LOL Pets

Purchasing a dog bed may not seem like a major decision, but a lot more goes into acquiring one than you might originally think.  As amusing at it might look, providing your pet with an inappropriately sized bed can cause night time problems.  A bed is a source of comfort to your pet, just as your bed is a source of comfort to you.  The right bed facilitates for sleeping and relaxation allows your pet a spot that belongs to only them.

Long gone are the days when an owner would throw an old blanket in the corner of the kitchen or garage for their dog.  Unless you live out in the ‘holler’ you are well aware that most family dogs sleep on the exact same high quality surfaces we do.  There is nothing unusual about buying your dog a Swedish therapeutic foam bed if they have joint aches and back problems.  Beds are available with built in head rests or bumpers and some even resemble the much coveted couch.

Covered in an endless array of fabrics your dog’s new bed can be decorated to coordinate with your furniture.  It can be discretely tucked into the corner of any room and remain unnoticed.  If your dog wishes to recline upon a cow print lounge; done.  If your dog prefers to lie on an organic cotton fleece cover; you got it. Only your imagination will limit your choices.  Rectangular or round, with sides or open, you can pick the perfect bed for your best friend.  Whatever fabric you do pick, make sure it comes off the bed easily for convenient washing.

Custom made dog beds are available as well, but costs go up significantly at that point.  You can have any type of dog bed made to your specifications, and many people do just that.  They may have two or more identical beds to ensure that their pooch has a good night’s sleep, no matter where he is.  Crate beds can be purchased as well so that while your dog is in transport, they have a comfortable place to lay their head.

Unfortunately the only way to find out if your prized pooch will like a bed is to purchase it and let them try it out.  Most dogs are fairly easy going and any surface will suit them just fine, but a dog with special requirements may need something special.  Improvements in medical care have extended the lives of dogs as well as people, so you are likely to see your dog develop ailments that used to be reserved for people.  A dog with arthritis may need a softer, more forgiving surface to sleep on than a young and active pup.  These needs can be accommodated in the new world of dog beds.

No matter what you get your dog, the experience of buying the perfect dog bed should be fun.  With the extensive selection, fun coverings and variety of shapes, you can spend hours pouring over websites, catalogs and walking through stores before settling upon your choice.  Pair a good bed with a wooden dog crate and you’ll have your dog happier than ever. Also consider outdoor dog beds for your dog houses.

Choosing the right groomer can be a difficult decision. Questions like ‘Are they too rough?’ ‘Do they take safety precautions?’ and ‘Do they know how to cut my dog’s hair to her particular breed?’ run through your head. Dogs should be pampered just as you and I do. Go through these steps when choosing a groomer and you should be worry free for the next time.

Step 1: Start with the basics. Find out the location and hours of the dog groomer. The location needs to be convenient to either your work or home. Some groomer’s hours will allow you to drop your dog off on the way to work and pick him up on the way home. Find out if there is an extra charge for having your dog be there during these extra hours if your schedule requires it. Ask about weekend hours and find out how far in advance appointments typically need to be scheduled.

Step 2: Investigate the credentials. Conduct a phone interview with the groomer and find out about his or her credentials and experience. If there is more than one person who does the grooming, find out their training and history as well. If you like what you hear over the phone, conduct a site visit. Check for friendliness and cleanliness. Observe how the animals and humans are treated in the facility. While there, you might want to see if the groomers also offer boarding services, as it can be convenient to pick up a groomed dog if you’ve boarded him while taking your own vacation!

Step 3: Ask about extras. Do the extras cost extra? Some groomers will include extra services in their fees, while others will ring up all of the extras. Find out if extras such as ear cleaning and nail clipping are included. Some groomers will even perform dog massages as part of their service!

Step 4: Do they offer frequent customer discounts? Some groomers will offer discounts for regular costumers who book their next appointment while checking out during their current visit. Because groomers like you to bring your dog on a frequent basis, they might offer to give you a discount if you go on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.

Step 5: Do they offer multiple pet discounts? Pet grooming can become a costly expense if you have more than one pet in your family. Find out if the groomer is willing to negotiate on the price of their services based on the fact that your family’s business is doubled.

Step 6: Are they pet-friendly and environmentally friendly? Ask the groomers about the products they use on the dogs. Are the shampoos organic or do they use chemical based products? If natural products are what you prefer, you should only expect the same for your pooch.

The steps above will help you in choosing a dog groomer that you can feel comfortable with. The decision to return to that dog groomer can be made once you see the results of his or her work and once you witness his or her interaction with your dog. If your dog drags his paws on the way in, you can’t necessarily blame that on the groomer; some dogs just hate to be groomed! On the other hand, if your dog bounds towards the bath and clippers like he’s headed towards the lake, you know you’ve found a great groomer!

This article was posted by a site carrying invisible fences, soft dog steps, and elevated dog feeders.