• Register
  • Log In
  • My Account
  • Wish List (0)
  • Shopping Cart
  • Checkout
Shopping Cart 0
  • Empty shopping cart

Barka Parka
  • Home
  • Products
    • Pet Bed Range
    • Pet Bed Accessories
    • Pet Friendly Decor
  • Colour Range
    • Fabric Colour Chart
    • Piping Colour Chart
    • Colour ideas
    • Fabric Sample Request Form
  • Size Range
  • Pet Galleries
    • Cats
    • Small Dogs
    • Medium Dogs
    • Large Dogs
    • Giant Dogs
    • Puppies
  • FAQs
  • Blog

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Breeding Dogs

Can I use the dog bed when my female pet is in season?

Yes but we recommend you purchase a Dri-top Protector during these times.

  • The Dri-top is a waterproof cover made of high grade Oxford 310 denier Polyurethane Nylon, custom made to fit the Barka Parka pet bed. ◦
  • The Dritop is a waterproof cover that fits over the Inner mattress of your Barka Parka pet bed to prevent “nasty” liquids penetrating and contaminating the Inner bean filling.
  • The Dri-top and Slip-cover can be easily removed for washing. There is no need to empty out the beans.
  • We also recommend you consider purchasing an extra slipcover with your dog bed set. This will give you a spare slipcover to put on your pet’s bed whilst the soiled one is in the wash. Your pet can then continue to use their bed.
  • If you already have a Barka Parka dog bed you can purchase a Spare Dog Bed Slipcover at any time. 
  • The Dri-top can be removed when your dog is no longer in season. Clean it and store away for when she's next in season.

Can I use the dog bed for whelping?

No, not really.

  • Giving birth is a messy and time consuming business at the best of times. Whilst the Dri-top will protect the Inner filling, the Slip-cover may be permanently blood-stained if not removed immediately for washing - something you won’t want to do during the whelping.
  • The Dri-top is not designed to allow the Slip-cover to remain soiled and on the bed for long periods but rather to protect the Inner bed in the short term. The Slip-cover still needs to be washed as soon as practicable.
  • In any case most birthing pets like to go and find somewhere very private to whelp, or somewhere massively inconvenient to you, so they may not choose their Barka Parka bed for birthing anyway.

 

Bean Filling

What sort of filling do you use in your dog beds?

We use Polystyrene beans as they mould to your pet’s shape.
Your pet can dig, poke and prod to make a nest just right for them. They ‘mimic’ the loose leaf litter that, in the wild, dogs would naturally make into a nest.
Your pet will satisfy it’s natural instincts to nest without destroying the bed to achieve this. They will then happily snuggle down in pure comfort and with maximum support.

High quality polystyrene beans

We use only high quality polystyrene beans

  • They are perfectly round, smooth pellets about 3 mm in size that shift more easily around each other.
  • They also keep their shape better and longer, preventing your pet’s bean bed from flattening prematurely.
  • High quality polystyrene beans will last longer before needing to be topped up or replaced. They are readily available from stores such as K-Mart, Big W and Target.

 

Beware of reground bean filling:

Reground polystyrene bead

  • Reground polystyrene beads are not pre-used but come from large blocks of polystyrene (Styrofoam) that are broken down to beads typically 3 - 4 mm in size. This method creates uneven pellets that stick together. The “beads” are uneven and can't shift easily around each other. Your pet may get frustrated as they're unable to make a comfortable “nest”.
  • Reground polystyrene beads are cheaper, but have a much shorter active life. They will need replacing more often than Virgin polystyrene beans.

 

Where can I buy beans?

We use and recommend beans made by Beans First and The Bean Factory. They are excellent quality and manufactured in Australia. They are usually available in 100 litre and 25 litre bags at K-Mart, Target and Big-W.

K-Mart logo and linkBig W logo and linkTarget logo and link

 

 

 

If you buy other brands please ensure they are uniform round beans as explained in the question – What sort of filling do you use?

