The dog directory covers dogs information, product, rescue, breeders, breeds, service, supplies, training, shelter, health, and more.
 

Modern Dog Care – Memory Foam Dog Beds

July 15th, 2010 3:09 am

Pet care has advanced a lot in recent years, in all areas, including dog beds. Some of the biggest and most valuable advantages have come in memory foam. Once only available to the richer dog owners, memory foam dog beds have now come down a bunch in price. But what is it that makes memory foam beds such a super buy? It’s so much more than the price.

What is memory foam?

Memory foam is visco-elastic polyurethane, which reacts with the heat of the dog’s body to form itself to all the dog’s curves. There is an
assortment of grades in firmness and support available. It is soft and supple and easily molds but then it retains its shape, giving extra support that no other pet mattresses offer. The technology has been used for a while now in human mattresses and so now pet owners are able to give their pet the same benefits.

All shapes and sizes of beds can be made, so regardless the size of your dog and whatever position they like to sleep in, there is a foam dog bed on hand to meet that need. Also, they can be found in a full range of cover designs.

Health benefits

These dog beds are not only soft and comfortable; they offer all the support that any dog could need. Whatsoever the size, weight or age of your dog, this technology allows for the total support of every joint and muscle.

If your dog suffers from joint problems or arthritis, this is a particularly good choice particularly for older dogs suffering from arthritis and other conditions. Vets often recommend orthopedic dog beds made of this foam for dogs that have orthopedic problems, because of the first-rate support they offer. Working dogs also benefit from the support of memory foam dog beds to rest their weary muscles and give them time to repair before the next busy day.

The memory foam takes the pressure off joints and muscles and so can be beneficial in reducing pain for your dog, even if your dog suffers from a condition like hip dysplasia. The spines of large dogs can be allowed to sag and distort when not supported by memory foam technology.

The excellent support that these beds afford also facilitates better blood circulation. With their weight evenly distributed by the foam, your dog has the best chance of a peaceful night’s sleep, especially as they will not be tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable. From our own experience, everyone knows how frustrating that can be when all you want to do is sleep.

Finally, memory foam dog beds are breathable, which means they will keep your dog warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. That is better for their health and also helps them sleep better.

Economic benefits

It used to be considered that these dog beds were relatively expensive. But with the old laws of supply and demand, prices have fallen, making them a fantastic buy. They may cost a little more initially but they are extremely durable, which may be particularly important if you have a large dog or one who chews a lot.

In addition, memory foam dog beds can be machine washed or easily washed by hand. They should last for years, whereas cheaper alternatives surely will not. Some can also be machine dried.

So, whatsoever your budget, it makes sense to look at this type of dog beds. They meet all your pet’s needs; they are available in any style you could wish for, and they will last for years to come.

Dog Art Options

June 22nd, 2010 9:33 am

When looking for original art or art prints today, the first thing to remember is to make full use of the internet. The internet has completely changed the way we buy products, including art. Artists are now able to reach a national and even international audience where previously they were restricted to finding buyers in their local area. Similarly buyers looking to find the perfect painting or art print can view and choose from a huge selection online, and this is where you should start.

There are many options available, from an original oil painting of your own pet from a photo you supply, to mass produced art prints of any dog breed. Lets analyse the options further.

Your dog:

The first and most expensive option if you really desire your own dog in the art, and also the most sought after, is to have an original oil or acrylic or watercolour painting commissioned. Normally this just requires that you supply a clear photograph of your pet to the artist, and select which of the standard sizes you require. Note however that due to the time it takes for a painting to be completed, plus allowing for paint drying time, an original painting can take weeks or months to complete.

The second option is to supply your chosen photo to one of the “digital” art services, who will digitally filter and alter the photo so it appears to have been painted. This is often not expensive but is generally unconvincing, and is my least preferable option.

Generic dog art:

If you are not specifically looking for a painting or print of a specific dog such as your own pet, but are simply looking for a particular dog breed and colour, your options are greater. Many artists create paintings of numerous dog breeds and in addition to selling the original paintings to buyers, they also sell high quality prints of the paintings at a very low cost. Sometimes these prints are limited in number to ensure some exclusivity, but generally if you are looking for spectacular dog art a print can often be the best option, and in many cases pet owners cannot believe the dog in the print is not theirs. The art is normally printed on high quality watercolor paper or canvas, and is difficult to distinguish from an original. Some artists will even personalise the print with a particular pet name if requested.

In addition to selling original paintings and prints some artists also sell other products which display their dog art images, such as clothing and t-shirts, coffee mugs, calenders etc. The same images they use for their art prints are printed onto all manner of popular objects and clothing, and can be very popular gifts. Many artists offer this service on their websites alongside their original art and prints.

Conclusion:

With the vast choice available on the internet today, you can be virtually guaranteed that your perfect dog art product can be found. If you are looking for a cheap but high quality Dog Art print, look for artists who offer reprints of their original dog breed paintings at a low cost. If you really desire a painting of your own pet or that of a friend or family member, you will need to try and locate a good clear photograph to use, then choose the artist online whose previous paintings appeal most directly to you – remember there are an infinite number of different looks and styles of painting, and you should be able to find a style which is most attractive to you.