Top Tips for a Happy Dog Pet Bed

Top Tips for a Happy Dog Pet Bed

A good dog bed means a happy dog. 

If you’re wondering whether your dog needs a bed, then did you know the average dog stands up on his feet for only five hours per day? If you’re a dog parent, you know what they’re doing the rest of the time. Dogs spend between 12 and 14 hours per every 24 hours sleeping. Tag on another five to seven hours lying around awake but resting. Yes, your dog needs a soft, supportive place to lay down. Therefore, your dog will sleep well. 

​Looking for a comfortable dog bed for your dog? A comfort and a stylish look? What are the best products for your dog?. Do you want a wicker dog basket or just a soft dog bed with fleece or sturdy canvas? There are so many choices! 

Dog beds can be simple or fancy, expensive or homemade, and everything in between. How do you pick the right dog bed for your pup when there are so many on the market? Does your pooch even need a dog bed? Should you spend a lot of money when your dog is just as happy lying with you in your human bed or on the couch?

These are all questions you should consider before you buy a dog bed, and this dog bed guide is here to help you make a decision. Here is everything you need to know about dog beds and the Top Tips for a Happy Dog Pet Bed.

Image: A donut dog bed

Does Your Dog Need A Dog Bed?

The truth is, dogs need beds just like we humans do, and they are beneficial for a variety of reasons. If he/she has a bed, though, it gives him/her a place he/she can retreat to when he/she needs time by himself. Your dog needs a spot to retreat, a place to lay its head, somewhere soft and comfortable to call its own. Additionally, giving your dog a place to sleep will keep him/her from sleeping where you don’t want him/her to.

Even if your dog is allowed to sleep with you in your human bed, every dog should have a bed of their own or two.

There are plenty of benefits to having dog beds. They can be used for napping during the day and sleeping in at night. Unlike the floor, a bed will keep your dog warm, support arthritic joints and prevent calluses. Unlike a couch or human bed, dog beds are spaces that pups can have all to themselves.

And if you’re allergic to your dogs, then it’s best if he/she sleep somewhere besides your bed. Dog beds can also be taken with you when you travel so that your dog feels comfortable and is able to sleep on somewhere familiar. They will be able to rest easier and feel less anxiety. So a travel dog bed is an easier option.

Some dog beds are also usually easy to wash, which makes life easier if your dog has accidents, gets infested with fleas or mites, or just rolls in something stinky. A dog bed shouldn’t be used as a place for punishment or confinement. It’s a place of security that belongs only to that one dog, and they should always feel safe in it.

A dog bed makes a crate more comfortable, but that doesn’t mean a dog can spend twelve hours a day in a crate just because it has a bed. It’s a place dogs should be able to go and relax without feeling trapped or anxious.

All dogs could benefit from having a place where they can feel calm and de-stress during the day or night.



Image Cody's Dog Bed

What Kinds Of Dog Beds Are There?

Dog beds can be as simple as your old pillow or as fancy. Your selection depends on your taste, budget and decor but you may find that your dog expresses a preference by taking over another dog’s bed. Keep an eye on where your dog feels most comfortable, as this can help you decide which bed will be best.

Basic Styles Of Dog Beds

Standard dog beds look like cushions or pillows and do not have edges or rims. They are available in many shapes, sizes, materials, and colours. Shapes typically include round, oval, rectangular, and square. Many of these beds are covered with materials such as fleece, flannel, denim, faux suede, or microfibre. They often contain a polyester filling and/or foam padding. Some beds are also filled with cedar chips to deter odours and insects. Standard dog beds range in quality from basic economy to expensive designer versions. Many have removable, washable covers.

Standard beds are great for all dog breeds, but may not offer the support needed for senior dogs or dogs with orthopaedic problems.

