Help your pet snooze comfortably in the ideal spot.
Do you want to give your dog a space he can call his own? Provide him with a dog bed. Beyond giving your canine friend a soft, comfortable place to sleep and relax, a dog bed provides your pet with a small spot in your house that is completely his territory.
Dog beds come a range of styles, sizes, fabrics, patterns, and colors. Before you match your dog’s bed to your décor, however, consider your pet’s need and preferences. Your pet’s size and sleeping style should influence your ultimate dog bed choice as much as your budget and interior design. Consider these types of beds, along with some of the options in each category.
Orthopedic
Orvis ComfortFill Couch Dog Bed
One of the best ways to describe an orthopedic dog bed is that it is basically a mattress for your dog. This type of bed works well for older dogs or those who experience joint pain, because if provides cushioning and support in a manner similar to that of your own mattress. The large, rectangular shape of an orthopedic bed works well for dogs who like to sprawl when they sleep. Options in this category include (but are not limited to):
A donut or bolster bed usually is round or oval with a cushioned bottom and a raised side or sides. This style of bed works well for dogs who like to lean against something for security, or prefer to rest their heads on something slightly higher when they sleep. It also works well for dogs who like to curl up when they sleep, as well as for smaller dogs who want to be surrounded by something cozy on all sides. Options in this category include (but are not limited to):
Precision Pet Products SnooZZy Gusset Floor Pillow Bed
As its name implies, a pillow or cushion bed is simply a pillow large enough for a dog to sleep on. This type of bed comes in a range of sizes, colors and patterns to accommodate a range of dog breeds and pet owner budgets and décor preferences. Options in this category include (but are not limited to):
K&H Pet Products MET-listed Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper
A heated bed is another option for older dogs or those with joint issues. These warm and cozy beds provide gentle heat that helps soothe achiness and provide extra warmth for smaller dogs that become cold easily. These types of beds may also work well for families that live in colder climates, and some are designed specifically to be used outdoors, such as in dog houses for pets that spend time outside each day. Options in this category include (but are not limited to):
Another type of bed for dogs that spend time outdoors is a cot. These raised beds keep your dog off the hot ground in the summer and above the cold ground in the winter, and also keep your dog’s sleeping area from sitting in puddles that might accumulate after rain. Look for models with waterproof fabric and sturdy frames to help the bed last longer while exposed to outdoor elements. Options in this category include (but are not limited to):
Choosing a holiday gift for your dog or favorite dog-lover can be challenging in the ever-expanding pet product marketplace. Here are a few ideas–from toys to sweaters, from treats to wellness products and more–that can make your shopping excursions a little bit easier.
For dogs who prefer plush toys, but tend to be destructive, I love the original Pogo Plush toys. The squeaker rolls around inside the patent-pending inner frame so the dog has to really work to find it. This feature (as well as the inner frame) helps decrease the time it takes to isolate the noise. There is no “filling” so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up a mess. For dogs who love their plush toys, but also love to chew, this is the toy for them.
For the dogs who love plush squeaky toys but owners who can’t stand listening to the never-ending squeak., this is the toy for them. It’s ideal for those who work from home and can’t have an important call interrupted by squeaky toys. Dogs hear sounds at a higher frequency (0 to 45 KHz) than humans do (0 to 20 KHz). These toys are tuned to an ultrasonic range in the 24 to 28 KHz frequency, each Hear Doggy. squeaker is out of human hearing range, but is loads of fun for your four-legged friend. Squeak away, my friend.
Tuggo is an indestructible weighted ball toy that even the most destructive dog won’t be able to destroy. This toy has even been tested with lions and tigers. A sturdy rope runs right through the middle. Knots at either end make it perfect for one dog or two. The leak-proof recessed screw plug lets you add as much water or sand to the ball as you like. Dogs love the whooshing sound of the water and the uneven movement of the toy as it’s pushed around.
The Spritzer from DERMagic is a perfect complement to ita Skin Rescue line of pet skincare products. This fresh-smelling lemongrass-spearmint spritz not only rids your dog of that “between bath dog smell” but the natural botanicals helps detangle, condition and brighten the coat. Just spray on and brush dry, combing out dirt and debris as needed. Use daily for dogs that like to play outside, or as often as needed to keep your pet fresh during holiday parties.
Stylish and affordable, this line of beds comes in two shapes, oval or rectangular (with or without bolsters), and are cushioned with memory foam, gel foam or convoluted foam that can help rejuvenate your dog while he rests. The materials provide therapeutic benefits by evenly distributing weight to help tired, aching muscles recuperate and relieve joint pain. Covered in a soft fleece, your dogs (and cats) will love them.
Keep your pets toasty warm this holiday season with the best-fitting hybrid jackets from Ruffwear. Choose from a wide selection of stylish, durable jackets, but choose wisely: The Powder Hound™ coats are designed for dogs who love to play rough with their owners, and that means they are incredibly durable, super warm, and designed for pups who love the great outdoors. (This fleece jacket can also be used as a base layer underneath the Quinzee Insulated Jacket for added warmth in extreme cold). For those in “warmer” climates who still need to keep pets warm, the Climate Changer is a recycled polyester fleece jacket that is ideal for keeping dogs toasty on crisp, cool days.
