cat, and think about the type and style of bed in which your pet will be most comfortable. Heated Toy Breed Dog Bed is perfect for keeping your small and toy-breed dog warm and cozy year-round. Some pet beds are open, with only a slight roll around the perimeter, and others have higher walls, with an opening in one side for the pet. An older dog or cat would not need the extra obstacle of an enclosure to scramble over. Some companies make orthopedic beds with low or no sides, and a specific firmness of "mattress," for just this purpose! You may want to check with your veterinary to see what level of softness or firmness your pet needs.
* You should check to see if the covering on the bed is removable and washable. Try to get a washable cover because coverings will surely get dirty over time. Most products have a zipper or Velcro closure by which the cover can be removed.
* It is fairly easy to match the dog bed you want buy to the overall look or décor of the room where you will be keeping it. Today, there are a lot of fashionable options available, and there is no reason for you to have or to hide an unsightly dog bed – a bed only a dog could love. For the spoiled or 'haute couture' pet, there are pet sofas, some even looking like tiny human beds; there are daybeds, and "bamboo tropical island" beds, and pet-sized armchairs. Maybe a Pet Tent for that outdoorsy look? If you don't have kids, or you carry around pictures of your pets in your wallet, these options are just for you!
* Consider what you want to spend. There are a variety of price points to meet your budgetary needs and for more great options and value, shop around at large pet supermarkets, as well as veterinary offices or small pet stores.
* Choose a bed that is the right size for your animal. The ratio of the dog to the bed should be proportioned. The dog should be able to lie flat, completely stretched out on his or her side, without hanging off the bed. A bed too big would only be a problem for the human servants who have to navigate around it.
Other advantages of Pet beds:
The pet beds give the animals their own space, and the house has a more organized look. It is very important for pets to have at least one space they can call their own, especially if there is more than one pet in the household. Cats or dogs can get stressed out, and like kids, learn bad habits more quickly than good habits. If stressed, pets adopt inappropriate behaviors such as chewing, scratching, or defecating anywhere but the place we want them to, to get attention or just demonstrate their dissatisfaction with life. Sometimes something as simple as a soft bed in a corner of a couch or on a chair can make a world of difference for animals that may be high-strung or new to the house.
But on the other side of the pet bed:
Did you know that there can be pet bed related health problems?
Allergies - Can be caused by beds that are made of cedar chips. A lot of people believe that cedar chips help keep away the fleas. But a thoroughly washed bed is best in any situation.
Chronic Pain - Dogs with hip dysplasia and pets with arthritis should have a comfortable, supportive bed. Foam "egg crate" bed types, usually sold for these purposes, are too stiff to allow pets to get into a natural, comfortable position. Do extra research, ask your vet.
Chronic Sickness - Your pet's unclean bed can cause and perpetuate health problems for both the animal and the owner.
Parasites - Beds that cannot be washed can become breeding grounds for extremely harmful parasites.
Odor - If your pet's bed cannot be washed regularly, it will have a strong "doggy" odor, and so will your house and pet. Vacuuming the bed, without the pet inside, is a good start to proper hygiene.
Do your research on the Internet, ask your friends that have pets, check with your vet about your pet's needs, and you will find the perfect nest for your special family member! Pets give us everything they have; how could we do less?
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| About the Author |
©2006 All rights reserved
About the author: a newcomer to the Internet business, Louise is owned by two cats, whose knowledge contributed greatly to the cat portion of this article. Most of the dog comments were thus deleted. Drop by her (Louise's) website www.monkeyart.org
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