Dog Beds for a good night's sleep

Does your dog need a bed? Why are dog beds important to your pup's comfort and health?

Many dogs, who are young, healthy and live indoors may not need a bed at all, they are happy making themselves comfortable in YOUR bed, or perhaps on the family couch or a blanket on the carpet.

However, your dog might benefit from one of the many cheap and comfortable dog beds on the market if he meets any of the following criteria.

• Your dog is older and has soreness or arthritis in his joints
• Your home is uncarpeted and your dog ends up lounging on tile, hardwoods or linoleum for much of the day
• Your dog tends to get overheated in the summer (a cooling dog bed might be just the thing!
• Your dog stays outdoors in a run or your yard or in an unheated garage.

Dog beds provide a comfortable place for our friends to rest. Their padding can protect sore joints from strain and prevent healthy joints, too. Temperature controlled bedding can really add to your dog's comfort in hot or cold weather. Some dogs with very thick coats would enjoy a cooling bed year round!

In areas where winters are harsh, dogs who spend time in the cold will appreciate the added comfort a heated bed will provide.

Another advantage of giving your dog a specific place to rest inside the house is that you can limit or direct his behavior. If your dog knows a command like "Go to your place" it can help him stay away from that potted plant you just knocked over or help get him out from underfoot when you're in the middle of a project or entertaining comfortably.

The mattress can also help collect dog hair and reduce the amount of shedding that happens on your other furniture!

A good night's sleep and a comfortable place to rest will contribute to your dog's general health and good attitude. Keep him happy and healthy with a well-chosen dog bed.