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Dog beds can be simple or
fancy, expensive or homemade, and everything in between.
How do you pick the right dog bed for your pup when there are so many
on the market? Does your pooch even need a dog bed? Should you spend
a lot of money when your dog is just as happy lying with you in your
human bed or on the couch?
Does Your Dog Need A Dog Bed?
Even if your dog is allowed to sleep with you in your human bed,
every dog should have a bed of their own — or two or three or four,
actually.
There are plenty of benefits to having dog beds. They can be used for
napping during the day and sleeping in at night.
Unlike the floor, a bed will keep your dog warm, support arthritic
joints, and prevent calluses. And unlike a couch or human bed, dog
beds are spaces that pups can have all to themselves.
And if you’re allergic to your dogs, then it’s best if they sleep
somewhere besides your bed.
Dog beds can also be taken with you when you travel so that your dog
feels comfortable and is able to sleep somewhere familiar. They’ll
rest easier and feel less anxiety.
Dog pet beds are also
usually easy to wash, which makes life easier if your dog has
accidents, gets infested with fleas or mites, or just rolls in
something stinky.
A dog bed shouldn’t be used as a place for punishment or
confinement. It’s a place of security that belongs only to that one
dog, and they should always feel safe in it.
A bed makes a crate more comfortable, but that doesn’t mean a dog
can spend twelve hours a day in a crate just because it has a bed. It
’s a place dogs should be able to go and relax without feeling
trapped or anxious.
All dogs could benefit from having a place where they can feel calm
and de-stress during the day or night.
What Kinds Of Dog Beds Are There?
Dog beds can be as simple as your old pillow or as fancy as a
wrought-iron frame with a lace canopy. Your selection depends on your
taste, budget, and décor, but you may find that your dog expresses a
preference by taking over another dog’s bed.
Keep an eye on where your dog feels most comfortable, as this can
help you decide which bed will be best.
Basic Styles Of Dog
Beds
Flat pads or mats are inexpensive and fit in crates.
Nesting/snuggle beds are similar to beanbag chairs and often
preferred by smaller dogs who love to curl up.
Cuddler/nest beds come in the “traditional” oval bowl shape.
Bolsters have one long side with a built-in pillow and are often
preferred by large dogs.
Donut-shaped beds are circular bolsters with a removable center
pillow.
Waterproof beds are good for outdoor use or incontinent pets.
Homemade beds can be inexpensive and easy to customize. There are
plenty of tutorials on how to make your own dog bed that you can find
on YouTube or by searching online. Just make sure you’re using safe
materials and that it will hold up, especially if your dog likes to
chew.
Special Dog Beds For Seniors Or Dogs With Medical Needs
Orthopedic beds support old joints or very large dogs; they usually
have medical-grade foam and/or box-spring construction.
Heated beds maintain body warmth. This can be beneficial for dogs who
get cold easily or for dogs with arthritis that is worsened by the
cold.
Travel beds with
cat toys are portable, so your dog can have the security of the
same bed every night while on the road. For dogs who suffer from
anxiety in new places, this can help them relax and get some sleep.
Cot-style beds keep your dog off the ground and comfortably support
joints by distributing the dog’s weight evenly. They are also
usually fairly easy to transport.
What Is The Best Dog Bed For Your Dog?
There are so many dog beds and cat beds on the market. How do you pick the best
one? There are many factors to take into consideration, including
size, cost, comfort, your dog’s medical needs, convenience, and so
much more.
You should do your research and consult your veterinarian about your
pup’s needs before you make a decision. Here are several factors to
consider when choosing the best dog toys bed:
A good fit. Beyond finding something within your budget, make sure
your dog fits on the bed with pet toy; heads and limbs shouldn’t have to be hanging
off the edge.
Easy washability. Dogs eat treats, vomit, pass gas, scratch fleas,
and wipe ointment-filled eyes and ears on their beds. Some dogs
urinate on them — so the ability to throw the bed into the washing
machine is a big help, if not downright critical. Dogs with allergies
will also benefit from having their bed washed frequently.
Safety. Place the bed away from high-traffic areas so no one trips on
it or on the dog. If the dog chews it, then get rid of it —
swallowing stuffing can lead to emergency surgery (and you thought
the bed itself was expensive). Remove any buttons or ribbons the dog
could chew, or look for “chew-proof” beds now available.
Stuffing that works for you and your dog. Young, warm, healthy dogs
can usually get by with inexpensive foam filling, but your older or
arthritic dog will probably prefer more comfort and support. Some
orthopedic beds use foam because it’s thicker and of higher quality,
so it doesn’t squash flat. Thick, flexible gel has recently become
more common as a bed filling; it’s more comfortable than foam and
distributes weight more evenly, making it excellent for geriatric
dogs — but expensive. And some beds contain cedar chips to ward off
pests and keep the bed smelling fresher than your dog.
The environment. Some of us are concerned about using materials that
won’t harm the earth when we decide to replace, get rid of, or
recycle a dog bed. You can check out eco-friendly dog beds if that’s
something that factors into your decision.
Absorbent pads for dogs who wet the bed. Sick, incontinent, or
geriatric dogs can benefit from washable or disposable absorbent pads
(technically, you’re the one benefiting because you won’t have to
wash the bed). Note: These flat pads won’t fit well in a nesting
bed.