Do Dogs Need a Bed?

Dogs sleep a LOT. Most dogs can sleep anywhere from 10-14 hours per day. For this reason, your pup must have a comfortable place to rest. Some dogs can be comfortable stretching out on the floor, curling up on the couch, or sleeping on your bed. For many dogs, though, having a cozy bed of their own is essential.

Does your dog spend a lot of time on your bed or the couch? Does your pup even need a bed in the first place? Or does he prefer the floor? Answering these questions will help you make a purchasing decision that is right for you, your dog, and your situation.

Does Your Dog Sleep on Your Bed? 

Even if you your pup prefers curling up with you to sleep, it is a good idea to get him a bed of his own. There are a lot of great things about having a dog bed. Your dog may want to curl up in a bed of his own for daytime naps, while sleeping on your bed at night, for instance. Moreover, If you are allergic to your dog, you need to have him sleeping somewhere other than your bed.

Some dogs are comfortable sleeping on the floor. Many, however, would benefit from the support and comfort of a dog bed to relieve stress and pressure on their joints and bones.

If you are still unsure if your dog needs a bed of his own, think about this. In addition to sleeping up to 14 hours each day, most dogs spend much of their waking hours curled up relaxing or dozing as well. If your dog is spending this much time resting, he should have a cozy place to sleep. 

What are the Benefits of Having a Dog Bed?

For your dog, his bed is a place where he can feel safe and secure. In the wintertime, a warm, cozy dog bed will keep your pup nice and toasty. Dog beds and mats also provide your dog with an extra layer of comfort in his crate or kennel. Your dog will have a place he can go to calm down when he feels anxious. 

Give Your Dog Ownership of His Bed

Dogs naturally like to seek out places to rest that are warm, cozy, and secure. If your pup does not have a bed to call his own, he will likely try to build one with laundry, pillows, or blankets. He may take over a large corner of your bed or couch. 

Giving your dog a bed of his own will keep him from curling up in places you don’t want him to (like your guest bed, your expensive furniture, or your freshly cleaned carpets). The key to making sure your pup will use his dog bed is to make sure you get a bed that is the right fit for him.

If you do not want your dog on the furniture, give him a bed of his own. This will provide him with the comfort he is craving without breaking the rules. Even if you allow your dog on the furniture, it is still a good idea to give him a dog bed as an option for when he wants his own space. 

You’ll want to place the dog bed somewhere your pup is most comfortable. You may want to get a portable bed in if your pup likes to sleep in different places throughout the day. Or, get more than one dog bed, so he has options.

It is essential to make sure your dog feels safe and secure in his dog bed. For this reason, it is not a good idea to use the dog bed as a means for discipline or confinement. If you have more than one dog, you may want to give each pup has his own bed. Sometimes dogs will share beds, but it is still a good idea for each one to have a place that is ultimately all his own.

Dog Beds are Good for Your Dog’s Health

The right dog bed should make your pup feel safe and secure. Feeling secure is important for all dogs, but is especially important for dogs who suffer from anxiety.

If you get a portable dog bed, you can take it with you when you travel with your dog. Taking your dog’s bed with you will give him the comfort of home when you are in an unfamiliar place. Bringing a familiar bed can significantly decrease your dog’s anxiety level when traveling.

When dogs sleep on hard surfaces, they can chafe and develop sores. Any dog bed will provide your pup with some level of cushioning and will, therefore, prevent painful sores. Whether you have a young dog or an older dog, all dogs can benefit from a comfy bed. 

Orthopedic dog beds are essential for older dogs. The reason for this is because a lot of older dogs suffer from arthritis, joint pain, and hip dysplasia. Orthopedic dog beds are designed to support your dog’s pressure points and joints to help keep your dog more comfortable. Additionally, older dogs may have more trouble climbing up onto a couch, chair, or human bed. Giving your dog a bed that he can easily get in and out of is essential for older dogs.

Dog Beds Help Keep Your Furniture Clean

Another great thing about dog beds is that most of them are easy to clean. Many have removable covers that you can throw into the washer, while some are made to be completely machine washable. A dog bed with a removable cover will make it easier to clean up after a dog that is prone to accidents than having to clean your bed or couch every time he has an accident. 

