As they grow older, dogs - especially larger ones - may begin to develop health problems that require you to make some changes in the care you give them. You may, for instance, decide to switch their food to a brand containing less fat. Vet check ups become bi-annual instead of once a year. Long romps with a Frisbee turn into slower, less playful walks.
But what about your dog's bedding? Does that require a change, too? Read on to find out whether your dog might benefit from a memory foam dog bed.
What Are Memory Foam Dog Beds?
Memory foam is a special kind of foam that is sensitive to heat and pressure. First used in a human medical setting, it was valuable in relieving pressure from bedsores and easing tension in the back and legs. Memory foam beds are now commercially available to humans under several different names.
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The last thing that any dog owner wants to hear is that their dog has kidney failure. Most people don't even want to think about the possibility that it can happen to them, but the truth of the matter is that nine out of 1,000 dogs suffer from this unfortunate chronic renal disease.
Types of Terriers Safe For Small Children
A lot of children these days have quite the affinity for pet dogs. They would like to play around with them, hold them and generally pet them around. To little ones, these are their first best friends. Yet, it isn't all the time that the feeling is returned. At times, what would be a kind gesture or show of affection for us can be taken in a different way by our dogs. At worst, this would result in tragic results. Needless to say, any dog can be trained and raised to become your most devoted companion, but you have to understand that not all dog breeds are actually safe for youngsters.
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Golden Retriever puppies are commonly looked for because of their friendly personality. Besides being well-tempered, Golden Retriever puppies are also extremely intelligent and make amazing hunting dogs. In the mid-eighteen hundreds, a Tweed Water Spaniel (a now extinct dog breed) and a yellow Retriever were bred together to create the Golden Retriever as we know it today.
Memory foam beds for dogs work very much like memory foam beds for humans. Basically, as a dog sinks into the foam, the foam adjusts itself to cradle the dog's body, relieving pressure on key points such as the back, hips, and knees that ordinary cushions might irritate.
What Kind of Dog Needs a Memory Foam Bed?
Dogs that require memory foam beds tend to be larger breeds like Dobermans, Dalmatians, Labradors, Great Danes, etc. They are often older dogs, and may carry diagnoses such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, back pain or recent surgical history. If your dog no longer seems comfortable in his regular bed, ask a vet if a memory foam dog bed might be appropriate.
Where Can I Find a Memory Foam Dog Bed?
Check your local pet store, or go online to PetSmart of Petco. Another place to check is the orthopedic dog beds section of www.bigdogbeds.com. A word of caution though; this site can get very pricey depending on the upgrades you select. For instance, a "huge" foam mattress with a waterproof cover will run you between $600 and $700.
Another delightful site, far less expensive because it lacks the bells and whistles of pet specialty sites, is www.foambymail.com. Click on the "dog beds" section. No matter how large your dog, you won't spend more than $50 here.
Just like our needs, your dog's needs will change as he ages. Why not buy him a memory foam dog bed so he can spend his remaining years with you in pampered comfort?
