Buying Dog Beds

Dog beds come in many different shapes and sizes so you can be sure that you’ll be able to find something that is perfect for both you and your four legged friend. You can get soft beds, basked style beds and even special vet beds or orthopaedic beds if your dog is a bit older or recovering from an injury. Some types of dog beds are suited to different breeds, and most beds come in a variety of sizes, so it’s easy to find the right fit for your dog.

A popular type of dog bed is a pillow dog bed. This is just like a very large cushion for your dog to lie on and comes in a wide variety of finishes and sizes. These are probably best suited to larger dogs. They come in very large sizes and the simple design means they are easy to move around the house and the covers can easily be removed for washing.

If your dog is a smaller breed and prefers being warm and cosy then a good option would be to go for a plastic or basket style dog bed. This is a traditional style basket or plastic cradle to which you add a pad or cushion. These come in a variety of sizes and colours and give the added benefit of having sides so your dog can get really warm and snugly. The removable cushion also means you don’t have to replace the whole bed if the cover should become worn or the stuffing gets flat you can simply replace that part. Also a plastic basket can easily be wiped clean, allowing you to keep things nice and hygienic and cut back on that famous ‘doggy odour’. The sleeper dog bed, a plastic basket style bed, comes in sizes 1, 2, medium, large, extra large and giant. There are also a variety of colours to choose from. Seasons and Pennine make the mattresses for the different sized baskets and they also come in a choice of fabrics. Seasons also make a slumber bed - a soft sided basket style bed to which you can add a mattress.

If you prefer something completely soft and fabric based for your dog then there is plenty of choice. Dog duvets come in a wide variety of colours and finishes and are a simple bed, probably best suited to a larger dog that likes to sprawl. The Dog duvet is a nice thick mattress for your dog to lie on. Scruffs make many different types including faux suede ones, the ‘country’ style duvet in corduroy and tweed. Both of these have fully removable and machine washable covers. Scruffs also make the Expedition duvet which is 100% waterproof and can be hosed down with ease. All dog duvets come in a variety of sizes. If you’d like something a bit fluffier then opt for the Eskimo faux fur quilted dog duvet.

Ancol - a popular name in the pet world, make a huge variety of dog beds. This includes some very sweet covered dog beds that look like little fury covered kennels. They come in all sorts of different finishes from pink and fluffy to camouflage. Ancol also make a soft bed with cosy sides and a big plump removable cushion - almost like a special doggy sofa.

Animate make a sturdy fibre bed with a removable mattress but also have many fleece products including dog blankets and fleece duvets. They also make a fleece snuggle bed - this is an extra cosy bed, probably best suited to a smaller dog that likes to sleep curled up. The snuggle bed is a fleece cylinder shaped cushion that has slightly elevated sides for your little pet to snuggle into.

If you are looking for something very practical then consider buying a Vet bed. Again these come in a variety of sizes and have a dense fluffy pile that is machine washable and very durable. Vet beds make an ideal addition to your dog kennel or cage. However if you’d prefer to give your dog a bit of luxury then go for a Parklane dog bed from Scruffs. These smart beds come in three different sizes and three different finishes, including the Rochester model; a soft walled bed with fury lining and faux leather exterior! All Parklane beds have soft high walls and an extra comfy lining which is machine washable to 30°. The beds also have a matching pet carrier which can be purchased separately with harness clasp as well as detachable water bowl and they are a must have for the weary but stylish traveller!