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How to choose a dog bed? Practical tips

By 28 October 2022No Comments

Even if your furry friend seems really happy when it stretches out on the bed or couch, it will still need a place of its own where it can feel comfortable and safe. You are not sure which bed to choose so that your pet can enjoy a peaceful, uninterrupted rest? Read our short guide.

1. Observe your dog

Although dogs sleep most of the day, they also love to spend time outdoors, run into puddles and explore the world with the rest of the family. Regardless of whether your pet simply cannot give up lazing around at home, or prefers to enjoy the garden’s beauty or participate in spontaneous trips, regeneration guarantees happiness and healthy development. Are you wondering how to provide your friend with ideal conditions for rest and a long, uninterrupted sleep? Before you start browsing and comparing types of fillings, shapes, or materials for good, try observing your pet for a while. Make sure you know his lifestyle, habits and unique needs regarding the activity. Only on this basis will you be able to choose a dog bed that will keep your friend comfortable and safe in all circumstances.

There are many possibilities. Are you ready to travel together, and your pet is always the first to go out of town, visit distant relatives or socialize? In this case, it is best to get universal and convenient products that will not take up too much space in the car. These include, among others, soft cushions or special mats, which will also work well as additional space for sleeping on the balcony or terrace. The most active pets will need models adapted for outdoor use. Which are those? They are usually even more durable, easy to clean and waterproof. Before buying, make sure that their bottom has been properly secured, and that the cover can be removed and washed in the washing machine when necessary.

Also read: How to keep your dog happy and healthy? 10 things to always remember about

How to choose a dog bed? Practical tips

2. Choose materials with special properties

Some pets, especially those with slightly thick or long hair, tend to overheat while sleeping. So it is better not to force them to use a bed in which they are uncomfortable. Remember that even the most luxurious, pleasant-to-the-touch fabrics, imaginative designs and careful finishing will not change much if the whole thing does not suit their unique needs. How to choose a dog bed so that become the favourite place for any dog? At the very beginning, it is worth taking care not only of their comfort but also of their safety. Make sure that the products are made of soft, pleasant to the touch and breathable materials. The most important thing is that they do not cause painful abrasions or burns. They must not contain any substances harmful to health. The best confirmation, in this case, will be solutions with a special OEKO-TEX certificate. What else should you pay attention to?

How to choose a dog bed? Practical tips

The owners of pets especially appreciate the models covered with a special protective coating, which protects against rapid seepage of liquids. Remember that not only the integrated pillow should be fluffy and comfortable, but also the edge. Your pet will be able to enjoy its new bedding for much longer if the fabric remains resistant to moisture, accidental tears and temperature fluctuations. Are you considering buying a model with a removable cover? Be sure to pay attention to the quality of the sliders. It is definitely worth investing in precisely made, durable products that will retain their properties even with intensive use and will not be damaged by frequent washing.

3. Make sure it's comfortable

How to choose a dog bed? Practical tips

While it may seem obvious, this rule can be very confusing. Not sure where to start to give your friend a cosy and comfortable refuge? It’s easier to tell if you watch your dog while it sleeps. Dogs that like to stretch out on their bedding will need a lot more space. An open, flat bed that does not restrict movement while resting is the most suitable.

However, if your pet prefers to cuddle and curl up into a ball, it is better to invest in a classic, built-in sofa. Pet beds with higher sides not only provide an additional sense of security but also effectively heat the dogs that need some extra warmth. Before buying, however, check that they won’t have any problems re-positioning if it gets too hot.

What else matters? First of all, small dogs should be able to freely get inside, and larger ones – to get up and stretch, if the chosen model has a visor. The thickness of the bedding is also very important. The amount and type of filling must protect even large and heavier animals from cold, hard or uneven ground. Remember that too thin, inadequately selected bed may contribute to the formation of calluses, bedsores or other, more serious health complications.

Also read: How to teach your dog to sleep in the dog bed?

4. Measure your pet when it's sleeping

Some owners from the very beginning prefer to purchase a bed with dimensions that are much better suited to adult pets. Unfortunately, this may not be the best idea for puppies that need to feel comfortable, cosy and safe inside. For safety reasons, start with the smallest, dedicated models, which you will replace as soon as your friend grows a bit. How to choose a dog bed that will be ideally suited to your pet’s size? It is a good idea to measure it from the top of the head to the root of the tail when it is in a comfortable, natural position. Remember to add about 20 or 30 centimetres to your result.

How to choose a dog bed that requires special attention?

Proper bedding can improve the sleep quality of older or sick pets, facilitate recovery from an injury, or protect against ailments that may be exposed in the future. Especially for them, the so-called orthopaedic beds are offered, i.e. products that are filled with a large amount of memory foam. They flexibly adjust to the weight of the dog’s body, are resistant to deformation, guarantee free circulation and effectively relieve the joints and spine.

How to choose a dog bed? Practical tips

It is also necessary to take care of the health and comfort of dogs with allergies. We recommend products filled with silicone fibres, which does not cause allergies and allows the skin to breathe freely. Importantly, their outer surface should not absorb moisture, collect dust or impede cleaning.

Find out more: Orthopedic pet beds. How do they work and when to choose them?