Dog Kennel Guide

Now that so many people go out to work during the week there are many dogs who are left out in yards or dog pens during the daytime.  This, of course, is great for reducing boredom and allowing your dog to get some exercise and to play in a large space but it is not so great when he wants to get a bit of sleep.  A dog who is used to sleeping in a basket indoors won’t be completely comfortable just lying on the ground outside.  The answer to this is to buy an outdoor dog bed for him.

These beds are specially designed to be used outside in all weathers and many are not just suitable for dogs who are out during the day but also for those who sleep out in a dog kennel at night.  There are two main types of this sort of bed: waterproof dog beds and raised dog beds.

A waterproof dog bed is one which has a special nylon cover which is totally water resistant.  This means that it doesn’t matter if it gets rained on or if a wet dog lies on it as the water cannot soak through and ruin the cushion inside.  This will save you a lot of money as once the stuffing in a bed gets wet it soon starts to clump together, harden and smell.  You can choose between a simple mattress style or a basket with removable cushion.  The baskets are also covered with the same material and so the whole lot is protected from water.

A raised dog bed is an aluminium frame with heavy duty waterproof fabric stretched over the top.   This type of outdoor dog bed has several advantages over the former type of bed.  One is that because they allow air to circulate around the whole bed it will dry much more quickly should it get rained on and the other is that, because it is not actually directly on the floor it stops the cold from creeping up into your dog and giving him a chill.

As you can see, both types of bed are very suitable for outdoor use though a raised bed is probably slightly better for a dog pen while a waterproof mattress is ideal for dog who sleep in wooden dog kennels as they are slightly more comfortable for longer periods of rest or sleep.

So, if you are fed up with replacing your dog’s bed because it’s got wet and soggy start looking into outdoor dog beds and all your problems will be solved.

You might think that buying a dog bed is a simple matter of choosing a cushion that fits well into your pet’s basket or dog kennel.  However, with all the different types of bed on offer today you should really do some research into which type would best suit your dog.  If he is the kind of animal that likes to jump in puddles or streams while out on a walk or if you live somewhere with high rainfall then selecting one of the waterproof dog beds available will really save you money in the long run.

Unless you thoroughly towel dry your dog as soon as he returns from a walk or else prevent him from getting into bed then over time you will find that the stuffing in the cushion starts to clump together making the bed uncomfortable.  The warm, wet conditions will also make it a breeding ground for bacteria and may even make the cushion start to go mouldy.  Also, if he sleeps in one of the outdoor wooden dog kennels then you may find that it takes a long time for the bed to dry out and so he could catch a chill if the temperature drops at night.

Waterproof dog beds are specially designed to stop this problem as the cushions have waterproof dog bed covers made from specially coated nylon or polyester material.  These are made to be very hardwearing and durable and are very easy to clean because you can use a damp cloth to wipe off any dirt.  If the bed gets particularly dirty then you can also put it in the washing machine.

Because these beds are particularly designed with outdoor dogs in mind they are made with thermally insulating filling which will help to keep him warm even if he is wet.

The beds come in a variety of different styles from simple flat mattresses to basket style beds where the basket itself is also made from waterproof material with a removable cushion inside.  This way it doesn’t matter if your dog lies up against the side of his bed, it will still not get soggy.

Though these beds can be quite expensive it is possible to find cheap waterproof dog beds in end of season sales or on the internet if you search around.

So, next time you pass your dog’s bed and get a whiff of damp doggy remember that a waterproof dog bed will help to prevent this problem as well as keeping your dog comfortable and dry.

Though dogs love to play, run around and explore, they also spend a fair amount of their day either asleep or dozing.  If you want your dog’s sleep to be of good quality, which will help to ensure that he remains healthy, then you need to choose carefully when you buy his bed.  Though there are many different types and styles of bed available to buy for dogs, here we are going to discuss the features and advantages of a waterproof dog bed.

Waterproof dog beds have a high quality filling which doesn’t squash and go flat over time, covered with a waterproof polyester fabric.  This fabric can be cleaned by either hosing it down or simply wiping it with a damp cloth and is quite tough, making it difficult (but not actually impossible) for a dog to chew holes in it.

There are several reasons why you might want to buy this sort of bed.  Firstly, it makes an excellent outdoor dog bed for those whose pets spend lots of time in a dog pen.  Their very nature means that it doesn’t matter if there is a rain shower which has not been forecast as they will not be ruined by water, where other beds would become soggy and unusable.  Secondly, if you have a dog who spends as little time as possible in his dog kennel and instead uses his time jumping in rivers or rolling in muddy puddles then you will want a waterproof dog bed.  It won’t matter if he goes straight from a muddy puddle into his bed, you can just wipe the mud off with a cloth.

These beds are becoming so popular that you can now get loads of different varieties from a designer dog bed for a pampered pooch in fancy colours or patterns to an enormous bed that will perfectly suit the large dog kennel of a bulky wolf hound.  You can buy flat beds, which are basically just a cushion, or a basket style bed which helps to keep in the heat and keep a damp doggy warm and toasty.

Though a waterproof dog bed actually needs no additions, some people choose to buy the optional extra of a fleecy cover.  These covers will give extra warmth in particularly cold conditions or for dogs with fine coats and can be easily put into the washing machine if they get a bit dirty or muddy.  As fleece fabric is very quick drying there is no risk of your dog catching a chill.

Making the decision to get a dog is very exciting.  Which breed will you get?  Will it be a puppy or a rescue dog?  These are the first things that you will be thinking about.  However, there are other more practical issues that also need to be considered.  To make your dog as comfortable as possible there are a variety of accessories that you might like to buy.  A dog kennel will make your dog feel secure and safe, as if he is in a den, and water and food bowls are a must.  On top of this you will need a lead and some toys and, very importantly, you will need to do some research into plastic dog beds.

Your dog’s bed needs to be made of a tough, durable plastic which can withstand a bit of chewing and is resistant to taking on doggy odours.  If you live in a very hot area, or else have a dog who gets particularly overheated when he’s done some exercise then you might want to buy a bed which has air vents in it or one that is slightly raised off the ground to allow air flow around it.  Owners of plastic dog kennels might want to see if they can find a bit which has been specially made to fit within the kennel as this will prevent wasting any space.

If your dog is mostly kept outdoors then you probably have a nice, insulated dog kennel for him.  Plastic dog beds will add to the insulating properties because they will add another layer between your pet and the cold ground beneath the kennel.  The bed will also help to keep the interior of the kennel clean as it is easily taken out and washed down.

The fact that they are plastic ensures that these are also waterproof dog beds.  This means that if you dog lies in it while he is wet that the water won’t end up all over the floor and can easily be wiped up.  If you have a young dog who is prone to little accidents that you will also stop your floor from being covered in urine!

Plastic dog beds generally come with rubber feet, to stop them slipping, as standard and a range of custom fit cushions to choose from.  They come in a huge variety of colours so you can choose one that fits in well with your decor!