How to choose the right dog bed

Even if you’re the kind of owner who doesn’t mind your dog curling up next to you in your bed, all dogs should have their own bed to encourage a healthy sleeping routine. This will also be somewhere for them to relax and feel safe at any time of the day – they tend to sleep a lot more than we do after all! Here’s how to choose the right dog bed so that your furry friend can always get a good night’s sleep.

Get the right bed for the size of your dog

This may seem obvious, but the first thing you need to know about choosing a dog bed is that you need to get the right size bed for your dog’s breed. Dogs need enough room to stretch out and get comfy, just like us, and they need a big enough bed to do that. Similarly, a bed that’s too big may take up much more room than you were expecting.

When it comes to choosing the right dog bed for a puppy, remember that while they start small, they do grow quickly, so you’ll need to get them a bed they’ll ‘grow into’ if you don’t want to buy a new one every other month!

Go for quality

If you want to choose the right bed for your dog, don’t try and cut corners. Dog beds should have sufficient padding to be comfortable, be made from a durable material that will withstand scratching when your dog ‘makes’ their bed, and should also be washable so that it can be cleaned easily. If you are choosing a dog bed that will be used outside, then it will need to be made from waterproof material.

Give them options

How your dog prefers to sleep will affect what the right dog bed for them is. Some dogs like to curl up in a ball, whereas others prefer to lay flat on their side or front, and many dogs don’t have just one way they like to sleep. Mattress dog beds are best for laying flat, but round, bordered beds are better for curling up. If you can afford the room, having different types of dog beds in the house gives your dog the option to choose whatever makes them the most comfortable.

Get each dog its own bed if they don’t like sleeping together

Some dogs love curling up next to each other on a shared dog bed, whereas some won’t settle if they feel the other dog is in their space. If you have more than one dog, and they do like sleeping together, make sure you get them a bed big enough for both of them. If they don’t like sleeping together, you should get them each their own bed.

Consider getting a cool mat in addition to a dog bed

A cool mat is a great place for your dog to lie in the warmer months, especially when you are in the garden or on a picnic. Dogs can get hot very quickly under all that fur and a cool mat gives them a place to cool down quickly. However, cool mats aren’t a sufficient substitute for a normal dog bed.

Get a specialist bed if your dog has particular needs

As well as the huge range of shapes, sizes and styles that dog beds are available in, some beds have special features that are designed to help dogs who have specialist needs, such as orthopedic and memory foam beds for dogs who have joint problems. Similarly, if your dog has problems with nervousness, an enclosed or partially enclosed bed may help them to feel safer.

Over to you

Let us know what dog beds are a favourite with your pack.