Everyone wants a comfy place to sleep. Your dog too. That’s why dogs love to squeeze in bed with us. Sorry to burst your bubble, but it’s not that your pup loves snuggling with you so much. It’s the comfort and warmth of your bed he’s after. With that being said, as a pet owner, you should consider providing your pup with his own resting spot.
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Getting a comfy bed for your dog can not only make him happier, but it may also be beneficial for his health in the long run. Lying on a cold floor for prolonged periods of time can cause sore joints, ear problems as well as exacerbate rheumatism and similar health issues. But a bed can provide insulation for your dog so that it doesn’t have to sleep on the cold, hard floor.
Although choosing a dog bed can seem like the simplest task in the world, given the wide range of options, it’s a lot more complicated. Plus, dogs, like us, are different and have unique needs and preferences. If he doesn’t find the bed comfortable or large enough, your pooch will ignore it and find other spots to rest. So, it’s crucial to find a suitable bed for your dog. Here’s how to pick a dog bed that will become your pet’s favourite spot of the house.
Make Sure The Size Is Right
Even if you spent a good amount of money on a bed with all kinds of comfort features, if the size is wrong, your dog will avoid it. Dogs prefer to lie down on a surface where they can stretch out and move around freely, so make sure to buy a big enough bed. Before ordering a bed for your dog, make sure to measure him from his nose to the base of his tail, then add at least 20cm extra. This should be the diameter of the bed.
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However, buying a large bed for a small dog isn’t right either. Small dog breeds want to be cradled and feel insecure in beds that are too large for them. Large beds make them feel too vulnerable to external threats to lie down and sleep. This is also the case with young pups. So, even if your dog is a large breed, do not shop for a large bed while he’s still small. Additionally, some small breeds that are hairless or have short hairs can get cold sleeping in a large bed. With that being said, if you have a Maltese or a baby Golden Retriever, it’s best to explore the range of small dog beds.
Consider Your Dog’s Sleeping Preference
Once you have an idea of how large the bed should be, you can move onto selecting a shape. What shape of dog bed is right depends on your pet’s sleeping preference. Observe him while he sleeps. Does he like to sprawl or curl up? Most dogs fall into four categories of sleeping positions which have suitable beds for them.
Small dogs are usually curlers – they like to sink in and be surrounded by the bed’s contours. As a result, most small dog beds have a round doughnut design or are bolster-style. Some dogs are burrowers. They like to dig in and go undercover in order to sleep. The most suitable bed design for them would be a cosy cave or nest. Dogs that like to sprawl out will love the freedom of a roomy pad or a simple rectangular pillow pad. And dogs that are leaners will enjoy the security and support of a dog couch or a bolster-style bed.
Pick a Suitable Filling
You can’t judge a book by its cover. And the same goes for dog beds. Dog beds can have different fillings. The filling will affect whether or not your dog will be comfortable. The most common fill material for dog beds is chambered, spun-polyester. This is a soft and cosy, hypoallergenic material which can suit most dogs that don’t have any special needs.
Some beds can also be filled with memory foam. These beds offer extra support but don’t put pressure on the dog’s body. This makes them the best choice for senior dogs, dogs with arthritis and other orthopedic problems. Memory foam also helps regulate body temperature, thus preventing the dog from overheating.
If your dog has a habit of “digging in” before lying down, a bed filled with polystyrene pellets will be the perfect option. Polystyrene pellets are also shape-conforming and can offer extra warmth which makes them suitable for short-haired breeds.
Consider Beds with Special Features
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Is your dog a chewer? In that case, the new bed can be destroyed after a few days of use. If you don’t want to buy a new bed every month or so, look for one that’s covered with a fabric that has a ripstop weave. This type of fabric won’t be easily torn even from the roughest of chewers.
If your dog prefers to sleep outside, make sure to pick a bed that is water-resistant. Some beds feature a poly-blend cover that is treated to repel water. There are also beds with an interior hydrophobic-mesh liner that will allow the water to drain quickly from the bed.
