Selecting the right dog bed for your best friend!

Dogs are creatures of habit and enjoy sleeping in the same spot, so it is important that you choose the right bed to fit into your dog’s current habits.

There are several factors you need to consider when selecting a bed for you dog or dogs:

1. Size: The bed must be big enough and strong enough to match your dog's breed, but not so big that you waste money on unused bed space. Carefully measuring your dog will assure the proper fit.

Measure your dog once standing up; from tip of nose to base of tail and also from floor to shoulders or head. If you will be buying a mattress dog bed, add 12 inches. This will give you an approximate width and length for a flat dog bed. Measure your dog another time in his favorite sleeping position; perhaps his length when fully stretched out, or his diameter when curled into a ball. For nest and ball-type beds measure the length of your dog while he is curled up. Measure from the top of his head to the point where his tail meets his hindquarters, and then add 7 to 9 inches.

The right size dog bed will match or be slightly larger than your measurements. Beds that are too small may not be comfortable for your dog. You want to allow room for growth, if you dog is still growing, and you want to allow room for movement regardless of whether your dog is still growing or if he's already at maximum size.

2. Climate and local weather: Will you want your dog bed to provide warmth in the winter or provide air circulation in the summer? Will you need an outdoor dog bed in a doghouse or on a front porch? What are the seasonal temperature ranges where you live? You will need to select a dog bed that can stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws at it.

3. Shape and style: The shape and style of the dog bed should be determined by the size and sleeping habits of your dog. Pay close attention to their favorite sleeping positions and locations. Does your dog enjoy sleeping in a sunny spot in the morning and by the bed in the evening? You may want a bed that can be easily moved about the house and fits the decor in several rooms. Buy a bed that matches the room where your dog spends the most time sleeping, usually wherever the family spends the most time. Also keep in mind the height of the beds. Small dog or dogs with arthritis may have a hard time climbing up onto a platform or furniture type dog bed.

How to select the basic shape:

Dog beds come in several different shapes round dog beds nests, donut dog beds or cuddler beds, round fluffy balls or pillow dog beds, square flat mattresses and sofa shaped furniture. Again, to select the right shape for your dog, pay attention to how he sleeps. If your dog curls up when sleeping, then a nest or ball is the right choice for him. Nests provide excellent cold-weather insulation as well since your dog can snuggle down inside of them. However most nesting beds are just fabric and fill and are not intended for outdoor use.

If your pet stretches out when sleeping, then a more conventional dog bed mattress should be your choice. Mattress beds let your dog toss and turn, curl and stretch, and find whatever position suits him best.

Dogs that enjoy both stretching out and curling up usually do well with furniture-like dog beds. The arms and back of these small sofas are great for snuggling, but the long length make them great for stretching out. These beds are often more expensive because they many are made with wood frames like real sofas and couches.

There are also platform style dog beds, many of which can be used out doors. These beds are often made from wood or plastic and provide an elevated sleeping area. These are often ideal for hot climates as some allow for air circulation.

How to select the right filler material

Your basic dog bed filler choices are either solid foam, or stuffing. Since the type of filling that you choose will impact your dog's comfort, you should make an informed decision that takes into consideration your dog's size, age, and health. Inexpensive dogs beds often use cheap foam that can flatten out within several months. It is often worthwhile to pay a little more a quality bed that will last several years.

Poly-fill dog beds are stuffed with little pieces of foam. There are different types of Poly-fill to choose from. You want to make sure that your dog bed uses "high-loft" which means that it will not flatten out and lose its "spring" over time. Another dog bed style that uses "baffled chambers" which keeps the fill evenly distributed throughout the bed and keeps it from shifting to the outer edges as your dog snuggles in for the night.

Solid foam dog bed mattresses are best for large breeds and older dogs that are still in good health. If your dog has arthritis, or any back or hip problems, then you need a medical-grade, orthopedic dog bed.

The two key issues when choosing a solid foam such as memory foam mattress are firmness and density. Just like your mattress, the firmness determines how hard or soft the mattress is, while density determines how much "bounce" is in the mattress a good quality solid foam dog bed mattress will have a higher density and more firmness.
There are some specialty beds available that are made to hold up against a teething puppy or a dog that likes to chew and tear up traditional dog beds. Many platform beds (such as Kuranda Dog Beds) are designed like hammocks so that your dog rests comfortably on chew-proof mesh or fabric. These types of beds are a great alternative if your dog has already chewed his way through several foam beds!

How to select the right dog bed cover

Lets face it, dogs can be messy so make sure that your dog bed cover is up to the challenge. Choose 100% machine-washable fabrics that can be removed from the mattress when it's laundry time. Choose a durable fabric that can stand up to sharp toenails. Make sure that the seams are double-stitched and insist upon a "self-repairing" synthetic zipper. Of course, a stain-resistant fabric for your dog bed is another must-have feature. Many of the new sofa-type dog beds can be purchased with a washable slipcover and are worth the extra money.

Your dog's health and comfort depend upon his getting a good night's sleep. Make an informed decision when you purchase a dog bed and your dog will benefit for years to come.

If you need help selecting the type, size or style of dog bed your dog needs we are happy to help you with making your decision. Please call us at 417.588.9675 to answer any questions you may have.