Dog beds come in all shapes and sizes so choosing the right one for your dog can be confusing. There are a number of factors to consider before deciding on the right dog bed for your pet such as the size of your dog, whether they like to sleep spread out or curled up and whether they are a puppy or an adult dog.

Dog beds are generally designed for the comfort of your pet but there are also dog beds available that are manufactured for dogs with health problems such as arthritis or hip problems.Orthopaedic and heated dog beds can make a huge difference to the comfort and well-being of your dog.

When choosing from the vast array of dog beds first consider the size of your dog. Always check the manufacturers recommended sizing before purchasing the bed. Each dog bed is different so different sizing requirements will apply. A reputable online merchant will provide this information to help with your selection.

The huge number of dog beds that are now available means that you now have a much larger range of options. If your dog likes to spread out when sleeping then a dog pillow would be the best choice. Dog pillows won’t restrict your dog and will allow him to stretch out while still allowing him to curl up if needed. If your dog prefers to curl up when sleeping then the rounded nest-type dog bed may suit.

Dog beds are also available to suit puppies. Puppies generally have a tendency to chew and will rip a dog bed to shreds before you know it so ensure that you purchase a puppy bed that is chew proof.

Another factor to consider is the size of the bed. Your puppy will grow out of the bed quite quickly so you don’t want to purchase a bed that is too small.

The weather is also a consideration. If you live in a cold climate or during the cooler months you may consider getting your dog one of the heated dog beds that are available, especially if you have an outside dog.

The most common dog allergies generally relate to skin or ear conditions. If you have a dog with an allergy then it is probably causing you as much irritation as it is causing your dog. Watching a dog in distress can be disheartening. Dog allergies are notoriously difficult to cure as many dogs will often regress even when it looks like the irritation has disappeared.

Allergies can be caused by many factors. These can relate to food, environment, disease, fleas or medications. Finding the source of the allergy can be difficult but without knowing the source, treatment won’t be effective.

Then there are allergies relating to food intake that are quite common. The ingredients in many processed dog foods are appalling to say the least so try to introduce healthier dog foods into your dog’s diet. A homemade diet is the best option if you have the time. Many dogs are allergic to wheat, milk, cheese, eggs, nuts and even beef. Try omitting some of these food types one at a time and see how your dog reacts. 

Fleas and ticks are another major cause of dog allergies. Many dogs are allergic to a flea bite and will scratch for hours trying to relieve the itching. Talk to your veterinarian if you suspect a flea or tick allergy. In the meantime, try to keep your house and garden free from fleas. There are many good products on the market specifically for this purpose.

And sometimes your dog allergies can result from something in a dog’s environment like a particular weed or plant in your garden. If you suspect that this might be the cause, either keep your dog away from that part of the garden to test if this is the cause or better yet, rip out the weeds altogether. If the plant is one that you wish to keep, you may need to fence off the offending section of the garden.

Although not common, an allergic reaction can result from medication that your dog may be taking. If the allergy began soon after the dog started taking a certain medication then this is more than likely the cause. Talk to your veterinarian as if the allergy is severe enough your vet should consider using an alternative medication.

If you suspect any allergy in your dog then it is worth seeking advice from a veterinarian who can provide quick advice and possible medications that may relieve your dog’s distress and improve its health.

And if you are allergic to your dog the  allerpet d range of products are designed to help you treat your dog and make both your lives easier.