The Difference in Dog Beds
We all know that how well we sleep can affect everything in our lives, from productivity to mood, and the same can be said about dogs. It may be challenging to find the right dog bed for your furry friend as they cannot tell you how comfortable they are. All dogs have different needs based on their health, size, and other qualities.
If you are looking for a comfortable bed with positive health qualities, an orthopedic or memory foam bed may be the right fit for your dog. However, it may be challenging to figure out which mattress is perfect for your pup as they can be similar. We have weighed the pros and cons of these beds to help ease your selection.
Orthopedic Beds
The term orthopedic refers to any correlation specifically designed to help support someone’s joints and bones. These beds are typically firmer in surface to cradle a person’s joints and bones, leading to better, healthier sleep. They generally are recommended to people, or animals, that are in recovery or have chronic pain. Orthopedic beds can be made from various materials, but typically they are made from memory foam.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are made with tiny bubbles that allow air to move to areas and fit to your shape within a few minutes. Memory foam is made from polyurethane and other materials that increase its viscosity and density. These materials allow the mattress to react to body heat and mold to a body, and retract when the sleeper leaves. Initially made by NASA and called the “slow spring back foam,” memory foam can match its pressure but will move back to its original shape.
The Pros for Your Dog
As many dogs can sleep up to 20 hours a day, rest is essential to their health and livelihood. Memory foam beds can support your dog as they sleep and protect them from other problems arising.
There are several health issues that memory foam can help with, such as:
- Arthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Joint issues
- Bone or soft tissue problems
- Back or muscle issues
A memory foam bed can also positively impact conditions such as the breed. Skinny or lean species need extra support as they sleep, and a memory foam mattress can cradle their body.
The Right Mattress
If a memory foam mattress is a suitable choice for your dog, purchasing the correct size and thickness for your dog is vital.
Depending on your dog’s size and weight, some mattresses may not be thick enough to support your pet fully the way they should. It is a general recommendation to choose a mattress wider than three inches. If your dog still seems to be touching the ground in the bed, choose a mattress with a greater thickness.
When purchasing a bed, check the size guide on each to ensure you are choosing a mattress that will fit your dog comfortably,
As dogs age, these joint and bone issues can become more apparent and negatively affect your dog, so investing in the right mattress can make a big difference.