"Should I buy a pet bed for my dog?" Good question often asked. Arthritis and calluses may be prevented if we start our puppies, or even younger dogs, sleeping on a cushioned support rather than a hard surface. Having just one designated sleep location helps to contain dander, a bonus for allergy sufferers.

A personal location also begins an expected routine of returning to his/her spot for rest. Providing a darkened quiet area woos even the most playful into la-la land once your consistent training takes hold.

Sleeping dogs lay on comfort. If you don't provide it, they will find it elsewhere (your sofa bed, perhaps?) Not only purchase dog beds you like - buy cushioning your pet needs. If the cushion is not comfy - forget about it! Before we make a purchasing mistake let's do our homework on Dog Beds.

What is The Best Kind of Pet Bed I Should Buy for My Dog?

Channel Your Inner Beast. Think like an ANIMAL for a moment. Indoors or out, poor napping and sleep patterns on hard surfaces combined with health troubles can make for one cranky or sluggish canine. Let's give our pets the extra comfort and protection they need with a proper fit. Photos shown from the collection of PetFrenzy.com.

Do you allow your dog to sleep on your bed? Many pet owners share their blankets with their beloved. However, if you prefer not to launder bedding every other day or you find your pooch pushing you out in the wee hours, you may want to consider separate night-night quarters for the not-so-little-one. Is the family bed providing warmth, security, and comfort? Let's take that habit of sleeping in a secure spot to a lower floor level.

How do I know which bed is right for my dog? With today's technology, combined with owner demands, there are many fill materials from which to choose.

• Foam: Firm and strong, offers support, durable and dependable. Foam fill is in most dog beds.
• Polyester: Practical, Affordable. Depending on the purpose, becareful not to buy too cheap, you do get what you pay for remember. Most likely "baffled" or "tufted" so it will not lump or bunch when laundered. Fluff up as needed.
• Cedar Chips: Popular for repelling odors and insects to help with keeping the pet a bit cleaner. Good for outdoors.
• Memory Foam: More dense than regular foam. Conforms yet provides even body support. Retains original shape.
• Orthopedic Fill: Thicker mattress. Either a Box Spring or Medical-Grade foam filled. Perfect for older dogs. Optional heating may help with discomforts.

Indoor/Outdoor Dog Beds are made of tough material, waterproof and easily cleaned. Would the outdoor doghouse be more welcoming with a cushioned floor? Would you like to remove all of the towels covering napping spots of your leaky one with the medical issues?

Orthopedic Dog Beds provide support for those living with discomfort.

Heated Dog Beds and Cooling Mats sound like a luxury feature, however climate control is much-appreciated depending on age and breed.

Crate Pad or Bumper is great for travel. Turns Portable Kennels into "home-away-from-home" cushion pet bedding. Basic flat cushioning, easily laundered.

"Is it too early to need a dog bed?" Have a housetrained puppy? If not, you will be cleaning a frequent soiled target. Put it away in the closet and bring it out when puppy is done leaking.

Before You Personalize on a friend's behalf (an excellent GIFT) know this: age, breed, slumber measurements, and sleep style. Indicators such as curling up, nesting, stretching out long, and a longing for a bolster (rounded pillow attached) will lead you to a proper fitting dog bed.

Chew-proof Cushion, Washable Pillow, or Unique Furniture: What to know about design style when buying a dog bed.