Finding a Large Dog Bed for Your Canine Companion

By John Gaddy

Finding the right large dog bed for your canine companion can be difficult. Sure, it sounds easy, but walk into the pet store and you'll find that finding the right large dog bed isnt as simple of a task as you would have thought. Dog beds come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing the appropriate bed for your dog can be a tricky endeavor.

All dog beds come in some several basic styles and types. Pillow-type beds are the most common, and most often are either circular or rectangular shaped. Such beds usually come with a removable cover that can be washed, with the inside "fluff" of the bed consisting of standard stuffing, foam, or cedar. While any padding provide excellent comfort, cedar is especially useful for use outdoors, as it serves as a natural flea repellent, and provides a pleasant, natural scent. Dogs that like to sleep stretched out tend to like these beds, as they allow them to spread out fully while sleeping and resting.

Doughnut style dog beds are very common for small dogs, but many large dog beds also available in this style. Such beds can come in two sections, such as a low-sided basket with a flat bed inside, or an all fabric design where the outer portion is padded and the doughnut hole is less padded, giving the dog a nest to cuddle into. Some dogs prefer these beds to others, especially dogs who like to nest to feel secure. Many a large dog has tried rather comically to fit into doughnut beds for their much smaller animal siblings. If your dog is a "nester" it will appreciate a doughnut bed in the right size!

Elevated dog beds are a newer type, with many variations of construction and design, from miniature couches to suspended hammock-type beds. The idea of these types of beds are to keep dogs above the cold ground and drafty floor level, also allowing older dogs to get up from laying down more easily. Your dog may take some convincing at first that its a safe place to sleep, but after an introduction, most dogs decide that the strange look is worth the added comfort!

Orthopedic dog beds are another type of large dog bed that can be especially useful for big dogs. All dogs, but especially big dogs tend to develop arthritis as they get older, and often experience stiffness or even difficulty getting up after laying down for a long time. Orthopedic dog beds can help to alleviate that stiffness and make it easier for an older dog to get up and moving after resting. Orthopedic dog beds come in many of the common styles of beds that are already available, but utilize more modern types of padding for increased comfort, such as orthopedic mattress foam, gel-foam and even built in heating devices to increase comfort and circulation within the joints.

Choosing the best dog bed for a large breed dog can be confusing at first, but if you carefully match the needs of your dog with his or her preferences and your needs, finding the selecting the right bed for your home can be done easily. - 29895

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