  • Waterproof dog beds are good for outdoor use or incontinent pets.
  • Doughnut-shaped dog beds are circular bolsters with a removable centre pillow.Much like nest beds, donut dog beds provide a rim or edge around the bed. This edge is a pillow-soft bolster that lets your dog really curl up and sink in. These beds are typically round or oval and made of very soft materials. Donut dog beds are extremely plush and some of the most cuddly dog beds available. Dogs love them!
  • Donut beds are great for dogs that like to curl up and get cozy. However, some old or weak dogs may have trouble getting in and out of these beds.
  • Flat pads or mats are inexpensive and fit in crates.
  • Nesting/snuggle dog beds are similar to beanbag chairs, and often preferred by smaller dogs who love to curl up. Many dogs find these beds exceptionally comfortable.
  • Covered or hooded dog beds are yet another way for dogs to snuggle up. With the appearance of small houses or tents, these beds provide a small plush retreat for dogs. Some covered beds are made entirely of plush bedding, while others consist of a standard dog bed inside a rigid house or wicker basket. A covered dog bed is a cute and unique way to give your dog a special place.
  • Covered dog beds are great for all types of dogs, but small breeds tend to be especially fond of them. These beds are also wonderful for shy dogs that might like to hide.
  • Cooling Dog Beds Have you ever noticed your dog lying on a cold hard floor after it’s been out playing on a warm day? Sometimes dogs really enjoy that cooling sensation. Fortunately, there are dog beds that offer a cool yet comfortable surface for your dog to relax and cool down. Cooling dog beds are typically made out of plastic or similar material and are filled with water or a gel-like liquid. For your pet’s safety, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Though cooling beds are great for any type of dog, breeds with a tendency to overheat will benefit the most. This especially includes bulldogs!

Special Dog Beds For Seniors Or Dogs With Medical Needs

  • Orthopaedic dog beds support old joints or very large dogs; they usually have medical-grade foam and/or box-spring construction. Orthopaedic beds are designed especially for dogs with arthritis or other orthopaedic problems. Made with high-quality thick foam, these beds provide extra support for your dog’s body and put less stress on joints. Though comfortable for any type of dog, seniors and very thin dogs will especially benefit from orthopaedic beds. Like standard beds, they are available in a wide variety of colours, sizes, and shapes. Orthopaedic beds are especially good for senior dogs or those with orthopaedic problems. They are also wonderful for thin and bony dogs, such as Greyhounds and Whippets, to prevent pressure sores and calluses.
  • Kennel Dog Beds Dog beds are often made especially to fit kennels and crates of many shapes and sizes. This can be much more practical than bulky blankets, but more comfortable than papers or thin disposable pads. Some companies manufacture water-resistant beds or beds that are easier to clean. If your dog spends a significant amount of time in a kennel or crate, a bed is essential. Kennel/crate beds are suitable for all types of dogs. Older or thin, bony dogs should always have beds in their kennels or crates.
  • Heated beds maintain body warmth. This can be beneficial for dogs that get cold easily or for dogs with arthritis that is worsened by the cold. Want to give your dog an extra-warm place to snuggle up? Heated dog beds are a great way to do this. When combined with orthopaedic features, heated beds can be highly therapeutic for dogs with achy joints. These beds work like heating pads or electric blankets. Though designed with safety features to protect your dog, always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Heated dog beds can benefit all types of dogs, but thin and/or tiny dogs may benefit the most. Outdoor dogs will do better in colder seasons if they have access to a heated bed.
  • Raised Dog Beds Many companies make beds that are raised off the floor. Some are standard, nest, orthopaedic beds, or even mattresses inside a raised frame. Frames may be made of wood, wicker, metal, or plastic. Other raised beds are designed to look like dog-sized sofas, even down to the smallest detail. Imagine it—you could match your dog’s furniture with your own! One benefit of a raised bed is that it keeps a bit of distance between a cold, dirty floor and your dog. Plus, insects have a bit farther to go before they invade your dog’s bed. Raised dog beds may not be appropriate for dogs with orthopaedic problems or breeds prone to back problems, such as dachshunds. Jumping to and from the bed could cause harm or discomfort.
  • Travel dog beds are portable, so your dog can have the security of the same bed every night while on the road. For dogs who suffer from anxiety in new places, this can help them relax and get some sleep. If you enjoy traveling with your dog, then you may want to consider keeping a travel bed on hand. These beds are much like standard dog beds, except that they fold or roll-up. This saves space while you head to your destination.Travel beds are wonderful for any dog that likes to travel!
  • Cot-style dog beds keep your dog off the ground and comfortably support joints by distributing the dog’s weight evenly. They are also usually fairly easy to transport.

