How to choose a dog bed? Dogs are so much more than just our furry pets that live in our homes with us. They are a key part of our families too and it seems like their only job is to make us happy and they do. Our dogs are with us during our best and worst times, and they always know how to make us smile, especially when we can’t do it on our own.
Oftentimes, we’re not sure what more we can do to show them our gratitude. We can take them on long walks, play with them, love them, feed them – but is that enough?
Sometimes, our pet wants to retreat somewhere safe and recharge their batteries, that is when I started to wonder if they have a place in the home where they can just relax and be safe. This is when I started wondering about their comfort in the home and started asking myself a number of questions.
Since the dog spends a bit of time in their crate at night, are the dog beds comfortable? Are they the most suitable? It is at this moment I decided to document everything that you should look out for when choosing a good quality dog bed.
Choosing the right bed for your best friend is important, not only for the sake of them being cozy but also to help them get a healthy night’s sleep. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind when buying a bed for your dog.
How to Choose a Dog Bed? Does Your Canine Really Need its Own Bed?
If your dog is dominating your space then they may need a space of their own. Consider this situation, your furry friend is always perched up on the couch or on your bed, and not because you intend for him/her to sleep on the cold floor.
Dogs, like people, need a comfortable bed so that they can sleep comfortably. Dogs sleep much longer than people, almost twice as long. If you have a puppy at home, they are likely going to be sleeping for 20 out of the 24 hours in the day.
So yeah, your dog really needs a bed of his/her own. Not only will you be doing them a favor, but yourself as well.
Since you’ve got a little pooch at home, then you probably love them to death, because who wouldn’t? They always want to be cuddled up to you, and heck, you might love it as much as them. But not everyone wants to be snuggled up to their dog at night as well.
We like our space – but I don’t think dogs understand what space is. The best way for both of you to win is to get a dog bed, but place it in your room. This way, you get your space, and your furry friend will still be close to you.
Choosing A Dog Bed? What You need to Take into Consideration
There are plenty of dog beds on the market, and having the right information on how to choose a dog bed might not be forthcoming. The little that exists might be a little confusing because of all the choices.
Dogs, they come in all shapes and sizes and temperament. So, there are a number of factors that you need to consider when buying or choosing a bed for your dog? I’ve listed a few below.
Size: What size dog bed is the perfect fit?
The first mistake you want to avoid is buying a bed that is too small for your dog. In order to avoid this, you should measure their length from head to tail, and then add a few more inches to give them an allowance.
A big bed might seem too big when they are all curled up in a ball, but take into consideration the times they want to stretch out.
If you have a puppy, remember that they won’t remain that small for much longer, especially if they are a breed that can grow quite big in size. The sad truth is that puppies don’t stay puppies for long. They will outgrow a small bed in just a matter of months.
Sturdiness Of The Dog Bed
If you have a dog, then you probably know that they can be quite destructive most of the time. They love to chew – shoes, bones, furniture, and yes, their own beds too. This can be a way for them to clean their teeth, to keep their jaws strong, a way to ease the pain of teething for puppies, or simply a way to pass the time when they are bored.
If you have a particularly destructive dog who chews just about anything, you might want to buy a bed for them that is extra tough and sturdy. PVC pipes and aluminum beds with a canvas-like fabric covering them are a good option for chewers.
You should stay away from cushioned beds with foam stuffing as they can be dangerous if ingested by your chewer.
Dog Beds with Padding
Dogs need a soft bed, just like people do. They have several bony structures that stick out when they lie down, causing pressure points. Not only is this uncomfortable for them, but it could damage their physical health in the long run.
The pressure could lead to your dog experiencing pain in their elbows, shoulders, and hips.
Look at beds that will provide comfort while still holding their weight. This doesn’t mean that you should look for the thickest bed out there, but you should rather pay attention to the material from which the bed is made.
If you can squeeze the bed with your fingers and your fingers meet, then that is not a suitable bed. The best bed would be made of high-quality memory foam with at least two inches of thickness.
Temperature Regulation
If you live in a place with a warmer climate, you should find a more breathable cover for your dog’s bed so that they don’t experience overheating.
Just be careful not to forsake the padding of the bed when it gets too hot. However, if you live in a colder climate, consider a bed that is warmer and with soft raised edges so that they feel cozy when there is a cold breeze.
Easy-To-Wash
The one thing you should never take for granted is the cleanliness of your dog’s bed. Remember that a lot of dirt, dust, and insects can get trapped in their fur coat and they will bring it back to their beds.
For this reason, you should always add a cover to their bed so that you can easily remove it and wash it on a regular basis. Don’t forget to dust the bed itself at least once a week.
Type Of Dog
Aside from the size of your dog, you also need to take into consideration what type of dog you have and what they need so that you can buy the right kind of bed for them.
If you have an older dog with arthritis, you might want to get them an orthopedic bed that’s good for their joints, or a bed made from memory foam. Memory foams are also good for big and heavy dogs so that the bed doesn’t bulge under their weight.
If you have a dog with a very thin fur coat, or you live in a cold climate, then your best option is a heated bed. These beds have an electric heater inside them to make sure your dog stays warm and toasty.
The only downside to these is that they will only feel warm underneath, so you might want to get them a blanket or sweater too.
Conclusion
Do you know how you just want to crawl into your big and comfortable bed at the end of a long and tiring bed?
Well, your dog probably wants to do the same, which is why you should put more thought into the bed you’ll buy them so that they can enjoy their sleep as much as you do. How to Choose a Dog Bed?
Now you know that keeping your dog comfortable and in a nice bed is part of being a good dog parent. All dogs need a safe place that they can call their own to retreat to when anxious, tired or scared.
