Pet Beds

Pet Beds

Senior Citizens Need Their Pets

By Debbie Foster
Most senior citizens who have pets treat them like they are their children. Of course, you don't need to be a senior to do that, but homes without children of the human kind truly do have children of the furry kind.

In addition to providing companionship, unconditional love and a calming effect, larger pets can also provide a sense of safety to seniors. Its also been shown that people who have pets tend to live longer. Pet ownership, as we all know, also has its responsibilities. Sometimes these responsibilities are more difficult on seniors and keeping their pets can present problems. The escalating cost of veterinary bills and the ability to transport their pets when many don't drive are very real issues.

Several cities in Colorado have been surveying their veterinarian population to find out which ones offer discounts to senior citizens for pet care, as well as which ones either make home visits or provide some type of transportation assistance and other help. In Fort Collins, their Senior Advisory Board obtained a grant allowing it to start a mobile veterinary service for seniors called Elder Pet Care. What a great idea!! Seniors are charged based on a sliding scale for veterinary services performed at their homes. The program is now self-sustaining after ten years.

Some transit systems, like the city of Loveland, CO are also on board by allowing pets to ride in crates. Transit systems in Boston, Toronto, Seattle and San Francisco allow full size dogs on leashes to come on board as well as ferries in some of these cities.

I think all these programs are worth duplicating across the United States. Next time you're at your vet, why not ask if they're involved in any programs that offer discounts or mobile pet care to seniors. After all, it never hurts to ask!

Debbie Foster is the owner of Pet Beds Unlimited and an avid animal lover. You can find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, [http://www.petbedsunlimited.com/dog_carriers.html]dog carriers, [http://www.petbedsunlimited.com/dog_pens.html]dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers and pet strollers at http://petbedsunlimited.com

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Dog Beds

Dog Beds

Bandanas: Trivia, History, and Fashion

By Gail Leino
Bandanas are piece of cloth that are either cut to be a square or a triangle, then folded to wear on the body. They come in many colors, mainly one bright color like red, blue, green, yellow, black combined with white. The cloth is tied around the neck or head. Modern uses include more decorative purposes, while historical uses were actually more for protection than fashion. The word Bandana comes from a Hindi term, meaning to tie.

Bandanas were made the most famous by cowboys wearing them in old Western movies. However, they are commonly seen as being used by pirates, farmers, and railroad engineers as well. The main purpose was to use them to wipe sweat from the face area and keep dust out of the collars.

In modern times, bandanas are symbols of identity. One well known example is the bandanas used by gangs. The Bloods wear red, while the Crips wear blue bandanas. The colors represent affiliation without requiring any personal interaction with members of either gang. However, just because someone might wear a bandana doesn’t mean that they are hoodlums or gang members. In fact, many people wear them, just because they are fun, and useful.

Individuals who wear lots of helmets find them as useful as well as the bandana acts as a barrier to protect the skin and hair. Bandanas come in all sorts of styles and colors. There are some that have built in water bladders that can be pre-cooled in the refrigerator in order to ensure the wearer is kept cool on hot summer days. Pets, most often dogs, are frequently dressed in bandanas that match those worn by their owner, making it easy to tell which dog belongs to which owner at the dog park.

When it comes to costumes and uniforms, bandanas are one of the most common accessories. From western cowboys to hip hop stars, bandana use crosses not only generations of time, but generations of people.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies ( http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has a huge selection of free party games, coloring pages, word find, word scramble, printable baby and bridal shower activities. Fun colorful target=_new red bandanas and in many other colors (yellow, blue, black, orange, green, and other pattern styles. Plus, costume masks, sunglasses, wigs and Hats.

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Dog Beds

Dog Beds

A Dog Bed Doesn't Have to be Expensive

By Candy Smith
We cannot deny the fact that we treat dogs and cats as part of the family that we even forget our own needs. This is the reason why cats and dogs feel very comfortable at home that they can take a nap at every corner they want and they can curl up at any place that they are eying for.

