How to Choose Organic Bedding for your Pet’s Health and Comfort
You may not give much thought to what that fluffy pillow your pet is sleeping on is made of. After all, you probably have more on your mind than dog or cat beds. But taking a few minutes to shop for a new and improved doggie or kitty bed can really help your pet be healthier and more comfortable.
Most pet beds look soft and plush. That’s about as far as most of us get into the world of pet beds. We buy a cute one that has a fuzzy enough interior for our pets to cuddle up in. And if the color matches our home decor, so much the better. But stop for a moment and consider that cotton is processed in chemicals, and fleece is often no better, and both of these materials are commonly used in pet beds.
The cotton industry uses one quarter of all the pesticides in the world. That’s a frightening number considering that most of the things that are being made out of cotton are clothing and bedding. Oh, and the towels we use on our faces too.
There is an alternative, however. You can purchase organic cotton pet beds that contain no chemicals or pesticides. While mainstream cotton beds abound, you will have to look a bit harder to find one that’s organic. Look online under “organic pet beds” and you will be overjoyed at what you find. There are adorable choices that will have kitty or puppy snoozing comfortably in no time.
Many cotton or fleece beds are filled with synthetic stuffing that also contain chemicals. Many times, this stuffing is made in the same facilities as the cotton with the pesticides, so they are no better. Opt instead for a pet bed that is filled with natural materials. Either washed organically processed down or a material that is naturally harvested like buckwheat will make for a lovely soft and cozy bed for your pet.
Does your cat or dog sneeze a lot? It could be that he is allergic to his bed (or his dog food, but that’s for another article). Invest in an organic cat or dog bed with a water-resistant but soft outer lining. On the inside, you should find a cushion that allows you to remove the contents for washing. Many recycled products like recycled cotton or polyester SMART Fill are chemical free and are left over from organic manufacturing processes. They would otherwise be thrown on the landfill if not put to good use, so choose a recycled interior cushion that you can take out and wash.
Bamboo fiber is another choice for your cat or dog’s bed. This fabric is as soft as cashmere and it is smooth and long wearing. It also resists odors, wicks away moisture, helps regulate temperature in the winter and summer, and is allergen-free. What could be better? Bamboo is plentiful and harvested using fair trade labor, so you can feel good about using a sustainable natural resource.
Hemp is another organic material used to make pet beds. Hemp products are mildew resistant and antifungal without using any pesticides. They do not use harsh dyes to make organic hemp fabrics and use no caustic bleaches.
Pet beds don’t have to cost a lot to be natural. Yes, some of them are outrageously priced, but others are very reasonable. You can also purchase organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo fabric and make one yourself. Sew it to size and fill it with organic stuffing materials. Your pet will love it, and when she wears it out, you can always open it up and fill it with new stuffing. The actual fabric will last forever and is resistant to odor and wear.
Look on sites like Etsy.com for handmade pet beds that are created with organic materials. Small companies or individuals can sell on Etsy as long as their wares are homemade. So find a bed you like and then ask all about it. You can email the seller, much like on Ebay, and ask them what the fabric and filling are made of. Ask if you can zipper out the inner lining for washing. The beauty of these pet beds is that they are made to order, so you can get the fabric and size you want unlike in a large chain store.
Try to find the most comfortable and organic pet bed for your furry companion. You will be surprised at how their allergy symptoms disappear, how they sleep longer and with less fitful moving around, and how they refuse to get out of the bed on cold winter mornings. When they are toasty and comfy they’ll be less likely to get into mischief during the day when you’re not home and they’ll be less likely to suffer joint pains or aches.
Get your pet an organic bed and you all will be sleeping better very soon.