How to Choose the Correct Size Dog Carrier

One of the most popular questions I get is how to choose the correct sized dog carrier.

Below are some questions to ask yourself before looking for a dog carrier:

• What does your dog weigh?
o If still a puppy, what will it weigh when full grown? What did its parents weigh?
• What is the length of your dog? Take a measurement from their tip of their nose to the base of their tail.
• What do you want to use this carrier for?

Dog Weight:

Most dog carriers are good for dogs up to 12 pounds. After that, you may want to think if you really want to be carrying around a 12 pound plus dog. If so, I would look into a wheeled dog carrier or another type of carrier besides one that hangs on your shoulder. The weight on every carrier is different, so please check. If it does not say in the description, don’t be afraid to ask. If you have a very tiny dog, such as a dog less than 4 pounds, you should be able to choose any dog carrier there is.

Dog Length:

It is important to give your dog enough room to move and feel comfortable in the carrier. But at the same time you don’t want it to be too large that every time they move, they are tilting and off-setting the carrier. The best thing to do is measure your dog and add a few inches to get the correct size dog carrier. If the carrier you are interested in has a place where the head sticks out, you will not need as big of a carrier than if you were picking a carrier that is enclosed.

Carrier Purpose:

Are you looking for a carrier to just take your dog to the veterinarian’s office or are you looking for a carrier to take your dog into stores with you? The purpose of your carrier will affect the price that you have to pay. If you are looking for a simpler carrier that can show your dog you will be able to find many lower cost options. If you are looking for a dog carrier that will hide your dog you will be spending more money. This is due to the extra materials needed to make it more like a purse than a carrier.

18BLACK Pet BACKPACK Dog Cat DELUXE Bag Shoulder Carrier Hand Carry Travel D169 US $23.59

18 BLACK VENTS VET Travell Pet Dog Cat Bag Carrier Hand Carry Crate DELUXE D156 US $23.59

DoggiDuds Brand Airline Approved Soft Mesh Small Cat Dog Carrier 15x10x10 Black US $19.00

Lot of 2 Brand New Stylish Carrier Bag is perfect for the small dog puppy cat US $44.99

YELLOW AIRLINE DOG BACKPACK ROLLING PET CARRIER LUGGAGE WPC YELLOW US $48.99

BLUE AIRLINE DOG BACKPACK ROLLING PET CARRIER LUGGAGE WPC BLUE US $48.99

BLUE GIRAFFE BY WILLOW BLU COUTURE SECURITY BABY BLANKET DOG CAT CARRIER US $8.99

40 Dog Soft Crate Portable Pet House Carrier Kennel Travel Folding Large Cage US $42.95

RED AIRLINE DOG BACKPACK ROLLING PET CARRIER LUGGAGE CL WPC RED US $42.99

Dog Carrier Legs out Front Style Backpack SMALL BNIB US $19.00

GUCCI DOG CARRIER in BROWN US $450.00

XXX LARGE DOG CARRIER CRATE PET KENNEL PORTABLE HOUSE FPC XXXL US $74.99

ALL TERRAIN PINK FOLDING DOG STROLLER HD PET CARRIER US $59.99

Dog Carrier US $10.00

37 Dog Kennel w Wheels Portable Pet Puppy Carrier Crate Cage Heavy Duty Metal US $96.95

RITZY PAW Small Pet Dog Cat Animal Front Chest Carrier Backpack Tote Transport US $18.79

Comfort Carrier Large Pet Dog Cat Soft Travel Tote Pink US $9.99

ALL TERRAIN BLACK RED FOLDING DOG STROLLER PET CARRIER US $54.53

Small Dog Carrier US $30.00

DOG CARRIER by Coats n Totes US $20.00

Companion Road RED dog pup puppy Carrier Bag pet purse tote animal US $29.00

NEW 3 in 1 BLUE PET STROLLERCARRIERCAR SEAT DOG CAT PET STR 17 BLUE US $87.98

BLUE FOLDING DOG STROLLER CARRIER PET STROLLERS DOGS CL PET STR 18 BLUE US $62.99

YELLOW FOLDING DOG STROLLER CARRIER PET STROLLERS DOGS PS 08 YELLOW US $77.99

LG DOG CAT CARRIER CRATE PET KENNEL PORTABLE HOUSE CL FPC L US $34.51

★Pet Air Travel Carrier Puppy Travel Crates Dog Cage Medium ATC 670 Orange US $59.99

