Content
- Recommendations for choosing the best dog bed
- Beds for small dogs
- medium dog walk
- Beds for big dogs
- Puppy Dog Beds
- Beds for elderly dogs
- Dog beds for when it's hot
- how to make a dog bed
- Original dog beds
Choosing a dog bed is a big adventure. There are so many models available that it's hard to decide. Furthermore, we run the risk of being guided by aesthetics and forgetting aspects related to functionality, which are essential in the maintenance and care of the bed.
In this article by PeritoAnimal we help you to how to choose the best dog beds, but we've already said that the best option is always the one that best suits your partner's needs, ensuring both your comfort and hygiene.
Recommendations for choosing the best dog bed
There are several good dog bedding options. The best will always be the one that best adapts to the characteristics and needs of each dog. Still, there are some general recommendations that we must take into account to help us choose wisely. Are the following:
- Size: It seems obvious, but we don't always realize that the bed has to allow the dog to turn on itself, to curl up, but also to be able to stretch out completely. Regardless of whether it is oval, rectangular or round, you should always make sure it allows our furry friend to relax.
- Thickness: The best dog beds, in addition to providing a soft surface to rest on, should primarily isolate the dog from the floor. This means it cannot be too thin or sink so that the animal is in direct contact with the ground.
- Hygiene: A perfect bed is useless if we cannot wash it easily. Ideally, it should have a cover that can be quickly removed with a zipper and machine washed, whether it is made with anti-mite fabric, waterproof, cotton, polyester, etc. Some just need a damp cloth to be cleaned.
In this other article we talk about the best dog toys.
Beds for small dogs
As we've already mentioned, the size of the dog is the first criterion to take into consideration when selecting the best bed. Small dogs have even more options, as some cat beds are also suitable for their size. Thus, they can be very comfortable and housed in a igloo bed or with a flange input and even a transport box with a nice pillow inside, like a den. A wicker basket can be just as good as long as the dog doesn't bite into it.
This is another interesting aspect because we can choose dog beds fabric or plastic to which we can add a soft, removable pad or mat to keep hygiene easily. Also, there are usually more furniture options for small dogs, so you can find design beds that imitate sofas or human beds.
There are also dog beds convertibles for small dogs, which can be arranged as a sofa, pillow or bed depending on how we place their components. Other beds contain a removable pillow and you should make sure that both the pillow and the frame can be easily washed.
It may be a good idea to have a bed raised off the floor, but care should be taken that it is not too high, causing the dog to injure himself when descending or making it difficult for him to climb. On the other hand, small puppies tend to tolerate the cold worse, so it is recommended to look for one. bed with warm lining or a cool cloth or wool type to prevent them from getting cold in the worst months of the year.
medium dog walk
If you have to choose a bed for a medium-sized dog, it is important to take the necessary measures, as we run the risk of choosing a bed that is too small or, on the contrary, too large. For this size there are usually no cave beds, but there are interesting options like pillows, mats, plastic base like cribs on which to place the bed or even beds similar to hammocks, which can serve as a rest in the backyard.
Many of these beds have raised edges that help protect the dog. Putting the bed outside is another option that does not usually occur with very small dogs, who usually sleep indoors. If our dog is going to sleep outside, in addition to a comfortable bed protected from the elements, they must be designed for the outdoors. Of course, for these cases, the dog must have a suitable kennel that completely isolates him.
It's also very important. pay attention to thickness to ensure the bed does not sink. We will find some bed for medium dog filled with foam or even materials like which our mattresses are made, such as viscoelastic foam, which adapts to the shape of the dog. It's interesting to look at the bottom of the bed. Because the dog sweats, some beds include waterproof fabrics so that it stays in contact with the floor. That way your furry friend stays dry.
Beds for big dogs
The best beds for large dogs have to ensure that they support your weight so the animal doesn't touch the floor, as well as covering its full size. They are more expensive, but it's worth investing in memory foam mattresses or even resorting to mattresses for people, such as those used in cribs or small beds.
We won't find nest-type beds for these dogs, but they don't need to be covered if they have good insulation from the floor, which will protect them from the cold. For these weights there are usually no raised beds and they are usually not encouraged to climb on sofas or beds due to their size, hence the importance of a extra protection from the ground. There are original beds for large dogs, but generally what we get is a structure so that we can later include the mattress taking into account the mentioned characteristics.
Another good option is the dog bed box. Increasingly popular, litter boxes are sought after for dogs of all sizes.
Puppy Dog Beds
In addition to following the aforementioned guidelines according to the size of our puppy, which changes rapidly with growth, it is important to take into account that the puppies they are great destroyers. Taking both of these things into consideration, it is not advisable to invest a lot of money in a bed that in a matter of weeks will be small or that is at high risk of being destroyed.
Therefore, for the first few months of life, the best litter for puppies is usually a simple one. cardboard box with a pillow, a blanket, or any old thick, soft clothing we have. Once the exploratory phase is over, it's time to choose a good dog bed with the intention of lasting.
Beds for elderly dogs
These puppies often suffer from mobility problems or different chronic diseases. So a good old dog bed not only needs to be comfortable, but must be low to facilitate the exit and entry of the dog. Of course, if he loves to sleep with us in bed or on the couch, we can choose to put a ramp.
On the other hand, to protect your joints and avoid pain, the most suitable material is the aforementioned viscoelastic foam. We can also use a mattress for people, a box bed for a dog and we'll even find orthopedic beds specially designed for dogs that can be ideal for the elderly.
It is also essential to maintain hygiene. For this, it is convenient to protect the bed with a waterproof cover, as some dogs suffer from urine leakage. This makes it easy to wash as often as needed. Buy multiple replacement parts. Also, if applicable, you can resort to absorbents. There are specially designed for dogs.
Dog beds for when it's hot
When the thermometers go up, it's not uncommon for dogs to rest directly on the ground looking for a cooler temperature. For these cases, you can find dog beds that have a warm side and a refreshing side, so that you keep the dog comfortable at any time of year.
Also, there are cooling mats that can be used on the hottest days, especially if our furry companion has difficulty with high temperatures. They provide a cool surface and some models even contain a piece of water to put in the freezer. This way they keep you cold for hours.
how to make a dog bed
If you don't want to spend money on a petshop bed, in the following video we show you how to make a dog bed in a very simple way.
We emphasize that this is not one of the best beds for large dogs, but it is suitable for small and medium dogs. For big dogs, you can choose to make a structure with wood and buy the mattress or make it at home, buying the foam and canvas. This other article that explains how to make dog walks step by step can also help you.
Original dog beds
At the market or in petshops you will find a multitude of original and beautiful dog beds. Some, as we commented, simulate human beds, like the well-known dog box beds, others are hammock-shaped and others are made of pallets. In general, this type of dog bed tends to have a higher cost due to the difficulty it can have in its manufacture, originality and authenticity.
Finding original and cheap dog beds is more complicated, so another totally valid option is to buy one. wicker basket and put a mattress inside soft and comfortable; the result will be a unique, beautiful and original bed.
If you choose one of these beds, remember that the best dog bed is one that promotes the comfort and safety of your dog, so always prioritize this to aesthetics.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to choose the best dog beds, we recommend that you enter our Basic Care section.