When it comes to choosing dog beds, it's best to get it right first time. Don't just pick up the first one you see, you'll only end up wasting money. Instead, take your time and consider the points below to make sure you choose the right one for your Cocker Spaniel, after all he's going to spend an awful long time in it!
Nowadays there are just so many different types of pet beds to choose from.
From designer beds for those owners who want something very special, to very simple cushions or pillow type beds for those who're not so fussy and perhaps more concerned with comfort and practicality than design!
And they come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and materials!
Your Cocker Spaniel will probably spend a long time in his bed so it's wise to choose one that will not only help keep him warm, cozy, and comfortable, but one that will be the right size for him too - make sure it's up to the job.
Size is important, so let's take a look at how we can make sure we buy the right size dog bed for our pampered pooch!
Most dogs curl up before going to sleep and would happily sleep in that position all night.
Others however, like to lie on their back fully stretched or on their side, legs stretched out in front of them.
For a comfortable night's sleep, your pet needs to be able to stretch out fully (should he wish) without resorting to hanging his body or his head over the edge of the bed.
Whatever position your Cocker sleeps in, his bed needs to be big enough to accommodate his entire head and body so it's really important to buy the right size.
To do this, simply measure from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail and then add 30 cm (12") for comfort - that should do it!
Once you know what size of bed your Cocker Spaniel will need, you may want to consider the following before making your choice:
Unfortunately, when I bought Max's first bed, I didn't get it quite right.
Although the main bed itself was washable on a gentle wash cycle, the pillow insert wasn't - which I've since discovered is very often the case.
The first time the pillow was washed the filling clumped together into one solid ball rendering the pillow totally unusable.
Rather than throw it away I resolved the problem by unpicking some of the stitching at one end of the pillow, removing the lump of filling and replacing it with (washable) bean bag filling (fire retardant of course!).
His bed is as good as new and it's now more comfortable than ever! Max squirms around on it until he gets it into the shape he wants, before settling down with a contented sigh!
Because the price of dog beds can vary quite considerably, from basic pillows to designer beds, I recommend that you decide how much you can afford to spend and then research the market fully to make sure you get the best price.