Are you one of those people who look at little dogs in cute sweaters and think, "Geez, what are their owners thinking?" If you are, please put all of the "pocket dogs", their fashionista owners, and all their matching accessories aside.
Everyone needs to know one thing: small dogs get cold! Small dogs get colder than big dogs, period. In fact, any dog under about fifteen pounds needs a place to snuggle up and get warm. This is why small dogs should have a good dog bed they can access at any time.
Dog beds are good for all dogs for a few reasons. Some of the benefits of getting your pooch a place of his own are similar to the benefits of crating your dog. They get a permanent, safe place in your home to relax, chew bones, and sleep, kind of like sofas are for humans! And just like sofas for humans come in a bevy of styles like futon, overstuffed, and reclining, with a multitude of fabrics to choose like denim, chintz, and leather, dog beds come in as many styles and covers as there are dog breeds.
When buying a bed for your dog, think about what kind of dog he is. This is not for your style, this is for his comfort. Here are a couple of things to consider:
o How does your dog sleep? Curled up tight in the corner of the sofa or stretched long on the hardwood floor? If your dog curled up on the sofa, you probably want a dog bed that has thick cushioning on the bottom and comes up on the sides. If your dog is stretched out on the floor and panting, a bed that looks like an oversized, flattened pillow is a good choice.
o What type of coat does your dog have? What climate is it from? What climate do you live in?
For example: Chihuahuas are small, have short fur, and are from Mexico. They need a t-shirt in the summer in some areas! Alaskan Huskies (think sled dogs) are medium-sized, thick-coated, and race sleds in Alaska. These dogs pant in winter anywhere south of the Mason-Dixon Line! Obviously, the Chihuahua needs a very warm bed that's hooded or has sides to keep drafts away. The Husky would probably like a flat, slick mat-style bed.
Now you can start looking at dog beds with your dog's needs in mind. There are structured beds with raised sides, orthopedic mattress beds for dogs with joint problems, chaise-style loungers, overstuffed pillow beds, and beds that look like a cross between a marshmallow and a bean bag. The marshmallow-beanbag dog bed might be the one bed that keeps Fido from nesting in your laundry!
Dog beds also come with a variety of covers from fluffy to slick. Pay close attention to the washing and/or cleaning instructions. Some beds can be washed whole while some have covers that zip off. Other dog beds can only be spot-cleaned. If your dog has muddy feet a lot, washable is the only way to go. If your dog's feet never touch dirt and you bathe them regularly, a spot-clean only covering is fine.
You now have the basic information to shop intelligently for a bed for your dog. Remember, a dog bed is almost a necessity for a small dog for them to stay warm. With that in mind, discover your inner dog bed fashionista and go nuts! Just please don't buy a matching bed for yourself!
