Who's to say your dog doesn't want to live in the lap of luxury? You'd be surprised how fussy some of our furry friends can be when it comes to where they rest their heads for the night.
Your dog's needs aren't static, either. They'll change and develop as they grow and age, just as yours will.
But how do you know what the right bed is when there are so many options?
We're here to give you all the options and help you pick the right dog bed for your pup.
Things You Need to Consider When Buying a Dog Bed
Some dogs have double coats while others are short-haired and get cold easily. Other dogs have extra long legs and some need a boost up the stairs. Whether you're living with a 140 lb St. Bernard or an elderly Miniature Dachshund, you need to consider the individual needs of your dog.
Size Matters
A nifty trick to work out the size of your dog is to take a rough measurement while they're sleeping. You should try to take this measurement when they're sleeping in their 'normal' position, whether that's curled up or stretched out.
Once you've done that, add about 10-12 inches to make sure they have space to spread out. This is the minimum size your dog needs, not the maximum.
This should give you a solid idea of the size of bed you're looking for. Dog beds come in many sizes, from extra small, all the way through to XX-large.
Just remember to take your dog's personality into account as well. A small dog may feel overwhelmed in a bed that is too big for them. Additionally, a bed that is too small for a big dog could lead to joint pain and stiffness.
It's What's Inside that Counts
Weight also plays a role in the style of bed you need to choose. This is particularly if you're dealing with a hefty dog who needs lots of support. There are also some options you want to steer away from if your dog is a chewer.
Some of the best dog beds have memory foam inners, and it's a popular human choice too! Memory foam is ideal for dogs with orthopedic needs and you can even add in a layer of heat-reflective mylar to add coziness. Memory foam is a long-lasting option here and is undoubtedly worth the extra expense.
Most beds will come with a polyester filling or cotton batting. Polyester is soft and hypoallergenic and is great for most dogs. Cotton batting is common in bedding but won't hold up well over time, eventually becoming lumpy and malformed.
Cedar and other wood chip fills are inexpensive and absorb smelly odors, but they're not as comfortable as the above options. They might also irritate your dog's skin and the aromatic wood can make it challenging for hunting dogs to use their sense of smell!
Judging a Bed by Its Cover
The most common materials you'll see for dog beds are suede, nylon, cotton, canvas, and microfiber, along with faux fur if you're feeling fancy.
Suede and faux fur bed covers are great if you're trying to put together a calming dog bed. Their soft, natural feeling fibers offer comfort to anxious dogs. It's like hugging a teddy bear!
If you have a dog that's still going through its chewing phase (or never left it), then you want to consider ripstop or ballistic nylon, which is practically indestructible.
Cotton is comfortable and great for dogs with sensitive skin but it's not as durable and will absorb more odors. This is fine if you can throw it in the wash, just get a cover that comes off!
An Extra Consideration
If you have an elderly dog or a puppy who has accidents, you may want to consider getting a waterproof lining for your pup's bed.
You can buy liners that lay beneath your dog's bed or ones that wrap around the whole mattress. This will protect your pup from sitting in their mess if they've had an accident. They also make the clean-up process a lot easier.
Snoozing in Style
Whether you're after something classic and simple like a big pillow, or something more novelty, like a giant slice of pizza, it's still important to take your dog's needs into consideration.
To do this, consider what your dog's natural preference seems to be. If they enjoy crawling into tight spots and falling asleep, then you may want to look at cave-style beds.
Dogs with lots of furs will appreciate an elevated dog bed. Being raised up from the floor makes it easier to cool down and these beds are typically made from a mesh material, rather than soft bedding. These are great to use as an outdoor dog bed if you want to take your pup on a picnic or into the great wilds for a camping trip.
Dogs who like to snuggle and nest may enjoy a donut dog bed loaded up with blankets and you even get beds that are like small, bolstered sofa beds. These are great if your dog likes to be elevated while snoozing, but still cozy. These types of beds have a bolster or pillow roll on three or four sides.
Ultimately, however, the easiest and simplest solution is the common pillow bed. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, and your pup will love having a place to call their own.
Different Needs for Different Breeds
The quality of your pup's sleep is just as important as yours, so make sure you're really considering what they need in a dog bed.
We've got you covered (no pun intended).
Check out our range of dog beds and make their next siesta a sweet one.
