When choosing a new bed or mattress for yourself, it’s important you get the right one. An uncomfortable bed contributes to a disturbed night sleep and is detrimental to your well-being. However, have you ever made the same consideration when purchasing a bed for your dog? Writes Toni Shelbourne.
The best place to start is to observe your dog and work out his preference. You might notice he chooses a particular material or prefers a firmer surface to snooze on. Or maybe he likes to nap up high off the floor. His age will also be a consideration and needs to be a factor in your choice of material, shape, and size. Even the time of year will make a difference to a dog’s liking.
He may also have different sleeping places and positions throughout the day, and require several beds in multiple locations. Dogs are polyphasic sleepers, meaning he can get restorative sleep at any time of the day or night. His daytime favourite bed may be different from this nighttime resting place. Some dogs, especially those with orthopaedic conditions, can even change locations throughout the night. He may need access to different areas of the house and various resting places depending on how he feels physically.
SIZE
Have you ever slept on a sofa or bed that was too small, then woken stiff and felt in discomfort for the rest of the day? It probably made you grumpy, too. Dogs are no different. Although he may (at times) curl up in a ball, your dog should also have the ability to lay completely flat on his side. Too small, and like us, he could wake up with a crick in his neck or stiffness in his body! Hardsided beds are the worst for this. They may be easy to clean and keep drafts at bay, but they can prevent a dog from stretching out, so make sure you pick a size big enough if a hard plastic bed is the one you choose.
MATERIAL
The material, especially the inner filling, must be safe for your dog. This is doubly true if you are seeking the best bed for a puppy that might chew. It must be comfortable, but study enough to withstand wear and tear. Again, watch out for your dog’s preference. Does he like snuggling up in fluffy, fleecy material or choose a harder weave to sleep on?
Where is the bed going to be placed? If you want one that also acts as a garden bed, a waterproof bottom or raised hammock-type bed might be the answer.
WASHABLE
If you have an older dog or one with a health issue which means he might soil the bed, an outer, waterproof washable cover would be i
