The type of dog bed you choose will depend on your own sense of style. However, there are a number of criteria to consider that are common across the gamut of bed options. The following are factors to consider when choosing a bed for your dog.

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1. Size of Bed: The first and most obvious criteria to consider in choosing a bed is size. Measure your dog standing up; from tip of nose to base of tail and also from floor to shoulders. This will give you an approximate length and width for your dog bed. Just to be sure measure your dog again in her favorite sleeping position; perhaps her length when fully stretched out, or her diameter when curled into a ball and then add 6 to 12 inches. The right size bed will match or be slightly larger than your measurements. Beds that are too small will not be comfortable for your dog and won’t be used.

2. Location of Bed: Take note of your dog’s favorite sleeping locations. Buy a bed that compliments the room where your dog sleeps the most. If your dog sleeps equally in various places you may want a bed that can be easily moved and matches the decor of several rooms. Also keep in mind the height of the beds. Small dogs or older dogs may have a hard time climbing up onto a platform or furniture type beds.

3. Shape of Bed: If your dog curls up when sleeping, then a nest or ball is the right choice for him. These types of beds also provide excellent cold-weather insulation as since your dog can snuggle down inside the bed. If your pet stretches out when sleeping, then a more conventional dog mattress might be the right choice. Mattress beds allow your dog to stretch out and find whatever position suits her best.

Your dog might be a stretcher and a curler! Dogs that enjoy both stretching out and curling up might be best with a human-type furniture dog beds. The arms and back of these small sofas are great for snuggling, but the long length allows your dog to stretch out too. The other added advantage is that these beds are elevated allowing for air circulation.

4. Bed Material: The basic bed filler choices are either solid foam or stuffing. Inexpensive dog beds often use cheap foam that can flatten out within several months. It is often worthwhile to pay a little more for a better quality bed that will last several years.

There are different types of "stuffed" beds to choose from. Make sure that your bed uses "high-loft foam pieces" for stuffing which means that it will not flatten out and harden over time. Also make sure that you choose a dog bed style that uses "baffled chambers" that will keep the stuffing evenly distributed throughout the bed. A bed that is "baffled" into quarters will keep the stuffing from shifting to the outside edges as your dog snuggles in.

Solid foam bed mattresses can stand up to heavier dogs and therefore are good for larger breeds. If your dog has arthritis or hip problems, you may want to speak to your vet about an orthopedic foam dog bed.

5. Bed Covers: Make sure that the bed cover is removable, durable and, above all else, machine washable. Do not even consider buying a dog bed that doesn’t have a removable cover. In the unfortunate event of dog fleas, you will need to remove the cover and wash it in hot water more than once. Choose a durable fabric that can stand up to sharpish toenails and the occasional gnaw or chew. Make sure that the seams of the cover are double-stitched and the cover has a good quality and heavy duty zipper. Open and close the zipper a number of times in the store before purchase. A stain-resistant fabric for the bed cover is another handy feature.

Remember when your dog gets a good night’s sleep you do too. Make an educated decision when choosing a dog bed and you won’t be disappointed.

More information about beds for your dog and other pet related issues can be found at choosing dog beds

Look for other pet health related articles written by this author at http://my-dog-has-fleas.com/

Lost your dog? Don’t panic, there are many resources out there that can help you bring back your beloved pooch.

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Start At Home

First, make sure your pet is not stuck somewhere in your home or on your property. Check every crevice, very closet, behind appliances, in vents and drains, crawlspaces, look everywhere, no matter how small, and then look again just to be sure. A curious dog or a dog chasing something can wander into and get stuck in just about anything.

Ask The Neighbors

Your dog may have run onto the neighbors property and got stuck somewhere, ask your neighbors to check their homes and ask permission to check out their property as well. Tell your neighbors to keep an eye out for your dog. Make sure you have a picture of your dog with you when you walk around your neighborhood talking to neighbors, so they know what to look for.

Put Up Flyers

Next, put up some flyers with your dogs picture. Put them on poles around your neighborhood and within about a 1 mile radius. Anyone who would have found your pet would call you once they see a flyer with your phone number. You may consider offering a reward as well.

Local Organizations

Don’t forget to call or visit all the local organizations that take in pets. This includes the local Humane Society, ASPCA branch, any rescue organizations, animal shelters, vet hospitals as well as the local department of transportation and animal control offices. Sadly, if the local department of transportation as your dog, it’s likely been found on the side of the road deceased. However, it’s better to know than to keep wondering what happened to your dog.

Newspaper

This is an old school method, but works sometimes. Simply place an ad in your local newspaper or local circulars lost and found section. Many newspapers allow free notices of lost things, so it may not cost you anything at all.

Craigslist

While the newspaper may take a few days to get your ad in the paper, you can hop right online and post in instant ad in the lost and found section of your local Craigslist. Most cities and larger towns have their own section on Craigslist where local people can place ads for free.

Community Bulletin Boards

Make sure a flyer is posted on the bulletin board of your local library, post office, schools, community center, laundromats and any other stores or businesses that have a bulletin board.

Websites

Over the last few years, many web sites on the Internet have popped up that allow you to post an ad looking for your dog. They are free to use, so you might as well post on all of them. Some of the big ones are FidoFinder, FindToto, Pets911 and DogDetective.

Underground Dog Fence Atlanta is a local business owned by a family of dog lovers that specializes in installation of Atlanta underground dog fences. Visit us at: http://www.atldogfence.com/