Here’s What To Look For In A Dog Bed

Dogs need about nine to 14 hours of sleep a day — and if he doesn’t like his dog bed, or doesn’t have one, he’s going to get those winks in your bed, or on your sofa, or right in the middle of the floor. Your dog doesn’t need to make himself a tripping hazard. Buy him a comfortable, sturdy dog bed that meets his needs. Here’s what to look for.

Size 

Dog beds come in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes, and they’re typically based on weight. Small beds are for small dogs under 40 lbs. Medium beds are for dogs 40 to 60 lbs. Large beds are for dogs 60 to 120 lbs, and extra large beds are for the largest breeds.

Don’t just throw your pup on the scale and go buy the first dog bed you find that corresponds to his weight class, however. Just like people, different dogs have different body shapes and sleep in different positions. Is that extra large dog bed really big enough for your Great Dane once he really stretches out?

You can measure your dog while he sleeps, and while he is standing up, and use those measurements to determine whether a specific bed will be big enough for your dog. Measure your dog’s standing height from the top of his head to the pads of his feet. Then wait till he goes to sleep and measure his sleeping body (carefully, so you don’t wake him up). If he curls into a ball, measure the diameter of the ball. If he sleeps on his stomach, measure the length from his nose to his rump. If he sleeps on his side, measure from the top of his head down to the pads of his feet. If he sleeps on his back, measure from the tip of his nose to his rump. Then use those measurements to make sure the dog bed you choose is large enough for your dog to get comfortable in.

Comfort and Security

You wouldn’t want to sleep on a hot, itchy mattress, and your dog doesn’t want to, either. You also wouldn’t keep a bed that made you feel cold all night, every night. 

Consider what your dog needs from a bed at this stage of his life before you go shopping. A young, active dog might be happy with a mat-style bed that lies on the floor, but an older, arthritic animal would probably be more comfortable in an elevated bed that gets him off the cold floor, or a heated bed that eases the pain in his joints. If you live in a warm climate or have a dog with a thick coat or one bred for cold climates, an elevated or cooling bed could keep him comfortable as he sleeps. If your dog has allergies, choose a hypoallergenic bed — you can even buy luxury dog beds made from organic materials. If your dog needs a den-like environment to feel more secure, a tent bed or a bed with high sides might be the best choice for your pup.

Washability

You’ll definitely need to wash your dog’s bed regularly, especially if he lives in a kennel or dog house outdoors. Look for a bed with a removable cover and a washable mattress — both will need to be washed regularly to keep your dog’s sleeping area clean and control parasites, like fleas, that will lay their eggs in the fabric.

Special Features

Dog beds come with a range of special features. You can buy electrically heated or cooled beds for dogs with arthritis or those living in hot climates. Features you should look for in a dog bed include a non-skid bottom, so your dog can get in and out of bed safely and doesn’t slowly migrate across the room while sleeping. You’ll want to make sure the bed is made of non-toxic materials — avoid synthetic foams and fabrics and flame retardant additives.

Some dog bed features are intended to accommodate dogs with specific behavior patterns. For example, if your dog loves water and getting wet, look for a bed with a water-resistant cover. If your dog is still in that chewing phase, you can choose a chew-proof dog bed. And, of course, you can choose hypoallergenic, warmed, cooled, or elevated beds for dogs with allergies, thick coats, arthritis, or even anxiety (elevated beds can make some dogs feel safer).

If you want to make sure your dog is comfortable in his bed, shop carefully for one that meets his needs. Give your dog a bed he loves, so he can get the rest he needs to run and play with you, his best friend.

*This post contains collaborative content.