Choosing the best dog bed for your canine roommate is so individual, there are really no rules here. Dogs, just like us, have their unique taste. But what you can do is observe to see what your dog likes! After all, the point is that your furry friend feels comfortable and relaxed in its little sanctuary so do your best to find the best dog bed!
Why do I need a dog bed in the first place?
Yes, you do need it. This is not just an invention of the pet industry. First of all, just like you, your dog needs its own space sometimes. Plus, you surely don’t want your dog going on your delicate sofa, bed, etc. So, having a place of its own will surely be helpful – obviously, training is a must! But there are also other factors:
- Health
Sleeping on the floor or any other kind of hard surface can damage your dog’s health. Dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis as they get older so you need an orthopedic dog bed both to prevent these conditions and ease your dog’s pain if he or she is already suffering from any symptoms.
- Cleanliness
Let’s face it: you can clean your house as much as you want, but you still don’t want to sleep on the floor. So to keep your dog clean, provide him or her with a clean bed. After all, dogs sleep through most of the day – adult ones about 12 hours whereas puppies may need 18 to 20, so it is definitely the area which your furry companion will spend most of its time in.
Things to Consider
So before we start your search for the best dog bed for your furry companion, you need to answer to following questions:
- Evaluate the size, age and health of your dog (we’ll discuss in more detail below)
- Determine your budget
- Think where you want to place it – you will live with this choice for years to come. Luckily, there are so many options you can easily find one that suits your surroundings and that both you and your dog like.
And a few little details:
- Check to see if the covering on the bed is removable and washable – you’ll thank us later!
- Waterproof or water resistant beds be your best friend!
- Make sure the size is right – your dog should be able to lie flat, completely stretched out on his side, without hanging off of the bed.
Best Dog Bed for Smaller Breeds
As far as selection goes, there are really endless options for small dog beds as they are more compact. Just make sure that the bed dimensions fit your dog’s proportions. If you buy a bed that is too large for your dog, he or she might feel insecure in it. Your dog might even feel chilly so you want a bed that will keep the drafts to a minimum. Then you have to think of other factors: does your dog get dirty often? If so, get a washable one. Does it shed a lot? Find the most convenient material that hair won’t stick to as much. Is your dog prone to allergies? Find one that is hypoallergenic, as explained below. If you have a puppy, make sure to get a water-proof one!
Best Dog Bed for Larger Breeds
There’s much less variety when it comes to larger beds. Perhaps the most important factor is for them to be filled with thick memory foam to cushion the hard floor below. The bigger the dog, the smaller the life of the bed as it is likely to flatten out over time.
Best Dog Bed for Senior Dogs or Those With Joint Issues
Orthopedic beds adhere to your dog’s shape but don’t let it sink it. They are thick enough to provide support to aching joints and provide plenty of pushback. But keep in mind that memory foam which is often used in these also holds in odour.
Best Dog Bed for Dogs With Anxiety
Some dogs just feel best when they are “enveloped” so make sure their bed provides them with just that. Their bed needs to be the place they can hide away at whenever things get too much for them.
Odour-free options – yes, they exist!
Dog beds filled with cedar chips or simply made of quality anti-bacterial and odour-free microfiber can help in keeping the odour down in your household. Moreover, dogs are likely to roll in their crates so your pup might even get that wonderful smell on :). These beds are great for your household but keep in mind that some are not suitable for dogs suffering from allergies.
Hypoallergenic dog beds
You need to know what your dog is allergic to. Then you can choose either nanopore fabric which has no chemical waterproofing and is a barrier against dirt, dust, mites and fleas. You also have non-toxic and non-allergenic fillings.
Eco friendly beds
These beds are made from recyclable materials – obviously. There are number of eco-friendly dog beds available, but keep in mind that they are pricier than other alternatives. However, they are also more likely to last longer.
How to buy one
The best option is obviously visiting a local pet store so your dog can actually try all of the above. Hopefully, you have one with a good selection nearby. You can find anything online and for a better price, but the risk of getting a bed that your dog won’t like substantially increases. And this investment will be with you for years to come, if you get a quality bed that your dog likes. You can even take it with you when you travel or move to ease the stress for your dog. But don’t feel bad if you cannot bring it with you, especially if your dog sleeps in the bed with you – it won’t be missed as much. After all, it’s just furniture and you don’t bring your household furniture when you go on holidays, do you :) So if you are buying your dog’s bed online, make sure to at least choose the brand that has a good return policy as some might not allow you to return the product once traces of your dog trying it out are evident.
Keep your dog’s comfort in mind
Ok, so you have decided which one of the above you want to get. Now, all you have to do is let your furry friend choose the best dog bed! How will you know? That’s the easy part. Is it the one your dog sniffs? Not necessarily. Is it the one it sits down in? Nope. The winning bed is the one in which your dog decides to lie down in and just looks comfortable staying in. Colours and shapes don’t really matter when it comes to taste – they have one, just like us :)
