Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Outdoor Dog Beds for All Weather

By Johnathan Livingston

When pets spend hours outside sleeping in houses, porches, patios or on the hard ground, you might think they're just fine and don't need outdoor dog beds. But if they stay outside most of the time, they need one even more than an inside animal. There are very good reasons why your pooch should have his own outdoor bed.

Outdoor dog beds keep your pet off the ground, which can be hard and rough on bones and joints. As the weather turns cooler the ground becomes even more cold and damp than the outside air. This can cause even more joint problems and aches and pains. It also makes it harder for the animal to stay warm. Most of their houses aren't insulated well enough to do to the job, so their own cozy spot to sleep in keeps them much more comfortable when winter rears its head.

Outdoor dog beds can make your four-legged friend feel more secure. It gives him a special place all his own that's more comfortable than a house or any spot of ground, no matter how soft. It's dry, even if the ground is damp, and covered in his scent more than any of his outside areas, to make him feel more at home.

Outdoor dog beds come in orthopedic styles. Quilting and extra support are perfect for pets who might need the extra help, like those who suffer from arthritis, joint pain, stiffness and other injuries. They stay warmer because they're off the ground, and the warmth helps their joints, and it also relieves pressure off their joints and supports their frame gently but firmly. Dogs who've had surgery can particularly benefit from the added comfort found in these models, especially if the surgery involved bones or joints.

Because the weather can change quickly, outdoor dog beds are weatherproof. Most have comfortable exteriors that resists stains, water and snags and can be wiped clean or removed and washed for convenience. Firmer units have waterproofing to keep the inside dry. Softer outdoor dog beds generally have coatings that are resistant to water unless they're immersed to be washed.

Outdoor dog beds can be found to give animals special comfort in hot or cold weather. Heated ones ensure that your pooch keeps warm as winter approaches. They can be used outside, in their houses, to cushion against the cold surfaces of porches or garages-wherever your pup sleeps. For the summertime, you can find special pads designed to keep doggies cool. A soak in cold water fills the gel beads inside with coolness. The outside is towel-dried so that there's no wet surface, and your pooch can laze about and get cooled off no matter how hot the weather outside.

Some outdoor dog beds go one better on portability, and instead of just moving them inside and outside, they're designed for traveling. Doesn't matter if it's a week's vacation or a day-long road trip, these designs are perfect. Some roll up sleeping-bag style and are machine washable. Some look like tiny hammocks or cots. While not much warmth is available from the stain-resistant nylon, it keeps your pet up off the ground. They're portable and ready to go when you are, with no complicated assembly instructions, and no need to move other luggage to make room for a larger mattress.

Outdoor dog beds can still feel luxurious for your pet. Some come with microfiber suede coverings that feel wonderful to the touch, but clean up beautifully. You can even find imitation lambswool covers that resist dirt and dampness, while adding extra softness to your pup's sleeping spot.

You can find outdoor dog beds to fit no matter what your animal's size. Wait until he's asleep and measure him to see how much room he takes up, then order a larger size to make sure there's plenty of spread out room. Then your four-legged friend will feel like he can stretch out and get as comfy as he can without worry about being cramped.

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