How many beans do I need for my dog bed?

Bed Size#LitresBed SIze#Litres
Size 2525Size 50205
Size 3045Size 50Plus280
Size 3575Size 55255
Size 40104Size 55Plus350
Size 45150Size 58300
  Size 58Plus420

 

How often will I have to replace the beans?

How long is a piece of string?

  • Bean life is affected by many factors such as weight of the dog, amount of use, atmospherics especially humidity and the surface that the bed is sitting on. All that said, we normally expect that you will need to replace the beans every 3 years or so.
  • After a few top-ups you will one day come to the realization that the bed is getting a bit heavy with the accumulated extra weight of compressed beans. At this point we recommend you replace the beans entirely.

How often do I need to top up the beans?

On average once every 10-12 months but ………

  • Bean life is affected by many factors such as weight of the dog, amount of use, atmospherics especially humidity and the surface that the bed is sitting on. All that said, we normally expect that you will need to top-up the beans every 12 months or so.
  • When your pet’s bed is looking a bit flat or the Slipcover feels loose and not fitting properly, then it’s time to top up the bean filling.
  • After a few top-ups you will one day come to the realization that the bed is getting a bit heavy with the accumulated extra weight of compressed beans. At this point we recommend you replace the beans entirely.

How do I replace or top-up the beans?

Where is the best place to do it?

  • The best place to do anything with beans is in the bath (ensure the plug is in to stop beans blocking the drain) as it provides a perfect receptor for catching runaway beans.
  • Or in a garage or shed. Try to choose a cool day or in a cool place. Warm days and air can cause static making the beans difficult to control.

How do I open the zip without a zip tag?

  • Find the zip which is located between the tabs on the inner mattress. The zipper tab has been removed by law to prevent accidental opening by children. Use a paper clip to open. 
  • Insert the paper clip into the gap where you would  normally find  the zip tab. Ensure the paper clip is placed UNDER the bar (shown in RED in the diagram below)  to release the zip locking mechanism. Lift and pull the paper clip to open and close the zip as normal.

 

Diagram how to insert paper clip in zip opening

N.B. Remove the paper clip when finished.

Procedure for top-ups:

Get a second person to hold the Mattress open whilst you gently ladle the beans into it.
Using a 1 litre kitchen measuring jug is best for this purpose.

  • Add approx.10% of the number of beans needed for a complete fill. Refer to the Care Instructions Booklet or go to the chart in  How many beans do I need for my dog bed?
  • Close the zip and remove the paper clip.
  • Replace the Slip-cover and see what the bed looks like. If it still looks a bit flat then add some more beans.

N.B. Remove the paper clip when finished.

Procedure for Refills:

  • Open the zip using a paper clip.
  • Gently tip the old beans into a garbage bag (make sure it has no holes in it)€“ and place in your normal garbage bin for collection.
  • Carefully cut the corner off the new bag of beans, hold it closed with your hand, insert it into the Inner and carefully allow the beans to gently flow into the Mattress.
    Try to judge the number of beans according to the chart in the Top-ups booklet, but as a rule of thumb the Mattress is full if you lay it flat and bring the top two edges together and they meet ‘snugly’. Of course the only way to really tell is to replace the Slip-cover and owner and see how it looks!

N.B. Remove the paper clip when finished.

 

Can I reuse the beans from another bean bag?

It is really up to you but we strongly recommend against it.

Generally, any beans that have bean used in another pet or human bean bed will almost certainly contain hairs and dirt that have passed through the fabric and into the filling. This means that you start with smelly beans that will cause your new pet bed to smell and may harbour fleas.
For this reason we would not be able to honour any Guarantee claim based on the use of inferior or contaminated beans.

Accessories

How do I top up the cushion insert?

Easy! Purchase a pack of insert filling from our website. Take the cushion cover off the insert. Locate the zip in the top of the insert. Stuff the filling into the insert via the zip opening to the required "plumpness". Close the zip. Replace the cushion cover. Simple as!!