Pet Taxi by Petmate for Small or Medium Size Dog Pet Carrier US $9.99

SturdiBag Dog Cat Pet Carrier Air Car Travel Bag Tote US $50.00

SILKSTONE DOG CARRIER AND YORKIE DOG US $7.99

32 Portable Pet Dog House Soft Crate Carrier Cage Kennel Foldable Playpen Blue US $33.95

Kyjen Outward Hound Designer Pet Front Carrier, Medium, Pink
This hands free pet carrier is specially designed to accommodate small dogs and cats up to 20lbs....

Kyjen Outward Hound Sling-Go Pet Sling Carrier, Black
Carry pets just like babies with the comfortable, safe and convenient hands free pet sling carrier. For use with dogs, cats and ot...

Petmate 21277 Kennel Cab Fashion Pet Carrier, Large
The Kennel cab is a safe way for your pet to travel. Meeting IATA and USDA requirements which has a seatbelt slot for safe travel...

Sherpa Duffle Carrier - up to 12 lbs Brown
Please measure your pet before ordering do not go by the weight as not all pets will fit in this carrier regardless of the weight....

How to Choose the Perfect Dog Bed for Your Pet

We spend countless hours shopping for a bed for ourselves, not to mention thousands of dollars. This is because sleeping comfort is important. We want the place where we rest our head to be a sanctuary.

The same is true for your beloved dog. A good dog bed can last years, be the perfect resting place for your dog, and it can also help with training. (But a dog bed doesn't, it shouldn't, cost a fortune!) Finding the right dog bed for your dog can solve a number of problems. It can help your dog feel secure and safe. It can give you a special location to send your dog when you need them to stay.

For example, during mealtime, bedtime or when you have company you can send your dog to their bed and if you've chosen your dog's bed wisely, they'll happily go. It makes sense then that not just any and all dog beds will do. You need to choose a bed that's perfect for your dog and their unique needs and personality. There are many very important considerations to make. Let's take a look at them individually.

Size Matters

Sure, a Chihuahua would love to rest their little head in a giant dog bed because they tend to behave as if they're large dogs. However, a Great Dane isn't going to enjoy spending time in a dog bed built for a Chihuahua. Size is important. You want your dog to feel safe, secure, and comfortable in their dog bed. Find a bed that fits your dog and the space in your home comfortably.

Material Girl, or Guy

There are many different materials a bed can be made out of. And just as many that it can be filed with.

For example, a bed can be made of polyester and stuffed with fiberfill much like a pillow on your own bed. A bed can also be made from micro-suede or vinyl and filled with memory foam. The material the bed is made from can be critically important. Dogs can have allergies or skin sensitivities to some materials and fillings. Additionally, the purpose for your dog's bed and their health need to be considered when choosing dog bed materials. For example, if you're using the bed outdoors you'll want a waterproof dog bed.

If you have a dog with bladder control issues then waterproof or washable materials are important too. And if you have a pet that is older or you just love to pamper them then the memory foam is great on their joints, tendons and muscles.

Health & Age

Your dog's health and age are also important considerations when choosing a bed. For example, if you have an older dog, you want the bed to be easy for them to get into and out of. An elevated bed, like a pet couch, may be ideal for larger animals so they don't have to stoop down to get into their bed. Likewise a smaller bed with low sides would be ideal for an aging toy breed. This eliminates them having to step over any tall sides. And as mentioned before if your pet has bladder control issues you will want to make sure the bed is easily washed to resume its form or that it's waterproof.

Location, Location, Location

Beds come in almost every shape, style and color. This is important because it means you can find the perfect bed for your home. For example, what if you have an empty corner in your living room that's perfect for your dog's bed? Then why not get them a bed that's designed to fit into a corner? And what about the dog bed that sits at the end of your bed? You can find great elevated dog beds or couches that perfectly match your needs. Circles, squares, rectangles, ovals, raised beds, couches, and the good old fashioned dog pillow are all options depending on where you're placing your dog's bed.

