When you have a pet back home, you try your best to always keep them healthy, comfortable, and happy. Dogs, being playful and active, need a comfortable place to rest and rejuvenate. Besides, dogs sleep for 12 to 14 hours a day on average, which means they spend half of their day’s time lying in one place. Therefore, it is important to provide them with a dedicated sleeping and relaxing space where they can spend time. Your pooch would love to have a cosy, stylish bed of their own. But, each dog has different needs and so would be the bed that suits them the best.

Read on to find out the factors that need to be considered in order to choose the best bed for your beloved furry family member:

Sleeping habits of dogs

Just like their human companions, dogs also have different sleeping habits. Some pooches like to curl up while sleeping and would love beds with raised edges, while some like to stretch freely and would be more comfortable sleeping on a flat mattress. The shy ones who enjoy a private place of their own would love the cave or tent beds, and the ones who have a habit of changing sides while sleeping would need a more spacious bed that provides them enough room to toss and turn. Being observant of your canine’s sleeping habits helps in selecting a perfect option that suits their preferences precisely.

Age and health of dogs

For a young puppy, a bed that provides enough space to accommodate their growing body would be suitable. Similarly, you will need a waterproof bed to avoid the pet mess stains left by the yet-to-be-trained pups or a chew-resistant, sturdy bed for your avid little chewer. Whereas for your senior furry pal, a padded and ultra-soft bed would be a better choice. For canines suffering from joint issues, orthopaedic beds would be more suitable.

Bed size and shape

The first step to getting a perfect dog bed for your furry buddy is to check their size from head to tail. An ideal dog bed would give proper space for your furry buddy to stretch and relax and would not be too spacious at the same time that your pooch feels lost in it. For canines that like to curl up while sleeping, a doughnut-shaped bed with raised edges would be a perfect fit, while a rectangular bed would be the best for the ones that like to stretch.

Bed material

There is a huge variety of dog beds available in the market, all made from different materials. While selecting a dog bed, make sure it has a non-slippery base to avoid accidental injuries. Memory foam beds provide great support to older dogs suffering from aches and pain. For most pet parents though, plush, super-soft material is the most popular choice when it comes to providing a cuddly, comfy sleeping space to their furry companions.

Cleaning and maintenance

Your dog uses their bed frequently during the day to relax, stretch, rest, and sleep, and thus, keeping their bed clean and tidy is required to maintain their overall hygiene. While buying a dog bed, ensure that it is easy to clean and maintain. Go with the one that is machine washable or the one that comes with removable and washable covers.

Bed design and style

As you will be placing your fur baby’s bed in different places in the house based on their preference for taking rest at different times of the day, it is going to be a part of your home decor. So while selecting your pet’s bed, go with the one that has an attractive design to match the interiors of your home, along with providing comfort to your furry buddy.

In the end

A dog bed is an important accessory to have for every pet parent. Along with providing comfort and a place of their own, dog beds also provide joint support and prevent spine issues that can occur from sleeping on hard surfaces. However, care should be taken while selecting the best match for your pooch. Consider the specific needs of your canine, and choose the bed that fulfils their requirements to get the best results.