Can I have a custom made Lap Rug?

Yes of course. We are always happy to discuss making custom sized Lap Rugs. We can make rectangular or square shaped Lap Rugs. Simply contact us with the length and width measurements you require. We will get back to you with a quote.

Can I have a custom made Furniture Throw?

Yes.   We are always happy to discuss making custom sized furniture throw. We can only make rectangular or square shaped throws. We are unable to make fitted furniture covers. Simply contact us with the length and width measurements you require. We will get back to you with a quote.

Is the cushion insert washable?

Yes.   We are always happy to discuss making custom sized cushions. We can only make rectangular or square shaped cushions. Simply contact us with the length and width measurements you require. We will get back to you with a quote.

Can I have a custom made ECO Cushion?

Yes.   We are always happy to discuss making custom sized cushions. We can only make rectangular or square shaped cushions. Simply contact us with the length and width measurements you require. We will get back to you with a quote.

Cats

Do you make these beds for cats?

Absolutely.

In saying that, it's another thing as to whether your cat will like one of our beds. We can't guarantee that!

Cats are temperamental and not as amenable as dogs. You can give a bed to a dog, tell it to lie down and in most cases it will obey. Cats on the other hand aren't so amenable. We do sell a number of beds to cat owners which you can view in our Gallery of Cats.  

Are these beds claw proof from cats?

Yes they are.
We use a high quality twill fabric which we guarantee is claw proof even from cats claws.

This fabric is woven in 5 directions resulting in a tight close weave. Claws won't get caught in the threads and pull causing damage. Most other fabrics used in pet beds are less dense with open spaces between threads where claws get easily caught. We usually blame our pets for being destructive but it is the open weave of fabrics such as hessian, upholstery fabrics etc that are the problem.

Cats instinctively need to "knead" their bedding. It's their way of making and checking it's soft, comfortable and acceptable to lie down and sleep. Your cat can knead our beds to their heart's content without pulling threads and causing damage.  We Guarantee it!

What size bed will my cat need?

Average sized cats weighing under 6kg would fit on a Size 25 bed. A larger cat weighing over 6kg would need a Size 30. We recommend you weigh your cat to determine the best sized bed.

Chewing Beds

Are your dog beds chew proof?

The short answer is:- NO.

Nothing is safe against the teeth of a determined dog. Whilst our beds are tough and will stand up to clawing and digging they will not withstand teeth and chewing.

The long answer is:-

The way to avoid dogs destroying their beds is usually to make sure that the bed is comfortable in the first place. Few of you would be surprised if I suggested that dogs like their comfort just like we do. For a dog this usually means having a “nest” that they can snuggle into. The reason for this is that their ancestors, wild dogs, like to scrape a shallow nest in loose leaf litter on the forest floor and sleep there. When the bedding that we provide them, such as blankets and mats, doesn’t allow them to make a "nest", then many dogs will simply reduce the offending bed to the consistency of loose leaf litter and then they snuggle down into their newly made nest. In this case the answer is to buy them a bean bed which moulds to their shape and allows them to nest.

If your dog is one who just chews everything in sight and is willfully destructive then we recommend that you DO NOT buy a bean bed.

If your dog only destroys toys (allowed) and beds then a Barka Parka may well be the answer.

NB. Make sure that you supervise them for the first hour or so to allow them to realise that this bed is already comfy and doesn’t need to be chewed! Also note that our Two Year Guarantee excludes damage from teeth and chewing.

My dog chews everything. What do you advise?

If your dog is one who just chews everything in sight and is willfully destructive then we recommend that you DO NOT buy a bean bed. You will not appreciate coming home to beans all over the house or backyard!

My dog only chews their bedding. What do you advise?

If your dog is constantly chewing any bedding you give them, he/she is probably trying to tell you something - "My bed isn't comfortable"!

