Dog beds have become an ultra-popular pet accessory in today's society. The influx of pet owners who love and cherish their pet has created a significant demand for a once laughed at idea. When purchasing a dog bed there are several things to keep in mind such as; type of dog bed, price range you are comfortable in, quality of the material used and any special circumstances surrounding your pet. This article will give you the information needed to make an informed purchasing decision.

There are actually many types of dog beds and they all have different characteristics that may or may or not suit your pet. Obviously, there are small, medium and large dog beds, but there are also heated and cooling pet beds, as well as, orthopedic dog beds for aging or disabled pets. For the more sophisticated pet owner, designer and luxury pet beds are also an option. Regardless of your purchasing choice, price usually plays a significant role in your decision making process.

The type of dog bed you buy will directly influence the price. For small or medium dog beds with no extra bells and whistles, you can expect to spend anywhere from 20-50 dollars. However, if you wish to have a heated, cooled or orthopedic bed, the price can go up to twice that amount. For the even more extravagant choices such as luxury or designer dog beds, you can literally spend thousands of dollars if you so choose. These beds often come standard with wooden frames, pillows and blankets. When money is no object, the designer dog beds reign supreme. As is often the case, price and quality go hand in hand and although you can buy good beds fairly cheap, you need to pay attention to the quality of materials that go in to your pets' furniture.

The last thing you want to do is purchase a pet bed only to have it tear up in a few weeks. When purchasing a bed be sure to check on things like double stitching and quality fabric. Other necessities are removable covers for easy washing and stain resistant material. Many beds will come with cheap or imitation fleece, so be sure to check the quality of the material and always look for double-sided fleece, as it is more durable and more comfortable. While quality is important, if you have a dog with special needs or you live in a particular area, you may want to narrow your search with those criteria first.

As is often the case, our dogs have complex lives. Some are injured or handicapped while others may be old or extremely dirty. Regardless of your situation, there are several things to consider. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you may want to consider a heated or cooling pet bed. There are several types of cooled beds, some are raised from the floor, some are filled with water and some are activated by other materials. The heated pet beds are usually similar to an electric blanket. Dogs that are old or injured may need an orthopedic pet bed to rest their tired joints on. These beds come with double-sided foam and extremely comfortable fleece or other material. As a pet owner, you realize each pet has its own personal needs and if you keep this in mind you will find a quality, well-suited bed for your pet.

Purchasing a pet bed can be a daunting task if you are misinformed or not sure of your specific options. If you keep your focus on the type, quality, price and special needs, you should be able to narrow down your search pretty quickly. As the pet owner, you know your dogs' needs the best. Hopefully this article will help expedite your decision making process.