All Things Dog Blog

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Do Dogs Need Beds?
My Rarely Wordless Wednesday Post

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Do dogs really need beds? Maybe you have a lap dog. Even so, can a dog have too many beds? I think this is a semantics question. We think of sleep when we use the word BED. Yet for a dog, this is their only personal and private furniture, a place reserved for them. Many pet owners do not allow their pets to occupy their human chairs, beds and couches, sometimes because of fur or dirt, or simply because it's their house rule. That's fine. It is certainly their choice.

As humans, we expect that everywhere we wish to sit there will be a chair, bench or couch, mostly for our comfort. While I'm not suggesting that your pup requires a bed to sit, it is clear that dogs will often select a soft spot to pad their nap or rest time.

Dogs beyond their 7th year are considered to be seniors, and by this time should be offered a bed to rest on in each location that they often like to take a time out. With our larger dogs this may mean a bit more of an investment, but this is one expense that can prevent pressure on joints and relieve oncoming arthritis discomfort with age.

My 5 year old Golden Retriever, Tanner, is approaching this age. I've begun to select areas where he enjoys hanging out to watch the passersby, the family activities, and other favorite views. My target is to have a large, cushioned bed for each of these spots, so that he can rest in soft comfort, protecting those hip joints that so many Goldens have trouble with as they age.

Let's not forget the pool--his favorite thing to watch! It never ceases to amaze me how, even when forbidden to swim, Tanner still enjoys simply watching his pool. Do you suppose he is like many humans who enjoy a waterfront view from their perch at a window? I think he's secretly hoping that a poolside dog bed will appear one day. Is that a new product category? Hmmm....?

I think we've narrowed it down to 5 spots in the house that require a bed, along with 1 in my doggie-mobile. Tanner travels with me frequently, so I've just recently added a bed to the back of my car, where he rides happily seat-belted on a cushiony bed.

Join me tomorrow when I review our latest acquisition, a bed from P.L.A.Y., or Pet Lifestyle and You. Will there be a giveaway? You bet!