What kind of bed should your dog have? This is a question that many pet owners struggle with. As we all know, most dogs are extremely picky about what they sleep on and will go to great lengths to avoid sleeping in a designated spot if it’s not comfortable enough for them.
Your pup needs a bed that is both functional and comfortable – one that you’ll want too. To help you find the best solution for your own canine companion, we offer this guide.
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Decide between a soft or firm bed
Just like people, your dog has its preference between hard and soft beds. If your dog is more of a stomach sleeper, you should look for a soft bed since it will provide comfort while still being easy on your pup’s joints.
The same can be said about older dogs that are going through joint pain, as well as any other breeds that have been known to have hip and back issues. Of course, if your dog prefers to sleep on its back or side, you should go for a more firm one.
Get the right size bed for your dog based on their weight and height
Size matters. Most people make the mistake of buying a bed that’s too big, which ends up wasting a lot of space and often won’t be used by your dog.
The golden rule here is to measure your dog from head to tail while they’re standing on all fours, and then add 2-4 inches for wiggle room. Once you have that number, divide it by two, and that’s the size bed you need.
Consider whether you want to buy a waterproof cover so that it can be washed easily
You don’t want a bed that’s made up of fabric that can’t get wet otherwise, you’ll have to wash it all the time. If your dog is known for spilling food or water on itself or drooling overnight, you should definitely look into getting a waterproof cover. Keep in mind, though, that some models are easier to clean than others, so you may need to look into details such as whether it has double seams and how the filling is secured.
Choose from various colors, shapes, and sizes of beds (crate shaped, round)
Dog beds come in almost as much variety as dogs themselves. You can find a tough orthopaedic dog bed for support, memory foam, and a waterproof cover. You can also choose between round or rectangular ones, depending on the space available in your home.
For a dog with arthritis, you’ll definitely want to look for that ortho dog bed that’s specifically designed with your pup’s needs in mind. You can find ones that are firm, not too fluffy (which means there’s less chance for your dog to sink into it and feel uncomfortable), and have enough support for them.
If you want to make sure your dog won’t fall off the bed, especially if it has arthritis or other mobility issues, you should get a bed with elevated edges. This way, your pup will feel safe while getting in and out of bed without feeling like they’re going to slip off and hurt themselves. It can also be a lifesaver for dogs that have to deal with incontinence issues since it’ll keep the mess confined in one area.
Do some research to see if the bed you’re buying is a good value for the money
You don’t want to spend more than you need on a dog bed that your pet will just reject anyway. It’s crucial that you do your due diligence first, so make sure to read reviews online before buying one. Once again, look at what kind of bed you’re getting and find out if it’s worth the price tag.
Is your dog an outside dog and is exposed to the elements for long periods of time?
If the answer is yes, you should consider getting an outdoor dog bed. This way, your pup can always sleep in a warm and cozy environment no matter what time of year it is or where you are. Just make sure to get a weatherproof one that can hold up against all kinds of elements.
Get more than one dog bed
If your dog is truly a member of your family, it’s likely they go everywhere in the house with you. It’s wise to have two dog beds in this case. One where they can do all their serious sleeping. This should be in a quieter part of the house that will allow them to get deep, restorative rest. Just like you, your dog needs this kind of sleep so it can have the energy to go in with its day.
The second bed should be somewhere you and your family gather centrally, like the living room. Your pooch loves to be part of family moments. So while the family is watching TV, get a lighter, more mobile bed where they can sit with you to snooze or to watch along.
The first bed should be the more heavy-duty one since this is the one your dog will be doing the majority of its real sleep. And as suggested above, if your dog likes the outdoors, maybe the purchase of a third bed for those occasions might be in order.
To summarize, here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing a dog bed. Dogs come in all different shapes and sizes, so it is important that you get the right size for your pup. If they’re too big or small, they won’t be comfortable sleeping on their new mattress. You want something that will last. Your pooch will likely chew on his/her bed (or try to), so make sure it’s made of strong materials.
They may also have an accident on it, so make sure it’s easy to clean. There are also many different styles of beds available, from soft and fluffy ones to orthopedic pillows with memory foam fillings – just find one that suits your pet’s needs.
