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Without a doubt, Americans pamper their dogs and cats and the simple pet bed has been transformed into a warm, plush retreat. Now if your pets are anything like mine, they prefer your bed to anything else. Given the choices in pet beds available to owners, even the most finicky dog or cat may change their behavior. Using materials that are found in bedding products for humans, pet beds have benefited from advancements in materials and technology.

Our pets are susceptible to many of the same physical maladies that affect us. As our pets get older, it is very common for them to develop conditions such as arthritis. Spinal misalignments, and the plain old aches and pains of old age can be made worse by sleeping on the wrong surface. Though not much is known about the sleep habits of the average pet, we might assume that our furry companions need quality sleep. This must be especially true for working dogs.

Twenty or so years ago, a new material was made available for human sleep systems. Originally developed for use by manned space flight crews, visco elastic memory foam is now being used extensively in the bedding industry. Not only have mattresses been made using memory foam, there are aftermarket mattress pads made from this unique product. Though it was never used in the space program, visco elastic memory foam has found its way into pet beds of all shapes and sizes. Using body heat, the foam molds around the body, providing support without creating pressure points.

The principle is very similar to that of a waterbed. Now there are waterbeds designed for pets. Pet waterbeds are very similar in design and construction to waterbeds for people. With frames, safety liners and other components, pet waterbeds can get a little complicated. Like a hybrid waterbed for humans, pet waterbeds do not need a hard wood frame to support the water mattress. Accessory heaters are available for pet waterbeds that add to the comfort level. Still, memory foam pet beds offer the same comfort features as a waterbed without the assembly and maintenance.

Utilizing the tried and true innerspring, orthopedic pet mattresses offer an ailing pet, and their human companion, another sleep option. Built along the same lines as a full size mattress for humans, orthopedic pet mattresses can help ease the pain of achy joints. Removable covers allow for the bed to be kept properly cleaned and pest free.

Watch your pet dog or cat and you will notice something interesting. Like most people, animals like a warm cozy spot to rest in. Like memory foam and orthopedic pet beds, heated pet beds are gaining in popularity, and not just for the average pet. Older pets often develop the same maladies that effect humans, such as arthritis. The comfort of a heated bed or a bed topped with memory foam can be very therapeutic for pets suffering from muscular skeletal conditions.

Accessory pet bed heaters operate in much the same way as a waterbed heater. Most pet bed heaters feature a temperature control. Some pet beds designers integrate the heater into the bed. Resembling waterbed heaters, a pet bed heater can be added to an existing bed. Since your pet will not be able to tell you whether the bed is too hot or too cold, it is very important to test the temperature yourself. Dogs and cats do not sweat and it is important to never expose your pet to excess heat

So whether your pets share your bed or have one of their own, a quality pet bed can be a great investment.