Are dog beds necessary? Is your dog taking too much space on your bed at night or spending too much time lounging in your favourite chair? Or is he hogging the sofa when you have company? If you find the above scenarios familiar, you might want to consider buying them a bed of their own.
Modern dog beds come in many different shapes and sizes. So, how do you know which one is the best for your pooch? Here are some useful tips on what to consider when choosing the best bed for your dog.
Advice For Buying Dog Beds
While some people may prefer their dogs to sleep in the same bed as them, others may think otherwise. Whatever the case may be, it is wise to consider giving your dog a bed of their own.
Dogs need about 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day. (Puppies and senior dogs may require a few more hours of rest, up to 18 hours). With that in mind, you can see why it’s important to pick a good bed for your dog to enjoy!
The Best Type Of Material For Dog Beds
The materials that dog beds are made from should be taken into consideration besides choosing the shape, size and colour.
Plush beds are particularly ideal for dogs that have little fur as they can help keep them warm. While heat-activated beds are great for older, senior dogs with possible joint issues, another option would be memory foam beds. In addition, furry dogs may prefer a bed with a cooling pad to keep them cool throughout the day.
Some dog beds may be machine washable which may be ideal for dogs that tend to play more outdoors or are generally messy. On the other hand, dog beds that have to be washed by hand might be more suitable for dogs who are bathed frequently and don’t go outdoors often.
However, if you are still unsure of which material dog bed is most suitable for your dog, do check with your local retailer as they might be able to advise you based on your pooch’s allergies and sensitivities.
Sturdiness
In certain cases, you might observe your dog chewing or scratching on furniture which is a sign of teething in puppies. However, in the case of older dogs, they may be gnawing on things to strengthen their jaws or to clean their teeth. Despite the aforementioned, excessive chewing may also be due to boredom, hunger or anxiousness.
Read more here to learn how to deal with anxiety in dogs.
Chewing on their own beds can be quite harmful. However, it depends on the design and components of the bed as your dog may swallow one of the components unknowingly. When swallowed, the components could get lodged in their stomach or intestinal tract, leading to medical issues.
For dogs with the habit of chewing on non-food items, try using a fabric dog bed filled with foam or other soft cushion material. It is best to purchase a sturdy dog bed made of aluminum or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) stands. In addition, a canvas covering will make these “cots” more comfortable for your pooch!
Size Of Bed
There are different bed sizes designed for different sizes of dogs, as some dog breeds are larger in size. You will have to upgrade your dog’s bed as they grow in size. However, it is always best to purchase a bed that is too big than one that is too small.
It is only ideal that the dog beds you choose is big enough for your dog to lay in comfortably in their natural sleeping positions. That would include room for stretching, because, as pet owners, we know that dogs do not sleep in the same position for very long. Moreover, like human counterparts, they too, like to stretch out for comfort!
Shape Of Dog Bed
Should you purchase a round bed, square or rectangular bed for your pup?
If your dog tends to walk around in circles before they settle for the night, a round or square bed is most suitable. In addition, if they sleep curled up, you should also consider the aforementioned. Whereas, if they sleep sprawled out, a rectangular bed would be more suitable.
Does Your Dog Have Any Allergies?
Dogs suffer from allergies. They are more sensitive as they age. If you know your dog has certain allergies to certain materials, you should be careful when purchasing a bed. In addition, you should also be mindful of the type of soaps and scents used to wash their bed.
Keep the above mentioned tips in mind when you are looking for the best bed for your dog. Take note that you should not choose a bed just because the design fits into your decor at home! Their comfort needs to be top priority when it comes to their slumber!