By Janet Winter
Dog lovers are suckers for allowing their precious pets to sleep in the bed with them. They will adjust their sleeping position during the night so their pooch can curl up or stretch out in their favorite position. Wouldn’t everyone get a better night’s sleep if Fido had his own perfect dog bed?
Observing how your dog sleeps will give you important clues to make the right decision when choosing a bed. Since dogs are creatures of habit and prefer to sleep in the same spot, this makes it even more important to choose the right bed to accommodate your dog’s sleeping habits.
5 Dog Bed Options Based on Shape and Style:
1. Donut shaped bed. This is the perfect choice if your dog likes to curl up into a ball or lean against something soft. It’s a cozy bed that is a comfort for dogs that like to be warm and feel protected. Determine the size based on whether your dog likes a cozy fit or wants a bit more room to stretch out.
2. Round pillow style beds. For dogs who like to sprawl out or circle around to make a soft nest, this is the style to choose. Round beds allow plenty of space for any sleeping style and the soft fill inside the cover provides soft, yet supportive comfort.
3. Rectangular dog bed. This bed will accommodate dogs that like to lie on their stomach! The shape is a great space saver and works well under tables or desks, so your dog can be close by whether at home or work. This style works well in crates and makes a great travel bed.
4. Orthopedic beds. If your dog is older or has arthritis or other joint problems, this is the bed to choose. Some beds are heated, which provides additional comfort for older dogs in the winter.
5. Outdoor beds and crate mattresses. Dogs that spend time outside or in a kennel probably deserve a comfortable bed even more than an indoor dog. There are heated beds, cooling beds and waterproof beds to consider. Check out the washing instructions, since these beds will need to be washed more often.
Selecting the right dog bed cover:
Anyone who has ever had a dog knows how messy they can be, so it’s important that your dog bed is up to the challenge. Of course, you want to keep your maintenance to a minimum, so choose 100% machine-washable fabric covers that can be removed from the mattress when it’s laundry time. The best beds come with a zip-off cover. In addition to the styles mentioned earlier, many of the new sofa-type dog beds can be purchased with a washable slip cover. They are definitely worth the extra money.
Choosing the size:
Dog beds must be big enough and strong enough to match your dog’s breed, but not so big that you waste money on unused bed space. Carefully measuring your dog will assure the proper fit.
There’s no hard and fast rule for size selection, but the following information offers a good guideline. Measure your dog standing up from tip of nose to base of tail and also from floor to shoulders or head. If you will be buying a mattress dog bed, add 12 inches. This will give you an approximate width and length for a flat dog bed.
Measure your dog’s length another time in his favorite sleeping position when he is fully stretched out, or his diameter when curled into a ball. For nest and ball-type beds measure the length of your dog while he is curled up. Measure from the top of his head to the point where his tail meets his hindquarters, and then add 7 to 9 inches.
The right size dog bed will be a close match or just slightly larger than your measurements. Beds that are too small may not be comfortable for your dog. It’s important to allow room for growth, if your dog is still growing, or you’ll be wasting money and replacing beds often. Be sure to allow room for movement regardless of whether your dog is still growing or if he’s already at maximum size.
Fabrics:
Does your dog enjoy sleeping in a sunny spot in the morning and by the bed in the evening? If so, select a bed that can be easily moved about the house and fits the decor in several rooms. To save money, buy a bed that matches the room where your dog spends the most time sleeping, usually where ever the family spends the most time.
Dog beds these days come in many designer colors and fabrics. There is something for every dog and dog owner that not only offers a soft or durable fabric but blends with the home decor.
To paraphrase a familiar saying - when Fido’s happy, everybody is happy. Your dog’s health and comfort depends upon his getting a good night’s sleep. Keep in mind that small dogs or dogs with arthritis may find it difficult to climb into a platform or furniture type bed. Make an informed decision when you purchase a dog bed and your dog will benefit for years to come.
Sweet dreams to all!
Janet Winter has a deep love for animals and enjoys writing informative articles about caring for your dog’s comfort, safety and fun. You can learn how to provide a loving, pampered life for your dog by visiting APamperedDog.com. She is a web designer, travel agent and writer on many topics including pampered dogs, wild birds and babies.
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Starbucks Mugs Are The Best Travel Mugs
By Jennifer Glick
If you drink a lot in the go or in the car, you know how common it is to spill your drink. Travel mugs solve this problem by making drinks spill free and leak free. Drink while you are on your computer without worrying about making a mess on your keyboard. Drink in your car and enjoy a full cup of your favorite beverage without worry about spilling it on your new leather seats. No more sugary messes in your car! No more drink flying everywhere when you have to slam on the brakes! No more wasted drink all over the floor when you trip on a step or have your arms full.
I am the world’s biggest klutz and travel mugs have made my life so much easier! They keep my drinks the temperature they are supposed to be, eliminate messes, and keep my sanity intact.
While there are tons of travel mugs on the market, Starbucks travel mugs are known to be some of the best available. The stainless steel travel mugs are the most popular. They are made with 18/8 stainless steel and are virtually unbreakable. Another bonus for Starbucks travel mugs are a non-skid surface - ensuring that your coffee won’t go for a slide.
Starbucks also has plastic travel mugs (aka tumblers). They come in many different sizes and designs including a flag/fourth of July travel mug, Christmas themed travel mug, hearts, Halloween travel mugs, and more.
In 2007 Starbucks released two limited edition Halloween tumbler/travel mugs. The first Halloween Starbucks mug was orange with pumpkins, stars, and Halloween treats on it. It was created with a 3D effect. The second mug is black and white and glows in the dark! The designs that glow include pumpkins, treats, stars, and random Halloween sayings. The Halloween tumblers are the standard 8oz size. These are not to be used in the microwave! Since they are limited edition, they are only available on eBay or collector websites.
The Grande To Go is Starbucks classic tumbler and weights in at 16 oz. It features double wall insulation to prevent condensation and regulate the temperature of your beverage. It is also stain and odor resistant (so your coffee does not end up smelling or tasting like your dishwasher or who knows what else!). It fits in standard car cup holders.
If your java addiction requires a larger fix, try the Miller Thermal bottle. This thermos is 20oz of beautiful stainless steel. The double walled sides keep your beverages the perfect temperature and the outer lid can double as a cup.
Brugo travel mugs boast that you will be able to enjoy your coffee at the perfect drinking temperature. Each sip is cooled to the appropriate temperature while the remaining coffee stays hot. These travel mugs retail around $20 and feature stainless steel inside a plastic sleeve.
If you’re looking for a travel mug with a name you’ll recognize, try the Thermos line. Yes, Thermos Nissan is now making Leak Proof Travel Mugs. They are made to fit in most car cup holders or can be clipped to backpack or bag. This lightweight stainless steel mug retails around $24.95.
Make your life easier and buy a travel mug today! There is no reason to continue to live in fear of liquids. Take back control!
Jennifer is a coffee addict and Starbucks lover. She highly recommends buying a Starbucks travel mug from http://starbucks-gifts.com/starbucks-travel-mug