What Is The Best Dog Bed For Your Dog?

There are so many dog beds on the market. How do you pick the best one? There are many factors to take into consideration, including size, cost, comfort, your dog’s medical needs, convenience and so much more.

You should do your research and consult your vet about your pup’s needs before you make a decision. Here are several factors to consider when choosing the best dog bed:

  • Easy washability Dogs eat treats, vomit, pass gas, scratch fleas, and wipe ointment-filled eyes and ears on their beds. Some dogs urinate on them–so the ability to throw the bed into the washing machine is a big help, if not downright critical. Dogs with allergies will also benefit from having their bed washed frequently.
  • Safety Place the bed away from high-traffic areas so no one trips on it or on the dog. If the dog chews it, then get rid of it–swallowing stuffing can lead to emergency surgery. Remove any buttons or ribbons the dog could chew, or look for the “chew-proof” beds now available.
  • A good fit Beyond finding something within your budget, make sure your dog fits on the bed; heads and limbs shouldn’t have to be hanging off the edge. Buying a bed that’s too large for your dog can leave him or her feeling insecure, so look for a bed that’s just large enough for your dog to stretch out. Smaller dogs are also much more likely to get chilly, so it’s important to find a bed that keeps drafts to a minimum.
  • Stuffing that works for you and your dog Young, warm, healthy dogs can usually get by with inexpensive foam filling, but your older or arthritic dog will probably prefer more comfort and support. While some orthopaedic beds use foam, it’s thicker and of higher quality, so it doesn’t squash flat. Snuggle beds and some outdoor beds have Styrofoam beads. Thick, flexible gel has recently become more common as a bed filling; it’s more comfortable than foam and distributes weight more evenly, making it excellent for geriatric dogs–but expensive. And some beds contain cedar chips to keep them smelling fresher than your dog.
  • The environment Some of us are concerned about using materials that won’t harm the earth when we decide to replace, get rid of, or recycle a dog bed. You can check out eco-friendly dog beds if that is something that factors into your decision.
  • Absorbent pads for dogs who wet the bed Sick, incontinent, or geriatric dogs can benefit from washable or disposable absorbent pads.

Top Tips on Cat’s Health and Their Anatomy

Top Tips on Cat’s Health and Their Anatomy

People love their pets. Today, cats are living twice as long as they did just 50 years ago. Cats are amazing creatures! Here are a few fascinating things that you may not know about the cat’s anatomy. A cat’s body has an interesting anatomy. 

Cats prefer their food at room temperature, not too hot, not too cold. Disrupting a cat’s routines can make them act sick. Cats must have fat in their diet. They can’t produce it on their own. Cats are unable to detect sweetness. They don’t have a sweet tooth. Cats have a strong aversion to anything citrus. Cats can’t chew large chunks of food because they can’t move their jaws sideways.

Despite popular belief, cats do not need milk. If they are fed a balanced diet, they will get all the nutrients they need that way. Milk can upset their stomach, particularly if they are not used to it. This is because, once weaned, many cats become lactose intolerant as they lose the ability to produce the enzyme needed to properly digest it. However, if they have had cows’ milk regularly all their life, then they do retain a reasonable ability to digest it in most cases. 

Should you want to give your cat milk, it may be best to purchase a lactose-free equivalent. Although, bear in mind that any milk will contain calories and may lead them to put on weight. Kittens must drink milk in order to survive, but only their mother’s or specially-tailored formula milk purchased from a vet.

By their nature, cats are solitary creatures. Cats do not like sharing, or waiting for anything, so if there’s competition for resources it can cause friction. To make your home as harmonious a place as possible, provide several feeding areas, places to drink, hide and sleep and always ensure that there is more than one area to go to the toilet privately. If cats feel that there is a plentiful supply of these things, it can help prevent any problems developing. 

A cat’s body temperature is higher than that of a human. While the average human temperature is about 99 degrees, that of a cat is between 100.5 and 102.5. When kitty is sick, his or her temperature either dips below 100 degrees or over 103 degrees. While a human body counts 206 bones, that of a cat counts 230 bones. Cats don’t have collarbones though, so if a cat’s head fits through an opening, the rest of his body will slide through.

