The perfect dog bed for your pet: Dogs contribute to our physical and mental health. They bring a smile to our faces, guard and protect their pack and are loyal – no wonder they are also known as man’s best friend.
Most dog owners have the well-being of their four-legged friends at heart as a kind of thank you: according to various surveys, they spend between 50 and 120 euros per month on food, toys and the like. However, a modern, comfortable dog bed also plays a major role in the well-being of dogs. Sylvia Leinwather from “Paulis Hundeausstatter” in Vienna and Sebastian Zweig from “Mia Cara” in Herzogenaurach, Germany, know what is important when choosing a dog bed.
Lying comfort
As you make your bed, so you lie – this saying also applies to four-legged friends. A comfortable bed is a prerequisite for restful sleep, especially for older dogs or those with orthopaedic problems. “Our dog beds and pillows are all filled with viscoelastic foam, which is shaped by the animal’s body heat and therefore adapts to it. This relieves pressure and is easy on the joints,” says Sebastian Zweig, founder and managing director of the “Mia Cara” design studio. The filling made of sticks, which consist of environmentally friendly recycled foam, retains its shape even under constant use. In addition, a pre-formed hollow in the middle of the cushion helps it to nest.
Sylvia Leinwather from Paulis Hundeausstatter also attaches great importance to comfort and a good night’s sleep for dogs: “Our handmade inner cushions are filled with a polyfleece that doesn’t clump. What’s more, it doesn’t compress, so the dog always lies softly,” explains Leinwather. Last but not least, the filling is hypoallergenic.
Size matters
Another factor for restful sleep is the size of the dog bed. Leinwather knows that most customers tend to choose a bed that is too small. According to Zweig, it is important that the four-legged friends can lie in different positions. “I therefore recommend that customers come into the store with their dog to try it out,” says Leinwather.
Hygiene in the dog bed
Modern dog beds are also characterized by their hygiene. “The beds must be removable and washable. That’s the most important thing for dog owners,” says Leinwather. This applies not only to the covers, but also to the inner upholstery. “We also sew the inside ourselves. We use cotton because it doesn’t rustle and is washable at 40 degrees,” explains Leinwather.
Sustainable dog beds
Another topic that is becoming increasingly important is sustainability. Materials that contain little to no harmful substances are just as much in demand from dog owners as high-quality fabrics, such as those made from cotton or recycled materials. “For our Mare line, we use fabrics that are made from recycled plastic waste from the sea or beaches in cooperation with the Seaqual Initiative,” says Zweig. Incidentally, sustainability also means that fabric remnants from the cutting of covers are used for the production of dog toys.
Design counts
In addition to functionality, the design of baskets, beds and cushions is increasingly an issue. “They should integrate into the home in the best possible way,” say Leinwather and Zweig. The selection of styles – from minimalist to country house -, shapes – from angular to cubic or organic, with or without a backrest -, materials, colors and patterns is correspondingly large. “We have around 100 fabrics to choose from to cover the beds,” says Leinwather. To complete the look, she also offers cushions in various sizes for the home. “After all, everyone should be happy,” says Leinwather.
www.paulis-hundeausstatter.at
www.miacara.com
Photos: Paulis-Hundeausstatter_Tanja-Hofer-Fotografie and MiaCara
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