We should admit that even if we feel comfortable living with them, there are times when we will not feel comfortable with them sleeping at the doorways or at our favorite couch.

When this happens, you will certainly feel that you need to buy them a dog bed. Dog beds are surely expensive. However, did you know that you could make an inexpensive dog bed? Buying a dog bed is necessary but buying an expensive dog bed is not required.

When you try to look for some old stuff in your house, you will find out that you can come up with a dog bed that your dog will like. It will be helpful if you try to look around nearby stores for dog bed designs. You can also look for dog beds online so that you can have an idea of what you will create.

The things that you can look for are old pillows, mattresses or baby crib pads, leftover upholstery, old futons and rugged material. Creating a pet bed out of these materials will surely help you save a lot.

After you have gathered all the materials, the next thing you need to do is study your dog's preferences. When you are going to make a dog bed, you should base the activity of your dog. If your dog is that active, you should make a sturdy dog bed.

All you need is a little creativity and personal touch in order to create a dog bed. It may be quite a lot of work but it will all be worth it. The next time that you do a general cleaning, make sure that you check again if you can find some materials that you can recycle for your dog's bed.

To learn more information about this article, please visit: [http://www.dogbed-4less.com]Online Dog Beds and [http://petbed-4less.com]Pet Beds.

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Dog Beds

Dog Beds

What to Look for When Buying a Heated Dog Bed

By Valerie Goettsch
A fur coat helps keep the cold out, but sometimes it's not enough for your dog, particularly if he/she is older, has arthritis, or is recovering from illness or surgery. Whether your dog has short or long hair, cold winter nights—and days—can chill him. A heated dog bed may be the answer to help your dog stay warm and cozy even in the dead of winter.

There are many heated dog beds available on the web and in stores. Some are better than others. The most important factor is safety. If you are in the market for one, here is what to look for:

The heated dog bed should be UL and CUL certified to ensure safety and ideally have a steel-wrapped cord in case your dog is a chewer.

Dual thermostats are preferable to automatically ensure consistent temperature; 102 degrees is an optimal temperature for dogs. Look for a heated bed that provides a full-range, variable heat control. This allows you to adjust the heat from off to full temperature heat quickly and easily.

The best heated beds have a heater that keeps the surface temperature of the bed about 12 to 15 degrees above ambient air temperature. When your dog lies on the bed, the temperature warms to a cozy 102°. Because the heater from the warmer insert only warms up when your dog is on the bed, it doesn't waste a lot of energy. Depending on the size of the bed, most heated beds use 6-13 watts.

Look for a bed with a removable heater insert so you can wash the bed and use it year-round without the heat.

Read the product information carefully. Some heated beds are designed for indoor use only, while other beds, such as heated kennel mats, are suitable for outside use.

Heated dog beds come in a variety of styles. They include orthopedic heated beds with thick orthopedic foam to cushion joints and reduce pressure points; pillow-style beds with a heater inside; igloo style half-rounded heated pads to fit in igloo dog houses; heated, oval beds for small and toy-breed dogs; and heated kennel mats for use outside.

Another option is a thermo-wave microwavable dog bed warmer. You just heat the warmer in your microwave and put it into your dog's bed. It becomes soft and pliable when warmed. Good ones will have two sides for adjustable warmth, will be made out of non-toxic material, and stay warm for up to 12 hours.

Never use a human heating pad for your dog. They are designed to be placed on top the body and not for being laid upon. Heating pads for humans get much hotter than a dog's body temperature and may cause injury.

Valerie Goettsch is webmaster of My Favorite Dog featuring articles and information on heated dog beds, dog health issues, training, and more.

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Dog Beds

Dog Beds

Are Dog Beds a Luxury or an Essential?

By David Amos

Does Your Dog Need a Bed?

