This article will guide you on the 3 tips for choosing the right human dog bed for your lovely pet.
Choosing a dog bed is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a responsible pet owner.
I recently bought a dog bed for my dog and I’ve learned a few things along the way that I’d like to share with you.
I’ve put together a step-by-step guide to choosing the right human dog bed for your pet with the right headings. Take a look:
Tip 1 of 3: Think About What Your Dog Needs Before Making A Decision
One of the most important factors in choosing the right human dog bed for your dog is their sleeping style.
Dogs that like to sleep stretched out completely will need a large bed. On the other hand, dogs that like to curl up on their own beds will need smaller beds with sides to lean against.
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Another factor to consider is whether your dog tends to be hot or cold while sleeping.
Different bed shapes and styles can help regulate your dog’s temperature. Some beds even come with a heating or cooling pad.
Do you have a dog that chews a lot? If you know that your dog chews and chews a lot, you might want to look for a bed that’s simple, inexpensive, doesn’t come with any extra features such as heating or cooling, and won’t cost you as much money to replace.
Once you’ve seen how your dog uses their bed, consider if you think it’ll be able to handle a different kind.
1. Gently measure your dog while he is asleep.
You want to make sure your dog has enough room to lie down comfortably after a long day.
A great way to do this is by measuring your dog from nose to tail while he’s sleeping. Then add 8-12 inches to your chosen length or diameter.
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When measuring your dog, make sure they’re fully grown. If they’re not, you might want to choose a larger bed than you really need so you’ll not have to replace it as often.
If your puppy is a new puppy and you’re not ready to buy a smaller bed right away and a bigger one later on, you can fill a larger bed with blankets or padding so your puppy feels more secure.
2. When it comes to special needs, there are many things to consider.
The type of bed you choose will depend on your dog’s age or health conditions. For example, orthopedic beds are designed for dogs with painful joints or arthritis, and those with cooling pads are great for dogs with long hair.
High-density memory foam beds are designed to fit your dog’s shape and provide comfort and support for relieving aches and pains, Memory foam tends to retain odor, so it’s best to cover memory foam beds with a waterproof and washable cover.
If you have a dog in warmer climates or one with thick fur or longer hair, it’s important to have a bed that offers a chance for them to cool off while they sleep.
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Long-hair dogs or dogs with thick fur can easily overheat while sleeping, so they’re best suited for cots, which are usually made of mesh and allow air to flow beneath the dog as it sleeps.
Alternatively, if your dog doesn’t feel comfortable sleeping above ground, a bed with cooling pads is also available on the market.
3. Choose the best material
Human dog beds come in a wide range of materials to help you manage issues like incontinence, odor, or allergies.
Waterproof human dog beds are great if you have an older dog with incontinence. If your dog doesn’t have incontinence, like in a mattress-type dog bed, buy a waterproof dog bed cover to place over the dog bed.
Cedar-filled dog beds not only keep odors away, but they can also transfer a pleasant scent to your dog’s bed.
The more time your dog spends rolling around in a cedar-filled dog bed, the better the smell will be in the morning.
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Hypoallergenic dog covers are a great option if your dog has sensitive skin. You can try several different dog bed fillings to see what works best for you.
Tips 2 of 3: Understanding And Know Different Types of Beds
1. The simplest way to solve this problem is to buy a mat.
If your dog prefers to sleep almost anywhere, mats are a great option. They can cover and protect cushions if your dog prefers to snooze on a sofa, or they can provide a little extra warmth if your dog usually prefers to sleep on the ground.
If your dog is a crate dog, you can get dog-specific mats for inside the crate. You can also use bath mats inside the crate for extra softness and comfort.
2. If you have a large dog, choose a pillow bed.
These oversized pillows with a loose filling are great for dogs that like to stretch out or sprawl out during their sleep.
Large dogs usually like to stretch as much as they can during their sleep, so the freedom of a rectangle pillow bed or a large pad will be perfect for your dog.
In less-expensive models, the filling may clump or disappear over time. Buy the less-expensive models if you can take the cover off to clean it, as washing the entire bed will reduce its lifespan.
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If your dog chews pillows, choose a pillow bed made from durable materials.
A variation of the pillow bed is the bean bag type bed, which is slightly overfilled to provide extra comfort for your dog.
3. Choose a donut bed if your dog likes to feel secure.
A donut bed, as its name suggests, is a bed that is either round or oval in shape and has raised sides.
Donut beds are ideal for small dogs who like to curl up on their beds. They can also be used to keep small dogs warm during their sleep.
Some dogs prefer to walk in a few circles before they fall asleep. A donut bed may be a good choice for these dogs.
4. Buy a nest bed for cuddling comfort.
Nest beds are similar to donut beds in that they also have high sides. These high sides help to hold in heat well, making them ideal for dogs who need a little extra warmth during the night.
