What to look for in a dog bed - A comprehensive 2023 buying guide for finding the best bed for your dog

What To Look For In A Dog Bed. A comprehensive 2023 Buying Guide For finding the best bed for your four-legged friend.

Whether you are a new dog owner, or in the market for finding a new bed for your fur baby, we have put together a comprehensive guide to finding your dog the best bed for their lifestyle, age, and needs. Dogs sleep anywhere from 9 to 13 hours a night, and also love to nap and lounge in their beds, which highlights the importance of finding the proper bed for your dog. 

Having a bed can also help to reduce the risk of your dog developing behavior problems, such as destructive chewing or inappropriate elimination. Dogs are den animals, which means they are naturally inclined to seek out a secure, enclosed space to rest and sleep. If they do not have a bed or other designated space, they may try to create one by digging or chewing on furniture or other household items.

A good dog bed will also provide your pet with support and comfort, and can help to prevent joint pain and other health issues. In this guide, we'll walk you through the different types of dog beds available, and help you choose the right one for your furry friend.

Lets get started! 

There are a few things to consider before making your purchase if you're in the market for a dog bed. On this page, you will find all the information you need to purchase a comfortable bed for your doggo.

What should I consider before buying a bed?

Like humans, dogs sleeping patterns and requirements change a lot over their lives. 

Puppies are exactly like newborn children and they tend to sleep a lot, which leads to supercharged energy before they quickly run out of energy. We have all been in the puppy stage before right? Puppies and younger dogs prefer fluffier and cozier beds that will keep them feeling safe and warm while they are developing and growing. 

As dogs mature, they require less, but better quality sleep. You also should take into consideration their bones and joints to allow them to have the healthiest sleeping experience. 

With that being said, not all dogs will follow this pattern and every dog has different preferences so you will need to observe them and see what they enjoy sleeping on. We still have a border collie who refuses to sleep on anything but the hardwood floor in our home. 

There are a lot of things to look for in a bed, here we have put together the most important ones you should look for when considering purchasing a dog bed. 

What should I be looking for in a dog bed? 

1. A removable and washable cover

Unlike humans, dogs don't get the opportunity to take off their dirty clothes and simply change, instead, they bring home whatever they rolled around in and got into. This makes their bed messy in a hurry and that is why we strongly recommend finding a bed with a washable cover. This extends the longevity of the bed and helps you maintain a clean and comfortable sleeping space for them.  Without a removable and washable cover, its very difficult to keep their bed clean and you will find yourself buying a new dog bed very quickly, which would be better off being spent on treats and toys for them!

2. The appropriate size

As dog owners, we have seen our dogs fall asleep in every single position imaginable. They need to stretch into whatever position their heart desires on their bed. We recommend buying a bed that allows them enough space to stretch out and live their best life (plus you never know what position you will find them sleeping in next!)

3. A cozy and supportive surface that they will love sleeping on

As your dog becomes older (they were just a puppy yesterday right?) so do their bones and joints, which is why it's crucial that your dog has a comfortable surface to sleep on. A well-cushioned bed is important for any dog, especially active ones who love to run around and put a lot of stress on their joints every day. 

While you can get away with a fluffier softer bed with younger dogs, we recommend treating your dog with a little more support as they age. 

So you now know what you should consider and look for when buying a dog bed, next up is figuring out which kind of bed your dog would be best suited for. 

What kind of bed should I buy?

Donut Beds -- If your dog loves to curl up in a ball, a donut bed is ideal as it allows for them to be comfortable and secure in their preferred sleeping position. These beds can be very calming for anxious dogs with the raised sides and allows for them to feel protected and safe.

Orthopedic / Memory Foam Beds - As dogs age, sleeping on harder surfaces becomes increasingly difficult on their bones and joints. A quality memory foam or orthopedic bed helps contour to their body and can lessen the effects of sore joints and arthritis. We recommend getting a memory foam bed for your older dog as it provides the best support and comfort and keeps them healthy and feeling their best. 

Pillow Dog Beds - If you find your dog sleeping in every single position imaginable, its probably best to go with a pillow dog bed. They come in all different shapes and sizes, and are great for lounging and relaxing in as well. 

Outdoor beds - These beds are designed to be used outside and are made with water-resistant or waterproof materials. They are a good option for dogs that spend a lot of time outside or for owners who live in wet or rainy climates.

Or for the dog who just loves snoozing on the couch, you can just set up a cozy plush sofa protector bed 

Tips for Maintaining your dog’s bed :  

1. Clean the bed regularly: Depending on how dirty the bed gets, you may need to clean it every few weeks or every month. Use a vacuum to remove loose dirt and hair, and then spot-clean any stains with a pet-safe cleaner. If the bed is really dirty, you may need to wash it. Check the manufacturer's instructions to see if the bed is machine-washable or if it needs to be hand-washed.
   
   
2. Rotate or flip the bed: If your dog's bed has a removable cover, you can rotate or flip the bed to even out wear and tear. This can help the bed last longer.
   
   
3. Replace the bed when necessary: If the bed is old or has become too worn to be comfortable for your dog, it's time to replace it. A well-cushioned, supportive bed can be important for your dog's joint health and overall comfort.
   
   
4. Consider your dog's needs: Some dogs may prefer a softer bed, while others may need a firmer one. Pay attention to your dog's behavior and consider their age, size, and any medical conditions they may have when choosing a bed.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your dog's bed stays clean, comfortable, and supportive.

When choosing a dog bed, it's important to consider the size of your dog and the amount of space you have available. You should also consider your budget and the durability of the bed. A high-quality, well-made bed is likely to last longer and provide more comfort for your dog.

As dog owners ourselves, we have been through countless dog beds ourselves, and it can be a bit of a process to find the perfect one for them, but we are sure if you use this guide you will be successful.

We also have a wonderful selection of dog beds available, and we have no doubt you will be able to find what you need on our site. Additionally, if you have any further questions about this article or with finding a bed, please feel free to reach out directly to us and we will be happy to help you.