Choosing The Right Bed For Your Dog

Choosing the right bed for your dog

Dogs are active animals who enjoy exploring, sniffing and playing, but it's also really important for them to get enough rest. As dog owners, we can help our dogs get the important down-time they need by making sure they have somewhere quiet and comfortable to snooze without any disturbances.

How to choose a dog bed

There are many different types of beds available. If you watch your dog sleep you'll notice they get into lots of different positions: stretched out, curled up, on their back - even on their belly with their legs stretched in opposite directions like Superman!

What size bed should I get?

What type of dog bed should I get?

Dog beds come in many different shapes and sizes. Round or oval beds with a side are great for when your dogs wants to curl up whereas mattress beds can be good for lying flat. Each dog will have their preferences but it's always best to give them a couple of options - that way you can be sure they'll always be comfy.

Some bed shapes, such as box beds or others with a side allow your dog to really cosy down - these can help keep them warm and protected them from any draughts. Other beds might be better in summer when your dog may want to stay cooler.

What material should my dog bed be, and how can I wash it?

Dog beds should be sufficiently padded and made from a comfortable material. They should also be easily washable.

If you want a dog bed to take camping, into the garden or on any adventures then a more robust material is best. Waterproof or water resistant beds can be helpful in preventing them from getting damp.

Where is the best place to put a dog's bed?

Place the bed somewhere warm and draught-free and give them options. You could place one bed in a quiet part of the house where they can rest undisturbed and one in a room where the family spends time so they can be in your company whilst relaxing or snoozing in a comfortable spot.

Luxury dog beds for special dogs

Some dogs may have specific needs when it comes to beds:

• Older dogs or dogs with any aches, pains or joint problems might benefit from an orthopedic or memory foam bed which they can get in and out of easily.
• If you have a shy or nervous dog they may benefit from a 'igloo' type bed so they can hide away in comfort whenever things get too much for them.
• More than one dog? To avoid competition you will need to have a minimum of one bed per dog. If your dogs enjoy snuggling up together consider getting an additional dog bed large enough for them to comfortably share.

Letting sleeping dogs lie

None of us like being disturbed when we are trying to catch forty winks and dogs are no different. Make sure everyone in the family, including children, know to leave your dog alone while he or she is in his bed - this is an important part of keeping children safe and dogs happy.