Even if you’re that type of a person who lets his four-legged companion sleep on the couch, it’s important to know that Fido still needs a bed of his own. The thing that makes this so important is the fact that this bed will be one of just a couple of places in the house that’s only his and nobody else’s. Learning how to select the right bed for your dog will leave you with a product that will serve your pup for the years to come. We’re here to help you with that!
Why Your Dog Needs a Dog Bed
Even though a dog bed certainly isn’t among the most vital parts of pet furniture, it can undoubtedly improve the comfort and the overall well-being of your dog. The pups need beds just like we do – they will provide them with the right amount of comfort while they’re sleeping or just resting. And, as you already know, getting through the day is next to impossible without proper sleep.
Most dogs like to be close to their owners, and we think that it’s pretty safe to say that most people don’t spend a lot of time in their bedrooms. This is precisely why so many owners like to place the dog bed somewhere in the middle of the house, like the family room or the living room, or wherever the pet likes to hang around the most.
Now that we’re talking about the reasons for getting a bed for your pooch, there’s one particular thing you need to understand. Your pet won’t use this bed just to sleep on it – he’ll also use it for the general relaxation and resting. In the next part of the article, we’ll discuss the rest of the benefits that come with owning a quality dog bed.
Are Dog Beds Good
Let’s take a look at some of the most important benefits of providing your furry companion with a cozy dog bed:
Health concerns
When your pet is sleeping on a mat or the floor, he has to make the best of his situation and find the most comfortable position for resting. As you can already guess, this is more than harmful to his postural health, especially in the long run. The flat, hard floor is incredibly uncomfortable to sleep on, and this, in turn, leads to erratic and restless sleep. It can also cause your pet to become troublesome and irritable, while the lack of proper sleep has dire consequences on his physical health, too.
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This adverse effect on their health is especially pronounced with older and overweight dogs. Their unhealthy physique is guaranteed to cause them some additional stress while they’re sleeping on a surface that’s hard or uneven. It is of crucial importance to get suitable beds for such dogs – orthopedic models are your best choice.
Protection from weather
Just like we do, our four-legged friends also need maintenance of the right temperature and some insulation for comfort. If your pet sleeps on the floor during cold winters or hot summers, he’s bound to be exposed to temperatures that are higher or lower than those that are good for him. This might end up with your pet getting sick, especially if he’s of a breed that’s susceptible to sudden temperature changes.
For this matter, it is of essential importance to get a quality bed that will provide him with the right amount of comfort no matter the current weather. If you live in a hot climate, a cooling bed is an excellent choice. For colder climates, getting an electricity-heated or a self-warming bed is the wisest decision. Those living in regions with extremes of weather should consider temperature-controlling beds.
Furniture preservation
Your beloved Fido doesn’t know how expensive some pieces of your furniture are. He’s more than keen to just climb up on your pricey Italian sofa, snuggle up there, and then leave a trail of dander and fur for you to clean later. To avoid these kinds of situations and to preserve your furniture from the pet, you can just get him some furniture that will be his and nobody else’s. A quality dog bed will concentrate the fur and dander that he sheds on a single location, making the process of cleaning a lot easier and more convenient.
Personal space
As we already mentioned, our canine companions also need some space to call their own, where they will feel safe and comfortable no matter the time of the day. Because dogs sleep for about 12 hours each day, one has to provide his pet with an easily-accessible space where he’ll be able to curl up and nap. If you’d like to keep your dog happy and healthy, it’s advisable to get him a quality dog bed. Some dogs like to sleep outside, and if your dog is one of them, consider erecting a fence around your property when you let your dog outside.
Injury prevention
Another benefit of providing your canine friend with a unique bed is the injury prevention. Without a dog bed, your pet will be forced to jump up and down from big furniture, and this can lead to severe injuries to their limbs. Getting them furniture of their own will prevent this problem, and this can be especially beneficial for older dogs and smaller breeds. These were the primary benefits of providing your furry pet with a comfortable, well-cushioned dog bed. In the next part of the article, we’ll help you learn how to choose the right model:
What Dog Bed is the Best
Of course, the best way to do the shopping is to bring your pooch with you, although not all pet shops will allow your pet to try out different brands and models. At the pet shops that allow this, give your furry friend a chance to try out a couple of models at the store – this will also assist you in finding the right size. Bringing the pet into the store is always the best option.
