Favorite Dog Beds

Why do dogs need beds to sleep in?

Dogs are known for being highly adaptive creatures. Many breeds were created specifically to help humans with difficult tasks in harsh conditions. Because of this, many people believe that a dog can sleep in any space.

Unfortunately, this doesn't tend to be the case. It is true that many dogs can sleep on hard flooring and other uncomfortable surfaces. But for the best quality of life, they need a bed. Beds allow your dog a comfortable place to rest without your furniture being used.

The main benefits of dog beds can be sorted into three categories:

• Territory
• Physical health
• Cleanliness

Dogs are territorial creatures. It's important for them to feel like they have a place that belongs to them. Your dog's crate or doghouse serves as its den inside the home. A dog bed serves a similar purpose. Dogs like to have a place where they're in charge.

When your dog needs space alone, their bed is a great place to go relax. The bed also lets your dog know that they're a member of the family who is allowed to have their own special spot.

Dog beds are also important from a training perspective. It's natural for dogs to look for comfortable spaces to sleep. If you don't provide them with a space, they'll sleep in places that you don't want them to. They may climb onto your furniture, mess up your laundry, or trespass in your bed.

There is one caveat to this. If your dog's bed isn't comfortable for your dog, then you'll still find your pooch snuggled up in bed with you. That's part of why picking the right bed is so important.

Your dog's bed has an impact on their physical health as well. Just like your mattress affects your spinal health, your dog's bed affects their joints. Dogs who sleep on hard surfaces for long periods of time will often suffer joint damage. Some beds are designed with components like cedar chips, which help mitigate a dog's odor.

If your dog has certain physical health conditions already, then it's vital that their bed is comfortable and supportive. Dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint issues can benefit from orthopedic beds. Senior dogs should all sleep in orthopedic beds, since their joints tend to become worn with age.

Even if you sweep your hard floors every day, there's still dirt and hair and grit packed into them. That goes especially for highly-trafficked areas like kitchens and mudrooms. A dog who sleeps on these surfaces will get debris on their coat, and they might need to be bathed more often than usual.

Some dog owners worry about their dog making its bed messy. It's true that your dog might get dirt and mud in the bed if they come inside after an exhilarating outdoor adventure. But most dog bed designs are easy to clean, and it's a lot better to have the mud in one contained spot than all over the house.

What are some different dog bed shapes?

Dog beds come in different basic shapes. Each basic shape can suit dogs of different temperaments. It's important to understand the differences to pick the right option for your dog.

Some of the shapes you'll most commonly see include:

• Standard
• Nest
• Donut

A standard dog bed resembles a pillow or a cushion. These beds don't come with rims or edges. Other than that, there's no real definition of the "shape" of the bed. Standard beds for dogs can be made in different shapes, materials, colors, and sizes. They can suit a variety of different breeds.

Some of the most common shapes are square, oval, rectangular, and round. The cushioning material will typically be covered in fabrics like microfiber, faux suede, flannel, fleece, or denim. Some standard beds have cedar chip fillings that help to prevent odors.

You can purchase these beds at a variety of price points as well. Some come in very basic, economical versions. Others are crafted with designer materials. The majority of dog beds come with covers that can be removed and washed.

A nest bed functions similarly to a standard bed. However, the edges of the bed are raised. Some of the beds might have raised portions around just part of the bed, while others might have the entire bed surrounded.

The purpose of the raised edge is for the dog to curl up or lean against. That makes the bed function similarly to a nest. This type of bed functions best if you have a dog that likes to curl up or to lean back against cushions. It provides support and prevents your dog from falling out.

A donut dog bed is the plushest of the beds on the list. This type of bed functions very similarly to a nest bed. It has an edge or rim around the bed. Unlike nest beds, donut beds all tend to be oval or round in shape. They also all tend to have a full rim of coverage, rather than boasting partial coverage.

These types of beds are ideal for dogs who like extremely plush beds. They work well if you have a dog that likes to curl up tightly in the middle of a bed. At the same time, they might not be the best choice for elderly dogs or dogs with mobility issues, as it can be hard for these dogs to climb in and out of them.

How does an orthopedic dog bed differ from a normal bed?

When your dog reaches a certain age, it's time to invest in an orthopedic bed. But orthopedic dog beds can benefit some younger dogs, too. Certain breeds have very skeletal builds that need additional support. In addition, any dog with mobility issues can benefit from the orthopedic support of an orthopedic bed.

Orthopedic beds give extra support to the skeleton and joints of your dog. They're particularly supportive of the elbows and hips, which are some of the most sensitive areas. A dog who lays on an orthopedic bed can't feel the floor through the bed.

The materials used for orthopedic beds can vary. Some are made out of memory foam, which is ideal since it conforms to your dog's shape. But any bed can be considered "orthopedic" as long as it has thick filling, provides skeletal support, and is durable.

By comparison, it's common for non-orthopedic beds to be filled with polyester, cotton, or cedar chips. These materials don't tend to provide support. While beds like this are okay for dogs who don't need extra support, they can sometimes become worn down in a way that causes your dog to feel the floor through the bedding.

It may be hard to tell when your dog is ready for an orthopedic bed. These are some classic signs:

• They struggle to climb in and out of their normal dog bed.
• They move slowly and stiffly after sleeping in their normal dog bed.
• They are restless and often change positions when laying in their normal dog bed.
• They avoid their normal dog bed entirely and look for more cushioned or soft surfaces.

