Dogs, just like humans, need their personal space at home where they can nap during the day and sleep at night. Unlike the floor, a good dog mattress will keep your dog warm during cold days and prevent arthritis and calluses. A dog bed is more than just a square- or round-shaped cushion.
Today, there are a plethora of dog bed options available online. From basic to luxury, expensive to cheap and everything in between. With so many options available, how do you choose the best dog bed for your fur buddy? Does your dog even require a bed? What size bed do you need for your dog? Should you burn your pockets even when your dog is comfortable lying next to you on the couch or in your bed? Before buying a dog bed, you should consider all of the aforementioned questions and more. In this guide, we’ve listed 10 things to remember while buying a dog bed to help you with your selection.
The size of a dog bed is likely the most important factor to consider when buying a dog bed. If you're looking for full-grown adult dogs, measure them nose-to-tail while they are sleeping (preferably when it is sprawled out). Once you get the measurements of your dog when at rest, you can compare different sizes of dog mattresses to find the perfect one. The size of a dog bed should be big enough to give your dog adequate space to stretch out and sleep comfortably.
While most dogs like to sprawl out while they sleep, some prefer curling up in a comfortable ball-like position. If your dog prefers to spread out while sleeping, a large size dog bed is a perfect choice. However, you may want to choose a very soft foam bed if your dog enjoys curling up.
Almost all dogs love to chew. Young pups may engage in it to alleviate teething discomfort. Older dogs may do it to maintain their jaws strong and clean their teeth. Or perhaps your dog is simply hungry, anxious, or bored. Chewing can, however, be toxic and harmful when it comes to bedding. Additionally, if one of the pieces they chew is stuck in their stomach or intestines, it might cause serious health issues. Fabric dog beds designed using foam pieces or other padding might not be the clever choice if you have a dog that loves chewing.
Most dog beds have high footboards. These allow air to circulate below, which may be useful for larger dogs or those with thick coats who get hot easily.
Make sure the bed you choose won't turn into an overnight choking hazard for your dog (especially untrained puppies). Always choose a dog bed that is made of materials that are difficult for them to pull apart, such as canvas and ripstop weaves. Also, if your dog sleeps outside, ensure the entire setup is weatherproof.
Avoid choosing synthetic materials, such as those that contain chemicals for flame retardance and stain resistance. Look for anything your pet might be allergic to when reading the label.
A large, energetic dog will want a strong bed that can be thicker and more durable. A flatter, narrower bed may be more comfortable for dogs who are smaller and/or less active. Likewise, a special kind of bed can be needed for older dogs. A dog with arthritis, for instance, would require a soft, comfortable, and supportive bed.
A raised dog bed can be the best option for you if your pet spends a lot of time on the floor. It will comfort and support your dog while keeping it away from climbing on the furniture. Over time, keeping your dog off furniture like sofas might help their joints endure less strain.
Age is always an important consideration when buying a bed for your dog. Of course, puppies will have different kinds of needs than senior canines. When they are young puppies and still developing, a simple, thin and comfy dog bed would do the job. However, once they grow up, your little companion could become restless at night and might need a thicker bed to sleep comfortably. Once your dog reaches this stage, it's important to remember that as they age, their bodies will change and their requirements will change too.
However, there are more health factors to consider while purchasing a dog bed. Some dogs have delicate snouts. In such cases, a dog bed that has plastic coverings all around it can help protect their fragile skin. If you have an allergic dog, you need to be extra careful about it.
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This is another crucial factor to consider when purchasing a bed. How frequently should you wash the bed? You may ask. While some dog beds may simply be placed outside and hosed down, others need a lot more effort. Just keep in mind that you might want to spend money on an easy-to-wash bed if you have a large or messy dog. You can either go for a material that is waterproof or water-resistant or the one with detachable coverings.
A huge variety of dog bed styles are available in the market. For instance, you can go for a dog bed that complements the interior design or color scheme of your house. However, we'll discuss here the most common types of dog beds style and their significance.
When it comes to a standard dog bed, there are many different forms and sizes available. The variations between these depend on the brand. The padding (thickness) and hardness of the bed are often the deciding factors. The most popular types of dog beds are nest beds, doughnut dog beds, orthopedic beds, pillow dog beds, kennel dog beds, cave beds, raised dog beds, cooling beds, and heated beds.
Which dog bed you choose for your fur buddy will also depend on how much money you are ready to spend on one. Depending on your dog's age, size, breed, and preferences, you can purchase a perfect dog bed in any price range.
When it comes to dog beds, electrically heated beds are often the most expensive alternative. The majority of styles, depending on the brand, can cost a small fortune.
Make sure the dog bed you choose is made of flame-resistant material and won't shock your dog with electricity. Watch out for sizing as well, as some heating and cooling devices appear to be the appropriate size when you first buy them, but after a period, they begin to deflate. Plus, before making a purchase, read the product reviews online.
Now that you know the 10 things to remember when buying a dog bed, it’s time to understand what you must ask yourself before making a purchase.
These questions might seem unimportant, but choosing a perfect dog bed demands special consideration before making any judgments about purchases.
Being a good pet parent includes more than simply providing a cozy bed for your beloved fur buddy. Dog beds are essential for more than just sleeping. When dogs have anxiety or noise concerns, they might turn into a "safe" spot. The above-mentioned 10 tips for buying a dog bed can help you to pick the best bed for your fur baby. Orthopedic beds might be useful for senior dogs that have mobility issues. Likewise, heated dog beds can be good for dogs on cold nights. You can shop now for a perfect dog bed at Way Basics, a one-stop online furniture brand.
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