It might not seem like it to you, but a bed is one very important part of your dog’s day-to-day activities. Just like humans, these pups need a warm and comfortable place to relax in during the day and a safe place to sleep at night. They love and appreciate the coziness and safety of having a place of their own where they could sit in and soak up the sun, or spend time watching other members of the family carry out their daily activities.
We know that you want the best for your dog and that the process of picking out the right bed for it could get exhausting. This article lists out all of the important things you need to know about dog beds and equips you with all the knowledge you need to make the purchase process an easier one.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DOG BEDS?
There are quite a lot of dog beds available, categorized based on designs, shapes, material, and functions. Here are a few:
STANDARD DOG BED
This is the most common type of dog bed. They come looking like pillows in different shapes, colors, and styles, and are the most basic kind of beds. There are no added features, just a simple cushiony bed and for this reason, they are not advisable for you if you have an old dog, a puppy, or a sick dog.
ELEVATED DOG BEDS
These are dog beds that come with a metal frame upon which the mattress is placed. The elevation keeps your dog far away from the cold floor, making for a little more warmth, and prevents insects or bugs from disturbing the dog in its bed. This is only advisable for young and active dogs for whom climbing would not be a problem.
DONUT DOG BED
This is a dog bed that has a raised rim surrounding the whole bed, giving it the look of a donut hole. It is great for dogs that love to cuddle up in bed, and also for dogs that like to lay with their head resting against the edges.
HEATED DOG BED
This is a bed that has been equipped with the ability to provide heat for your pet either through electricity or thermally. They are perfect for the winter months and are best for young dogs, aging dogs, and dogs with scanty fur.
WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER WHEN GETTING A DOG BED?
SIZE
No matter how good-looking or comfortable you think the bed might be for your pup, the size should be the first thing you consider. It is important to know the size of your dog and apply for the numbers while shopping for a bed for it. For small dogs, getting a bigger bed isn’t so much of a big deal, however, with bigger dogs, a small bedroom could be very uncomfortable and limiting.
YOUR DOG’S SLEEPING POSITION
Understanding your pet’s sleeping behavior, and getting a bed that complements it is important. For example, a donut bed would be wrong for a dog that loves to stretch out while sleeping, and an elevated bed would be perfect for one who loves to dangle its limbs as it sleeps.
YOUR DOG’S CHEWING HABITS
Most dog beds are made of materials that are resistant to mild or moderate chewing, however, if your pet is a heavy, constant chewer, you might want to consider getting a bed that is made with heavy-duty chew-resistant material. This ensures that you do not spend a lot of cash replacing beddings over and over again.
HEATING
Getting a heated bed for your doggie would ensure that it can keep warm, especially if it is a pup, an old dog or it has scanty hair. Depending on your budget and taste, you could either chose to go for a thermal bed that reflects your pet’s body temperature back at it, or you could purchase one that gets its heating from electricity.
WASHABLE
The beddings of your dog’s bed should be made of materials that are easy to wash and keep clean. This ensures that the bed is always neat and promotes better health for your pooch.
PORTABLE
In the event that you need to take a trip for a few days, and you’re bringing your dog with you, it would save you a lot of trouble if your dog bed is easy to wrap up and bundle into a bag or a trunk. That way, even though you are far from home, your doggie doesn’t have to miss the warmth and comfort of its bed.
WHAT ARE THE PRICE RANGES FOR DOG BEDS?
Dog beds are one of the most affordable dog accessories out there. They go for as low as $10 - $15 dollars for the standard beds, which is really cheap and gives you good value for your money. The average price range ranks between $20 to $50 and while you might think of it as too high, you should remember that it is usually safer to consider quality before pricing, especially when it comes to satisfying your pet. The range for expensive dog beds goes well between $100 and above.
FAQs ABOUT DOG BEDS
Q: Do dog beds end up smelling over time?
The smell of your dog’s bed depends largely on the fillings that are used for it. Light stuffing that doesn’t retain water and dries easily would go a long way in ensuring that the bed doesn’t smell. Other important things that could prevent a smell are breathable bed covers and constant washing and disinfecting.
Q: How often should I wash my dog’s bedding?
You should wash your dog’s bedding at least once every two weeks, or as soon as you notice that it has grown really dirty. Also, you should give your dog a proper bath occasionally to keep the beddings cleaner.
Q: Can a dog bed be too big?
Generally, a bed that is too big is much better than one that is too small. However, having a bed that is too big for your dog could make it feel unsafe and cold too. So the idea is to get a bed that complements the size of your dog perfectly, giving it enough space to stretch out comfortably.