We often chastise our dogs as being destructive and willful when they shred and destroy that lovely new bed we've just bought them. This usually happens because the bed doesn't allow your dog to make a "nest" to snuggle into. Your dog ends up ripping the bed into a pile of shredded pieces that they can now make into a comfy nest. Dog happily snuggles into the pile; you come home, yell at him, throw the destroyed bed away and buy another new bed. Thus the cycle begins all over again.

We use Polystyrene beans in our dog beds as they mould to your pet’s shape.
Your pet can dig, poke and prod to make a nest just right for them. They ‘mimic’ the loose leaf litter that, in the wild, dogs would naturally make into a nest .
Your pet will satisfy it’s natural instincts to nest without destroying the bed to achieve this. They will then happily snuggle down in pure comfort and with maximum support. Happy dog, happy you!

 

Colour Choice

What fabric colours can I choose from?

At the moment we have 28 fabric colours available to can choose from.

  • This sometimes varies as we add new colours and some may be discontinued.
  • We strive to keep as many colours permanently in stock so you can choose the same colours each time if you wish. However, our fabric manufacturer can decide to discontinue colours from time to time. This of course is out of our control.
  • We suggest you visit our Fabric Colour Chart to check available colours.

What piping colours can I choose from?

At the moment we have 75 piping colours available to can choose from.

  • This sometimes varies as we add new colours and some may be discontinued.
  • We strive to keep as many colours permanently in stock so you can choose the same colours each time if you wish. However, our piping supplier can decide to discontinue colours from time to time. This of course is out of our control.
  • We suggest you visit our Piping Colour Chart to check available colours.

Can I get samples of the fabric and piping?

YES. 
pet bed fabric swatchesWe will happily send you samples so you can actually see and feel the fabric. Also good if you want to match to any existing decor items in your home.
Click here for a complimentary fabric swatch pack. 
Includes all fabric colours in a professionally presented pack.

I want to order a bed and extra Slipcover. Can I have them in different colours?

Yes you certainly can. We like to think of our pet beds as being just like your own bed with different coloured sheets to change the appearance of your room and/or décor. So of course you can have your Slip-covers in any colour combination you choose at no extra cost.

Is there a charge for ordering a bed set or Slipcover in more than one colour?

NO. We like to think of our pet beds as being just like your own bed with different coloured sheets to change the appearance of your room and/or décor. So of course you can have your dog bed and/or Slip-covers in any colour combination you choose at no extra cost.

Delivery

How long does it take to despatch an order

All our products are custom made to order. In most cases your purchases will be dispatched within 7-10 days of placing your order.

Can I get an earlier delivery?

All our products are made to order here in Melbourne. We don't hold stock as we have far too many colour combinations. We are happy to consider an earlier delivery for some exceptional circumstances such as a sick pet, pet recovering from an operation, birthdays and special occasions. Just let us know when you place your order.

Do you ship to overseas countries?

Yes. We deliver to countries in the Southern Hemisphere which includes such countries as New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and S.E.Asia. For orders in the Northern Hemisphere such as the U.K., United States, Europe etc please go to our U.K. Barka Parka website to place your order.

Can I have my order sent to a P.O. Box?

Yes you can
We will also ask you for a home address for billing and guarantee purposes..

What are your shipping charges?

We offer FREE SHIPPING within Australia for any orders over $100 which covers the majority of our products. For orders under $100 , charges vary as they are calculated by weight and delivery state according to Australia Post rates at the time of ordering.

International orders are calculated by weight and country according to Australia Post rates at the time of ordering.

Postage charges can be calculated and checked by going to your cart and typing in your postcode.

Can I pick up my order directly from your premises?

Yes of course. You are most welcome to collect your order from us at no charge. You can also pay for your order when you collect it.

Dri-top Protector

What is a Dri-top?

