If your dog spends way too much time on your living room couch or in your favorite chair, or if you find your cute companion climbing a little too close when it’s time to sleep, it might be time to get that crafty canine their bed.
According to studies, sleeping with a dog in the bed is acceptable, but people sleep better with their dog out of bed while in the same room.
A dog’s life involves a lot of sleeping. Your dog sleeps for about 12-14 hours per day on average. If you have a pup, they may require a minimum of 18-20 hours of care per day. Dog beds, like dogs, come in a variety of sizes and shapes. It can be challenging to find a good one. Dog beds, like dogs, are incredibly personal.
There are a few factors to consider when selecting a dog bed, and this article highlights five tips for buying the perfect one for your pup.
Consider your dog’s sleeping habits and requirements.
Dogs, like humans, have preferences and needs. So if you want your pet to sleep well at night and day, you must first learn about their habits and preferences.
If your dog stretches his legs while sleeping, a pillow-type rectangular or oval bed is best for him because it allows plenty of stretching space.
A lounge bed or bumper is ideal for dogs who enjoy curling up and nesting. If you’re unsure what bed size to get, go with large dog beds because a larger sleeping area is preferable to a smaller one, which will be uncomfortable for your pet.
Consider where you will place the dog bed.
Before purchasing a dog bed, you want to determine the best location for it.
Is there a good place for it next to your couch? Is there an empty spot in your kitchen where you could put it? Or will you have to squeeze it into a small space in your bedroom?
Look around your house and choose the spot you will be placing. Whether you decide to put it in the living room or an empty bedroom, the one you buy should fit the available space. (You should place a dog’s bed somewhere in the house where they can be close to you (the owner) or family, not in another bedroom where no one is present!) If you take the time to do this, you will avoid purchasing a bed that will not fit in your dog’s sleeping area or one that is too small and will look out of place in the room.
Take your dog’s measurements (while they sleep)
If your puppy is still growing, size is arguably the most critical factor for any puppy pad. However, if you’re looking for a full-grown dog, try taking a nose-to-tail measurement during their next cat nap (preferably when at their most sprawled-out). Take a tape rule and measure your dog from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail.
Stand on a scale while holding your dog if you’re strong enough to do so. You’ll want to do this because if your dog is large, you’ll want to find a bed with extra padding. Once you’ve determined how much square footage your dog consumes during their downtime, you can compare different mattress models.
Bottom line: make sure your dog has enough space to stretch during his nightly rabbit-chasing fantasies.
Pick A Sturdy Bed
Many dogs like to chew. Young dogs may do it to alleviate the discomfort of teething—older dogs, to clean their teeth and keep their jaws strong.
Or perhaps your dog is simply hungry, stressed, or bored.
When it comes to beds, however, chewing can be harmful. Furthermore, it can be hazardous if one of the pieces they chew becomes lodged in their stomach or intestines.
Fabric beds filled with foam bits or other cushioning may not be the best option if you have a chewer. Instead, beds made of PVC pipe or aluminum and covered in a canvas-like fabric may be a better option for gnawing dogs.
Several of these beds are also elevated. This allows air to flow underneath, which may benefit a giant dog or one with a thicker coat that runs hot naturally, even if they don’t chew.
Keep in mind the ease of cleaning as well. It will be required sooner or later for your dog’s bed. Cot-style beds and machine-washable options, particularly those with a removable cover that can be thrown in the washer, fit the bill.
Choose The Right Material
Observing your dog is likely to provide the best advice on what material to use for your dog’s bed. For example, do they suffer from achy joints or hip dysplasia? Are they young or old? Do they have a lot of fur or very little?
Memory foam beds, for example, may be a good choice for an older dog with arthritic joints. Some come with cooling gel.
For younger or smaller dogs, other, fluffier beds may be preferable. A smaller, less-fluffy dog can benefit from plush beds.
Conclusion
Before you bring your pet home, you should invest in a bed for them. Asides from buying them a bed, it is also a good idea to get your dog used to sleep on their bed all the time.
Even if you don’t get around to it right away, you can buy a dog bed for your furry friend at any time. Your dog will easily fall in love with their bed and run to it whenever they need some alone time.
