Dog beds are necessary for the comfort and well-being of your pet. If you are a dog owner, it is in your best interests to have a pet that’s comfortable at all times, and it doesn’t cost a lot to get this done. There are so many options available for pet owners as far as beds go. They come in all sizes and shapes that fit all dog sizes.
We are going to explore why you should get a bed for your pet dog, the types of dog beds that exist, the brands that are good for your dog, the number of dog beds you may need, how to maintain and replace them, among a host of other important issues. If you have a pet and have always wanted to get them a bed sometime in the future, then you are in the right place. Stick with me to the end and learn a thing or two about dog beds.
Why Do I Need a Dog Bed?
Dogs may not possess the power of speech, but they do need the best comforts that life has to offer. If you choose to have a dog with you, then ensure they are able to enjoy the same benefits that you would want for yourself. The following are the reasons why you should invest in a good dog bed for your pet.
Good for Joints
The older the dog gets, the more their bones become brittle; this situation is worsened if they spend all their young life sleeping on hard surfaces. You need to introduce the dog to a good bed from the moment they become puppies. By the time they age and start experiencing arthritis or hip dysplasia, they get all the help they need to be as comfortable as they can and counter joint pains. The dog bed provides cushioning when the dog sleeps, acting as the buffer between the hard floor and the joints.
Good for Sleep
Dogs need quality sleep. They may not look like it since they are most active around people, but the little time they spend alone is for sleeping, and that requires a warm dog bed. This is why dogs tend to creep into your bed at night as they need something soft that keeps them warm. Even dogs that have thick fur require a well-designed bed that conforms to their body shape. One thing you need to know about dog beds is that they are products of research; they are not simply made to provide a sleeping place, they are created with the dog in mind, and that’s what makes them a valuable thing to have around.
Relaxing Spot
Every few minutes, the dog may need a spot where it can relax after playing for a long time. Rather than have them rest anywhere when they feel like it and drop their hairs all over, get them a bed and place it in a designated area where they can comfortably catch a short nap when they need to. This not only provides them with a safe space to lay down on, but they can have the freedom to stretch out as much as they want when they want to hide away from the commotion of people and other pets around them.
Good Behavioural Training
A dog bed will ensure your dog is trained the right way. It is easier to stop your dog from sleeping in your bed by providing it with an alternative, not kicking it out to the floor. Once the dog understands that it has its own place, then you will have an easy time co-existing with each other in the house. This comes in very handy when you have a large dog to deal with. If you want a piece of mind for both you and the dog, then get a bed and terrain it to observe personal space.
They are Easy to Clean
It can be challenging to clean your own bed if you share it with your dog. They shed a lot, and they have a distinct odor, and that will force you to keep cleaning every morning, a task that may take too much of your time. When you get a dog bed, however, it becomes easier to maintain it as it is small enough to be cleaned and dried. You can even do it up to two times a week to ensure there’s no smell emanating from it at all. Sometimes all you would even need to do is simply air it out for the day.
What Dog Bed Should I Get?
Having seen how important it is to have a dog bed, which ones do you go for? There are so many dog beds around, with each manufacturer claiming to have the most superior one. It can be hard sifting all through the options available to find the one that fits your needs perfectly. To make your work easier, the following are some of the things you have to keep in mind when choosing a dog bed.
The Size of Your Dog
The size of the bed depends on the size of your dog. A bigger dog will require a bigger bed, and you will need more effort and time to clean such a bed. You need to be aware of how much your dog weighs and how long it can be when it stretches to full length to get a good idea of the kind of bed to get it. Always be armed with that information when shopping for a bed to get the right fit.
The Breed
Some breeds are too hairy, and some have very thin coats. Think of this when selecting a dog bed as that will determine how comfortable the dog will be. If you have a dog that has a thin coat, then consider going for beds with softer, fluffies, and cushier materials. This will provide the dog with the cover they need to keep them warm and protect their joints.
If you have a dog with a thick coat, then go for a less fluffy bed to prevent them from overheating when they sleep. Also, choose fabrics based on the type of hairs on your dog; if the dog tends to shed too much, then go for a bed that is smoother to make it hard for hairs to stick to the surface.
Sleeping Style
Knowing your dog’s sleeping style is another way of ensuring you get a bed that fits their description well. Some dogs love sleeping in a curveball, taking up as little space as possible; the best bed for this type of dog would be the small type that has raised boundaries to keep the dog warm. If your dog loves stretching, then getting a long bed would fit it better as that won’t constrict its movements in any way. Some dogs love rocking beds, some love to lean against other objects, while others love sleeping with their legs hanging. Observe your dog to know their sleeping style before choosing a bed.
Their Habits
Is your dog the rough type that shreds and chews through everything, or is it docile and well-behaved? If you have a dog with a high temperament, then you should go for a bed that has a tougher cover that the dog can’t bite through or shred with its claws. If your dog loves getting dirty in the mud while playing, then ensure the bed you chose is easy to clean.
Age and Health
Older and sickly dogs will require more specialized beds compared to younger and more healthy ones. The older the dog gets, the more the complications, and they tend to sleep more than move around. This means getting them an orthopedic bed that will make them as comfortable as possible until it’s time for them to call it a day. The same applies to dogs that may have suffered a recent injury. Think of how comfortable they can be before going for a bed that best addresses that need.
