Dog Bed Buying Guide

Learn everything you need to know about Dog Beds with our “Dog Bed Buying Guide”

There are so many styles and types of dog beds on the market at the moment that it can be quite confusing to know what to buy, especially if this is your first time. With our Dog Bed Buying Guide we aim to enlighten you to the point that you can make an informed decision and buy one that fits your needs and those of your pooch.

What to Look for when Buying a Dog Bed

The main considerations when buying a dog bed are:

• shape
• size
• height
• filling

We’ll take a look at all of these points below where I’ll describe them in better detail.

Dog Bed Shapes

Dog beds come in may shapes but the most common ones are:

• sided dog beds
• rectangle dog beds
• round dog beds
• cave dog beds
• nest dog beds

The shape of the dog bed that you buy has a lot to do with the type of dog that you have and how they like to sleep. For example sided dog beds are perfect for those dogs that like to rest their heads against something when they sleep as these types of bed are comfortable and offer a sense of security.

On the other hand, non-sided beds offer a lot of space and no restrictions if your dog likes to stretch out when they sleep. A rectangular bed is ideal for a large dog that stretches out when sleeping. Round dog beds are better suited to smaller breeds or dogs that like to curl up when sleeping but not rest their heads on anything.

Cave dog beds are for breeds that like to curl up under blankets and make a den. Nest beds have a wall that goes all the way around them and are suited to animals that like to circle around before settling down for the night.

Dog Bed Sizes Guide

The good news is that most manufacturers offer size and weight recommendations for each size bed making it easier to select the correct size dog bed, but first you should observe how you dog sleeps before making a final decision.

As a rule you need a bed that is large enough to accommodate your dog when they are fully stretched out. Measuring your dog from the tips of its nose to the end of its tail will give you a good idea on this size. If you dog is young and still growing then you should plan ahead and buy something that will be large enough to handle them when they are fully grown.

Saying that, not all dogs sleep in the same manner. Just like humans, some dogs like to sleep curled up while others prefer to stretch out as far as they can. So how your dog sleeps can also make a difference to the size of the bed you need to buy.

Below are some approximate bed sizes that you’ll find when shopping online.

Dog Bed Heights

Not all breeds are suited to a dog bed that sits directly on the floor. If your dog is a long haired breed which are prone to overheating then a raised cot style dog bed may be more appropriate.

The sleeping areas on these types of beds are normally made of a flexible mesh that allow air to circulate and prevent the build up of moisture. They are also easier to clean than regular foam dog beds.

Dog Bed Fillings & Special Needs

The filling that is used in your dog bed is also an important consideration as it can affect the quality of the bed in many ways.

Foam beds normally come with one of two types of filling, either a solid foam (which is more firm) or a soft polyfill stuffing (which is softer but tends to shift and bunch). If you have an older dog , especially if they have arthritis or joint pain, then it may be better to go with a solid foam model that is more firm.

Special orthopedic dog beds are available which are made of memory foam. These make it easier for your dog to get in and out of its bed if it’s a little unstable or painful on its legs.

If you have a dog that sleeps outside then, depending upon your climate, you may want to consider a cooling or heated dog bed.

Cooling dog beds are filled with a gel that dissipates heat quickly and are ideal for warm climates. Heated dog beds are perfect for colder climates or for dogs with short coats, these act more like electric blankets to keep your dog at a comfortable temperature.

As we’ve already discussed, long haired breeds may benefit from a raised cot type of bed that uses a mesh fabric rather than a foam filling.

Bedding and Dog Bed Covers

You may want to consider buying a dog bed that comes with removable covers  so that they can be cleaned regularly.

If you have an active dog that likes to chew then you should look for a bed that has a tough chew dog bed cover.

Tips on Choosing a Dog Bed that Suites your Needs

As you can see, one size does not fit all when it comes to dog beds but by watching your dog and examining it’s sleeping patterns you can soon get a good idea of the type of bed that is best suited to them. Don’t rush into buying a dog bed because you find it beautiful and fits in with your homes decor. You should take the time to buy one that actually fits your dogs needs.

Conclusion

It’s important that you dog have it’s own bed. Not only will you both get a better nights sleep but your dog will have a sense of security in having it’s own place to go when it needs to. It also saves a lot of wear and tear on your homes furniture. Following the tips above, from our Dog Bed Buying Guide, you should be able to find the ideal bed for your pet.

Buying a good quality bed isn’t too expensive and you can find plenty of great deals online. Check out our collection of dog beds now and see what’s on offer.