After a long day at work, we can all agree that the comforts of home help us to relax and escape from the stressful environment. Imagine how well-rested you feel in the morning after sleeping on a comfortable bed. The right bed makes all the difference in how well your body feels, especially your back. As we have humanized our pets to live indoors with us, they, too, require some TLC when it comes to their bedding!

Types of Pet Bedding

Just as there are several types of beds for us to choose from, there are numerous pet beds to choose from as well, from orthopedic, shaped and bolstered, to pillow, quilted, foam, loungers, to name a few. With the right pet bed, your dog will rest comfortably and get up feeling his furry best all year-round!

Why are Beds Important?

1. The right bed can provide your dog with a special area that he can designate as his own “palace”. Think territory – dogs absolutely L-O-V-E claiming their own turf, and beds offer this fulfillment. If he's got his own comfortable space, he's less likely to take up yours.

2. Dogs require a safe haven that they can go to when they’re feeling scared or anxious. During a thunderstorm, your dog will appreciate having a nice, warm bed to crawl into.

3. Of course, we can’t forget that dogs are naturally denning animals. Yes, the comforts of a bed are similar to what dogs’ ancestors – the wolves – were accustomed to having when not out on a trek.

If you find that your furry pal enjoys sleeping with all limbs literally stretched out and taking up more space than his size, a pillow bed or orthopedic bed would be the ideal choice.

Sleep Style

Do you sleep wildly or do you prefer the fetal position? These are also questions that you must answer for your dog. Knowing your dog’s sleep style is also an essential factor in choosing the right bed as all beds are not designed equal. Some of the most popular sleep styles include: Stretch Out and Curl Up.

Stretch Out

Pillow beds and orthopedic beds are typically plush and/or include an egg crate for added support, especially for senior dogs. Petmate offers a wide assortment of pillow beds and orthopedic beds to support your pet’s joints, regardless of his age.

Curl Up

Curl Up style beds include loungers, cuddlers, and bolsters. These beds are excellent for those dogs that love to curl up on the couch or in your bed, under the covers, or if you live in an area subject to cold weather. Yes, your precious pooch is sure to have the ultimate cuddle experience in these curl-up style beds!

Loungers, cuddlers, and bolsters are distinguished by their raised sides, plush fabric, and rounded shape. Aspen Pet also offers a diverse selection of loungers and bolsters in trendy styles to complement your home décor. If you want something that's really stylish, consider Pet Furniture that looks like a mini-sofa. After all, who says pet furniture can't make the room stand out?

How to Clean

Cleaning your pet’s bed doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right household clean supplies, which you probably already own, and a little patience, your pet’s bed will always look and smell brand new!

• Always read the care instructions carefully to ensure that you preserve the integrity of your pet’s bed for years to come.
• Be sure to check whether or not the cover on your pet’s bed can be unzipped. If so, the cover can probably be machine washed on the gentle cycle.
• If the bed does not have a removable cover, you can easily clean the bed using the JW Pet Hair Magnet. Dog grooming accessories such as dog hair collectors remove fur and allergens from pet beds and furniture quickly and effectively. Once the fur is removed from the cover, you can then sprinkle baking soda on it and gently vacuum the area. Voila – your pet’s bed smells and looks new all over again!
• Another option for those beds that don’t offer a removable cover is to simply place the entire bed into the washing machine, size permitting, on a delicate cycle, and allowing to dry thoroughly.

At Petmate we offer only the highest quality in pet bedding. We study pet behavior, especially pet sleeping patterns. Oh, and we’re pet parents, too, so we know just how important it is for your four-legged friend to have the right bed for a restful snooze!