Your dog’s bed is a place where they do more than sleep; it is their abode, a personal space for comfort and refuge. While having your dog sleep in your bed may sound ideal to you, getting your pup some personal space will benefit both you and your dog. Getting the perfect dog bed can be a hassle as you need to get a bed perfect for your pup’s needs. You will also need to consider other factors to avoid getting a bed your pup will not like. But before we dive into how to choose the right bed for your dog, let’s highlight some benefits of having your dog sleep in his bed.
Here are the benefits of buying a bed for your dog.
A dog bed will contribute positively to your dog’s health.
Having your dog sleep on a hard or uneven surface may be bad for his joints and can cause erratic sleep. This can make your dog irritable and problematic. After playing all day, your pup deserves a good nap on a soft and comfy bed fit for him. You should get a dog bed suitable for your pup’s needs to ensure his optimum health.
It helps create a personal space for your dog.
Having a dog bed will help create a safe space for your pup when he gets tired and anxious or when he wants to be away from noisy guests and children. It is said that a dog sleeps for more than 10 hours a day, and they will need a cozy place that is accessible at any time of the day.
It helps prevent any behavioral problems.
Behavioral problems like eating up your furniture, biting, and barking excessively can be prevented if your pup has a comfortable place to sleep in.
It helps keep your pup warm.
During the change of seasons, your dog will need a comfortable place to sleep in. That cute little blanket on the cold floor will not be enough to keep your dog warm. Their body fur is not enough to balance the change in temperature, so proper comfort and insulation are needed to make your pup comfortable. A self-warming/cooling dog bed will help keep your dog warm during these changes in temperature.
Types of Dog Beds
Dogs sleep for half of the day, and that’s a lot of time to spend in one spot. So you have to invest in a durable and perfect dog bed for your pup. You can easily monitor your dog to know if he likes the bed or not. The basic types of dog beds include:
Mattress Pads for Beds
These beds are quite popular among dog owners because their rectangular shape gives more room for your pup to move around. These beds are very easy to fold and store.
Donut Beds
These donut-circular beds are soft and comfy for dogs who love to cuddle. They are perfect for smaller dog breeds and puppies. The beds are made from furry and soft materials that feel cool on your pup’s body.
Orthopedic Beds
These beds are designed to support the joints and bones of senior dogs. They are usually made from memory foam, with bolsters at the edge of the bed to provide stability.
Tent Beds
These beds are perfect for anxious dogs and puppies that get cold easily. This bed is designed to help keep them cozy and warm throughout the night.
Elevated Beds.
These beds are ideal for extreme chewers. They usually come with a metal frame and an elevated sleeping area for your pup. These elevated beds are also great for heavy-coated dogs who usually overheat as there is a space between your pup and the floor.
Factors to consider when choosing a dog bed
Other than the type of dog bed, there are other things to consider when getting a bed for your pup.
Dog Size
It is important that you consider your dog's size when getting a dog bed. Although the size of your dog isn't always a good indicator of the bed size to choose. Some dogs love to stretch out while they sleep, while others love to sleep curled up. Monitoring the sleeping habits of your pup can give you an idea of which type of dog bed you should get. To get the exact size of the dog bed, you can measure your pup from nose to tail. Get a tape rule and measure the height of your dog. Use the measurement to explore the dog bed options available while taking into account your pup’s sleeping habits.
Padding thickness
To maximize your pup’s comfort, you should settle for a bed with enough padding. Padding provides support to your dog’s shoulders, elbows, and hips. If the dog bed padding is not enough, it can result in pain, and even skin wounds. So you should get a bed with the right amount of padding and well-cushioned surfaces to help provide them with significant relief.
Design and Material
Is your pup a chewing pro? Does he chew off anything that gets in his way? For dogs who love to chew, an elevated bed made with woven material is chew-proof. For older dogs, getting a foam dog bed with bolsters can help their joints. So recognizing your dog’s needs will make you aware of the type of dog bed you should get. You should also invest in a dog bed with a cover for easy washing. While settling for a bargain bed made with loose foam or polyester filling might be tempting, these bed designs are not durable.
Temperature Regulation
Soft, thick coverings are ideal for your pup during winter. It can provide warmth and help them sleep more comfortably during the whole season. Thin and breathable coverings should be used during the summer season to help prevent overheating.
Now that you have an idea of how to properly choose the right bed for your pup, it will help narrow your search down into shapes, sizes, and materials that will work for them. You should take your pup’s needs, size, and sleeping habits into account when getting a bed. You will finally sleep better in your own personal space, knowing that your dog is sleeping comfortably in his.
Good luck!!!!