These are by far the best-fitting sweaters I’ve found for my pets. They provide plenty of room for growth, fit perfectly around the shoulders and chest, and are just plain fun for keeping pets warm on those cold winter nights. Put your pets in the holiday spirit with holiday-themed sweaters. My favorite is the Fa-La-La style, but the company has several different holiday themed sweaters for all size pooches.
Treats for Dogs
Nuzzle Duck and Cherry Treats from The Honest Kitchen
Happiness comes in a heart shape. Each nibble of all-natural duck, cherry and virgin coconut oil in My wheat-free Nuzzles, is a taste of luxury with a consistency fit for a king—or, better yet, your pup. And at only 2.3 calories a biscuit, there’s no guilt in dishing them out whenever he’s been a good dog. These all-natural treats are made with duck and cherries, coconut oil and just a hint of parmesan cheese. Your dogs will love this goodness.
Hemp Treats from Treatibles
Marijuana treats for pets? Sort of; Cannabidiol is an all-natural cannabinoid derived from the nontoxic hemp plant. Treatibles are nutritious pumpkin and hemp wellness treats that settle your dog’s nerves, as well as her stomach. They are on the pricey side, but there are plenty of benefits to these treats. Learn more about the benefits of hemp for pets.
This colorful collection is a custom-designed to help rescue. The Mountain’s unique printing process actually pulls the dye color out of the shirt and leaves the ink color behind (which results in essentially dyeing the cotton with the ink). This Medium Weight 100% Cotton tee will last you years. “The connection between us and our pets often defies words, but through the use of bright colors and abstract design, I convey the happiness and joy they bring to our lives,” Dean Russo said.
It’s easy to be in the “Holidog” spirit with the holiday collection of gifts for pet people. We especially love the cute dog-centric messaging on each product. Choose from “dogisms” on coasters and T-shirts or choose an eclectic clothing design that demonstrates your real feelings about animals. Show off your love of dog this holiday season.
Looking for the perfect hosting gift? Chateau La Paws is a unique wine that features adorable shelter dogs on every label. Due to high demand, Chateau La Paws has released four new varietals. The four new Sonoma, Calif., varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sweet Red Blend and Sauvignon Blanc) are available nationwide and feature 28 additional North Shore Animal League America (NSALA) rescue dogs. The new offerings join award-winning Chateau La Paws Chardonnay, Red Blend and Pinot Noir. Receiving top barks, Chateau La Paws Chardonnay and Red Blend received Gold medals with the latter receiving the honor of “Best in Class” at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine Competition. More than reputable wine, the newest expansion continues an official national partnership with NSALA in order to help shelter dogs find a chateau of their own. Chateau La Paws encourages wine lovers to always support rescue adoption.
From Guatemalan walking bags to quality niche jewelry, PawZaar has something for everyone. Ten percent of the proceeds from the sale of each item are donated to help the featured shelter or rescue of the week. I love this site for its creativity, affordability and high quality. You’ll find a host of beautiful items here and each is carefully selected for animal lovers from locales around the world.
Tech for Pets
I can’t call it a year without a look at My favorite pet tech.
The ultimate dog (and cat) tracking software for pet parents around the world. Developed in Australia, the PodTracker utilizes the best in bluetooth and GPS tracking software to help you know what your pet is up to all day long. Each unit is the size of a cork, and each comes with a spare battery to help you stay charged with just a twist of a button. The new generation Pod 2 now offers WiFi, which helps deliver faster positions and offers the ability to locate indoors. Since it utilizes an embedded 2G roaming SIM, it is capable of working with multiple networks across more than 175 countries globally.
Hachiko Smart Collar Sensor and Mobile App
Hachiko’s revolutionary Smart Collar Sensor and Mobile App helps owners stay connected to their canine companions and monitor their activity and overall well-being each day. Hachiko is a sensor that simply attaches to any harness or collar and measures a dog’s activity using Bluetooth technology that connects to your phone. Made of tough poly-carbonate plastic shell, Hachiko is 100 percent waterproof. There’s no need for owners to remove and recharge. The sensors are available in a variety of fun bright colors and pet parents can choose a Hachiko that best fits their dog’s style and personality.
About the Author: Stacy Mantle is a fulltime freelance writer, bestselling author and founder of PetsWeekly.com. She resides in the deserts of the Southwest with a few dogs, several cats and a very understanding husband.
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Pogo Plush from PetSafe
Hear, Doggy! from Quaker Pet Group
Tuggo Toys from TuggoDogToys
Skin Spritzer from Dermagic 
Winter Coats from Ruffwear 
Holiday Themed Sweater from UpCountry
Nuzzle Duck and Cherry Treats from The Honest Kitchen
Hemp Treats from Treatibles 
The Dean Russo Rescue Collection from The Mountain
DogIsGood
Wine for Your Dog Lover Host/Hostess
Eclectic Gifts for Your Dog Loving Friend
PodTrackers
