A Guide to Dog Bed Shopping

Whether you have a new pup or are just looking for an upgrade, dog beds can be an overwhelming shopping task. Look no further! Below is a guide to shopping for a dog bed for your furry friend. 

Does My Dog Need a Bed?

While there is nothing better than snuggling with your pup, it is not recommended to share a bed regularly. It has been found that many pet owners who suffer from sleep issues share their beds with their pets every night. Your pooch’s movements will wake you up throughout the night even if you don’t remember it occurring. This activity will degrade your quality of sleep. 

But dog beds benefit your pup too! Dog beds help your four-legged friend’s joints by not jumping on and off raised furniture. Not being on the furniture will reduce how much you have to clean too! Additionally, they are a fantastic calming area that provides consistency to your pup. Having a bed as a space they can claim as their own is comforting your companion. Additionally, if you need to move the dog bed around to make room for visitors, your pup will still have a cozy, comforting area to retreat to. 

Price

Dog beds can have quite a large range when it comes to prices. Cheap beds can be found for about $30. While higher-end higher-end beds can reach even $400. Your budget will control how much you will spend. However, it is best to not buy the cheapest option. Higher quality beds will last longer and won’t need to be replaced as quickly. Additionally,  dog beds provide better support for your pal and can combat age-related issues such as arthritis. Spending more on a bed now may mean saving money on future vet visits.

What to Consider

Before picking a style of bed, you will want to think about a few things first. All dogs are unique and have different temperaments and preferences. You will want to pick a bed that you and your furry friend love!

• Roughness and Activity

Rougher dogs require more durable beds. Additionally, if your pup enjoys playing outside in the mud and rain, you will want a bed that is made of a material that is easy to wash. 

• Weather

The type of bed you choose should also combat the climate you live in. If you live in a cool climate, heated dog beds are great as well as beds made with insulating materials. If you live in a warm climate, elevated beds provide circulation to combat heat and humidity. 

• Size and Age

You should choose a bed that is correct for your four-legged friend’s size. Additionally, larger dogs need extra padding to help protect their joints. Older pups will need thicker and more supportive beds as well for joint comfort. Also, note that stylized beds won’t have enough support to keep your big dog comfy and happy.  

• Removable covers

Not only do removable covers make cleaning easier, but they are also great for dogs that are still being potty trained or older pups suffering from incontinence. Also, if your dog has environmental allergies, investing in a hypoallergenic dog cover will help relieve some of the s symptoms. 

• Temperament and Sleeping Style 

Dogs that are shy or anxious tend to prefer beds that allow for burrowing or nesting. You should also consider your pup’s sleeping style. Does your pup sleep curled up? Belly up? Are they side sleepers? These are all things to consider when trying to find a bed that will best fit your pooch. 

Bed Style

• Nesting/Cave Bed

Nesting beds have a raised border and come in a variety of sizes that are great for large and small pups. The nesting quality helps the dog feel more secure and comfortable with an area to lean on or use as a headrest. These beds are usually good at retaining heat, which is great for cooler weather. Or, if your companion is hairless or has short hair, cave beds are great for keeping them warm. If your dog likes to curl up to sleep, or they are particularly nervous or anxious, a nesting bed may be perfect for them. 

• Memory Foam/Orthopedic Bed

Memory foam is the material of the bed and can come in different styles. This material provides the most comfort for your furry friend. These are great for larger or older dogs that need more joint support. If you do go the memory foam route, consider spending a bit more and find one that is a slab of memory foam. 

• Pillow Bed

Pillow beds are the most common type of bed. If you do get a pillow bed, get one with a removable cover to prolong the bed’s life. These beds are great because they can be found in many shapes, sizes, styles, and patterns to fit your pooch and your preferences. Pillow beds are commonly filled with a polyester fiber fill, cotton batting, or bean-bag style foam beads. You can buy fill from the craft store to switch out the filling as it breaks down to keep your pup comfy. These beds are a basic and affordable option. You can even stuff the bed with cedar chips to reduce odor. If your dog is especially smelly, this is a great option. 

• Hammock Bed

Elevated hammock beds keep your pooch from touching the ground and will help with comfort and joint health. Additionally, the beds are usually made of nylon mesh that is very easy to clean. These beds are great for warm climates and for large dogs that don’t need much padding. 

• Sofa or Wooden Bed

These bed styles are more for looks and less for function. They are best suited for smaller, petite pups. Both can be hard to clean so keep that in mind if you have a messy little pal! 

• Waterproof or Chew Proof Bed

Waterproof beds make clean-up easier but still require some type of cleaning. These are the best choice for training puppies, senior pups, or generally messy dogs. Manufacturers define waterproof differently but most have an outer fabric layer that can be removed and tossed in the washing machine. The inner cushioning is usually protected with a plastic lining as well. 

If your pooch is particularly rough or active, chew-proof beds are durable and made to withstand chomping puppies. Materials can be canvas, vinyl, and nylon among others. Look for beds with double stitching or even double-layered beds because they add to the durability. If your furry friend destroys toys or crates, then look into chew-proof beds for your beloved pal. 

We hope this guide will help you pick the perfect bed for fido! Remember, your four-legged friend’s friend’s needs and preferences are the most important when picking a bed for him!