Choosing a bed for our dog is quite an adventure. There are so many models available that it will be difficult for us to decide. In addition, we run the risk of being guided by aesthetics and forgetting aspects related to functionality, which are essential when maintaining and caring for the bed.
In this article on our site we will help you decide between the best dog beds the one that best suits your dog's needs companion, guaranteeing both your comfort and hygiene.
Recommendations for choosing the best dog bed
Best dog beds there are many, since there will almost be one for each dog. The best will always be the one that best suits the characteristics and needs of the dog. Even so, there are some general recommendations that we must take into account to help us choose wisely. They are as follows:
- Size: it seems obvious, but we don't always realize that the bed has to allow the dog to turn on itself, snuggle up, but also be able to stretch out fully. Regardless of whether it is oval, rectangular or round, you should always make sure that they allow the dog to rest relaxed.
- Thickness: the bed, in addition to providing a soft surface on which to rest, should mainly isolate the dog from the ground. This means that it cannot be very thin or sink so that the animal is in direct contact with the ground.
- Hygiene: a perfect bed is useless if we cannot wash it easily. Ideally, it should have a cover that can be quickly removed by means of a zipper and washed in the washing machine, whether it is made with anti-mite, waterproof, cotton, polyester, canvas, etc. Some just need a damp cloth.
Small Dog Beds
As we have pointed out, the size of the dog is the first criterion to take into account when selecting the best bed. Small dogs have even more options, since some beds that are used for cats are also suitable for their dimensions. Thus, they can be very comfortable and sheltered in an igloo-type bed or with a border in which to get in and even a carrier, with a good cushion inside, like a burrow. A wicker basket can do the same service, as long as the dog doesn't chew on it.
This is another interesting aspect, since we can choose a complete fabric bed or a plastic one to which we can add a soft and removable cushion or mattress to maintain hygiene easily. In addition, for small dogs there is usually more variety of furniture, with which you can find designer beds that imitate sofas or human beds
There are also convertible beds for small dogs, which can be arranged as a sofa, cushion or bed depending on how we place their components. Other beds contain a removable cushion and you have to make sure that both this and the structure can be easily washed.
It may be a good idea to have a raised bed above the ground, but you have to be careful that it is not too high so that the dog hurts itself when going down or has a hard time getting up. On the other hand, small dogs tend to tolerate the cold worse, so it is advisable to look for a bed with warm padding or a fleece or shearling type fabric to prevent them from passing cold in the worst months of the year. Do not miss this other article on How to know if your dog is cold to protect him.
Medium Dog Beds
In this type of dog it is important to take the measurements correctly, as we run the risk of opting for a bed that is too small or, conversely, too large. For this size there are usually no cave-type beds, but there are interesting options such as cushions, mats, plastic bases as cots on which to put the bed or even beds similar to hammocks, which can be used for a rest in the garden.
Many of these beds have raised edges that help protect the dog. Placing the bed outside is another option that does not usually occur in very small dogs, which usually always sleep indoors. If our dog is going to sleep outside, in addition to a comfortable bed sheltered from inclement weather, there are some designed for outdoors. Of course, in these cases the dog must have a suitable kennel that isolates it completely.
In dogs with this weight it becomes very important to pay attention to the thickness to make sure that the bed is not going to sink. We will find foam fillings or even materials like the ones our mattresses are made of, such as viscoelastic foam, which adapts to the shape of the dog. It is interesting to look at the bottom of the bed. As the dog perspires, some beds include a waterproof fabric so that it is in contact with the ground. This keeps the dog dry.
Large Dog Beds
For large dogs, the best beds have to guarantee that they support their weight so that the animal does not touch the ground, in addition to covering their entire size. They are more expensive, but it is worth investing in memory foam mats or even resorting to mattresses for people, such as those used in baby cribs or small beds.
We won't find nest-type beds for these dogs, but they don't need to be covered either if they have good insulation from the ground, which is what will protect them from the cold. For these weights there are usually no raised beds nor is it usually encouraged to get on sofas or beds due to their dimensions, hence the importance of extra protection with respect to the ground. Yes, there are original beds for dogs of this size, but generally what we get is a structure so that we can later include the mattress taking into account the mentioned characteristics.
Puppy beds
In addition to following the above guidelines according to the size of our puppy, which will change rapidly as it grows, it is important to keep in mind that these little are big destroyersTaking both data into account, it is not advisable to invest too much money in a bed that in a matter of weeks is going to be too small or that is at high risk of being destroyed.
Therefore, for the first months of life, the best bed for puppies is usually a simple cardboard box with a cushion, a blanket or any thick and fluffy clothing that has become old. Once the exploratory phase is over, it will be time to choose a good bed for dogs with the intention of lasting.
Beds for elderly dogs
It is common for these dogs to suffer from mobility problems or different chronic illnesses. The bed should not only be comfortable, but it should be low to make it easier for the dog to get in and out of it. Of course if he loves to sleep with us or on the couch, we can choose to give him a ramp
On the other hand, to protect your joints and avoid pain, the most suitable material is the viscoelastic foam already mentioned. We can also use a mattress for people and we will even find orthopedic beds specially designed for dogs that can be ideal for the older ones.
Hygiene is also essential. To do this, it is convenient to protect the bed with a waterproof cover, since some dogs suffer from urine leaks. In this way, it can be washed in a simple way as many times as necessary. Buy several refills. Also, if this is the case, you can resort to pads There are some specially designed for dogs.
Dog beds for when it's hot
When the thermometers rise, it is not uncommon for dogs to rest directly on the ground in search of coolness. For these cases, we will find dog beds with a warm side and a cooling side, so that they keep the dog comfortable in any season. In addition, there are cooling mats that can be used on the hottest days, especially if our dog has a hard time with the high temperatures. They provide a fresh surface and some models even contain a part with water to put in the freezer. This way they keep the cold for hours.
Homemade dog bed
If you prefer to make your dog's bed yourself, in this video we show you a simple way to do it. Of course, this is not one of the best beds for large dogs, rather it is indicated for small and medium dogs. For large dogs, you can choose to make a structure with wood and buy the mattress or make it at home by purchasing the foam and fabric. Check this article for the latter case: "How to make a dog bed step by step?":
Original dog beds
In the market you will find an infinity of original and beautiful dog beds. Some, as we have mentioned, simulate human beds, others are shaped like hammocks and others are made with pallets. In general, this type of dog bed tends to have a higher cost due to the difficulty it may have had to make them, their originality and authenticity. Finding original and cheap dog beds is more complicated, so another completely valid option is to buy a wicker basket and place a softmattress inside it. comfortable; the result will be a unique, beautiful and original bed.
If you choose one of these beds, remember that the best bed for dogs is one that promotes comfort and safety, so always prioritize this over aesthetics.
