The dog is sleeping peacefully, gently breathing in and out. Every once
in awhile, her whiskers twitch, her eyes dart back and forth under
their lids, and her feet jerk as if she's chasing cats in her
dreams. Then, her ears, nose, legs and tail – which seem to never stop
moving when she is awake - surrender to stillness and the comfort
of…her blanket? Her bean bag? Her crate? The sofa? Your bed?
Your
adult dog spends about 12 hours of her day - half her life – sleeping.
Where she sleeps is important to her emotional and physical health, as
well as to your family's.
Most indoor dogs sleep at the foot or
side of their owner's bed, on a favorite blanket, cushion or dog bed,
placed in a warm part of the room away from drafts. It's normal for a
dog to nap in the master bedroom when your house is empty during the
day because it smells like you. She also may enjoy several "secondary"
dog beds in other rooms, where family members like to congregate. Or,
she might prefer her crate, a retreat where she can enjoy the privacy
of the den that doggy natures crave.
Nightshirts, Beans and Sheepskin
If
you use your imagination, there are as many kinds of dog beds as there
are dogs. Internet sites, pet stores and pet-supply catalogs are filled
with them. They come in styles and at prices that can satisfy the most
humble dog owner or cater to last week's newest millionaire. Here are
some examples:
Baskets. A wicker basket with a
pillow or bean bag inside is a common dog bed. Dogs who love to chew,
however, can dismantle a basket and injure themselves by swallowing
sticks. If your dog insists on chewing her "bed post," an inexpensive
plastic basket that's easily replaceable may be your answer.
Blankets.
Whether you line your dog's bed with towels or old flannel nightshirts
that smell like her favorite person, be sure that the materials are
washable and flameproof, and wash them often.
Donut beds.
Some dog beds are constructed by surrounding the center with padding to
hug your dog when she hunkers in. Those made for smaller dogs sometimes
allow her to crawl inside so that her head is covered, too, giving her
a truly comfy den for security.
Bean bag beds and hassocks.
Outer covers of fleece, sheepskin, lambswool and other fabrics cover
dog beds shaped like pillows or hassocks. When these soft fabrics cover
beans, the bed shifts to hold your dog's shape as she changes
positions. Cedar and other materials also are used to fill dog
"mattresses" covered in fabrics that repel moisture.
Raised platforms.
Some dogs prefer to sleep off the floor. Low platforms made of a light
wood or aluminum frame with canvas stretched over it suit these pets
just fine.
Crates. Every dog should have a
crate or kennel where she can retreat when denning instincts take over.
The crate, her "cave," can be wire or Plexiglas. A variety of sizes and
styles are available, many of them portable. Not only does the crate
help when housebreaking your puppy or in keeping her out of mischief,
it also affords the adult dog a haven at home and when staying with
friends or in a hotel.
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