Dog Beds: Choosing And Taking Proper Care Of Your Puppy’s Nest

Dogs deserve a warm, safe, and comfortable place to sleep just like you do. Exercise good judgment and put yourself in your dog’s place when choosing a dog bed. Your dog will love you for it!

Below we list the most common types of Dog’s bed so you can choose which is the best bed for your puppy.

Bolster Dog Bed –

Ideal for larger breeds – but good for all dogs – these low-profile nesters are for pups who love to sleep with their head cradled on an armrest or a pillow. Styles vary from half-bolsters to full 360-degree support and feature either built-in or removable pillow pads.

Rectangular Bed –

Sleek and supportive mats and pads turn any uncomfortable spot into a place to bed down. Usually foam-constructed, these universal beds are an economical way to provide comfortable rest in the home or on the go. For older or arthritic pets, consider extra thick orthopedic pads. These are inexpensive, no-frill pads that can be placed almost anywhere. They typically do not have much cushioning and their primary purpose is to provide an insulating barrier between your dog and the cold or warm floor. These types of dog bedding travel well also.

Nesting Dog Bed –

The security of sinking deep into a high-walled nest or overstuffed pillow-ball makes this a perfect small dog bed. This bedding type gets its name from the fact that the bedding, usually a deep, soft pillow or cushion, is surrounded by a wall made of some sturdy material such as wood, plastic, or wicker. Your dog curls up inside much like a baby bird gets tucked away in their nest.

Orthopedic Dog Bed –

Built to protect aged or ailing joints, an orthopedic dog bed provide maximum support with medical-grade foam and/or box spring construction. This special bed is designed for dogs with arthritis or other joint problems such as hip dysplasia, and for senior citizen dogs regardless of their health problems. They are usually made of high-density, medical-grade foam that provides the right degree of support for its occupant. Some styles are available with an electric heating attachment to provide soothing warmth on those cold winter nights. the necessary support which helps to relieve joint pain.

Odor Control Dog Beds –

A pet bed that will never smell! It has an odor control fabric cover traps unwanted pet odors in the odor control top layer, while allowing filtered odorless air to pass freely. The pillow can be machine washed without losing its effectiveness. Washing actually releases the trapped odors from the activated carbon layer, making the bed more effective.

Pillow or Cushion Dog Bed –

This is the most common bed in use. They come in various shapes and sizes to suit the needs of any breed. You can choose from among many colors and fabric types. They come stuffed with either poly foam, or cedar chips, which act as a natural flea repellent.

PROPER CARE OF A DOG BED

Even if your dog never goes outside, your dog’s bed is going to need to be cleaned just like your sheets need to be changed.

Dogs pick up dirt, dust, and whatever else is on the floors of your home. They track dirt into their dog beds, they shed, and they have dander fallout.

All of this accumulates in their bed and can cause health risks and odors.

If your dog does go outside then you can add pollen, fleas, ticks, and other dog’s fecal matter to the list of invaders that end up in your dog’s bed.

Once fleas reach your dog’s bed, it’s only a matter of time until they reach yours!

Dogs are susceptible to a wide range of skin diseases, many of which can be caused by dirty living conditions or parasite infestation.

Demodicosis (Red Mange), for example, is caused by tiny mites that are invisible to the naked eye.

These mites can infest your dog’s bed and cause a reoccurring infestation. These mites (also called dust mites) eat your dog’s skin scales and dander. They particularly love to live in your puppy’s bed.

A DAILY, WEEKLY, AND MONTHLY SANITATION ROUTINE

1) Once a day you should remove any bedding, blankets, or other loose fabric items from the bed, take them outdoors, and give them a good shaking.

2) Visually inspect the fabric for signs of insect activity or obvious dirt or other foreign matter. Also, look for blood stains since many of the biting insects that may infest your dog and her dog bed may leave blood evidence of their presence.

3) If the weather is nice to consider leaving the bedding material outside to air. If the dog bed includes a bed frame, box, baskets, or some other container, check that as well.

4) Once a week you should launder the bedding materials and dry them either on a clothesline or in a dryer on low heat. Use low-suds mild detergent, such as Woolite and add it to the water sparingly.

5) Dogs aren’t used to soap products the way we are and you might inadvertently introduce a skin reaction if too much or too strong a soap is used.

6) Wash the bedding in water that is as hot as the particular fabric will stand. Do not add fabric softener to the water, and do not use a fabric softener sheet in the dryer.

7) Wash any non-fabric parts of the dog bed with a mild soap and disinfectant solution and use a clean rag. When you are through, use another rag and plain water, to wipe any detergent residue off of the dog bed.

8) Once per year you should discard all of the bedding material and replace it with new. If your dog has grown attached to her special blanket, or some other bedding material, then you may want to consider keeping it if it does not pose a health risk for any reason.

What If My Puppy’s Bed Is Already Infested?

If in spite of your sanitation routines, the dog bed does get infested, you need to take immediate action. first, separate your dog from the infested area and treat her with whatever procedure your vet recommends for the particular type of infestation. once you have her treated, you can turn your attention to treating the bed.

Depending upon the degree and type of infestation, and how much the bed cost, you might just want to put all of it into a large lawn and leaf bag, spray it with some household insect killer, seal the bag shut and toss it all in the trash. Or, you might not…

If you decide that you do want to keep the bed, then you need to ask your vet the best way to eliminate the infestation. Thoroughly treat the fabric, and the area around the bed, according to the vet’s directions. Once you have determined that the infestation is under control you can let your dog start using the bed again.

Remember: whatever infests your dog will infest the bed. Whatever infest the dog bed will infest your home. Treat dog bed sanitation as a serious chore that needs to be done regularly.