A dog who engages in any of these behaviors will often benefit greatly from an orthopedic bed. Senior dogs should generally have orthopedic beds to protect their joint health. These beds are also good for dogs with medical conditions including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Arthritis
• Soft tissue or bone injuries
• A very skinny build
• Joint issues

What should I look for when choosing an orthopedic bed for my dog?

The most important quality of an orthopedic bed is the filling. The right filling is what will provide the support and cushioning that your dog needs. Different breeds may benefit from different materials. Your dog might prefer covers made with microfiber over covers made with cotton, and vice versa.

A high-quality orthopedic bed will often use a solid block of foam. This may be memory foam or a different type of foam. The foam should be at least two inches thick, and if you have a large or heavy dog, it should be even thicker. This helps to provide enough support that your dog can't feel the floor.

As you shop, though, it's also important to consider your dog's mobility and height. A six-inch bed may be easy for a big dog to climb into and out of, but it can pose challenges for small breeds. If you choose a bed that's too tall, your dog might struggle to use it.

It's also important to pick the right size. An ideal bed is one that allows your dog to stretch out fully. When a dog curls up to sleep, it can put pressure on the joints. This will just make them stiffer, which defeats the purpose of an orthopedic bed.

Next, think about the cover. It's a good idea to get a bed with a removable cover, especially one that's machine washable. Some designs even have machine-washable mattresses, which can be good for older dogs who have trouble controlling their bladders. Pick a cover material with a texture that your dog likes.

Orthopedic beds are also available in any shape and size. Some lie flat, while others have raised edges. You can basically find them in any configuration that you'll find a standard dog bed. Look for the one that will make your dog the most comfortable.

How do I clean my dog's bed?

Dog beds will typically come with washing instructions. You can refer to these for the specific requirements of your chosen design.

Most beds come with removable covers that are machine washable. To wash, you'll remove the cover completely and load it into the washing machine by itself. Most fabrics will need a cold wash. It's important that you use pet-safe detergent, as your dog's skin might be irritated by non-safe detergent.

Some mattresses are machine-washable as well. This isn't the case for all of them, though, so always refer to your maintenance instructions.

If the bed is stained, you might need to spray it with a stain remover before you wash it. For covers and beds that are too large to fit in the washing machine, you can sometimes wash them at the laundromat. The mattress itself should often be washed hot to kill any bacteria that might live on it.

Most beds and covers can be tumble dried in your dryer. If you use a pet-safe dryer sheet, you can reduce the static. Unscented dryer sheets are best, since your dog's nose is very sensitive. Air drying also works, although you should be sure that the cover and bedding are both hung in a ventilated area. Otherwise, they might grow mold or mildew.

How do I pick the right size for my dog's bed?

Even within breeds, dogs can have a variety of sizes. A bed that's made for "small breed dogs" might not fit every small breed dog. Finding the right fit for your dog can be confusing, but there are some guidelines you can follow.

These are some of the problems that can occur if a dog doesn't have a bed in the right size:

• Joints become sore due to lack of support
• Muscles become sore due to being cramped
• Sleep isn't restful or refreshing
• Back and hip problems can develop over time, particularly for large breeds

Dog beds are different from human beds in that they don't have universal sizes. You can't choose a twin, queen, or king. And you can't eyeball the bed to determine whether it'll fit your pooch, especially if you shop online.

The first step is to measure your dog. Take a tape measure and find the length of your dog's body from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Then add anywhere from 6 to 12 inches to find your ideal bed size. This ensures that your dog has plenty of room to stretch out.

Many dog owners find, after measuring their dog and adding the necessary inches, that they've underestimated how much space is necessary. Write down your measurements and your minimum bed size to use as a reference while you shop.

It's also important to consider the personality of your dog. Different dogs have different sleeping positions.

Some dogs like to curl up to feel safe and warm. In this case, any bed size will work as long as it's not too small. Conversely, some dogs like to stretch out, and so they need an oversized bed that will accommodate the full length of their body.

Do dogs need blankets when it's cold out?

You might believe that your dog's furry coat protects them from any cold temperatures. But that's often not the case. Different breeds have different levels of cold tolerance, and many need blankets in the winter. Dogs can become cold whether they're indoors or outdoors.

Whether your dog needs a blanket depends on their breed, their environment, and how cold it gets where you live. Factors like age can also play a role.

Dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors always need blankets available. In certain temperatures, they may need a heated dog house in addition to their blankets. Experts recommend bringing dogs indoors during cold weather if possible.

People who live in mild climates don't need to worry as much. But in places with regular snow and freezing rain, dogs risk hypothermia. Hypothermia can cause fatal complications.

Small dogs struggle to stay warm in the winter, even if they have thick coats. For the most part, if the weather is chilly enough for you to feel cold, then your dog probably also feels cold. If it's too cold for you to tolerate being outdoors, then your dog also probably can't tolerate being outdoors.

Older dogs have an increased sensitivity to cold weather, particularly if they have arthritis. Cold weather can make arthritic dogs feel more stiff and achy. In addition, older dogs have weaker immune systems, so they're more likely to catch a cold.

Thin and underweight dogs also have more trouble staying warm. Conversely, overweight dogs tend to stay warm more easily. When looking for dog blankets, it helps to consider your dog's weight as you decide what level of insulation is best.

If your house is well-heated during the winter, you might not need blankets for your dog. But if your home is chilly at all, your dog probably needs some extra layers. Again, you can use this rule of thumb: If you're chilly indoors without a blanket around you, then your dog probably is too.

Your dog will often display signs that they're cold like excessive shivering. A cold dog's ears will also be cold.