Want to keep your pet cool and comfortable with a pet cooling bed?
This article will provide you with the information you need about pet cooling beds and dog cooling beds. Specifically, you'll understand all the reasons to buy a cooling bed and you'll also have all the information you need to make a smart purchase.
Why Buy a Pet Cooling Bed?
Dogs wear fur all the time, even when it is extremely hot outside. They don't have sweat glands so they cannot sweat to cool off when they are hot. To cool off, dogs pant. Panting helps but it's definitely less efficient than sweating so they tend to suffer more from heat.
As a quick aside, dogs with thick, double-coats are especially susceptible to heat stroke. Dogs with "heavy skinned" faces such as Pugs, Boxers and Bulldogs have even less breathing capacity, so they have decreased ability to pant out hot air to cool off.
The short story is that panting isn't always enough. This is why a pet cooling bed is an excellent solution. A dog cooling bed can provide a constant cooling spot during summer months. It can also provide relief when you have the fireplace or stove running, especially when your home is closed up tight. This is a great winter solution.
Most pet cooling beds are very comfortable. Like a designer pet bed or luxury pet bed, a dog cooling bed will probably be made with high quality materials. These beds also tend to offer excellent support, which is perfect for canines with Cushing's Disease and hip dysplasia. This is also good news for pets post surgery and post chemotherapy.
How to Find the Perfect Pet Cooling Bed
First, you'll want to consider a dog cooling bed that is non-electric. These kinds of cooling beds are filled with water or gel and are simple to maintain. There are a few cooling bed with fans and motors, but they are rare and not recommended.
Second, you'll want a bed that is non-toxic. In particular, if your puppy or full grown dog is aggressive and likes to chew, then your pet could puncture the bed and eat the filling. In short, you want non-toxic filling material and it should be durable and puncture proof.
Third, like any other pet beds, a cooling pet bed should be easy to clean and easy to maintain. Our advice is to go for simple designs with great quality. In our opinion, when it comes to pet cooler beds, it is best to go for function over design.
Fourth, consider the size and shape of your dog cooling bed. If you have a pet carrier or pet crate, you might wish to fit the cooling bed into it. Or, it might make sense to get a bed that fits into the back seat of your vehicle. It all depends on your needs and the needs of your pet. For what it is worth, cooling bed often come in several sizes, so you do have choices.
Fifth, consider the filling material and general construction. As stated before, you'll want a water or non-toxic gel core. The interior of the bed should probably have different cells or channels to isolate but also distribute the load of your pet along with the filling. Some dog cooling beds have bonded core interiors which is a good idea for the reasons just described. The bed will be stable and more durable with this type of construction.
Finally, consider a pet cooling bed that can also act a pet heating bed. The reason for this is pretty simple: economics. Many pet cooling beds can be quickly converted to pet heated beds. Sometimes, the conversion is "instant" because the cover and material inserted naturally adjusts to the needs of your pet.
Other Considerations for Your Pet Cooling Bed
These beds are not perfect and they do require care. Here is what you need to know and consider with your pet's bed:
- Place your pet's bed on a smooth, clean, flat surface
- Regularly check for punctures and leaks; watch for damage
- Keep the dog cooling bed out of direct sunlight to prevent damage
- Keep the dog bed out of high traffic areas; avoid tripping
- Wash and clean the bed on a regular basis using a damp towel or sponge along with a small amount of dishwashing detergent
- Cut your dog's nails on a regular basis to prevent accidental punctures and damage
That's about everything you need to know about pet cooling beds. They can be a great way to keep your pet happy and comfortable, especially when they are hot and there is no other source of relief. Good luck with your purchase!
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