Air beds for pets: a Michigan innovation

April 24, 12:08 PMDetroit Pet Products ExaminerCleo Parker

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Gertie Gear Photo

Westside Detroiter Julie King recently launched the Gertie Gear line of dog products with a line of air-filled beds for dogs. The beds have a suspended inner circle supported by an air-filled outer ring. In this they are similar to other suspended beds, but also satisfy dogs’ natural urge to curl up when they sleep.

Julie’s inspiration for creating the air bed was her elderly Beagle, Gertie. Gertie had some typical old dog issues which necessitated a soft or suspended bed, but Julie could never find one that both kept Gertie comfortable and was easy to keep clean. The result was a lot of conventional dog beds being purchased and thrown out after a limited period of use.

The inflatable support ring doesn’t absorb slobber, urine, or body odors. The bed covers can easily be removed and washed, and if necessary the ring can be wiped down with soap and water. Anyone who has ever tried to launder the bulky interior of a dog bed can appreciate that advantage. Michigan-made Gertie Gear airbeds are also eco-friendly as they can replace stuffed dog beds that eventually end up in landfills.