  • The Dri-top Protector is unique to Barka Parka. It is designed to keep the Mattress dry in the event of ‘accidents’, for incontinent dogs or if you have a female in season.
  • The Dri-top is a fitted cover made from polyurethane coated nylon that sits between the Slipcover and the Inner Mattress just like a rubber sheet or mattress protector on our own beds.
  • As it fits underneath the top Slipcover, no-one will see it and your pet will still enjoy the comfort of the Slipcover soft fabric rather than having to sit on a plastic covering.
  • No need to have it on the bed all the time.  It can be removed when not needed e.g. when your dog is no longer in season. 

 

My dog is incontinent. What can I do?

  • The Dri-top is the perfect answer for you.
  • It’s made from a polyurethane nylon fabric and works just like a plastic or rubber mattress protector used in hospitals and children’s cots.
  • The Dri-top fits between the Slipcover and the Inner mattress, protecting the bean filling from fluids and contamination whilst at the same time allowing your pet to enjoy a comfortable nights sleep …. and your pet’s bed still looks attractive!
  • If there is an accident then the Dri-top and Slipcover can easily be removed for washing.
  • We also recommend you consider purchasing an extra slipcover with your dog bed set. This will mean you a spare slipcover to put on your pet’s bed whilst the soiled one is in the wash. Your pet can then continue to use their bed.
  • If you already have a Barka Parka dog bed you can purchase a Spare Dog Bed Slipcover at any time. 

 

Can I use the Dri-top for my female pet in season?

Absolutely, that is what the Dri-top is designed for.

  • The Dri-top is a waterproof cover made of high grade Oxford 310 denier Polyurethane Nylon, custom made to fit the Barka Parka pet bed. ◦
  • The Dritop is a waterproof cover that fits over the Inner mattress of your Barka Parka pet bed to prevent “nasty” liquids penetrating and contaminating the Inner bean filling.
  • The Dri-top and Slip-cover can be easily removed for washing. There is no need to enpty out the beans.
  • We also recommend you consider purchasing an extra slipcover with your dog bed set. This will mean you a spare slipcover to put on your pet’s bed whilst the soiled one is in the wash. Your pet can then continue to use their bed.
  • If you already have a Barka Parka dog bed you can purchase a Spare Dog Bed Slipcover at any time. 

 

Is the Dri-top suitable for whelping females?

No, not really.

  • Giving birth is a messy and time consuming business at the best of times. Whilst the Dri-top will protect the Inner filling, the Slip-cover may be permanently blood-stained if not removed immediately for washing - something you won’t want to do during the whelping.
  • The Dri-top is not designed to allow the Slip-cover to remain soiled and on the bed for long periods but rather to protect the Inner bed in the short term. The Slip-cover still needs to be washed as soon as practicable.
  • In any case most birthing pets like to go and find somewhere very private to whelp, or somewhere massively inconvenient to you, so they may not choose their Barka Parka bed for birthing anyway.

My dog comes in damp. Should I use a Dri-top?

NO. It would be an unnecessary expense.

  • A Dri-top is designed to protect the bed from large volumes of ‘liquids’ such as from incontinence and females in season.
  • The Slip-cover will usually absorb the moisture from a damp pet without affecting the Inner Mattress.  Perhaps consider purchasing an extra Slipcover when you order a Barka Parka Dog Bed.  If you already have a Barka Parka Dog Bed you can order a  Spare Dog Bed Slipcover any time.
  • If your dog is coming in so wet that the Inner Mattress gets wet, then we suggest you dry him/her with a synthetic chamois. These can be purchased at most motor accessory shops and can be wrung out over and over unlike towels, which just get wet! They then fold up into a convenient size which will fit in the glove box of your car.

Is the Dri-top washable?

  • Wipe over with a damp cloth and mild detergent or diluted vinegar ONLY.
  • DO NOT immerse or soak in water. DO NOT machine wash. DO NOT tumble dry. DO NOT dry clean.
  • As the Dri-top is coated with a waterproof polyurethane layer immersing it in water will destroy the waterproofing.

 

Can I have the Dri-top permanently on my dog's bed?

