How To Choose The Best Dog Bed
You spend about a third of your life in bed (even more if you love a Sunday sleep-in with your dog like I do), so you carefully select the right bed for yourself. But have you ever thought about how to pick the perfect bed for your furry friend?
While it’s wonderful to snuggle with your dog in bed (I admit, I do it too), your dog also needs a dedicated space to sleep.
Dogs typically sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day, and spend another 7 hours awake but resting. Therefore, choosing the right dog bed is essential to provide your pet with the comfort and care they need to rest, relax, and rejuvenate.
Dogs are naturally active. They love to explore, sniff around, play, and sometimes chew on your favorite shoes. Just like us, they need a place to recharge and have their own sanctuary away from stress.
Finding the perfect dog bed can seem daunting with so many options for different breeds, sizes, and sleeping styles. So, let me guide you through the process from start to finish.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Pet Bed?
Dog beds come in various shapes and sizes.
The ideal dog bed offers a cozy retreat for your furry friend. Even if your dog enjoys napping on the carpet or floor, they still need their own bed for nighttime or when they need a good rest.
But it’s not just about comfort.
Dogs need proper structural support to avoid injuries, arthritis, and calluses. As your dog ages, they are more prone to painful injuries or orthopedic issues. Therefore, the perfect dog bed should support your dog’s musculoskeletal system.
Lastly, the perfect dog bed should complement your home’s decor. No one wants to hide the dog bed when guests arrive. As a stylish pet owner, your choice of dog bed should reflect your taste.
To sum up, the right dog bed should combine:
- Comfort
- Structural Support
- Style
Ready to find the perfect bed for your pup? Follow my simple 5-step guide and you’ll have a winner in no time.
Step #1 – Think About Your Dog’s Behavior and Health
Your dog shows you every day what kind of bed they might prefer; you just need to interpret their signals.
For instance, if your dog experiences anxiety and uses their bed to relax, a nest bed with raised edges or Tipi style bed can provide a sense of security and protection.
Or, if your dog loves to stretch out while sleeping, a large, open-style pillow bed will give them the space and comfort they need.
Consider your dog’s tendency to chew as well. Dogs that chew a lot will need sturdy beds that can’t be easily destroyed while you’re out. Choosing a durable bed means you won’t have to replace it frequently, saving you money in the long run.
Lastly, think about your dog’s current and future health needs. Some dogs may have specific health requirements for their beds. For example, older dogs or those with joint issues will benefit from an orthopedic or crumb foam bed that is easy to get in and out of and provides proper support.
Step #2 – Choose the Right Bed Size for Your Dog
This might seem straightforward, but many dog owners get it wrong!
No dog wants to sleep with their paws hanging off the bed, so make sure the bed you choose is large enough for your dog to lie comfortably in any position.
Smaller and toy breed dogs often prefer beds they can snuggle into. Choosing a small bed for a small dog helps them feel secure and cozy, reminiscent of their time with their litter mates. The good choosing is the Crown style beds
The Crown Dog Nest is designed with every detail in mind, providing a safe haven for your small dog to curl up and relax. This bed is perfect for small breeds, offering a sense of security and comfort for anxious pups.
If you’re unsure about the size of the bed you need, measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail to determine the length. Then, measure from their shoulders to the floor to find the width, as dogs often sleep on their sides.
For larger dogs, we recommend a large size bed like The SAVANA style. This bed offers excellent support and comfort, adapting to your dog’s body shape and weight. Its advanced crumb foam filles promotes airflow, keeping your dog warm in the winter and cool in warmer months.
Not sure which size to choose? Send me an email with your dog’s breed, length, and weight, and I’ll provide you with personalized tips and suggestions. 😊
Step #3 – Opt for a Machine Washable Dog Bed
Maintaining a clean dog bed can be tough, especially if your dog sheds a lot.
The ideal dog bed should have features that make cleaning a breeze. You don’t want to be sneezing and struggling to hand-clean a fur-covered bed. Over time, this means scrubbing your dog’s bed by hand and dealing with stray fur, dirt, drool, flea larvae, and water spots. Even if you manage to clean it, getting rid of dog odor can still be tricky.
Good option is if the cover of your chosen bed is removable A washable cover is essential as it WILL get dirty eventually. Choosing a machine washable dog bed allows you to easily vacuum loose fur and remove stains and odors in the wash.
Step #4 – Provide Each Dog with Its Own Bed (No Sharing)
People often ask me how many beds a dog should have.
While it’s heartwarming to see multiple dogs cuddling on the same bed, and they do love to snuggle like they did as puppies, it’s best to have at least one bed per dog.
This helps reduce any competitive behavior and gives each dog a personal space to relax when they need a break.
If your dogs like to cuddle, you might also consider getting an extra-large bed that they can share comfortably. This way, when it’s time to sleep, they can rest without being kicked or pushed off the bed.
Step #5 – Coordinate the Dog Bed with Your Home’s Decor
This step is often overlooked when choosing a dog bed, leading to the hassle of hiding it when guests come over.
Your dog is a part of your life, so after following the previous steps, ensure the bed you choose fits well with your home’s decor.
The easiest way to do this is to match the dog bed with the overall style of the room where it will be placed. For example, if your room is modern and bright, opt for a dog bed that is also modern and in neutral tones.
The dog bed should be stylish and reflect your taste as a contemporary pet owner. This way, you won’t feel the need to stash away an unattractive, smelly, worn-out dog bed when you have visitors (we’ve all been there).
OK, Let’s Summarize What We’ve Learned About Selecting the Ideal Bed for Your Dog
Choosing the right dog bed is simple when you have a clear guide.
The bed should be spacious enough for your dog to sleep in any position without touching the floor. If your dog is anxious, consider a bed with walls. Machine washable beds are perfect as they are easy to clean, and the bed’s design should complement your home’s decor.
There’s nothing like seeing your pet sleep soundly, and now you’re equipped to pick the perfect bed.
Interested in exploring our collection of luxurious, stylish dog beds? Click here to view our full range online.
