Choosing the Right Dog Bed for your Dog

Our dogs are loving members of our family, and like us, dogs appreciate a comfortable place to sleep, snooze, relax, and just generally chill out! Rest and sleep are important for dogs, and depending on their age, breed, health, and nature, dogs generally sleep from 12 to 18 hours a day.

Choosing the right dog bed for your dog may seem overwhelming at first, but by keeping a few points in mind, your dog is sure to love his special place of comfort.

Choosing the Right Size Bed

It’s important to find a dog bed for your four-legged friend that is both comfortable and appropriately sized to support his whole body.

Whether your dog is a large, medium, small or toy breed, your dog should be able to curl up, stretch out on his side, and lie flat on his bed without hanging over the edge. Try measuring your dog’s full body length from nose to tail to help you determine the right size bed. Many dog beds will also have guidelines on the size and breed of dog suitable for the type and size of bed.

A large or mid-sized dog may prefer a raised bed outdoors while a smaller dog may love a ‘snuggle,’ ‘doughnut,’ or ‘nesting’ bed.

Inside or Outside Dog Bed?

If your dog’s bed will be kept inside, choose a bed that not only suits your dog’s size, age, comfort and support levels but also will suit your home in size and appearance. We also recommend choosing an inside dog bed that is odour-resistant, washable and easy to clean.

Raised beds are a great outside bed option. They are generally steel-framed and made from hessian or durable shade-cloth, ensuring they are durable, sturdy, and easy to clean.

Why not spoil your pal with both an inside and an outside bed?

Dog Beds for Older Dogs

Older dogs can develop issues such as arthritis, joint and muscle problems, and hip dysplasia. A supportive, comfortable, appropriately-sized dog bed can help to relieve pain and provide comfort for a solid sleep at night and naps during the day.

Your older mate may appreciate a raised or elevated bed that raises him off the floor and provides firm, even support for his entire body. Cooling mattresses and high-quality dog beds with added orthopaedic support are also beneficial for older dogs, helping to relieve any joint and muscle pain and providing maximum comfort.

Elevated/Raised Beds

Elevated or raised beds dog beds are made from mesh and raise your dog off the ground, providing firm, even support. They allow air to circulate more easily and cool your dog’s body from below. For older dogs suffering from joint pain, an elevated, orthopaedic dog provides added orthopaedic support to help relieve pain and provide comfort.

Cooling Dog Beds

If your dog is particularly active, has thick fur, is sensitive to the heat, or tends to lie on cool surfaces, such as tiles or a concrete floor to cool down, a cooling dog bed may be the way to go.

Cooling dog beds are designed to lower your dog’s body temperature, avoid overheating, and keep your mate cooler for longer. Keeping your dog cool with a cooling dog bed can help to prevent heatstroke and other health hazards from overheating.

For dogs prone to shedding, particularly in the warmer months, a cooling dog bed in a designated space can help to keep shedding restricted to one place.

Cooling dog mats come in various shapes, styles, prices, sizes, and materials. Gel cooling beds help keep your dog cool by absorbing heat from his body and weight activated when your dog lies on it, while cooling dog beds filled with cold water or ice absorb and then redistribute your dog’s body heat.

Why not have a cooling dog bed for summer and when your dog is active, as well as another dog bed, to give your pal the luxury of choice?

Portable Dog Beds

If you travel with your dog and take him on regular outings, a portable, lightweight dog bed you can easily pick up and take with you can be a great investment.

You may choose to have a dedicated dog bed you keep at home, as well as a lightweight bed to take with you on the go.

Dog Beds for Puppies

Just like babies and toddlers, puppies like to feel secure. A cosy bed that is the right size and cushions their body encourages them to get to sleep and stay asleep.

When choosing a dog bed for your puppy, keep in mind your new pal’s potential chewing tendencies and steer clear of cheap beds, materials that are easy to chew, and even cooling water beds!

Durable dog beds

A sturdy, durable, long-lasting dog bed may cost more initially but may be worth the investment, particularly for a puppy or if your dog is prone to chewing and generally being destructive!

Standard dog beds will tolerate some chewing, but a chew-resistant dog bed may be the way to go if your dog is prone to wrecking things!

Calming Dog Beds

Calming dog beds are great for dogs prone to anxiety, helping to ease anxiousness and stress in dogs, and giving them a sense of security.

There are various calming dog beds available, including:

• Self-heating dog beds

• Beds with orthopaedic padding

• Beds that support your dog’s body with raised edges

• Doughnut style or ‘snuggle’ beds so your dog can curl up inside his bed (geat for small and toy dog breeds)

• Cave style beds, with an area for your dog to burrow into.

A cosy, calming bed that cushions your dog’s body may also encourage them to relax, get to sleep and stay asleep.

Whichever dog bed you choose, remember, it may take some time for your dog or puppy to take a shine to his new bed. To encourage your dog, try lying or sitting on the bed with them, placing a treat or his favourite toy or ball on the bed, and praising them when they do sit or lie on their bed.

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