Purpose & Personality

Now you already know your dog has a unique personality and you can get a bed that matches their wonderful characteristics. For example, what if your dog enjoys snuggling or burrowing or if you have a dog that is particularly shy? You can get a dog bed with a cover on it for them.

And if your dog likes to feel like one of their humans then an elevated bed or dog couch might be perfect. And what if you have a dog that loves playing and hanging out outside? You can get a bed for them that weathers well, is durable, and matches your dog's personality. Do you have a dog that you love to spoil? What about an extra cushy micro-suede couch? And of course you can match your dog's bed to your own style and decorating personality too. From whimsical to contemporary and everything in between, there's a dog bed to match your purpose and personality.

Let's Not Forget Price

The first step to finding the perfect dog bed for your dog is to make a list of what your dog needs. Prioritize these needs with the most important need being first on your list. You can add a list of wants, like color and shape, under the list of needs so you can compare dog beds.

Once you have a list of the features and functions you'd like your dog bed to have, the final element to compare is price. Dog beds can cost a small fortune but they don't have to. Comparison shop online and look for the shipping costs too. A retailer may drastically cut the price of the dog bed and make up for it in what they charge for shipping.

A dog bed should be something that lasts a good long time. They should be easy to keep clean, comfortable for your dog and they should fit your dog's needs and personality. Create a list of what you and your dog want in a perfect dog bed and start comparing.

New Medium Dog or Cat Pet Bed Plush Beds for Dogs US $13.99

Faux Sheepskin Dog Cat Kitten Puppy Pet Soft Warm Winter Bed House Basket D4 US $10.72

New heatwarm Indoor Pet Puppy Dog Cat Bed House soft Warmpet house US $14.69

DOG BED SOFT PINK FELT WITH SOFT PINK FEATHERS US $36.99

Organic and Recycled Pillow Dog Bed by Better Buddies US $90.00

Coffee Comfortable soft warm round Pet beds Dog Cat Bed hourse freeshipping US $14.00

Plush Flower Dog Cat Mat Pillow Donut Bed Great Buy US $5.99

FINAL SALE Large 100 Cotton Round Pink Handmade Dog Cat Pet House Bed US $15.00

Indoor Pet Puppy Dog Cat Soft Fleece Winter Warm Bed House Nesting Pad Mat US $.01

NEW PET DOG BED BLUE w WHITE PAWS PILLOW 25 US $6.99

NEW PET BED TAN w BLACK PAW PRINTS 26 DOG PILLOW US $9.99

YELLOW GIRAFFE BY WILLOW BLU COUTURE SECURITY BABY BLANKETS LOVIE DOG CAT BED 14 US $8.99

CAT DOG PET BED 22L X 12D toy dogs cats sm animals US $14.99

Small Dog Strawberry Bed US $15.00

Dog Bed Hut Style BRAND NEW 16 x 16 x 14 US $9.00

DBD 022BRP Charming Cute Soft Cozy Monochrome Princess Dog Cat reseda Bed S US $8.99

