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The best dog couches for afternoon naps

PawTracks Contributor
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What could be better than a small couch that fits your dog perfectly? Your dog gets to sleep or lounge in an elevated position with support for its neck and back while you get your favorite spot back on your human-size couch. These fantastic dog couch beds provide your furry friend with a spot of their own while complementing your home’s decor. Let’s take a look.

Dog furniture is a wonderful way to show your dog that it’s a valued member of the family. Elevation helps dogs feel safer and provides support for the back and head. In many living rooms or family areas, a little couch just for your dog could be an excellent addition to both your decor and your dog’s life. Here’s what you need to know.

K&H PET PRODUCTS Bolster Pet Cot

Best Elevated

This elevated couch provides simple cot style furniture with bolsters on the back and sides to support your dog's neck and back. It has rubber feet to protect your floors and a mesh center for better air circulation. It's suitable for both indoors and outdoors. The cover is washable, and assembly requires no tools. It's a simple, effective option for elevation.

Best Friends by Sheri Fur Cuddle

Softest Option

This soft pet couch provides elevation on all sides to help anxious dogs feel calmer. It features a donut-style interior with cushion and a sherpa style exterior material you can remove to wash. It comes in a variety of sizes and allows your pet to burrow to sleep. The material fits in well with many types of decor and works no matter which side is facing out.

BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed

Best for Aging Joints

An orthopedic option is excellent for pets who need more support for aging joints and hips. It features a three-sided bolster to support the neck and back while ensuring proper airflow through the memory foam. No matter where your pet turns, the neck and head are supported. Remove the cover to wash and dry, cutting down on dirt and odors while the bottom helps protect your floor.

An elevated bed is a beautiful way to give your dog the support it needs, whether it’s cushioning joints and bones or providing a safe, elevated place for your dog to relax. They’re well made and designed to hold up to a variety of dogs despite weight or energy levels. We think your dog will find one of the couches on our list its new favorite spot, and you’ll get your favorite place back on your human couch.

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PawTracks Contributor
PawTracks Contributor
PawTracks Contributor
The only guide you need for taking your pets on an airplane
There's a lot of preparation that goes into keeping your pet safe and happy during a flight
Small dog going a trip

No matter how much of a jet-setter they are, Fido likely won't earn frequent flier miles, but that doesn't mean you have to leave them at home when you travel by air. Many pets learn to adjust to airplanes and even airports, provided you bring along everything they need. When it comes to taking your dog (or cat) on an airplane, there are two options — one for smaller pets and the other for larger ones.
With the proper preparation, you can bring a small dog or cat into an airplane cabin within a carrier and place them under the seat in front of you for the duration of a flight. Keep in mind this only applies to domestic flights in the continental United States (Hawaii has different rules as do international destinations). Additionally, we're not covering here the guidelines for service animals.
All the major domestic airlines have their own rules for traveling with a small dog or cat, and it's important to understand them before leaving. You must follow these rules precisely, or you and your pet will not be allowed to board the aircraft, even if you’re a ticketed passenger. 

Take a trip to the vet first
Your pet isn't ready to hop aboard until they get approval from the vet. In most cases, this routine checkup won't sound any alarm bells or require further testing. However, you should confirm that your pup will do well on the plane. Elderly animals and those with breathing problems or heart conditions are most at risk and must be evaluated carefully. If your vet recommends against taking them, find a really good sitter or postpone your trip until they can travel safely.
Before you both embark, ensure they are up to date on all vaccines, and bring that documentation to the airport. It’s also a good idea to request a health certificate from your veterinarian, as some airlines require you to present this document upon checking in for a flight.
In addition to providing a once-over, your dog doctor can help you navigate your beastie's travel anxiety. Many dogs find airports overstimulating (frankly, we do, too), so they might benefit from a little assistance staying calm. This could include a , dog CBD treats, or pharmaceuticals. Some vets have no problem with you giving a pet a prescribed sedative before or during a flight, while others may have concerns about the animal’s ability to adjust for changes in cabin air pressure if they are heavily sedated. Once your pet gets accustomed to air travel, chances are they’ll fall asleep on their own after takeoff and sleep for most of the flight. Never give a pet medicine before clearing it with a professional. 
Consult with your veterinarian about whether you should feed your pet and give them access to water before a long flight as well. Typically, not feeding your pet for 6 hours prior to a flight is a good strategy.
Lastly, use your intuition. If your best bud doesn't seem up to a ride in the sky, make other plans, such as driving or leaving them at home with their favorite minder. The morning of your departure, give her your own checkup — if they're coughing and sneezing excessively or have doggie diarrhea, it means they don't feel well enough to go.

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Video: Dog howls when he thinks he’s alone (spoiler: he’s not)
Why do dogs howl when no one is around? It could be separation anxiety
Small dog howls at the sky while outside in the dirt

What do our pets do when we're not around? Are they stealing our shoes? Watching TV (and trying to eat off it)? Or perhaps the dogs and cats are engaging in a battle of wits. It's a question probably as old as pets themselves, and we're finally getting some answers, thanks to pet cams. In this hilarious pup video, we see another dog who thinks he's alone, and decides to go for a good howl... until he gets caught in the act.

Cooper the Golden Retriever opens our video with a long drawn-out howl of longing — he clearly misses his family and perhaps suffers from a touch of dog separation anxiety (his mom films from upstairs). The howling continues as the camera leans over to get a better glimpse of the sweet pooch. But then Cooper barks and looks up, catching her eye, and a priceless expression of shock comes over his face. The text reads, "I don't think he realized I was home," with a follow-up in the caption that says, "well... until he saw me lol."

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Study: This is how much the cost of pet ownership really is
Is this what you spend on your dog or cat?
A corgi and a cat stand in the grass

Do you know how much it costs to own a dog or cat in a year? If you guessed a few hundred dollars, you're a little behind the times. The cost of pet ownership has continued to go up in part because of an ongoing pet food shortage that could be impacting your fur baby without you realizing it.

A recent MetLife survey got in touch with pet parents and gives us the details of how much our animals really drain from our bank accounts and also how you might be able to reduce some of this spend; not to mention stress.
How much does a dog cost?
We're gonna start with America's favorite pet, Fido. One of the surprising costs for pup ownership is the upfront fee, especially if you're getting them from a breeder, where you can expect to spend $1,000 or more. However, even adopting a pet will seriously set you back. The Animal Humane Society quotes an average of $767 to bring your new pooch home.
How much does a cat cost?
There are some very expensive, top-of-the-line cats out there and you certainly could decide to shell out $100,000 for an Ashera. However, a shelter kitty will only come in the $200 range and even a breeder will charge about a thousand for a standard feline.

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