A cat’s teeth are actually sharper when they are a kitten. Kittens have a set of 26 temporary teeth and loose them after six months. When a cat is fully grown, it has 30 teeth.

If you’ve ever wondered how many hairs a cat has, someone took the time and effort to count the hair of one square inch and came up with 130,000.

Have you ever noticed that cats walk like camels and giraffes? Their walking sequence is both right feet first, followed by both left feet, so they move half of their body forward at once. Camels and giraffes are the only other animals to walk this way. 

Cats have three eyelids. They are particularly effective hunters at night, when their light-reflecting eyes allow them to see much better than their prey. Cats are unable to see in total darkness, any more than humans can. But they are much better adapted than us to seeing in low levels of light. Their eyes let in far more light than ours, for a number of reasons. The corneas in a cat’s eye are much thinner than in humans and their irises (the coloured part of the eye) open far wider, both of which allow more light to enter. The retinas in the back of a cat’s eyes also have more rods, which are responsible for magnifying light impulses. Like many animals, cats also have a highly developed reflective area in the back of their eyes. This is what makes them glow at night when caught in our headlights. It is a common belief that most cats are colour blind. (However, recent studies have shown that they can see blue, green, and possibly red).

Most cats have five toes on each front paw, but only four toes on each back paw. The front paws are capable of a wide range of tasks from opening doors to pouncing on prey. The claws on the cat’s back paws aren’t as sharp as the claws on the front paws because the claws in the back don’t retract and, consequently, become worn. Cats are only able to sweat through their paws.

Cats are most active at dawn and dusk, when hunting opportunities are rife and there’s enough light for them to see well. Just because your cat is domesticated, it doesn’t mean they will ignore this genetic predisposition, even if food is readily available. But they will usually adapt to your routine.

Image: Alexander Andrews-unsplash

More often than not, cats will land on their feet when they fall from a height. Cats can jump up to six times their length. Some cats have survived falls of over 65 feet (20 meters). The eyes and balance organs in the inner ear tell it where it is in space so the cat can land on its feet. Even cats without a tail have this ability. This is because they have what is called a ‘righting reflex’, whereby they’re able to twist around very quickly in the air when falling. They also have very flexible backbones, which help them in doing this. It is recommended keeping windows closed, and during the summer months fixing mesh to windows and balconies to prevent cats from falling out as high storey flats are very high.

Cats have a mobile backbone that allows them to rotate the front half of the spine through an angle of 180 degrees in relation to their back half.

Did you know a cat almost never meows at another cat, mostly just humans. Cats typically will spit, trills, chirps, growls, purr and hiss at other cats when they are happy or in distress. Cats make more than 100 different sounds whereas dogs make around 10. Cats often purr when they are  happy, such as when they’re getting attention and fuss from you or in a good mood by closing their eyes. A cat’s purr begins in its brain. It then sends a message to the muscles in its voice box, which twitch and cause the vocal cords to separate when the cat inhales and exhales producing the purring sound. Their throat opens and closes about 25 times per second.  A cat’s brain is biologically more similar to a human brain than it is to a dog’s. Both humans and cats have identical regions in their brains that are responsible for emotions.

Pay close attention to your cat’s tail and you’ll get a good idea of how they are feeling! Is your cat feeling happy and content? If so, his or her tail will be up high, with the tip quivering. Is your cat irritated? You’ll know if the tip of the tail is twitching or it’s being whipped back and forth in annoyance.

Female cats tend to be right pawed, while male cats are more often left pawed. This is believed to be a result of hormones. Interestingly, while 90% of humans are right handed, the remaining 10% of lefties also tend to be male.

The cat’s tongue has backwards-facing spines about 500 micrometres long, which are called papillae. These are quite rigid, as they contain keratin. These spines allow cats to groom themselves by licking their fur, with the rows of papillae acting like a hairbrush. Some cats, particularly longhaired cats, occasionally regurgitate hairballs of fur that have collected in their stomachs from grooming. These clumps of fur are usually sausage-shaped and about two to three cm long.

A group of kittens is called a kindle (A group of cats is called a clowder).

Every time a cat awakes, it automatically stretches to flex every muscle and sinew to its fullest extent and restore circulation.

Cats cannot see directly below their noses! It is their own personal blind spot. Cats don’t show signs of distress when their owners leave, and aren’t particularly bothered when their owner returns to them.

