A bed is one of the basic gear every dog needs. Believe it or not, not all dog beds are made equal nor provide the same comfort and sleep quality. That’s why you need to be careful; when choosing a bed for your pup and know which factors you need to consider before buying one.

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Dog Bed

The Type of Beds

There are several types of dog beds, including orthopedic beds, mattress pad beds, crate beds, donut beds, elevated beds, and heated beds (for winter). Each type has its own features and works best for specific dogs. For instance, orthopedic beds are perfect for older dogs and dogs with hip and joint issues whereas crate beds are best for nervous dogs. Which bed you choose for your furry friend depends on its needs, size, and behavior.

The Size of the Bed

The size of the bed needs to match the size of your dog and be a bit larger than him/her. If you’re not sure about which size of bed you need, measure your dog. Measure from their nose to the end of their tail to find out how long the bed should be. Then, measure from their shoulders to the floor to find out how wide the bed should be.

Apart from considering your dog’s size, you should also need to consider their sleeping pose. It’s because some large dogs may prefer sleeping all curled up whereas small dogs may love sleeping all stretched out on their back.

Padding Materials and Thickness

Beds can be made of different materials, but you need to find the one that offers the greatest comfort, adjusts to your dog’s needs, and fits their behavior. For instance, if your dog loves chewing everything they can reach, woven thick padding is the best choice. On the other hand, if you have an older dog, thicker memory foam will best cushion their bones and joints.

Regardless of the dog breed you have, you should always ensure their bed has enough padding. It’s because dogs have some bony protuberances that require extra comfort; otherwise, they will feel pressure in these places.

Is the Bed Washable?

Another important thing to consider when choosing a dog bed is its washability because you will have to clean and wash your dog’s bed regularly. That’s why it’s best to choose a bed with an easy-to-remove and machine-washable case. When putting the cover into a washing machine, make sure you remove the foam padding and air out the inner part of the bed.

Price

Lastly, you need to consider the price of the bed. Quality dog beds usually go from $35 to $150 and they are the most expensive ones. However, if their price doesn’t fit your budget, you should go for the best beds within your budget.

Final Words

Dogs spend half of the day sleeping. That’s why you need to find the best bed for your furry buddy. When searching for a bed, consider all the abovementioned factors to make sure you buy the best bed for your dog.