Dog beds can help you keep the rest of your house from getting overrun with dog hair and dander. Of course, having a dog means getting used to dog hair. If your pup has his own bed, a lot of that hair he sheds will stick to the dog bed instead of the rest of your furniture. Dog hair removal is a lot easier. Many dog beds are designed so you can easily wipe excess hair away in between washings, making it even easier to keep clean.

It is much easier to throw your dog bed (or removable cover) into the washer each time your pup tracks in mud or dirt than it is to clean the rest of your furniture. Giving your pup a bed of his own will keep the rest of your house a lot cleaner.

What are the Different Types of Dog Beds?

There are so many different types of dog beds on the market. If you are wondering whether your dog needs a bed and what kind of bed is right for him, there are some things to consider. Like, should you buy an expensive dog bed, or are the inexpensive options just as good for your pup? What are your dog’s sleeping habits? Does your dog have arthritis? 

When it comes to dog bed options, you can simply use an old blanket or pillow as a dog bed. Or, you can go all out and purchase a high-end dog bed that matches the rest of your décor perfectly. A lot of pet parents choose something in between. 

One of the best ways to figure out what dog bed will make your pup the most comfortable is to watch his sleeping habits. Dogs that like to sprawl out on the floor will be comfortable in a different kind of dog bed than those that curl up in the corner of an armchair.

Basic dog beds include flat dog pads or mats that are designed to fit comfortably inside a crate, traditional round nesting beds, dog beds with bolsters, waterproof beds, heated beds, and memory foam beds. 

If you would rather not spend money on an expensive dog bed, you can also make your own. There are a lot of great tutorials online that will give you instructions on how to make a customized bed for your dog. If you make your dog’s bed, make sure to use materials that are pet-safe.

If your dog is older or suffers from any joint pain, including arthritis, you may want to look for a dog bed that is designed especially for older pups. These dog beds may include memory foam, heated beds, and elevated dog beds.

How Do You Choose the Right Dog Bed?

With so many dog beds on the market, how do you choose? There are many things to consider before you make a purchase. Your budget, the size, and weight of your dog, where you are going to keep the bed, and if your dog has any special requirements, will all be factors that go into your decision. You may want to consult your veterinarian if you are unsure of what kind of bed is best for your dog.

Is it a Good Fit?

Dog beds come in a lot of different sizes that can vary widely by brand, shape, and type. A dog bed labeled “medium” in one brand may be an entirely different size than one labeled “medium” in another brand. 

It is crucial to make sure your dog fits comfortably on his bed. For this reason, you may want to measure your pup before making your purchase. Measure from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail and around the largest part of his middle. Next, look at the label or product description of the bed to ensure it is the right fit.

Ultimately the dog bed you choose will depend on several factors. Things like your budget, your dog’s sleeping habits, how much space you have for the bed, and how much time your dog will be spending in it will all be things to consider.

Is it Washable?

Look for a dog bed that is easy to keep clean. Dog beds can get very dirty and very stinky. For this reason, it is a good idea to get a dog bed with a removable cover that is machine washable. 

Get a dog bed with a removable cover if you have a large dog bed that will not fit into your washing machine. Luckily, many dog beds on the market do come with removable covers that are machine washable and dryer safe.

What’s Inside Your Dog’s Bed?

Younger dogs in good health can usually be perfectly comfortable in an inexpensive, poly-fill bed. Older dogs need more support,. You may want to check out the orthopedic memory foam options if you have an older dog. Some dog beds have a heated element for cold winter months. Others contain a cooling gel to keep your furry friend cool during the summer.

Keep Your Dog Safe

Are you unsure where to place your dog’s bed within your house? There are some tips for finding the right place. Make sure to put the dog bed somewhere out of the way of high traffic areas. This way people won’t trip over your pup.

If your dog chews on his bed, it is likely not the best bed for him. Sometimes even if the cover is pet-safe, the stuffing may not be. You don’t want your dog swallowing any harmful materials.

It is a smart idea to remove small pieces like buttons or ribbons that your dog may want to chew. If your pup is prone to chewing, look for a dog bed that is labeled “chew-proof” or “chew resistant.”

Do Dogs Need a Bed? 

The best thing about dog beds is that your pup will always have a place of his own. He can go to his bed to calm down and feel secure anytime day or night. So, does your dog need a bed? Not every single dog out there needs a bed, but the answer for many pet parents is YES!