Dogs love comfort, too, and getting them a good and comfortable bed could go a long way in ensuring you have a healthy and happy pet around the house. But how exactly do you go about choosing the bed? There are many types of dog beds created by different brands around the globe, and it can be a bit tricky narrowing down your search.
Fortunately for you, we are here to do the legwork. This is a detailed analysis of the best dog beds, the factors you have to keep in mind when making your selection, how they are made, the best stuffing for the mattresses, their maintenance, the benefits they bring to the dogs, their longevity, where to buy them and the safety issues that you have to be aware of.
So, if you own a dog and want to get it a bed, but you have no clue how and where to begin, you are in the right place. By the end of this, you should have all the information you need to make your choice.
The Best Dog Beds
It is essential that you get a clear image of how a dog bed looks like depending on the dog you have. The following are the best dog beds in the market right now.
1. Water Repellent Memory Foam Dog Sofa Bed – Best Overall
One look is all it takes for you to agree with the fact that the Water Repellent Memory Foam Dog Bed is the best money can buy right now. It has a compact design, beautiful plaid patterns, is durable, and is easy to clean as it comes with washable covers. Basically, this bed is made using sustainable materials, and this gives your dog the best comfort that any pet would ever experience for as long as it needs.
Features
- Mechanical wash
- Great construction that’s safe for the dog
- Padded cotton reinforced with polyester and waterproof anti-slip Oxford cloth
- Comes in Green, Orange, and Blue
2. Shag Faux Fur Donut Cuddler Pet Bed – Best for Small Dogs
As far as small dogs are concerned, getting a bed that fits their diminutive size is the ideal route to take, and this is where the amazing Shag Faux Donut Cuddler Pet Bed by Shery Luxury comes in. It is shaped like a doughnut and covered with a thick and comfortable faux fur that hugs the dog every time it slides into sleep.
Features
- Soft faux fur for extra warmth and comfort
- It has extra fillings to provide muscle and joint relief when the dog is in pain
- Raised edges for a protective atmosphere
- Machine washable covers
3. Harmony Cuddler Orthopedic Dog Bed – Best for Multiple Dogs
If you have more than one dog in the house, you may find yourself dealing with constant fights every day, and that can be stressful. To counter this, you need to get a bed that fits all your furry friends where they can snuggle close to each other until morning, and the best dog bed in this category is the Harmony Cuddler Orthopedic Dog Bed from Petco. It is massive, comfortable, and the right fit for all dog sizes.
Features
- Rectangular shape to maximize the capacity
- Reversible sleeping surface
- Orthopedic support for pressure points
- Removable and machine washable covers
4. Big Barker Pillowtop Orthopedic Dog Bed – Best for Big Dogs
Big dogs need some love, too, and the Big Barker Pillowtop is the best gift you can get for your oversized pet dog. Taking care of a big dog comes with its own set of challenges, and getting them the right bed can ease some of that stress for you and the dog. This bed is huge in all regards and is conducted using heavy-duty materials meaning your dog can toss and turn anyway it wants without causing any damage.
Features
- It comes in 3 sizes: Large, XL, and Giant
- It has a headrest for extra comfort
- It has machine washable microsuede covers
- Super soft microfiber cover for warmth.
5. Jax and Bones Woven Lounge Dog Bed – Best for Old Dogs
As dogs grow older, their bones become brittle, and they reduce movements, opting to sleep most of the time. To make this easier for them, you need a bed designed specifically for old dogs, and the Jax and Bones Woven Lounge Dog Bed is the perfect fit. It has a gentle and comfortable design that is fluffy enough for the dog to sink in, ensuring their weak joints are not subjected to unnecessary pressure. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself catching a nap in this lounger dog bed too; it is that comfortable.
Features
- It has textured woven covers that are easy to clean
- Fluffy stuffing for extra comfort
- Sofa design to allow space for stretching
- Bolstered sides for protection against falls
Choosing a Dog Bed: Factors to Consider
We have already established why a dog bed is essential for your pet dog, but how do you go about getting the right one? The following factors should help you narrow down your search.
