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Sleeping bags for dogs aren’t just for camping! Lots of dogs love the cozy secure feeling they get from being nestled up snugly in a sleeping bag. They love to burrow under the covers and nest too! Doggy sleeping bags are similar to sleeping bags made for people and are made from the same materials. Knowing how to choose a dog sleeping bag will making selecting the right one for your pooch a breeze.
It is important for our canine friends to feel safe, and sleeping bags provide a place they can call their own. Dogs are den animals. In the wild they would find a cozy den to snuggle up in and stay warm. A sleeping bag can give your domesticated dog that same feeling of warmth and security.
Giving your dog a special sleeping bag also ensures that your pet doesn’t roam the house trying to find a warm spot to sleep in or sleep on your sofa leaving it hairy and messy.
Using a sleeping bag can help prevent dogs from lying in awkward places under your feet. Another great thing about canine sleeping bags is that they are washable, unlike most dog beds, so they are a good choice for maintaining a hygienic sleeping space for your dog.
Sleeping bags for dogs have the additional advantage of being portable. They are easy to take with you on camping trips and hikes as they can be rolled up to be compact and transported with no fuss.
Learning how to choose a dog sleeping bag will allow you to easily throw one in the car when you go on a road trip or pack one in your suitcase while visiting family across the country.
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How to Choose a Dog Sleeping Bag
The first things that will affect how to choose a dog sleeping bag is the size of your dog.
Make sure to get a bag that’s big enough for your dog to get completely into, and that air can circulate through. You will need to consider cost too, but doggy sleeping bags can be found priced very reasonably, or consider picking one up during a sale.
You will also want to consider how your dog prefers to sleep naturally – check out the position he lies in and how much he moves over the course of a nap.
The material the sleeping bag is made from needs to be warm enough to produce heat in cold weather if you are going to be using it out of doors. If purely for indoor use, ensure it isn’t going to be too heavy or warm for your dog.
Your choice will also depend on whether you’ll be using the sleeping bag just as a bed at home, or if it needs to be portable. If you will be travelling with the sleeping bag, look at getting a lightweight model that will roll up to be more compact and easier to carry.
You'll also want to consider buying a waterproof or water resistant bag if your dog will be using it outside.
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Comfort and Warmth
There are a number of choices to consider when buying your much loved pet the perfect sleeping bag. Many dog lovers find the most important aspect about sleeping bags is their dog’s comfort. A sleeping bag is the best choice for restless sleepers as they don’t fall off during the night like blankets do due to movement, stretching and rustling about.
This means they provide a comfortable, continuous, safe level of warmth for your dog.
Certain breeds of dog, especially hairless types, need to be kept nice and warm. Dogs that use sleeping bags often like to snuggle towards the back of the bag when they are cold or lay closer to the edge when they are warm.
Dogs are pretty good at regulating their temperature at night, and they tend to know how to heat up or cool down when using a sleeping bag.
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Versatility, Convenience and Durability
Another advantage of sleeping bags is your dog can get into the bag by himself and arrange himself into that perfect position. After all, your dog's comfort should be the number one thing to consider when learning how to choose a dog sleeping bag.
The majority of sleeping bags are washable and are perfect for camping or trips out. They are not as big, bulky or heavy as most dog beds are. Many doggy sleeping bags for camping are made of water-repellent material. Sleeping bags are transportable, lightweight and economical. They can also be rolled up conveniently in a backpack for hiking.
They are also suitable for a car or a crate so your pooch can have the comfort of his bed with him wherever he goes! A good quality sleeping bag will be durable and made to last for many years, so they aren’t something you have to re-purchase on a regular basis.
If you learn how to choose a dog sleeping bag now, it's likely that you'll be able to use the bag for generations of dogs.
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Dog Sizes and Materials
Dog sleeping bags come in all sizes, so it is best to match the correct size of bag to your dog. Perhaps take measurements with a measuring tape before purchase and check out the recommended sizes from the manufacturer’s website.
Make sure there’s enough room for air to circulate while remaining snug enough. Check the material it is made from, and make sure it isn’t too stiff or coarse. The base of the bag shouldn’t be thin or flimsy, nor should it be overstuffed.
If the sleeping bag is foam based, ensure it is washable or that the fabric inside the bag is removable for washing.
Check all the fastenings. Velcro is a no-no for longer-haired breeds. Zips should be strong but easy to unzip, and it shouldn’t catch in the fabric when zipping up or unzipping. The bag should be made of the strongest fabrics to ensure it keeps its shape.
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The Different Types of Doggy Sleeping Bags
The traditional canine sleeping bag looks like a typical sleeping bag that you would use for yourself on a camping trip. However, they are made to accommodate dogs, meaning they are made stronger for dogs who scratch at their bed.
The Cave bags are perfect for dogs that like to snuggle into the bag and are well insulated. You can find synthetic, water resistant or down insulation. Goose down is more durable than synthetic, however, it is not suitable for use in wet weather.
The dog bed sleeping bags look similar to a dog bed but the base and the sleeping part pulls over the top of the bed and creates a cave-like structure. Many dogs get anxious, and the cave sleeping bags are perfect for them because this type of bag provides a safe, quiet place to rest. During thunderstorms or heavy rain it is an ideal place for your dog to go and hide.
For older dogs that get cold easily, especially if they have lost weight due to illness, a sleeping bag is ideal for keeping your canine friend at a constant warm temperature, and will keep aging joints warmer.
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A memory foam mattress inside the sleeping bag is designed to assist older or ailing dogs. The memory foam eases any discomfort and gives superior support for fragile or aging bones, while insulating your dog’s body heat from a cold floor.
For dogs who suffer with incontinence, most sleeping bags can be machine washed or wiped down to ensure your pet's bag is kept clean and germ free.
If you have an especially smelly dog or dislike doggy odor in the house, you can choose a cedar filled bag. These sleeping bags are especially good for puppies, as they significantly cut down on dog odor.
However, make sure your dog isn’t allergic to the filling. If your dog is prone to allergies a good alternative is a hypoallergenic dog bed cover. You may be able to shop around online and find a hypoallergenic dog sleeping bag as well.
Once you decide how to choose a dog sleeping bag, may your beloved pet sleep well and have sweet dreams! Observe your dog's sleeping habits, do your research and make a wise choice.
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