However, the fact that some pet stores don’t allow this is not the only obstacle. If you own a canine that’s timid or shy, he probably won’t even want to help you with the shopping. Pet stores are filled with smells, animals, and people that are new and strange to him, so he probably won’t feel very comfortable. In that case, going online is your best decision. Now, let’s have a closer look at the abovementioned factors:
Dog’s Measurements
Before you finally embark on the quest for finding the proper bed for your dog, you’ll need to measure your pet. Using a standard tape measure, you’ll have to measure both his length and height.
If your canine is, for example, 30 inches long, the wisest decision would be to get him a bed that’s at least 5 inches longer – 35″. As you can already guess, this will provide Buster with ample space for stretching without the risk of rolling off the bed. In the same manner, you’ll have to measure the pet’s height, and then try to purchase a bed of the same height.
If you’re an owner of multiple canines, ask yourself the following question – will they be sharing the same bed? Many dog siblings love to sleep together, but not all enjoy doing this. Your task will be to estimate the size of the bed that will be spacious enough for all of your dogs.
In case you’re planning to purchase a separate bed for each of your four-legged mates, you’ll have to measure each one of them in the ways mentioned above. Each will have his individual needs, and one has to make sure that these needs are satisfied before the final purchase.
Where Will You Place the Dog Bed?
Will you be moving the dog bed around the house or are you planning to leave it in one place? If you’re an owner of multiple dogs, you’ll probably have to move the beds from time to time. For example, some of your canines like resting in the sun on the porch, making you move their beds outside.
If you’re currently unable to purchase several beds, you’ll probably have to move Buster’s bed around for some time. This means that you’ll have to buy one that’s easy to move from one place to another.
On the other hand, if you’re a frequent traveler and always take your pet with you, try to find a bed that can fit inside your vehicle. Always think how and where you’re going to use the bed before you finally buy it.
Materials and Constructions of Dog Beds
Choosing the right material for your future dog bed is the most challenging part of the entire process. It’s also a variable that has the most significant effect on the price of a particular model.
For example, models that are stuffed with higher-quality materials, such as the memory foam, have a longer lifespan and are guaranteed to provide your pet with the right amount of comfort. They will last for at least five years and will save you some cash in the long run, which is why investing in a quality model is always the wisest decision.
Beds made out of low-quality materials, such as poly-fill, aren’t that great, as their stuffing becomes misshapen due to months of frequent use. But they’re still an excellent choice for those on a tight budget – they’re certainly a better option than the cold, flat floor. Just remember to replace them once they become unusable.
Easy to Clean
This one is a no-brainer. Try to find a model with removable covers that are easy to take off and can be washed in a washing machine. You never know when you’ll have to get the bed clean in cases your pet gets sick or injured. A machine-washable dog bed with removable covers makes the process of cleaning fast and easy – wash it frequently to remove the risk of parasites, unpleasant odors, and shed hair.
Special Features
The final thing to consider is if your pet has some special needs that will influence what kind of a dog bed you’ll ultimately have to purchase. Is he propping his head up with a pillow? Does he always nest before he lies down? Does he perhaps have hip-dysplasia or arthritis?
Some models of dog beds are shaped like caves, allowing the pooch to crawl inside and comfortably snuggle under the “cave roof.” Some are shaped like doughnuts, and these are ideal for small puppies that tend to fall off the bed and thus hurt themselves.
An important thing to keep in mind is that this bed won’t be the one you’ll be sleeping on, so avoid making the selection based on what you consider to be comfortable. Make sure to take the needs and preferences of your pet into consideration – he’ll be more than grateful in the end.
With these factors and considerations in mind, selecting the right dog bed will be a lot easier. We hope we’ve been helpful, and we wish you happy hunting for the proper furniture for your four-legged companion!
