Dog Beds -

What's Hot Now

January 12, 2008

Dog beds have changed and the new ones are out of this world. Gorgeous design, beautiful materials, orthopedic foam and versatile styles have changed the world of dog beds forever. We'll give you tips on how to pick the right bed, tell you about the latest options and talk about the most fantastic beds out there. Call in and tell us what you've seen, what your dog loves most and ask about beds you're considering.

Co-hosted by Daily Kibble, the inside scoop on the latest, greatest, hottest and coolest everything for pets! Take a look.

Resources

Details on some of the things we talked about on the show today:

• Murphy Bed

• Sleepypod

• Snoozer's

• Corner beds

• Luxury beds by Urban Bone (available at Bitch New York)

• Beds for Dog & Cats

• Krypton Beds

• Bowser's Beds

• deadlysquire.com

• Orvis chew-proof bed

• Buy a wholesale off-the-ground bed for a shelter in your area through PetEdge.com

5 Tips for Selecting a Dog Bed (this copyrighted material is used with permission from www.idogbeds.com)

1. Pay attention to your dog's sleeping habits before you select a bed. Does your dog curl up or spread out when he sleeps? Does she like to sleep in corners or in wide open spaces? Taking notice of these habits will help you decide whether your dog would prefer a large pillow type bed or a donut shaped bed she can snuggle into.

2. Offer your dog more than one bed. It's nice to have a dog bed in your bedroom so he can sleep in your presence. It's also nice to have one in the living room, kitchen, or anywhere the family spends a lot of time to keep him from feeling isolated. Having several beds also helps keep your furniture cleaner.

3. The construction and material of the dog bed are as important as its shape and where it is placed. There are many fillers to choose from such as polystyrene beads, polyfoam inserts, and cedar chips, and each one has its own pros and cons. Removable, washable covers are a consideration, as they make cleaning much easier.

4. Sometimes a little creativity and experimentation are necessary in satisfying your dogs' need to cuddle up. A new bed can be made more appealing with a familiar toy or treat. If flat mattress or nesting style beds don't suit your dog, try a dog sofa with a supportive back or a corner bed with high sides.

5. Finally, forget the rules. Some feel dogs should never be allowed to lay or sleep on your sofa or your bed, but this is really your decision to make. If your dog enjoys these spots, and it works for you, then there's no reason not to let him sleep there.

Tips for washing your dog bed (courtesy of FunStuffForDogs.com)

1. Contact the manufacturer of the bed for cleaning tips so you don't ruin your bed by trying to clean it in a way that it can't withstand.

2. Most beds have removable covers. By washing the cover every month or two, you'll extend the life of the bed. Spray the bed with a commercially available fabric refresher spray when you wash the cover.

3. Avoid putting dog bed covers in the dryer because they can shrink and may no longer fit the bed.

4. If your bed is washable and you're using a top-loading washer, balance the load with towels or other items so as not to stress your washer.

5. Place the bed with the most soiled side facing outward so the dirt doesn't go through the bed during the spin cycle to get out of the bed.

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