As a dog owner, you may want to snuggle with your dog while the both of you are sleeping. However, this isn’t always true. Sometimes, when you want to take your dog for a car ride or just simply let them rest in the living room, you want them to feel comfortable. One way of achieving such a goal is to invest in quality dog beds.
However, with the variety of options available, it may be difficult to choose the right bed for your dog. Fortunately, this article will offer some tips so you’ll be able to find one that suits your beloved canine.
Here are important considerations to keep in mind when finding the best dog bed:
Determine Your Dog’s Sleeping Style
Choosing the right bed for your dog should be based on your dog’s sleeping style. Having a bed that doesn’t compliment your dog’s sleeping position may only result in a waste of money on your part.
Hence, try to take note of whether your dog sleeps sprawling out or prefers to curl up like a cosy ball. Moreover, there are also some dogs who like to burrow as a form of security, while there are others who want to lean against something, preferably a pillow.
Choosing The Right Bed
After knowing your dog’s sleeping position, now’s the time to shop for the right bed. Fortunately, the variety of dog beds available in the market guarantees you that there’s a bed suited for your dog, regardless of size and sleeping position.
Here are some types of dog bed you can choose from:
- Orthopedic: An orthopedic dog bed is usually a mattress type that offers orthopedic support. This type of dog bed is perfect for senior dogs or those who are experiencing joint pain. Additionally, an orthopedic bed is perfect for thinner breeds and those who have a prominent bone structure since it’s capable of giving extra cushioning, helping your dog avoid painful pressure points. Also, since orthopedic dog beds provide more room compared to other types, it’s perfect if your dog prefers to sleep sprawling out.
- Bolster And Doughnut: As the name suggests, this type of dog bed is often oval or round and has a cushion on both the bottom and the raised side. Your dog will surely love this type of bed if they want to lean on something as they sleep, as well as if they want their heads to rest upon something. Furthermore, smaller breeds would also prefer a bolster and/or doughnut type since it’s cosy and its shape will help retain your best friend’s body heat. This is why a calming dog bed usually comes in a bolster or doughnut shape due to the comfort it brings
- Heated: Since it’s heated, your dog will surely love the warmth and cosiness that this dog bed brings. Also, it’s beneficial for older dogs and those who have joint pains as the gentle heat may soothe and reduce any stiffness. Since smaller dogs will easily lose control of their bodies’ temperature, they may also benefit from a heated dog bed.
Determine The Size Of The Dog Bed
To determine the size of the dog bed you should get, it’s important to weigh your dog first. Then, refer to this guide:
- Small beds are perfect for dogs that weigh 40 lbs.
- Medium beds are for medium-sized dogs, which are around 60 lbs.
- Large dog beds are perfect for heavy dogs, which are around 120 lbs.
- Extra-large dog beds are suitable for dogs that weigh 120 lbs and above.
After determining your dog’s weight, it’s time to measure them. This measurement will determine the required surface area of your potential dog bed. It’s best to measure your pooch while they’re sleeping since, obviously, they’ll be using the dog bed while they rest.
If your dog sleeps sprawling out or loves to sleep on their back, start measuring from the tip of your dog’s nose, all the way to their rump. Then, measure from the crown of their head to their pads. If your dog curls while sleeping, measure their diameter from side to side, then from top to bottom.
In addition to your dog’s weight and height, it’s also important to consider your living space. Surely, you wouldn’t want a dog bed that’ll stand out like an eyesore. Hence, consider where you’ll be placing the dog bed, whether it’s in your car or in your living room.
However, your interiors should only be a secondary consideration. To make your dog happy and comfortable with their bed, always rely on their weight and dimensions.
Final Words
In addition to bringing comfort, there are still plenty of benefits you can gain when you invest in a dog bed. Nevertheless, with the tips mentioned above, you’ll surely find the right dog bed for your beloved pooch, allowing you to give them the tender loving care they deserve.
