Now that winter is on the horizon dogs – and cats – are eyeing our beds with a devil-may-care look.

Dog lovers all over the world would agree that the comfort of their pets is one of the most important things when owning a dog. To ensure this comfort, it is important for owners to buy the best dog beds they possibly can. To some, this might seem like a relatively easy task but the fact is, there are many different sizes, shapes and colors of dog beds to choose from.

The first item that needs to be decided on is whether or not your dog bed will be indoor or outdoor. There are dog beds that are not strictly for outside use, but work best for it.

• FOR OUTDOOR HOUNDS

For an outside dog, it is important to keep the bedding options simple. This is especially true if you live in an area where the weather is constantly changing, including during winter.

For this type of climate and situation, it is best to get a simple pillow bed – a Ruff Raff Plumpy is ideal – for your dog. These are among some of the most common dog beds. They are often a large rectangular bag, filled with foam chips, and then encased with a stylish cover. These beds are great for your outdoor dog because they will provide them with the necessary comfort and warmth that they need.

Or if your outdoor dog sleeps in a kennel, he would really appreciate a nice thick piece of PetBedding to lie on. This material is a machine washable furpile that keps pets warm and snug. It’s used by vets in their hospitals, especially in the care of trauma patients, and can be purchased in several sizes as well as by the running metre so can be cut to fit any size kennel. It also had the added advantages in that it doesn’t fray and won’t harbour germs.

• FOR THE INDOOR & PAMPERED POOCHES

The classic pillow bed is similar to the above pillow bed but it is meant for indoor use only. This bed is often stuffed with shredded cotton or foam chips stuffing, or even beans or pine chips. Classic pillow beds come in all shapes–round, oval, square–and even some more outrageous styles. They also come with a decorative, removable cover so you can choose the design that you like best.

The classic round, nest style bed is another option. These can be found in wicker with a pad on the bottom, or a foam or pillow option. Many dogs enjoy these beds because they enjoy the way that the sides surround them and give them a sense of comfort and safety.

If you have a particularly sophisticated sense of style, and you value a dog bed that looks stylish in your home, you might consider one that looks like a couch! Yes, that’s right, there are many dog beds that look like small pieces of furniture. While we might see celebrities spend megabucks on a smaller replica of their own furniture, there are beds available simply made out of foam that are a lot more affordable. These beds are similar to the nest beds in the comfort that they provide to the dog, but they are a lot more stylish for your home.

Futons are enjoyed by large dogs and miniatures alike – and come as squares or rectangulars – as some pets like to sleep curled up while other prefer to stretch out and almost hang over the edge.

Another dog bed style is one that is a little more unconventional. These beds are raised and act almost like a camp bed for your dog. In actuality these beds are free-standing platforms that are square and raised anywhere from 15 – 20cm off of the ground. They are made from durable canvas material that breathes and allows your dog to stay cool. They are great beds to take outside on a warm day. Most of these beds are nearly indestructible. These beds can also be used as a training device in obedience and agility training by becoming a sit/stay platform.

One of the last choices is a dog carry or travel box. This is a fibreglass or even plastic dog kennel of sorts. These are often viewed as an area of safety by your dog. Crates are often used as a training device for leaving your dog alone in a home, and they can double as a dog bed throughout the day and at night if your dog feels comfortable.

Some of these choices can also be enjoyed by your dog outdoors although not permanently. The hammock style and the crates can be used for outdoor use if they are brought indoors at the end of the day.

All of these choices have their perks, depending on price and your dog’s preferences. Dog beds can be found at just about any store that sells pet supplies. If you are looking for a more diverse selection, have a look in our Pet Shop.

Good luck to you and your special dog in finding the right bed. Remember, you wouldn’t just buy yourself any old bed, so research your dog’s bed like you would your own.

Tips From Jane