Tips to Help You Discover the Perfect Bed for Your Dog

By Ava Brown, November 11, 2022

Your dog might seem happy lying anywhere around the house as long as he’s near you, but it’s important he has a dedicated space for napping and lounging. Everyone loves a comfy place to sleep. Your dog too.

A comfortable bed is one of the essentials every dog parent should own. It can not only make him happier but may also improve his health over time. Long-term lying on a chilly floor can aggravate rheumatism and cause other conditions such as aching joints and ear difficulties. A proper bed can act as insulation for your dog, elevating him from the cold, hard floor.

Buying a bed for your pooch may seem like a straightforward task, but the many options make choosing difficult. Should you get a stylish plush doughnut nook or check out the range of heavy duty waterproof dog beds? – There are many types of beds on the market. Additionally, like people, canines have various requirements and preferences. Your dog will neglect the bed and seek other places to rest if he doesn’t find it cosy or big enough.

Long story short, here’s what to consider to pick a bed that will become your pet’s favourite area in the house or outside of it!

Size and Shape

Although it seems easy, so many dog owners fail to get the right size. The bed you buy for your dog should be big enough for them to be able to lie comfortably in all positions because no dog prefers to take a nap with their paws on the ground.

However, every dog has their own preference, so don’t pick a bed simply based on the size of your dog. The ideal dog bed size and shape depend on how your pet prefers to sleep. Most dogs fit into one of four categories of sleeping postures, each of which has a corresponding bed.

• Dogs that stretch out while they sleep will need a lengthier, rectangular-shaped bed
• Dogs that curl up may prefer a small, circular bed.
• Dogs that like to burrow and hide to get some sleep will love a cosy cave or nest bed.
• Dogs that lean will appreciate the safety and support of a couch or bolster-style bed.

Again, don’t let the dog’s size fool you into thinking they need a particular type of bed. A smaller breed dog may be the king of belly rubs and prefer to sleep on his back, whereas a larger dog may love to snuggle up and cover his nose with his tail. And, if your dog has anxiety, a calming dog bed can work wonders.

But in general, most toy dogs and small puppies enjoy cuddling up in bed. So choosing a little bed gives them a sense of security and cuddles, similar to their days in the den with their litter mates.

Material

Does your pooch have a tendency to chew on everything he can get his mouth on? An elevated bed made of woven material on a metal frame is both chew- and claw-proof for dogs who enjoy chewing.

Or perhaps you have an older dog that requires more padding for his joints. A memory foam bed with bolsters to support the head will make a senior dog melt.

Dogs with hot areas or prone to overheating would benefit from a bed constructed of cooling material. And dogs who have trouble regulating their body temperature will love the comfy feeling of a warm plush bed.

But whatever bed you go for, you should make sure that it has a sturdy, machine-washable cover. The bed will become dirty with time, thus a washable cover is a necessity. Selecting a machine-washable dog bed also makes it simple to vacuum up loose fur while stains and odours disappear in the washing machine. You’ll be cleaning it more times than you think.

Indoor vs Outdoor Use

Does your dog spend the night indoors, outside, or both? Some dog owners prefer to get two beds – one for the inside and one for chilling on the patio, balcony or in the garden. Outdoor dog beds can last through all seasons, are frequently more durable, and are simple to clean.

When choosing an outdoor bed, it’s important to get one that’s waterproof and UV-resistant to withstand harsh Australian conditions. Heavy duty waterproof dog beds also come in handy when camping or going to the beach.

Additionally, make sure that it’s elevated off the ground. A raised outdoor bed allows for air to circulate, thus helping to cool the dog in the summer. And in the winter, it provides insulation from the cold ground.

Because they are robust and simple to maintain, raised waterproof dog beds are a fantastic option for dogs that live outside. The raised sleeping platforms don’t trap as much dust or grime as indoor bedding because they are composed of sturdy material like hessian or shade cloth. Some are also given a “flea-free finish” to stop pests from nesting or laying eggs on your dog’s bed.