Available Space
Dog beds don’t occupy much space, but if you have a big dog, then you should think of the space that you have. The appropriate place is usually in an area where people rarely use it when moving around the house. This is to ensure that the dog is undisturbed when it is their time to rest. Therefore you may need to create new space for them, big enough for stretching or when they need to change their sleeping positions without knocking things down.
Versatility
If you are the type that loves traveling with your dog, then you should get a bed that is versatile enough to be moved around in the car or even sleep outdoors when camping. This is the kind of bed that you can fold to fit in the backseat of the car and unfurl it to fit inside the tent and at the same time use it in the house. This will save you the money you would have spent on buying three different beds.
Budget
You can only get what you can afford, and there’s absolutely no reason for you to break your bank just to get your dog a premium bed. At the same time, you should not limit yourself too much and end up getting an inferior bed that will only make matters worse for your dog. Not all high-end beds are ideal, and not all budget beds are terrible. Operate within your budget to get a bed that both fits your pocket and the needs of your pet dog.
Types of Dog Beds
There are many types of dog beds, each designed to deal with different situations and address varying needs. When you are hunting for a dog bed, you need to understand the types in order to make the right decision. The most common ones include the following:
- Pillow Beds: These are the most common beds, and they simply look like a huge pillow placed on the floor where the dog simply combs on top and rests in the middle. They are fluffy, and they sink when in use and revert back to their original shape once the dog leaves. The padding is usually made of cedar chips, bean bags, foam padding, or polyester fill.
- Donut Beds: This is a bed that is shaped like a donut, and the depression in the middle provides the dog with a very comfortable fit, allowing it to sink nicely with raised boundaries keeping it in place. They are for dimple dogs that don’t need much other than a soft place to place their heads.
- Nesting Beds: This is a cuddler bed that almost resembles a pillow bed. It has one side raised for the head and neck while its opposite end is made flat for the rest of the body to allow for the dog to cuddle up on itself when sleeping. They are a good option for old and injured dogs as they provide the support needed to keep the hurt parts and joints from moving.
- Heating and Cooling Beds: These are beds that are equipped with heaters within them and are good for dog owners who reside in very cold or very warm areas. Cooling beds are particularly honey for dogs that may have thick fur in warm areas since overheating is a very serious condition for dogs.
- Raised Dog Beds: These are dog beds that are raised from the ground in the form of a hammock. They are designed this way to allow for the free circulation of air or to simply provide a rocking option for the dog when they sleep. It is not ideal for heavy dogs, however.
- Orthopedic Beds: These are medically designed beds that are used for old or injured dogs. They have the best cushioning and are highly adjustable to make it easy for pet owners to calibrate them to the exact needs of their dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is the Most Comfortable Dog Bed?
The comfort accorded by a bed varies from one brand to another, so it may all come down to personal preference. But if you are looking for an all-purpose bed that will handle all your pet needs efficiently, then you should go with the Water Repellent Memory Foam Dog Sofa Cover Bed. It is expansive and will accommodate even the largest dog and, at the same time, is made using comfortable materials that will last your dog for ages.
2. What Size Dog Bed Do I Need?
The size of the bed you go for is determined by the size of the dog. Ideally, it should be bigger than the dog itself to provide as much space as possible for the dog to stretch when it needs it without falling off. You need to know the exact measurements of your dog at full stretch in order to know the exact dimensions of your bed. The last thing you would want is to have a dog whose joints extend beyond the cushioned areas.
3. How Many Dog Beds Should a Dog Have?
A dog only needs a single bed for use. This makes it easy to maintain, and it allows the dog to be familiar with one sleeping spot. You can get multiple beds if you have multiple dogs in the house; this will reduce fights as each dog gets to sleep in its own space. The only situation where you should get more than one bed for your dog is if you need one for traveling and one for indoor needs.
4. How Often Should You Wash Dog Bed？
It is recommended that you wash the dog bed at least once a week. This is to counter mites and bad odors that the dog accumulates over time. Hair shedding is also another reason to get the bed cleaned as regularly as possible. This ensures that the dog sleeps in a clean environment, and that keeps both you and the dog healthy.
5. How Often Should You Replace Your Dog Bed?
Dogs are very active, and they may end up playing with their beds. This wears the bed put eventually, and for this reason, you should change the bed every 6-12 months. The time frame is shorter for larger dogs and longer for smaller dogs since bigger dogs are heavier, and so they apply more pressure on the beds the more they use. The important thing to note is that maintenance will help increase the longevity of the bed.
6. How Much Should a Dog Bed Cost？
The price of a dog bed varies with the brand, the size, and the needs of the dog. Orthopedic beds, for instance, will cost more because they have specialized features. On average, dog beds vary between $70 all the way to $350.
Conclusion
A good dog bed will go a long way to ensure both you and your dogs are comfortable. Once a dog acknowledges that it has its own designated space, then it becomes easy to coexist with other people. For more information on dog beds, feel free to check out our website and have any questions you may have addressed to the best of our abilities.