Yes, BUT we strongly recommend against it unless really necessary.

    Dog Bed Inner hanging on washing line to air

  • As the Dri-top is a plastic sheet, it will tend to cause the bed to sweat if left on permanently, possibly leading to a certain amount of odour.
  • If you need to leave the Dri-top on for prolonged periods, we suggest regularly hanging out the Inner Mattress on the line (using the tabs either side of the zip opening) to air the bed.
  •  

     

    Durability

    How durable are your dog beds?

    Barka Parka are so confident of the quality of our product’s workmanship and their durability, that they offer a full TWO (2) YEAR guarantee against normal wear and tear, claw damage, persistent odours and flea infestation.

    • All products are made from a premium quality Poly/cotton twill fabric that resists claw damage and constant normal wear. (not chewing)
    • Side seams are double sewn to give extra strength and durability.
    • Other seams are over locked then over sewn on the outside for extra strength and durability.
    • The original pet bed design has proven time and time again to be unique and long-lasting.
    • A Barka Parka dog bed will last the lifetime of your pet and more under normal use.  The original Barka Parka pet bed designed and made in 1976 by Marion and Janet is still being used by their Labradors.

    Fleas and Odours

    Do your beds harbour fleas?

    NO.

    • Fleas accumulate in pet beds because they lay their eggs on the shaft of pet hairs, which then penetrate into the filling of the bed or get caught in the fabric itself forming an ideal, warm environment for them to hatch in.
    • Barka Parka dog beds are made from a densely woven poly/cotton twill fabric which prevents hairs penetrating into the Inner bed filling or fibres of the Slip-cover.  The hairs carrying eggs brush off the bed  rather then getting into the filling.
    • We rarely use flea products on our two Bichons and they have never had fleas – and of course they sleep on a Barka Parka!!

    Do your beds harbour dust mites?

    NO.

    • Dust mites accumulate in pet beds because they feed on skin flakes which fall off your pet and then penetrate into the filling of the bed or get trapped in the fabric itself, creating an ideal, warm environment for them to live in.
    • A Barka Parka bed is made with a densely woven poly/cotton twill fabric which prevents the skin flakes penetrating into the Inner bed or fibres. The skin flakes just sit on top of the Slip-cover and are easily brushed off, vacuumed or washed away.

    Do your beds smell?

    NO.

    • A Barka Parka pet bed doesn’t harbour smells because of the densely woven Poly/cotton Twill fabric we use.
    • The smells in pet bedding arise from the dog and cat hairs that get trapped in the fabric and then work their way down into the filling along with general dirt, skin flakes etc.
    • Barka Parka dog beds are made with a dense twill weave fabric for both the Slip-cover and Inner mattress which prevents the hairs and dirt penetrating into the Inner bed. The hairs and dirt remain on the surface of the Slip-cover and can't penetrate into the filling of the Inner.
    • If you think your Barka Parka IS beginning to smell a bit, try taking the Slip-cover outside and brushing the surface hairs off it. Also brush the bottom of the Inner bed that is not covered by the Slip-cover. You’ll be amazed at how the ‘doggy’ smell disappears!
    • We’re so confident the beds won’t harbour smells that we give you a Two year guarantee. Of course a Barka Parka pet bed will last much longer and remain odour free.
    • 1
    • 2
    • >
    • >|
    Showing 1 to 10 of 19 (2 Pages)

    Newsletter

    Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and special offers!
    Information
    • About us
    • Pet Bed Design

    • Photo Gallery

    • Guarantee

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions

    • Care Instructions
    Store
    • Pet Bed Range

    • Pet Bed Accessories

    • Decor Accessories

    • Gift Certificates
    • Site Map
    Account
    • My Account
    • Order History
    • Reward Points
    • Wish List
    Customer Service
    • Contact Us

    • Payment
    • Shipping
    • Return Policy
    • ZipPay
    Ozcart® shopping cart software
    Barka Parka © 2022.
    Top