Dog Size
The size of the bed should match the size of the dog for comfort to be assured. Getting your large dog a small bed is counterproductive; it may as well sleep on the floor instead. A bed larger than a dog also may not provide the needed warmth as there will be too much space all around. Know the measurements of your dog before deciding on the bed.
Dog Age
The older a dog gets, the more the health complications. Sensitive bones can be a source of pain for senior dogs, and a comfortable bed would be the best thing you can do for them at that particular stage. A bed designed for old dogs has soft covers and is extra fluffy to protect their joints from coming into contact with hard surfaces.
Coat Type
Your dog’s coat will determine the type of bed to go for. Dogs with shaggy and long coats will quickly overheat if you get them a fluffy and plush bed. Their coats already serve that purpose, and adding another layer will cause discomfort. Dogs with shorter hair need a fluffier bed with inside pet caves and tents to provide the warmth the thin coats can’t provide.
Maintenance Needs
You don’t want to be stuck with a bed with no removable covers or washable foam that will quickly lead to a stinking house. When choosing a dog bed, go for the types that come with removable covers that can be machine washed quickly.
Sturdiness
If you have seen what happens when you lock a dog with a pillow in the same room, then you know what will follow if you have a chewy pet. Some dogs love ripping things apart and if yours has that wild side, then get a bed that would be hard to destroy because they will use their teeth every chance they get.
Budget
You can only buy what you can afford, and dog beds come at varying prices. Depending on your purchasing power, you can either go for a cheap mattress that may not last for very long and may lack some vital features, or you can go for a premium one that looks like it was designed for a queen. In between, you have the budget beds that have a bit of both sides. Let your bank balance do the talking here.
Weather
The type of climate you are living in is another determinant of the bed you get your dog. If you live in cold climates, then a thick and fluffy bed would be ideal for your dog as they are good at accumulating warmth quickly. Throw in a dog blanket for good measure. A dog that lives in hot climates can make do with an elevated breathable bed that supports the cooling circulation of air.
How Dog Beds Are Made
DIY Dog’s Bed from old t shirt | Cool Craft for your Pets #diy #dogbed
Unless you are making a bed for a giant dog breed, the process of making a dog bed is not that hard. You can put together a DIY dog bed using locally available materials around the house in the following ways.
- Assemble old clothes and pillow cases you are no longer using. Cut the clothes into smaller pieces and stuff them into the pillow cases. You can cut them into strips of between 8-12 inches long. The amount should depend on the size of the dog.
- Once sufficiently stuffed, use a sewing needle and a sturdy thread to shut the open end. This is necessary to prevent the dog from ripping the stuffing out and clustering the house when playing.
- Place the stuffed pillow on the floor for your dog to lie on it. It will take some time to get used to but eventually the dog will be turning to the DIY bed every time it needs to rest or take a nap.
What Is the Best Stuffing for a Dog Bed?
Stuffing options for dog beds are many, and each serves specific functions. They determine how comfortable the bed would be and how long it would last. Some of the most common stuffing materials include the following:
- Foam: Foam is the most common filling material, and it includes things like foam chips, memory foam, pellets, and sheets. The softness each of these provides varies, but they are all designed to take the shape of the dog when in use.
- Fiber Fill: This comes in the form of polyester fill, and it adds bulk and softness to the bed without the firmness of most of the other materials. It is ideal for giant dogs as it springs back into shape once the pressure is lifted.
- Wood Chips: These are the cheapest form of filling but may not be as comfortable as they are not soft. However, one advantage they have is the aromatic effect they bring to the bed, although not all dogs may find this pleasant.
- Recycled Bedding and Clothes: You can recycle your old clothes and towels into dog bedding by stuffing them into bed casings if you are on a budget.
Benefits of Dog Beds
Why dog beds?
This is the question that every dog owner has to ask themselves at this point. Most people never see the need for a dog bed as they are used to sleeping with their dogs or leaving them to find their favorite spot for the night. However, getting your dog a proper bed has the following benefits.
