There is a wide selection of dog beds now in all shapes, sizes, functions, and price ranges – all to cater to the differing needs of both the pet in question and their humans.
It can get confusing and sometimes overwhelming to figure out how to narrow them all down and invest in the one best for your canine. To ensure you get your money’s worth, while providing your dog with a comfortable resting space, we have broken down all there is to know about dog beds, best practices, and things to consider.
First Of All, Does Your Dog Really Need A Dog Bed?
Many families have their dogs sleep on the floor, or maybe with them on their human bed. While these are generally well and good, giving your pet their very own bed has its advantages as well – not just for them, but most definitely for you, too!
Compared to the floor, a bed is much softer, much warmer, and can prevent some medical concerns from arising such as joint pain, arthritis, calluses, and the like.
In fact, some dog beds go above and beyond by providing better support and temperature regulation, which help with blood flow and the transportation of essential nutrients to soft tissues. They are overall much healthier (and comfortable) to sleep on.
Compared to having them on your human bed all the time, dog beds give both you and your family the privacy you want after a long day of work. You can free up the space and rest in a much bigger surface area – and they can do the same! Especially if you have a bigger breed, a large dog bed can offer them much more legroom.
Or when you are traveling, dog beds can also be portable and can fit in cars, so they will not have a problem falling asleep no matter what adventure you take them on! Giving them a sense of familiarity will ease their anxiety in new places and around new faces.
What To Look For In A Dog Bed?
Waterproof or water resistant surface. An essential factor in choosing a dog bed is if its surface is waterproof or water-resistant. Not only does it help keep the inner material dry and clean, but it also helps cut your clean up time in half!
Big enough to fit your pet. You wouldn’t want to be sleeping in a bed too small for you and neither does your pet! Large dog beds are perfect for medium to big breeds and give them ample room to stretch and relax.
Made of durable, high-quality materials. It’s no secret that dogs naturally love to chew, dig, and scratch surfaces. To anticipate this, choose a bed with heavy-duty material that can save you the time and money in the long run.
Getting one with a good quality, thick foam mattress can also ensure that your dog’s joints stay off the floor and prevent issues from arising.