You bring your cute, fun loving puppy home for the first time and of course you want your canine to sleep with you. All furry warm and snuggly. But that is not the best thing to do for you or your pooch. You really need a canine bed and establish the correct behavior at the outset. Sure it’s fine now but when your dog grows to it’s full size at 100 lb, will it be such fun?

Dog beds today come in all sizes, colors, shapes, materials to suit any pooch and any decor. If that's not enough, you can even have dog beds custom made. If you adopted your dog from the pound he may actually prefer his own place.

Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Bed

Does your pooch shed or have any other disorder that will cause the bed to need constant cleaning? Does he hang his head over the edge? Does your dog curl up in a ball? The answer to any of these questions will help determine the type of dog bed needed for your pet.

Some of The Benefits of Dog Beds

A dog bed allows your pet to have his own space, a place where he can curl up, relax and sleep. Beds with sides are great for dogs that like to hang their head over the edge.

Cushions and support should be considered for older dogs, as well as pooches with other joint or bone problems. Orthopedic foam tends to provide additional warmth too so if you live in a warmer climate, your hound may prefer a cooling bed like the Canine Cooler to the traditional orthopedic bed.

Some Dog Bed Features

You'll find out that this is something your canine will be using every single day for the next five to ten years so you ought to put some thought into the dog bed selection. You should consider the size of your room and size needed for comfort the of your pet.
Quality beds such as the Memory Foam Bed or the Thera Ortho Mattress are designed to relieve sore joints, bones and other problems that may arise due to your pets age or weight. More traditional-style cushioned outdoor beds are made of tough polyester and resist mildew and fungus.



Other Dog Bed Considerations

Be sure to measure the entire length of your canine at rest to get an idea of how much space he is using so you can select the correct size. The most efficient way to make sure you are ordering the correct size bed is by measuring your hound in his favorite laying position and adding five inches. Watch your hound sleep. Does he usually curl up or stretch out? If he’s relaxed to his maximum size, make sure the bed is big enough to support his entire body.

If you have a little hound a small round pillow-type bed may be the best. It will let your pet burrow and nest. They come in a variety of styles, materials and colors and most can be thrown straight into the washing machine.

Next on the list of requirements is probably a chew proof bed, especially for puppies! There are any amount of styles of dog bed, such as indoor or outdoor, heated or not, travel or car beds and as previously mentioned orthopedic beds for the older canine. Most are stuffed with polyfill, often have cedar chips to repel odors and their covers are removable and machine washable.

For older dogs you need to consider the ideal dog bed. What about Grandma climbing into a waterbed with a two-foot frame? Or better yet, imagine her trying to get out. If your older pooch currently sleeps on the floor or in a cardboard box with blankets, his discomfort would be similar to these scenarios. An orthopedic dog bed would be ideal in this scenario.

Your dog will enjoy a high quality dog bed for all the same reasons that we enjoy our beds so make sure you buy a good quality bed that fits your pet and suits the way he likes to sleep.

David Amos is a dog lover and long time dog owner. For more information about dog beds click Dog Beds and Puppy Beds, and for more about dog health and keeping your dog happy click Dogs and Puppies Online.

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Dog Beds

Dog Beds

Finding Designer Dog Beds by Kausik Dutta

Designer dog beds are a great idea for your pet; there are many options available, from size and price to quality and style. Finding them is simply a matter of doing your research and finding the specialists in this particular field; online designer companies offer a wide range of options for those looking for designer dog beds.

The following are some tips, ideas and questions to ask to ensure you get the best deal on your designer dog bed. These range from ideas about size and quality to the right kind of research, to prices and other considerations.

A major question to ask when looking for designer dog beds and other pet furniture is whether the material is high-grade, durable and washable. This is essential, as the furniture can be as stylish as you want, but your dog may be uncomfortable and you may have to do a lot of extra work. So keep your pets comfort in mind and save yourself time by ensuring the material you opt for has all the aforementioned qualities.

