My dog is large. He’s barely 100 lbs and does not own a bed. This is because of the high cost of good pet beds (some are just flat pillows that lose its cushion after just a week). I mean, to my parents, anything more than for a dog accessory is too much…. (besides vet exam bills or shots). Is this bad for his body, particularly bones–ribs, arms, skull? He’s a medium "plush" haired German Shepherd so the cold-ness of the floor isn’t a problem. It’s just the fact that he’s still on a hard surface. I can’t even sleep on the floor because it would sore my bones.
PS: another question, anyone know any department stores that sell good beds for under ? I need one that’s at least 36 inches long.
May 13th, 2010 - 4:02 am
make one your self. buy some fabric. make a inner and fill it up with the stuff for bean bag chairs. make an outter that has a zipper so you can wash it. make sure you get a heavy duty fabric for the outter case.$20 with change. it’ll be better than any bed you can buy.
if you want to go really cheap, go and find some 1-1/2" to 2" heavy foam. make a case. bobs your uncle.
May 13th, 2010 - 4:02 am
Bad for their joints. Simple solution either hand your dog down a human double duvet folded into 4 and put inside a single bed cover or get one from a ‘nearly-new’ store.
You could even make something like this:
http://www.kittenkaboodle.com/page/KK/PROD/Extra-Large-Dog-Beds/CBB-XL
I found I needed to pay 3x your $20 to get an oval dog bed that lasted.
May 13th, 2010 - 4:02 am
Look for a baby crib mattress at garage sale, you should be able to get one very cheap and it will last. It is a good size for you dog as well.
May 13th, 2010 - 4:02 am
use a old sleeping bag
May 13th, 2010 - 4:02 am
I’m sure there are things you could put on the floor that are much softer than hardwood. I would never have a hard floor as the only option for a dog that size.
Don’t worry about not being able to afford a dog bed. With all the dogs of many breeds that I’ve owned over the years, only one ever used his bed.
For 20 dollars you should be able to find several nice washable blankets at a dollar store that would make him much more comfortable.
May 13th, 2010 - 4:02 am
Eek, it’s bad for the elbows, yes.
Fortunately for you however, until you get into the really expensive orthopedic variety, pet beds are more marketing than anything – a plain ol’ cushion will do the same thing. Here’re two options that are cheaper than the crappy $80 beds you can buy at the pet store:
1) If you can put it in your bedroom or somewhere where your parents aren’t bothered by its aesthetics, an ugly loveseat from Goodwill or the Salvation Army or Craigslist will do nicely. You can definitely find one for $25 or less. Plus, it’s eco-friendly!
2) If that’s not possible, you can buy some of that egg carton foam like this for 10-20 bucks: http://www.boscovs.com/StoreFrontWeb/Product.bos?quantity=1&itemNumber=17813&type=Product
Then cut it to the appropriate size, get a needle and thread and stitch a few layers together, put a blanket over it, and whala! Instant dog bed that’s exactly the same thing you’d buy at the store.
May 13th, 2010 - 4:02 am
Sleeping on a hardwood floor for any type dog is bad. They can develop arthritis and then you’ll have to pay for more Vet bills. Tell your family that no bed for dogs means arthritis in hips and more Vet bills. You can get a big box and line the box with blankets for your dog until you can afford to buy a dog bed.
May 13th, 2010 - 4:02 am
I think the general lack of doggy beds in nature suggests that dogs are probably ok sleeping on the ground. If you feel really bad about it though, through a cushion from goodwill or a rug on the floor, those are enough for a dog.
May 13th, 2010 - 4:02 am
Why not an old blanket or plush rug? Anything is better than the hard floor!
May 13th, 2010 - 4:02 am
If he is only sleeping on the floors then yes it’s bad. My dog will change between the floor & his bed but he has the option. You are giving him no option.
I would try & save up as much money as you can & buy him a bed! Because he is a German Shepherd, they are more prone to arthritis than other dogs. You don’t want to hurry up this upsetting desease.
I think a bed is a basic requirement of owning a dog.
Please eat 2 minute noodles & save your money & buy him a bed.
May 13th, 2010 - 4:02 am
yes it is not good the dogs loose their hair from the ankles and knees if they sleep in hard bed . and the cold floor is not good for their bones.