A substantial portion of your life is spent in bed – even more if you’re someone like me who relishes those Sunday morning lie-ins with their canine companion. With such care invested in selecting the right bed for yourself, have you ever contemplated how to go about choosing the ideal dog bed for your cherished pet?
While the allure of snuggling with your furry friend in your bed is undeniable (and yes, I’m guilty of it too), it’s essential to provide your dog with their own designated sleeping space. On average, dogs spend about 12 to 14 hours per day sleeping, and another 7 hours awake but at ease. Hence, selecting the ideal dog bed becomes paramount, ensuring your pet receives the necessary comfort and care for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
I don’t have to remind you that dogs are inherently active creatures. They relish exploration, sniffing around, playtime, and, perhaps, even the occasional nibble on your favorite shoes. Just like humans, with their active lifestyles, it’s crucial to provide them with a dedicated space to recharge, a sanctuary of their own where they can unwind and find respite from the stresses of the day.
Selecting the ideal bed can seem like a daunting task, especially with a multitude of dog beds catering to various breeds, sizes, and sleeping preferences. That’s why I’m here to guide you through the entire process, step by step.
What to Consider when Choosing a Pet Bed?
Dog beds are available in a wide array of shapes and sizes. The appropriate dog bed serves as an ideal retreat for your beloved furry companion. Even if your dog occasionally dozes off on the carpet or the floor, it’s important to remember that they still require their own comfortable bed to curl up in at night or whenever they need a well-deserved rest.
Yet, it’s not merely about comfort. Dogs need specific structural support to minimize the risk of injuries, arthritis, and calluses. As your furry friend ages, the likelihood of encountering painful injuries or orthopedic issues increases. This underscores the importance of selecting a dog bed that offers the necessary support for your dog’s musculoskeletal system.
Last but not least, the ideal dog bed should seamlessly complement your home’s current decor. Let’s be honest, no one wants to be caught up in a frantic rush to stow away the “doggy bed” when guests come calling. As a style-conscious pet owner (that’s probably why you’re here), your selection of a dog bed should align with your personal aesthetic.
Alright, for a brief recap, the ideal dog bed will encompass the following elements:
- Comfort
- Structural Support
- Style
Ready to discover the perfect bed for your furry friend? Just follow my straightforward 5-step guide, and you’ll be well on your way to making a great choice.
Step #1 – Behavior and Health of Your Dog
Your dog provides you with daily hints about the kind of bed they’d prefer; all you need to do is decode their signals. For instance, if your dog experiences anxiety and seeks a cozy haven to relax, you might want to think about a nest bed with raised edges, which can provide a comforting sense of security and protection. On the other hand, if your dog enjoys stretching out while sleeping, a spacious open-style pillow bed will give them the ample space they desire along with maximum comfort.
Dog behavior also encompasses their tendency to chew. If your dog is prone to chewing, it’s important to choose a robust bed that won’t easily be torn to pieces while you’re away. Opting for durability ensures that you won’t have to replace your dog’s bed year after year, which can lead to long-term cost savings. The top-quality dog beds come equipped with a spacious zip opening and a zipper guard, which not only safeguards your floors but also prevents your chew-happy companion from tampering with the zipper.
Last but not least, take into account both your dog’s present and potential health concerns. Certain dogs may require specialized beds to address their unique health needs. For instance, older dogs or those with joint issues would find comfort in an orthopedic or memory foam bed that facilitates easy entry and exit, providing crucial support to their bodies.
Step #2 – Match Dog Bed Size to Your Dog
Now, this step might seem like a no-brainer, but surprisingly, many dog owners miss the mark here! No dog enjoys resting with their paws hanging off the bed onto the floor, so it’s crucial to select a dog bed that offers ample space for them to lie down comfortably in any position they prefer.
Smaller and toy breed dogs often prefer cozy, snug beds that provide them with a sense of security and warmth. Therefore, choosing a compact bed for these little companions can make them feel safe and cuddled, reminiscent of their time in the den with their littermates.
If you’re uncertain about the appropriate size for your dog’s bed, take measurements from the tip of your pet’s nose to the end of their tail. This will indicate the necessary length of the dog bed to ensure all their limbs and tail can rest comfortably. Additionally, measure from their shoulders to the floor; this measurement will determine the bed’s width, as dogs often prefer to sleep on their side.
Not sure which dog bed size to pick? Feel free to email me with your dog’s breed, length, and weight, and I’ll gladly provide you with free advice and recommendations.
Step #3- Choose a Machine Washable Dog Bed
Maintaining the cleanliness of a dog bed can pose a challenge, particularly when you have a dog breed that sheds heavily.
The ideal dog bed should include features that facilitate easy cleaning. You certainly don’t want to find yourself sneezing and grappling with the laborious task of hand-cleaning a bed covered in fur. Over time, this would entail hand scrubbing the dog’s bed and dealing with the removal of undesirable elements like stray fur, dirt, slobber, flea larvae, and water stains. Even after eliminating the dirt and grime, addressing persistent dog odors can still be a hurdle.
It’s crucial to ensure that the cover of your chosen bed is removable and washable. A washable cover is essential because it’s bound to get soiled over time. Opting for a machine-washable dog bed also makes it convenient to vacuum away loose fur and have any stains and odors vanish in the wash.
Don’t forget to take out all the foam inners before washing, and be sure to allow the inner part of your dog bed to air out and deodorize while the cover is drying!
Step #4- Choose One Bed for Each Dog to Prevent Sharing
A common question I often receive is how many beds a dog should have.
Observing several pups snuggle together on a single bed is undeniably cute, and it reminds us of how they might cozy up with their littermates. Nevertheless, it’s recommended to have at least one bed for each dog.
This approach will reduce the chances of competitive behavior and ensure that every dog has a personal retreat to unwind when they require a break from the day.
If your dogs enjoy snuggling up together, you might want to think about acquiring an extra-large dog bed that accommodates both of them comfortably. This way, when it’s time to settle in for a restful night’s sleep, they can do so without the risk of being kicked or pushed onto the floor.
Step #5 – Match Your Dog Bed to Your Home’s Interior
This step is often neglected when choosing the appropriate dog bed, and it can result in issues when you feel the urge to put away your dog’s bed before socializing.
Your dog is an integral part of your life, and after progressing through the steps I’ve discussed today, ensure that your bed choice harmonizes with the aesthetics of your home.
The easiest method is to aim for a dog bed that complements the overall aesthetic of the room where you plan to place it. For instance, if your room has a modern and well-lit ambiance, you’d opt for a dog bed that mirrors the same modern style and features neutral tones, and so on.
The dog bed you choose should be stylish and align with your identity as a contemporary pet owner. This way, you won’t have to hurriedly stash away that unsightly, odorous, and tattered dog bed in the cupboard under the stairs when guests come over (we’ve all been there, no judgment).
Conclusion
Selecting the finest dog bed is a straightforward task when you have a clear roadmap to follow. Always keep in mind that the ideal dog bed should offer sufficient padding and support to ward off injuries, calluses, and orthopedic issues. If your dog is in their golden years, it’s advisable to contemplate a memory foam dog bed for the utmost level of comfort.
Ensure your dog’s bed is spacious enough to accommodate them comfortably in any sleeping position without their limbs touching the floor. For anxious pups, contemplate beds with raised walls. Opt for machine-washable dog beds for easy and swift cleaning, and ensure that the style of your new dog bed harmonizes with your home decor.
There’s nothing quite like observing your pet peacefully snoring and resting, and now you’re prepared to select the ideal dog bed.
