Something to Bark About

Atlanta’s most pet-friendly apartment community, Glen Lake: A Residential Resort, has teamed up with with Sandy Springs’ small business of the year, fido fido Dog Daycare & Boarding, to bring you monthly pet tips and tricks. This month, fido fido focuses on tips for purchasing the right bed for your dog.

Beds for Dogs

When shopping for dog beds it can pay to know a little bit about the different kinds available on the market. Take time consider your dog’s temperament. Some dogs are very gentle with their beds and just sleep on them. Others consider their beds another chew toy.

• Chewers benefit from having durable dog beds that will hold up well over time. Consider beds with sturdy canvass coverings that are resistant to being easily ripped with the teeth.
• Look for a bed that will be easy to clean. Fleece mats or beds that can be put in the wash in one piece are the easiest. Removable covers can be a challenge to put back on after washing and durable zippers will save you from the headache of having a bed with the inner cushion exposed if the zipper breaks.
• Consider where you will put the bed. Measure available areas in your home before shopping to be sure that a bed will fit in a particular space.
• Designer dog beds may cost a bit more than average but can work well if they need to go in the main living space.
• Dog beds are available in a wide range of colors and sizes. Many have foam in the center for additional cushioning. This can be especially nice for older dogs who suffer from sore joints. However foam can be difficult to clean if soiled by an incontinent dog. If your dog has this issue, consider having more than one bed so that while one is in use the other can be cleaned.
• Consider your dog’s sleeping preferences. Some dogs prefer the “doughnut” style bed in which they can burrow, yet still prop their heads on the rim. Others prefer stretching out on a large, flat cushioned mat.
• In between machine washings, use a vacuum cleaner hose to remove excess fur on the bed and spray with fabric freshener to ward off the “doggie” smell.

fido fido Dog Daycare & Boarding understands that although you live your life on the go-you don’t want your dog to go without. Knowing your dog is happy and loved when in our care just makes life easier. We offer small, monitored play groups, made up of carefully screened dogs just like your own, so that your dog does not get lost in the crowd.