She’s not just a dog – she’s a member of your family. Today, when many dog owners prefer to be called pet parents, designer pet shops do a booming business in specialty items for their pampered pups. From decadent jeweled collars to mohair dog sweaters, pet shops that cater to the high-end dog owner provide products designed to make a dog feel as if she’s living in the lap of luxury. A place for your pet to sleep is less a luxury than a necessity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t provide a luxury dog bed to pamper your pooch.
Expert trainers and vets explain agree that dogs are happiest when they have their own place for sleeping. A bed for a dog provides that space, along with providing some very important benefits. These include padding to prevent bruised over joints and to help cushion the joints themselves. Cushioning can be especially important for older dogs or for breeds prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia.
Dog bedding also provides some insulation – it lies between your pup and the cold floor in the winter. For the dog with arthritis or for small dogs whose bodies don’t hold heat as well, a heated dog bed can provide the ultimate in comfort. Mattresses filled with memory foam offer your dog the same comfort they provide for you – and they’re much less expensive than your own mattress. Other fillings, such as gel, provide comfort and still others, such as cedar shavings, help control dog odor and fleas. The mattress may be covered in anything from sturdy canvas to waterproof ultrasuede fabrics that wipe clean and can be easily disinfected. The best dog beds include a removable mattress cover that you can slip off and toss in the washer when it needs cleaning.
A bed is more than just a mattress, of course. Look for beds for beds for dogs with soft sides designed to fit the mattress pad, or for dog beds on legs to lift your dog above drafts on the ground. If you’re not certain about the best options for your dog, an online designer pet shop often has an expert on staff who can answer your questions, or includes informative article to help make your choice easier. Whether you’re buying jeweled collars, a dog crate or a bed for your dog or other designer dog accessories, an online pet shop often offers the best deals and prices you’ll find anywhere.
