Choosing an Outdoor Dog Bed
Outside pets that spend lots of time sleeping on the ground, on porches, patios and garages, might not seem like they need outdoor dog beds. They already get plenty of sleep, right? But if they stay outside most of the time, they need an outdoor bed even more than an animal that lives inside and only goes outside for short periods of time.
The hard ground is tough on bones and joints, so outdoor dog beds cushion your pet from the rigidity of the ground. Wintertime doesn’t just cool the air, but it makes the ground even colder and harder. Being on the cold ground can make bone and joints ache even more, in addition to keeping the animal feeling cold. Some dog houses aren’t very well insulated so having their own cozy outdoor dog beds can make wintertime much more comfortable and warm.
Having outdoor dog beds gives your four-legged friends a sense of territory, more than the large yard does. This one spot is all his own. It’s a special, cushy place that’s more comfortable than anywhere else. It’s a dry place off the damp ground that’s covered in his scent to keep other animals away, giving him a sense of security.
Outdoor dog beds come in orthopedic styles. Quilting and extra support are perfect for pets who might need the extra help, like those who suffer from arthritis, joint pain, stiffness and other injuries. They stay warmer because they’re off the ground, and the warmth helps their joints, and it also relieves pressure off their joints and supports their frame gently but firmly. Dogs who’ve had surgery can particularly benefit from the added comfort found in these models, especially if the surgery involved bones or joints.
Outdoor dog beds have comfortable stain-resistant exteriors that also resist snagging and tearing. They’re also weatherproof, because the weather can change too quickly to give you time to get it inside. Firm units also have waterproof interiors, while softer outdoor dog beds are water resistant outside, but easily cleaned in a standard washing machine.
Outdoor dog beds offer extra comfort when the weather is very hot or very cold. Wherever your animal sleeps while outside, whether houses garages, porches, patios, or the ground, heated ones offer warmth or coolness, depending on your choice. Summertime pads designed to keep an animal cool are soaked in cold water for 30 minutes. Towel-dry the exterior to keep your pooch dry, while the interior stays soft and cold, thanks to get beads that expand when wet and absorb many times their weight. This provides hours of cool relaxation no matter how hot it gets.
Many outdoor dog beds aren’t just easily moved inside and outside, they’re good for traveling. Some roll up like a sleeping bag for easy packing and can be tossed in any washing machine. And you can even buy portable hammocks for pups. They don’t offer the warmth or special supports some other beds do, but they’re still better than the hard ground. And their small size and easy portability make them great for pooches on the go. They’re more like animal-sized cots than mattresses, and hold your pup up on weather-resistant nylon that’s easily removed and washed.
Outdoor dog beds can still feel luxurious for your pet. Some come with microfiber suede coverings that feel wonderful to the touch, but clean up beautifully. You can even find imitation lambswool covers that resist dirt and dampness, while adding extra softness to your pup’s sleeping spot.
To find outdoor dog beds in your pup’s size, measure him while he’s asleep. Then buy a size larger than it seems he’ll need. It’s better to have one a little too big than too small. You want him to have plenty of room to spread out so he doesn’t feel cramped in his special sleeping spot.
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