There are many breeds of dogs all around the world. All these dogs require some degree of comfort while resting just as human beings. Dog beds are therefore important, after all a dog is said to be mans best friend and should be treated like one. A normal dog sleeps for about 14 hours a day so buying a cozy dog bed advisable.

Dogs vary in sizes and range from the giant breed known as the Irish wolfhound to the very small ones like the Chihuahua. All dogs have certain similar characteristics although each breed portrays its own unique characteristics. With this in mind you have to consider various factors before choosing a dog bed.

As mentioned earlier the first thing you should consider while purchasing a dog bed is the size of your dog. There is no way one would buy a large bed for a small puppy. This is quite inappropriate and will not only look odd but will tend to occupy a larger space in the room where you intend to place it. Normally, when purchasing a bed for a puppy one would go for something that the puppy will grow into. A dog bed for a puppy requires less cushioning because it does not have too much weight to weigh the cot down.

In case you want the bed to last long, you should consider that the puppy will grow to a bigger dog. Hence, a larger bed is required. The owner may also go for a cheap puppy bed and replace it when the puppy grows. For beds, meant to last it is good to choose one with cushioning made firmer because it will support a lot of weight in the future.

Another thing to consider is a dog bed with a washable cover. This is because after time, a dog bed may produce a doggy smell. The smell is not pleasant and since most dog owners place their dog bed in prominent view of where guests are able to see it, it can be embarrassing. Therefore, a dog bed with a washable cover is good as it helps you deal with the problem. The color of the cover can be coordinated with overall color theme of the house.

Dog owners should also consider the age of the dog when purchasing a bed. This is because old dogs, just like older people tend to be a little stiffer especially in the joint areas. Such dogs should have dog beds padded well and made of memory foam or one that is heated as it is particularly good at soothing the minor pains and aches.

Some dog beds are stuffed with cedar that helps in repelling fleas. However, in the case where a dog shares the bed with a cat, a bed stuffed with cedar must be avoided completely because cedar can be harmful to cats.

In most cases, pet beds are thick padded and flat. They are also available in oval, rectangular or round shapes. The most popular style for a dog bed is the cot. It has its surface lifted some inches from the ground with the material being mesh or a cool fabric. This means it is possible to get perfect dog beds to fit your style and preference.