11x14 Print DOG CAT Twilight SKY Little Star CRIB Bedding ART NEW US $19.99

NEW PET DOG BED BLUE w WHITE PAWS PILLOW 215 US $.99

CAT Play Toy Tent Bed Kittens Cats Ferrets Puppy Dogs US $7.93

NEW PET DOG BED BLUE w WHITE PAWS PILLOW 23 US $4.99

NEW PET BED LEOPARD PRINT Dog or Cat Pillow PLUSH US $6.99

CHEETAH DESIGN PET HOUSE BED FOR CATS OR DOGS etc NEW SIZE 3 US $26.49

BLACK AND TAN BED w PAW LEATHER CORNERS DOG CAT SIZE 2 US $16.09

DALMATIAN CAT DOG BED BLACK AND WHITE PILLOW SIZE 3 US $19.99

BLUE PET HOUSE BED WITH PAW GRAPHIC for CATS OR DOGS etc size 2 US $18.89

BLUE PET HOUSE BED with PAW GRAPHIC for CATS AND DOGS NEW SIZE 3 US $20.99

LARGE RED PAW PRINT GRAPHIC PET HOUSE BED FOR CATS AND DOGS size 4 NEW US $19.29

BLUE PET HOUSE BED WITH PAW GRAPHIC for CATS OR DOGS etc size 1 US $16.69

HOT PINK PET HOUSE BED W PAW DESIGN New DOG size 3 US $14.89

FOLDABLE RED PET BED w REVERSIBLE PILLOW FOR DOG SIZE2 US $17.79

Midwest Quiet Time 23-By-18-Inch Paw Print/Fleece Reversible Pet Bed, Blue
The Reversible Paw Print Beds are made with Ultra-soft Synthetic Fur on one side and on the other a Ultra-Plush Synthetis Sheep Sk...

X-Large Burgundy/Imitation Lambswool Dog Bed King Pet Bed-Orthopedic Foam Comfort. Size: 42x32x7. Proudly Made in the USA.
Your pet will be comfortable in this quality pet bed made in the USA by Dog Bed King. The 2" thick orthopedic foam base combined w...

Petmate Durabed Elevated Pet Bed Large, Forest Green
Durabed is made from metal tubes and durable fabric cover. It is not a pillow, nor a basket. It's a frame bed. High side walls to ...

K&H Cuddle Cube Pet Bed, Small 24-Inch by 24-Inch, Mocha
This bed is a must for the nest loving pet. 12" thick, berber Cuddle Cube lets your pet sink into luxury. Your pet will be surroun...

Is Your Cat Scratching Up all your nice Furniture?

Tips before you Buy a Cat Scratching Tree Or Cat Furniture!

First of all, when thinking of buying a cat scratching tree, you should determine which cat scratching tree would be best for your cat.

This all depends on your cats size, your cats climbing abilities and your cats age.

What size cat scratching tree is good for kittens? What is better for cats? Huge Cat scratching trees or small cat scratching trees? For kittens, I recommend you to buy a small, wide cat scratching tree, since most little cats (especially kittens) are careless and jumpy and can easily fall of a tall cat scratching tree and get hurt.

Make sure when buying a kitten scratching tree, that your cat tree doesn't have narrow, high ledges that the kittens can fall off... Therefore, I recommend to buy a great, fun, wide scratching tree for kittens and cats that is safe and provides lots of entertainment!

How will the Cat scratching tree entertain my Cats and Kittens?

By playing, jumping and scratching cats and kittens have a GREAT time on cat scratching trees.

Not only do cats ENJOY to be high up on a tree, (like in nature) but they also enjoy the fun of climbing up a cat scratching tree, scratching up the cat scratching tree and playing catch-me if you have 2 or more cats.

For almost all cats, (especially kittens) it is recommended to have many hanging mice and cat toys on the cat tree, so that especially the young kittens will get loads of entertainment, since they often get bored and restless.

If you have a BIG cat, you might want to get her/him a large cat scratching tree so that she will have plenty of room to climb and scratch and be able to exercise him/herself on the cat scratching tree.

You don't want a fat cat do you?

For older, lazier cats, a climbing tree with more room, more ledges for them to hang of and sleep on and more places to scratch.

What Color Cat Scratching Tree Matches My home best?

When getting a cat scratching tree, you can mostly choose what color you want it in too.

Try choosing a color that will best match your house.
If your walls and furniture are light, then you can take a lighter cat scratching tree.

However if your walls and chairs are dark wood, you might want to choose a dark cat tree.

WARNING: Never buy a cat scratching tree that doesn't have a cover/material over the ledges.

This means that there is no material covering the wood. This is cheaper but worse and dangerous for your cat since splinters can get into it's paws and injure it! Also, a cat tree without any covering material is ugly, plain and unpleasant for your cat to sit on.
Therefore, buy a good cat scratching tree that has a material covering to it!

Here's a recommended site for cheap cat scratching trees.

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