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Some people pamper their pets, whereas others wouldn’t consider that their dog would have any use for a bed. However, even if you are not inclined to pamper your dog, dog beds can improve your dog’s quality of life in many ways.

Dog beds can provide a layer of insulation between your dog and the floor. The floor can get cold and sometimes even a little damp. An older, fatter or arthritic dog will especially appreciate that.

It will also give your dog a ‘den’ or his own personal space. Dogs are territorial, and having a space of their own gives them a proper sense of belonging in your “pack.” Dog beds give your pet a familiar sign of membership when you are not around.

Choose dog beds carefully, as dogs sleep longer than people and in a greater variety of positions. Dogs are unable to sit down and chat with you about their preferences, and can’t just go to the shop and try out a bunch of beds, either.

Getting the Right Size Dog Beds

Dog beds have to be the right size, with enough extra room to turn around comfortably. Measure your dog before you buy him or her a bed. Don’t trust yourself to remember how big your sleeping dog is, and make sure you buy a bed with enough room for your dog to grow if he or she is young. Also, leave room for your dog to get fatter if he is older. Also, dog beds should leave dogs with enough room to turn and move around in them.

If your dog tends to curl up, that’s the time to measure him or her at the widest point. Also measure your dog from the top of his or her head to the point where the tail meets the buttocks. Add 15 cm to that and you will know the minimum size you need to think about when considering beds. If your dog tends to stretch out when sleeping, add another 25 cm to that.

Does your dog chew furniture? There are beds available that are specially designed to survive your dog’s chewing fits. If your dog lives outdoors, you may need to shop for dog beds that fit in dog houses. Dog houses limit the size of the bed, but you should ideally choose one that is as big as possible without encroaching on dogs’ feeding area within dog houses.

Choosing Dog Beds by Shape

Mattresses, balls, and nests are the main types of dog beds. These types are widely available in pet shops everywhere. Choose a bed type that is suitable for the way your dog sleeps. Nests or balls are the best style of dog beds to choose from. Nests provide extra insulation, good for dogs sleeping outdoors.

Dogs that sprawl or spread out when asleep need dog beds that give them room to move around, stretch, or sleep in whatever position suits them at any particular moment.

What’s inside Dog Beds

Filler for dog beds is typically solid foam or stuffing. Poly foam is typically used to make stuffing for dog beds. Look for beds with “high loft” stuffing, as they will be less likely to get squashed or otherwise lose their shape and fluffiness. Stuffing is more suitable for a small dog than a large one.

Larger dogs tend to do better with solid foam dog beds. So do healthy older dogs. For a dog with serious back or hip problems, you should look into orthopedic foam dog beds. Be aware of the firmness or density of the foam. Firmness indicates how hard or soft the dog bed is, whereas density is the springiness. Better quality foam beds tend to have higher firmness and density.

Finally, bearing in mind your dog will likely enjoy getting dirty, choose a dog bed that is easily cleaned.

Tags: Dogs

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