Their types of body language, including position of ears and tail, relaxation of the whole body, and kneading of paws, are all indicators of mood. The tail and ears are particularly important social signals in cats, with a raised tail acting as a friendly greeting. Tail raising also indicates the cat’s position in the group’s social hierarchy with dominant individuals raising their tails less often than subordinate animals. Nose-touching is also a common greeting and may be followed by social grooming, which is solicited by one of the cats raising and tilting its head.

Cats enjoy acute hearing and can detect an extremely broad range of frequencies. They can detect frequencies from 55 Hz up to 79 kHz, a range of 10.5 octaves, which includes higher pitched sounds than humans and even dogs can hear.

A cat’s whiskers are so sensitive that they can detect changes in the air around them, explaining how they can navigate the streets in the dark and how they know when a predator is lurking in the shadows. And we’re talking really sensitive, so much so that if their water bowl is too narrow, it can be painful! Cats love to fit into tight spaces and their whiskers help with that! By using their whiskers, they can sense which areas they have the ability to squeeze into and the ones that they cannot.

Cats have a remarkable sense of smell. They are 14 times better than that of humans all because they have over 200 million scent receptors in their nasal cavity. And this sense of smell comes in handy as they use it to sniff out food, find a mate or detect danger.

Since their fur does not insulate well when wet, cats typically hate water. Scientists think the reason most cats hate water could be because cats’ coats don’t dry very quickly, which can leave them feeling pretty uncomfortable and possibly cold. The weight of the water is also likely to weigh the usually-agile animal down, which means they can’t escape perceived danger as quickly. Another reason is that cats’ original descendants evolved in desert areas, where the land is baron and has very little rain, if any at all.

Some people spray water at cats in an attempt to get them to stop doing something. Imagine how you’d feel if someone suddenly sprayed water in your face and you should begin to understand why cats don’t like it. If you do need to bathe your cat for medical reasons, use a little bit of positive encouragement such as a favourite treat while gently introducing them to the water

Cats are likely to get along well with dogs if they are first introduced while the cat is less than six months old and the dog is less than one year old.

Cats are also incredibly fast. Over a short distance, most cats are capable of hitting a top speed of 31 MPH. If you’ve watched your little kitty charging around the living room when they’re feeling lively you know that cats are pretty quick. They can hit speeds of around 30mph!

Can My Pet Catch Coronavirus?

Can My Pet Catch Coronavirus?

Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19 virus) is now having a direct impact on everyone’s daily lives. With so much going on, the latest Government guidance as of this date allows us for one walk per day for each person, as long as social distance is maintained between people and dogs. The good news is, current advice from the World Health Organisation and British Veterinary Association is that there’s no evidence that pets can be a source of infection or they can become sick from COVID-19.

 

Dogs need exercise as much as humans. If two adults live in the same home, then they could each walk the dog separately, ensuring the dog gets two walks a day. You must practice social distancing though and keep at least two metres away from other people. Keep your dog on a lead around others and in public places and thoroughly wash your hands before leaving and also as soon as you get home again.

 

If you notice any signs of illness in your pet we would advise calling your vet. They will advise you on the best course of action based on your circumstances, but please be aware that most vet practices will be operating very differently from usual times.

 

Dogs can be let out in the garden or taken out to the toilet as needed. If you don’t have a private garden. Remember to make sure these trips are as quick as possible. Don’t forget your poop bags and ensure you maintain your social distance. Be Safe, be healthy, stay at home and look after your best friend.



How to Choose the Best Dog Breed for You

How to Choose the Best Dog Breed for You

Do you want a dog but not sure which one? There are so many different types of dog in the world from breed, sizes, colour and personality! Professional dog trainers suggest that everyone tends to be happy when a dog’s needs match their lifestyle. 

Here in this video by Wow, they show you how to choose the perfect dog breed based on your lifestyle and personality. The types of dog breeds are:

Family Dog

Guard Dog 

Athletic Dog

Non-shedding Dogs

Dogs breeds for busy singles

Dogs for seniors

Hypoallergenic Dog

Lap Dog

Dogs for Apartments

Dogs for Multi-Pet Households

Dog Tolerating Hot Weather

Dog Tolerating Cold Weather

Dog for Newbie

Should Dogs Wear Clothes?