- Dog beds help to shape the dog’s attitude and prevent behavioral issues and anxiety. It is never a good idea to allow your dog into your bed all the time; getting them a bed trains them to respect personal space.
- Dog beds are suitable for the dog’s health as they are designed with their bodies in mind. Any position that the dog assumes while using the bed doesn’t cause any discomfort, especially when the dog is old, sick, and has arthritis.
- Dog beds are warm and comfortable for the dog, especially when they have thin fur. When a dog curls up inside a dog bed, the body heat is trapped around it, and this keeps them warm throughout the night.
- It helps you preserve your furniture, especially when you have a large dog in the house. Once the dog gets used to their bed, they will keep on using your furniture.
How Long Do Dog Beds Last?
The same way you can tell when you need a new bed is the same way a dog may need theirs replaced. The longevity of a dog’s bed depends on the materials used in its construction and the size of the dog. The following are signs that your dog may require a new bed.
- Loose strings, tears and holes all over the covering. This can be a choking hazard and you should get rid of it immediately.
- Presence of infestation from ants, fleas, ticks, mites and any other parasite. These can be hard to get rid off and buying a new bed would be the logical choice.
- Persistent odors that keep coming back even after washing the bed. Some bed materials may trap some bad does permanently and this can make the house unlivable.
- A change in the dog’s health due to aging or a recent injury. This necessitates getting a more comfortable bed that will ease the pain.
Safety Problems with Dog Beds
Beneficial as they may be, dog beds do have issues, and you are not keen as a dog owner; they may end up harming your dog. Some of the safety concerns you should be on the lookout for include the following.
- Electrical hazards in heated dog beds. This can cause considerable harm and even death if your dog is the chewy type. One bite into a live chord may lead to electrocution. You should monitor your dog every time they are around electrical chords.
- Dogs with allergies may find it hard to sleep on beds made with materials that trigger reactions. Since figuring out the exact type of allergy your dog may have, it is recommended that you get a hypoallergenic bed just to be on the safe side.
- Some stuffing materials may be toxic to your dog, and swallowing them will lead to sickness or worse. A good number of foams used contain Volatile Organic Compounds that produce harmful chemicals poisonous to dogs.
- Hyperthermia is another hazard associated with dog beds when you get your overly furry dog an equally furry bed. This causes a lot of heat to be trapped within the bed, making it hard for the dog to regulate its body temperature leading to complications.
Where to Buy Dog Beds
You can get dog beds from almost every major pet store around the world. But it is always a good idea to source all your dog supplies from reputable companies that know what they are doing and can be held liable.
In this regard, your best option would be the Guangzhou Xiaochaoxiaocheng Science and Technology Ltd. It is a professionally run pet products company that pays attention to everything that goes into the manufacturing of their products.
You can visit or get in touch through the following details:
Company Name：Guangzhou Xiaochaoxiaocheng Science and Technology Ltd.
Address：619 Room, No.58, Zhuji Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.
email：contact@petckc.com
Dog Bed Cleaning FAQ
1. What should I clean my dog bed with?
You can either vacuum the dog bed or hand wash the covers by soaking them in warm soapy water. Dogs have very sensitive noses so avoid using scented cleaning materials as much as you can. You can also use baking soda to get rid of bad smells.
2. How often should I clean the bed?
Regular cleaning is recommended at the rate of once every two weeks. Failing to clean the dog bedding for longer than this will create stench inside the house and this will affect both you and the dog.
3. Is it safe to machine wash dog bedding?
That depends on the type of the bed. Some can be machine washed without coming apart and others have to be hand washed. The materials used in the stuffing and the cover are what determine how the bedding gets cleaned.
Conclusion
Pets deserve as much care as their owners can afford to give, and one of the most important things you can do for them is buy a proper dog bed. It is evident from all the information we have provided you that a bed is beneficial to your dog in many ways. You are now best placed to make an informed decision next time you go hunting for a dog bed. For more information on pet care, check out our website at any time of the day and have all your questions answered by our team of experts who are always on call and ready to serve you.