Choosing The Right Dog Bed

While your dog may happily sprawl in any corner of your house, from your bed to the staircase to your living room rug, having their own place to nap and rest is very important. Dogs sleep and laze around all day, and it is a good idea to get them a comfortable bed of their own, so they don’t invade your bed or your couch.

Deciding on the best dog bed for your little darling can be tricky business since there are so many factors that come into play when picking out the best dog bed. Did you know that your dog’s age, size, activity level, medical problems, and sleeping patterns all come together when making the seemingly simple decision of getting your dog a bed?

Size

This one might be obvious: Your dog’s size and weight matter. The bigger the dog, the bigger your bed size has to be. It has to be sturdy enough to support your dog’s weight, too. A more roomy bed might not be a problem, but if your dog bed is a tight fit, it will make your dogs uncomfortable and unhappy, and they won’t prefer to sleep in their bed. Measure your dog when it is sleeping and keep this number in mind when purchasing a bed. This is a general guideline:

1. Small – For dogs up to 40 lbs.
2. Medium – For dogs up to 60 lbs.
3. Large – For dogs up to 120 lbs.
4. Extra Large – For dogs 120 lbs. and up

Shape/Design

Just like human beds come in all shapes and designs, so do dog beds. They can either be round or rectangular and can have different styles and designs. Some of the most common ones are:

Donut Bed

Beds for curlers are usually smaller, round, plush beds that will only accommodate the dog when they are curled up in a ball. The fur donut cuddler bed from Best Friends by Sheri looks absolutely adorable and will be great for your dog if it likes to curl up in a ball when it sleeps.

Rectangular Bed/ Pad

This one is for the dogs who just sprawl on the ground and spread out across your doorway like they own the place. These beds are usually large to make sure that they can accommodate the entire length of the dog’s body. If you have such a dog at home, a simple, rectangular sleeping pad from MidWest Homes is all you need.

Wraparound

These beds are perfect for dogs who like snuggling against something, and who prefer quiet, private places where they can block out the world while sleeping.

Pillow Style/ Bolster Beds

These beds provide a pillow or cushion that provides the space for your dog to rest their head when they’re sleeping. The adorable bolster bed by Friends Forever gives your dog plenty of space to lean their head on.

Notice how your dogs sleep, and what places they like sleeping in. Do they curl up into a ball, or spread out on the floor? Do they like being surrounding by your comforter and pillows, or do they prefer resting their head on something solid? Observe and figure out what your dog would like best.

The shape and design are also important when choosing the bed for a dog with an injury or medical problems, such as orthopedic issues, so that they can have the greatest level of comfort and care in their bed.

Material

Another factor that you need to consider when buying a bed is the material of the bed. This is as much for your benefit as it is for the dog. The material of the dog bed determines the comfort level of the dog. The dog bed should be soft and comfortable, as well as warm and cozy, to protect them during the winters. Typical dog bed fillings include memory foam, spun polyester, or Polystyrene and cedar pellets. Each of them meant to maximize the comfort of your doggie so he can have a good night’s sleep.

The material of the dog bed also dictates how easy it is to clean. So make sure to read the washing instructions on the beds before you buy one for your dog. You don’t want to buy something that might be too tricky to clean up.

Special Features

There are plenty of amazing dog beds available in the market, with features such as self-warming and shape-conforming options, and customized beds for dogs with orthopedic problems. The Furhaven Rectangular Dog Bed for orthopedic dogs is a great investment for your doggie.

If you need to check in on your pooch while he’s sleeping alone at home, a pet sitter from Little Friends Pet Sitting and Dog Walking can drop by and make sure your doggie is safe and sound in their bed, while you are at work.