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Big Dog Beds
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes with varying conditions and needs. If your best friend in the whole world just happens to be a big dog, then getting the right bed is the right thing to do! What are best friends for?
You wouldn’t put a grown man on a crib mattress, so it seems obvious that large dogs need large beds - and extra large dogs need extra large beds. As a large dog owner, you need to keep a number of criteria in mind when purchasing a permanent dog bed.
Your big dog has even more sleeping requirements than a small dog, so it’s not just a matter of bed size. What type of bed is best for your climate? How old is your dog? Are there any health issues to address? Where will the bed be placed? How destructive is your dog child? Addressing these questions and more will help you make the right sleeping choices for your big guy or gal. Choosing the right bed will also help keep your bed and the rest of the furniture a little less covered by dog hair. Definitely something to think about!
The Basics
Your dog’s size and sleeping habits need to be taken into consideration first. A quick measurement of your dog’s length and girth will help determine size. If you have a younger dog that has not reached full maturity, then with a little research you should be able to determine just how big he might become if you consider the breed or family history. If you are buying a good quality bed, (which your best friend deserves!), then you want to make sure he doesn’t outgrow it in the first 6 months.
Sleeping Style
Try a little surveillance work while your dog is sleeping - does he spread out to his full length most of the time? Then a larger rectangular bed would suit better. Or does he like to curl up in a ball while sleeping? If so, then a round bed may be more appropriate. Is he a fitful sleeper, tossing and turning, lying on his back, then his side? Then extra room would be required to accommodate the athletic sleeper. Does he get up and down a lot? Then a bed that is easy to get in and out of would be a good choice. If your dog is currently sleeping on your furniture, have you noticed whether he likes to have his head or paws elevated? Many of today’s dog beds are just like people furniture, so perhaps a sofa style bed would be just the ticket.
Keep it Clean
When shopping for any dog bed, you will want to find one that is washable. Small dog beds can just be thrown in the washing machine, but a big dog bed is an entirely different breed. So you should look for a bed with a removable cover. This will help keep your dog’s home within a home clean and sanitary, which will prolong the life of the bed, as well as your dog.
Location - Location - Location
Ok, you are getting a better idea of the kind of bed you want, now just exactly where are you going to put this big bed. Big dogs live up to their name, by taking up a lot of space and when you add a big bed to the equation, you need to be sure to allow him plenty of maneuverability. Many big dogs flail around a bit upon rising, so to protect your home you may want to keep the bed away from the walls.
There are many other decisions to make when choosing a big dog bed. Interior construction, climate and health issues all play a part in selecting the proper bed for your pooch and we will get into those issues in the additional articles on this site. Choose wisely and your dog will love you forever…oh, that’s right he already does!