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Choosing a Bed for Your Dog
by: Charles Kassotis
Does your dog enjoy sleeping with you at night? Although cuddling with a
pet can keep owner and dog warm and snuggly, keep in mind that most
animals are not as clean as people, nor do they always follow the same
sleep patterns. A dog can track mud, grass, and even nature's business
between your sheets, not to mention fleas and ticks. He might want to go
for a walk at 3 a.m. when all you want to do is sleep. These are some of
the common reasons why pets deserve a bed of their own. The nesting
routine is as old as time, so providing your dog with his own place to
sleep can create a sense of security that will help to keep your pet
calm and well adjusted, not to mention help you get a good night's
sleep.
But how do you know which type of bed will best suit your canine's
needs? Consider the following criteria before shopping for your dog's
bedroom furniture.
1. Get the right size bed for your animal. How big will he get? If you
have a large breed, get a bed with enough size to accommodate his
full-grown stature. Ask the vet how tall and heavy your pet is expected
to get, especially if he is a mixed breed. Then you can estimate the
size of bed that will be needed. One that is too small will make your
dog feel cramped, and he'll probably find another sleeping spot. On the
other hand, an overly large bed could let your little Chihuahua feel
insecure and unprotected, likewise leading to his hunt for a new
location.
2. Train a new puppy where to sleep. Like children, pets need guidance
about where to go or what to do. Keep your pet's bed in the same place
to establish a routine. This might be in the laundry room, family room,
the deck, or a doghouse. Don't let a puppy drag its bed all over the
place or he will never learn where he's supposed to stay at night. Get
in the habit of putting your dog to bed at the same time each night, and
he will soon get used to it.
3. Choose durable materials. A foam mattress can provide solid support
for the larger frames of full-grown pets, whereas small piece-type
filling will lend more flexibility to a bed, and is better suited to
small dogs or puppies. Check to be sure the cover is removable and
washable, and launder it every week or two, using hot water and mild
detergent to kill fleas and ticks. Teach your puppy not to chew his
bedding, which will quickly destroy it and force you to buy another. A
smart rap on the nose with a newspaper or a squirt of water from a spray
bottle when he is caught in the act ought to do it.
4. Keep the bed out of the way to prevent accidents. Let all family
members know where the bed will be kept, and tuck it into a nook or
cranny where no one is likely to trip over it when carrying laundry or
hurrying past that area. Your dog will be able to sleep better in a
quiet, semi-protected environment.
Although buying your dog a bed should not be as time-consuming or costly
as buying human furniture, it nevertheless pays to plan ahead and take
time in making the best possible choice for all concerned.
About The Author
Charles Kassotis
For more information on Dog Beds and how Dog Beds can help both you and
your precious pooch sleep better, visit www.Absolutely-Dogs.com
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