What Kind of Dog Bed Should I Get My Dog?
My dog usually goes to bed by finding a ‘spot’ underneath my bed. Once he notices my husband and I have settled into our comfort zone, he’ll jump right up and find the perfect spot at my feet. At some point in the night, I realize I am now sharing my pillow with Blue. I can no longer roller over as I am pinned into my spot between him and my husband. His breath and other errrr… dog gas smells are waking me up and I am cold because he is laying on my fair share of the blankets. I mean who can blame him though??
Given the choice of a nice warm bed or a hardwood floor or carpet, I’d say he’s got the right idea. So there– I decided I needed to get Blue his own bed, but there were so many options to choose from. Where do I even start?
Are you thinking the same thing? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing a dog bed:
- Your dog’s sleeping style
- Your dog’s size
- Your dog’s activity level
After you take a look at your four-legged friend and determine these, the rest is rather easy.
Here are some of the more common dog beds available:
Pillow or Cushion dog beds are one of the most popular options for dog beds. These accommodate all breeds of dogs and are ideal for dogs that love to stretch out and roll around. They are available in all types of sizes and shapes including round, oval, rectangular and square. The only problem with this style is that if your dog is older and weak, it may not offer enough support to provide comfort to them.
Donut or Bolster dog beds are another good option. This style provides a rim around the edges of the bed, which makes it ideal for those who love to curl up in a ball. While these typically tend to provide added support, you should pay attention to the height of the walls, as older dogs may have a hard time jumping in and out of them.
Orthopedic dog beds are specially designed for dogs with arthritis or other orthopedic problems. Made from thick memory foam, they provide the perfect amount of support to your pup’s joints.
The final factor to consider in getting your dog a great bed is the size. Typically, you want the bed to be big enough to accommodate your pup laying down completely spread out on his side. When in doubt, go bigger. He’ll appreciate it when he gets back from a long walk to the dog park and his paws aren’t hanging off the side.
Blue is very happy in his new donut/pillow combo bed. He drags it to the living room in the morning and to the bedroom in the evening. While he does manage to sneak into my bed every night (which I do love), I feel less guilty giving him the nudge to the floor knowing he has his own comfy bed to sleep in.
Helpful Read: Is it Safe to Sleep with Pets?
