Let sleeping dogs lie. But where? Many animal owners admit their pets share their beds at night. But for daytime catnaps, where does your pet lay its head? Pet boutiques – in stores and online – are providing answers with a bevy of beds in bumper, pillow and unbelievably fancier styles in time for holiday gift-giving.
According to the website dog-supplies-advisor.com, you should choose a bed for your animal based on your pet’s sleeping style rather than your home’s decor. The website says if your cat sleeps curled up, round pillows, lounge-
styles or bumper beds are good choices. If your dog sleeps sprawled out, a rectangular pillow, larger bumper or couch- style bed is the one to pick.
Whichever bed is best, you’ll have several styles to choose from.
And owners will sleep well knowing they can choose comfort without sacrificing fashion.
For pet boutique owner Robin Cohn of Nashville, Tenn., the No. 1 seller is a thick fleece bumper bed. “It’s comfortable for dogs to snuggle in because it’s built like a nest,” she says. “Comfort is the key, but it’s also machine-washable and can go anywhere.”
Some bumper beds have removable, washable pillow bottoms, and some are entirely washable. If your pet drools or sheds, this might be a good choice.
Another best seller is a micro-velvet bumper bed that looks like leather. The bed looks at home in traditional or contemporary settings.
Bumper beds range in size from an 18-
inch extra-small to a 50-inch extra-large and can accommodate most animals. Prices range from about $25 to more than $200. Bumper beds are great options for dogs or cats, but cat owners will definitely want to check out the faux-mink kitty bumper bed on Target’s website.
If you (or your pet) prefer a pillow style, you can find several options at thepamperedpup.com. Fabric choices include retro dots, pastel stripes, denim and even a monogrammed bed.
At glamourdog.com, a shimmering pink (faux) mink floor bed will tell the world your dog is pampered. It is slip-covered and can be dry-cleaned.
While some pillow beds lie on the floor, others come with a matching base, making them look like fancy ottomans. Pillow beds come in a variety of sizes and range in price from about $20 to hundreds.
For small dogs, Cohn says many more choices exist. Smaller animals can get cozy in beds designed to look like couches, chaise lounges or tented huts. You can also choose from styles that resemble beds, canopy beds and even a mahogany sleigh bed.
“These styles are fun,” Cohn says. “You can get a leopard-print chaise lounge or a Provincial-style bed in toile for that South of France look.”
Cats sleep about 16 hours a day, and dogs sleep just a little less.
So a nice bed is a good investment. To sleep, perchance to dream.