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Because the high foam sides usually prevent them from being washed, make sure your nest bed has a removable center pillow to make cleaning easier.
5. If your dog is smaller, buy a bolster-style bed.
Bolster beds are similar to mini sofas in that they have a raised edge around which your dog can rest his head.
They are great for dogs that like large pillows and like to be surprised when approached from behind because the raised back gives them a certain amount of protection.
These beds can cost a lot of money as they are usually very well made with strong stuffing.
This style also takes up a lot of room, so it is important to have a good place for your dog’s bed before buying one.
6. If your dog loves to snuggle, search for a bed that looks like a cave.
Cave-like beds, also known as tent beds, feature a semi-covered arch, making them ideal for dogs that enjoy a cozy, warm, and comfortable sleep.
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They are also great for older dogs who struggle to stay warm during the day. Cave-style beds provide your dog with a place to “hideaway” if they become stressed during the day.
They can be especially useful for dogs that are prone to anxiety. Cave-style dog beds are usually made for smaller dogs under 20 pounds.
7. Check out a hammock bed for ease of cleaning.
These beds are similar to human hammocks in that they are raised and made of a strong material that is attached to a frame.
They can be beneficial if your dog has incontinence because they are easy to clean and there is no room for the urine to build up and smell.
These beds don’t offer much padding so they may not be suitable for all dogs. Some dogs may feel uncomfortable being lifted above the floor while they sleep.
Tips 3 of 3: Taking Your Needs Into Account
1. Select a bed that’s easy to take care of.
One of the most important things to consider when selecting a dog bed is how easy it is to clean.
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Dog beds require frequent cleaning to eliminate odors, insects, and grime. Wash the outer cover every week or twice a month.
2. Find the perfect bed for your home!
While you want your new dog bed to be comfortable, you also want it to not take up too much space in the room.
Dogs like their beds to be placed in a quiet part of the house where there aren’t a lot of people walking around.
This way, your dog will have somewhere to go when he needs some time to himself.
There are many different types of dog beds available, so you’ll want to find one that matches your other furniture.
If space is an issue, you can always find a corner dog bed that can be tucked away in some unused space.
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3. It is recommended to search for eco-friendly features.
If you want to live an eco-friendly life, you can buy eco-friendly dog beds made from used materials such as recycled plastic bottles.
Many dog beds and dog covers are now made from 100 percent organic materials too, so keep an eye out for those too.
These types of dog beds and dog bed covers may cost more than other options, but they are usually very durable and will last longer.
Most earth-friendly dog beds are filled with natural rubber.
4. Decide your budget before you shop.
It’s easy to overspend on your dog’s bed because you want them to have all the features they need.
If you’re not aware of the price before you start shopping, you could end up regretting it later.
Human dog beds can cost anywhere from $15 to $30, for elevated pet beds up to $115 to $190, for nest-type pet beds.
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Compare prices and features at big-box and small pet shops, as well as online stores.
Keep in mind that you may need to replace covers or even mattresses if they’re too dirty or worn out.
Knowing this ahead of time will help you make a smart financial decision.
FAQs Related To 3 Tips for Choosing the Right Human Dog Bed
What kind of bed is best for a dog?
For older dogs or dogs with aches and pains or joint issues, an orthopedic or memory foam dog bed that they can easily get into and out of is a good option.
If your dog is shy or nervous, an ‘igloo’ type dog bed may be a good option as it allows them to hide in comfort when things get too challenging for them.
Are beds necessary for dogs?
Yes. One of the most important things dogs need is their own bed.
What is a dog bed used for?
A dog’s bed is a place for him to go when he needs to be alone.
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What is the meaning of a dog bed?
A dog bed is a type of bed, usually padded, that is intended for dogs to sleep on.
Do dogs prefer beds or floors?
Generally, floor pillows are preferred by dogs who like to sleep on their backs.
Why do dogs prefer human beds?
This is because they’re comfortable and in a good place strategically.
What can I use instead of a dog bed?
Drawers, wood crates, and milk crates, TV consoles, and other old pieces of furniture can also be used to create a box-like shape.
Do dogs need blankets?
Yes. For dogs with medical conditions that require regular rest, dog blankets may be needed for warmth, to protect against injuries such as bedsores, and to provide a cushion in the event of a fall.
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Do dogs prefer soft or hard beds?
Mostly every dog doesn’t need soft beds
How long does a dog bed last?
2 Years to 5 Years
Why are dog beds so expensive?
The main reason luxury dog beds cost more is because they’re made to last. Luxury dog beds come in a variety of materials, including foam bases that provide better support for dogs’ joints, as well as covers that you can throw in the wash when the bed gets dirty.
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A Word From GetMe Treated
By now, I believe choosing the right human dog bed for your dog shouldn’t be a problem. If you have any questions, kindly use the comment section under this post.