Should Dogs Wear Clothes?

The most common reasons that dog owners choose to clothe their dogs are protection, warmth and fun. Protection and warmth are fairly solid reasons but clothing dogs for fun can be debatable.

 

Working dogs, especially those in search and rescue, often wear protective clothing, such as boots or reflective vests. Dogs who spend time near and in the water may wear life jackets to prevent drowning. 

 

Some dogs are particularly prone to the cold, in which case a sweater, boots, or even a hat can be quite helpful. Small breed dogs, dogs with minimal body fat (such as Greyhounds), and geriatric dogs are the most common chilly dogs.

 

Care must be taken when dressing your dog in silly clothes. Do NOT be forceful when introducing clothes to your dog. Doing so could result in a bite and a terrified dog. Allow the dog to sniff the clothing and become accustomed to it before dressing him. Give him abundant praise and encouragement.

 

Be sure the clothing fits appropriately. Clothes that are too big could easily become caught on something or the dog could become entangled in them if he tries to undress. Clothes that are too small can be restrictive and cause injury.

Always supervise a dressed dog to prevent him from chewing the clothes or getting snagged on something.

 

The ethics of clothing pets is a debatable topic. On one extreme, some feel that dogs are dogs and should not be regarded as people or that it is inhumane to make an animal wear clothes. Others are comfortable dressing their dogs for every life occasion, a different outfit each day.

 

Do not force any dog to wear clothing, especially a nervous or timid dog. If your dog seems to be indifferent about clothes or he enjoys wearing them, it may be reasonable to dress him/her up from time to time. If your dog needs to wear some type of protective or warmth-providing clothing, be sure to introduce him/her to it in a calm and reassuring manner.

 

Though wearing clothing is not natural to a dog and some want nothing to do with it, many dogs do adjust the idea. Some just tolerate it. Some appear completely indifferent. Others seem to soak up and thrive on all the attention their outfit brings them. So Should Dogs Wear Clothes? Depending on the breed type, situation and environment. Check this video by AnimalWised to find out:

Can You Kiss Your Pet?

Can You Kiss Your Pet?

Unfortunately letting a dog/cat lick your mouth or nose could be bad news for both of you and your pet. Statistics show that the vast majority of pet owners see their animals as family. But is it safe? Kissing your pets or being licked by your pets is dangerous because pets don’t brush their teeth every day (unless you’re a very conscientious owner) and so their mouths harbour a lot of bacteria, much of it harmful to humans. 

According to new scientific research, letting your dog kiss you on the lips could be really bad for your health . Both you and your pet could be struck down with illnesses that may not be treated with antibiotics.

Dogs spend half their life with their noses in nasty corners or hovering over dog droppings so their muzzles are full of bacteria, viruses, and germs of all sorts. These viruses and germs can cause serious health problems in humans. 

Ringworm (is a common fungal infection. It’s not caused by worms. The main symptom of ringworm is a red or silver rash. The rash may be scaly, dry, swollen or itchy. Ringworm can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp (tinea capitis) and groin (jock itch) infection is one of the most common diseases that you can get from kissing your dog. If your pet is infected with ringworm and you kiss them, then you’ll catch this disease too. MRSA (is a bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body) infection usually affects the skin, and it can be caused by just one lick from your dog. Capnocytophaga сanimorsus is a bacterium that can cause serious health problems if it enters your body through an open wound.

Here are a list of things of dos and don’ts to help pet owners

  • Don’t kiss your animals, don’t let them lick your face, don’t ever feed your pets at the table, and never share your dishes with them
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after having any contact with animals
  • Vaccinate your pet against common diseases promptly
  • Use special antibacterial and antifungal shampoos when you wash your furry friends
  • Make sure your dog or cat has no contact with wild or stray animals of any kind. When walking your dog, watch that they do not eat anything off the street
  • Don’t feed your four-legged friends raw eggs, meat, or fish.

In this video by Bright Side shows all the hidden dangers that can be lurking in giving your four-legged friend a big hug and a kiss. It’s likely that you will never kiss your pet again after watching this video but nevertheless please be mindful why you should never kiss your pet!