Every dog parent knows that owning a pet doesn’t only involve having fun with your furry pal, but it also involves taking care of your pooch and meeting his needs. From the food you give them, to regularly walking him to the park and providing him with a comfy spot to sleep in, taking care of a pet can be complex.
Although it’s very likely to often find your dog snuggled next to you in your bed, dogs really do need to have a bed of their own. As dogs are known to sleep from 9-13 hours per day on average, it’s probably worth considering buying a nice, comfortable dog bed that fits your dog’s size and personality and will ensure your pooch has a cozy spot he can call his own that isn’t the floor mat. However, there are a few things to consider before buying a dog bed.
Types of Dog Beds
Sleeping on the floor can negatively affect your dog’s health over time. So, choosing a good and supportive bed can make a world of difference to their happiness. Manufacturers have introduced many novelty designs and shapes of dog beds, ranging from miniature sofas, chaise loungers, pillows, slippers, donut shapes beds, or hot dog buns, which can make choosing the proper one confusing.
Your best bet is to choose a bed that meets your dog’s specific needs. For this reason, we’ve selected some of the most common types of dog beds that can be found on the market, equipped with different advanced features that will ensure your dog gets enough restorative sleep.
Heated Dog Beds
Heated dog beds are perfect for dogs that get colds easily, keeping them warm and cozy during the colder months. These beds usually contain a heated dog pad that is thermostatically controlled to automatically respond to temperature changes to warm to your pet’s normal body temperature. These models have been tested and certified by MET Labs to exceed the USA/CA electrical safety standards.
Featuring adjustable temperature settings, these electrically powered beds are very innovative and comfortable. The temperature sensor inside the warming mat can avoid overheating to prevent your pet from getting burnt.
Orthopedic Dog Beds
Dogs who have serious health issues such as hip and joint troubles can benefit immensely from orthopedic beds. These beds can provide the ultimate sleep experience for your furry pal. They’re made from memory foam which provides the perfect support base for younger or adult dogs while the soft filled bolstered walls add protection and offer unmatched warmth and comfort.
These beds feature a removable cover that is machine washable, which makes them easy to maintain and keep your dog’s bed clean. The mattress is orthopedic, water repellent, and beautifully contoured which allows your pet to lounge comfortably while the gentle rises allow them to rest their heads to keep an eye on their surrounding.
Luxury Beds
For big dogs who need extra space and comfort, you may want to consider buying extra large dog beds. Featuring a comfortable donut shape, they provide plenty of head and neck support while their deep crevices allow your pet to snuggle, curl up and fall easily into deep sleep. From cuddling to sprawling, these beds are flexible enough to accommodate any sleeping position of your dog. Dog breeds such as labradors, golden retrievers, and Germans shepherds are larger and can benefit most from these types of beds.
Elevated Dog Bed
This type of dog bed allows dogs to stay away from the cold ground, dampness, dirt, and insects while providing a cool, cleaner, dryer, and healthier environment. The sleeping surface supports the dog well, having a superior load-bearing capacity and waterproofness due to its high-quality Teslin fabric which is highly durable and breathable. By properly maintaining it you can use it for longer periods of time. Raised approximately 20cm off the ground and featuring an upgraded strong frame design, these types of dog beds are suitable both for indoor and outdoor use and for the summer and winter months.
Features to Look Out for In a Dog Bed
You need to keep in mind many things when choosing the right type of bed for your furry pal. Considering the size, comfort level, or your dog’s personality are just one of them.
Size
Same as people, dogs also need a good night’s sleep to stay healthy. This is especially important for older dogs and larger breeds who may need a bit more space and comfort than their younger counterparts. Some beds feature small sizes while others extra large dog beds offer ultimate luxury and support for bigger dogs. Therefore, choosing the right size for your dog’s bed with enough cushions and comfortability can create an intimate place for your dog to relax and rest when he needs it.
Comfort
As mentioned before different designs feature different qualities and offer different comfort levels. Therefore by getting informed on the type of foam for the mattress support you can decide which one is most suitable for your dog.
Easy to Wash Material
Choosing a material that is easy to wash and removable is essential. Besides, you should also be careful to use pet-friendly detergents that aren’t harmful in any way to your dog’s health.
Consider Your Dog’s Personality
Considering your dog’s personality means following your dog’s daily routines and activity level. Does your dog enjoy sleep curled up in a ball most of the time to keep himself warm? Or is he a more playful and active personality and doesn’t need that much rest? Well, some dogs are more anxious than others and need a more calming atmosphere away from noises and other distractions. Therefore, you can always opt for soft long pile vegan faux paired with soft raised walls that provide the ultimate retreat for anxious pets and those that crave the feeling of safety and security.