Keep in mind, too, that though a dog bed is designer quality, this doesn't necessarily mean sky-high prices. Sure, they'll be a bit more, as you're paying for quality, but investing in the long term durability of a strong, solid designer dog bed is a much better plan of action than investing in a cheap, short lived dog bed that you will end up buying again. It's similar to buying anything yourself: if you spend a little more, you will get better quality and thus a longer lasting product.

Another thing to take into consideration is how your pet sleeps. This is essential, as some dogs sleep curled in a ball, and others sprawl out completely; still others do both. Thus, get a designer dog bed that’s big enough for your pet to sprawl out if they need to, no matter they're size or sleeping habits.

When you do find a designer dog bed, ensure it has the following qualities: that the bed can be washed in entirety, that there is an easy mechanism for cover removal (e.g. the easy Velcro system employed by Mammoth), that the covers on both the inner and outer parts of the bed are removable, that it is soil resistant and that it has a well-made fiber fill, preferably memory, that maintains its shape.

Ultimately, finding the right designer dog bed is essential to creating a good sleeping environment for your dog and ensuring you have to do as little work as possible on the care-end. By keeping the tips in mind above and doing the right research, you'll find the designer dog bed you want quickly and efficiently.

Superior quality designer dog beds for all breeds in decorative styles and colors recommended by vets and breeders at wholesale prices. Visit the Mammoth online dog outlet today at http://www.mammothoutlet.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com

Dog Beds

Dog Beds

Does Your Dog Really Need a Dog Bed?

By Steve Dolan
By observing your pet, you will have a better idea of what product to look for as his daily comfortable resting place. If you adopted a dog from the pound he may actually prefer his own place. So a dog bed is really necessary, but what type do you get and what should you look for?

What to Consider in a Dog Bed

First off you need to observe your dogs behavior. Does he like to stay warm under the blankets? Does he like to be able to rest his head with a view of the entire room? Does he avoid the bed because he needs to cool off? These behaviors will help you narrow down your search for the ideal dog bed.

Some Of The Benefits of a High Quality Dog Bed

The type of dog bed you choose depends on your canine and its preferences. Picking the right dog bed can be a big help with allergy relief and clean up. It can give you a main area where the majority of the shedding and/or dander is contained.

For older dogs, or dogs with problems, thick orthopedic mattresses filled with medical-grade foam or even a boxspring are ideal. Some even come heated but if not you can buy a heating pad. Some pads are warmed in the microwave and some plug in. The type you choose will depend on where the bed will go and how long the pad needs to stay heated. Older dogs enjoy sleeping more and playing less.

A dog bed allows your pet to have his own space, a place where he can curl up, relax and sleep. A hound that sleeps in a tight curled up position might prefer a round bed with sides. Dogs don’t like to feel exposed especially when they're trying to sleep. In this case you might look at a bolster bed with a high back. This gives your dog a safe, cozy haven as well as being ideal for a nice pillow to rest his head. It can also prevent drafts and can protect your walls from damage while your dog sleeps.

If you cannot measure your dog when he is laying down, you can also measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail and then add 5 inches.

More traditional-style cushioned outdoor beds are made of tough polyester and resist mildew and fungus. However if your dog is extremely sensitive to cold or suffering from arthritis, a heated dog bed might provide the extra comfort he needs. Similar to humans, dogs also experience changes as they age. Their joints can stiffen, or their bones become thinner.

A strenuous day can mean an evening of discomfort with a pulled muscle or painful joints. A good night's sleep in a quality dog bed will help your pet recover. When a dog owner thinks about what products will be needed for their new pet, a high quality dog bed should be well up on the list.

Steve Dolan is a dog lover and long time dog owner. For more information about dog beds click [http://www.onlinedogcare.com/dogbeds]Dog Beds and Puppy Beds, and for more about dog health and keeping your dog happy click [http://www.onlinedogcare.com]Dogs and Puppies Online.
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