There are literally dozens and dozens of pet beds out on the market, available for you to purchase for your dog or cat. How do you know which dog bed is right for your dog? There are many different factors that you should keep in mind when deciding upon a pet bed to purchase.

What is the bed made out of? Believe it or not, it is possible for your pet to have allergies, just like you do. Keep this in mind when deciding upon a bed for your dog. If it doesn’t feel pleasant to your hand, then the odds are that your pet won’t be comfortable in that bed. If you have a larger dog, then you’ll want to take his or her chewing habits into account. While we would all like to believe that our dogs are perfect angels, deep down we know the truth. Some of them just have bad habits. If your dog is a chewer, then you’ll definitely want to get a pet bed made of an industrial strength fabric like canvas.

Does your dog have special needs? If your pet has joint or health issues, then you probably want to consider getting an orthopedic dog bed. Orthopedic pet beds are extremely comfortable, as they are overstuffed with density foam and memory fiber to give your pet the most support. You take a lot of time to pick out your mattress—don’t you think your dog deserves the same consideration?

Can you remove and wash the cover? Regardless of your specific pet’s bad habits, always get a pet bed that has a removable cover. Dogs are animals, and animals tend to get dirty. Therefore, you always want to be able to remove the cover of your dog’s bed and throw it in the washing machine. The best pet beds on the market offer a stain resistant, mildew resistant, and water repellent bed covering that helps to minimize the amount of time you’re spending washing your pet bed’s cover.

How does the bed look? Just because your dog is going to be sleeping on it doesn’t mean that the bed needs to be an eyesore in your living room, den, or bedroom! Most dog beds are available in neutral colors such as powder blue, khaki, or olive green. When you’re trying to decide upon a pet bed, make sure to take the look of the bed into consideration. The best dog beds will match any décor in your home and can therefore be moved easily from room to room.

Purchasing a pet bed is comparable to purchasing a mattress and bed for your own use. Take your time and choose a dog bed where your pet can be truly comfortable and at home. Your pet deserves his or her rest, too.