Dog Beds – Pick a Cosy One for Your Furry Friend

 Dogs enjoy sleeping in a secure and comfortable area just like we do. Quality sleep is very important for their health and wellbeing because it’s where their body recuperates and recovers from daily activities. When they’re tired dogs can sleep anywhere, but having a cosy place for sleeping is definitely something your furry family member deserves. Dog beds offer your dog its own personal space to get a good night’s sleep or relax whenever it feels like it. There are many different types and styles of beds for dogs, and you need to make sure you choose the right one for your pet. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when buying a dog’s bed your furry companion will love. 

Dog’s Size 

In order to buy dog bedding that’s an appropriate size for your dog’s needs, you’ll need to measure your furry friend. Make sure they’re just napping comfortably and not in a deep sleep as you could startle them. When they’re in their favourite sleeping position, take your measuring tape and approach them. Measure the length of your dog from their nose to the tips of their feet if they’re sleeping in a stretched-out position. If they’re curled up, measure the outside of their body.  

Types of Dog Beds 

Once you have the measurement, you can look at the different types of dog beds and see which one’s most suitable for your sleepy friend. Keep their needs and abilities in mind, and you can easily choose the right bed for your pooch. The following are some of the most popular types of dog bedding. 

Mat – Buying a mat for your dog is one of the simplest solutions for getting your dog off the floor. Also, it’s ideal for pups in whelping boxes or car and air travel crates. Many modern designs feature heat retention and air circulation properties and padding to support the dog’s muscles and joints. They come in different colours and are scratch and chew resistant, and non-slippery, too. That makes them great for use at home, on different types of floor surfaces as well as at the back of the car when needed.  

Pillow – Dog pillows can be found in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. These are probably the most favourite type of beds for dogs as they’re soft and comfy and have a pillow edge where your dog can rest its head. They can be used as a pet bedding around your home, as well as in crates for housetraining or when transporting your dog to the vet. A pillow bed is a great choice for dogs that like sleeping in a stretched-out position, with their front and back paws stretched out as far as possible, or for dogs that prefer sleeping on the side, with their legs flopped out. 

Doughnut – Doughnut dog beds are very similar to the pillow beds, but they’re round and with a rubber bottom that provides extra warmth. It’s a perfect bed for your dog’s favourite sleeping area, especially if your dog likes to curl up. 

Trampoline – This type of dog beds is comfortable and suitable for dogs of all sizes and shapes. It’s an elevated bed, an excellent choice for summer since the air can circulate underneath it and keep your dog cool the whole time. In winter, you can simply add a warm cover and protect your dog from the cold. It’s suitable for dogs that like sleeping with their belly up, but keep in mind that this may not be the best choice if your dog is old and can’t climb up.  

With so many different sizes and colours available, you can easily find a bed for your dog that will suit your personal style and preference and make a beautiful addition to your home interior. Choose one made of high quality materials, with thick fleece layers, non-irritant and non-allergenic. That way you’ll ensure the most hygienic option and keep your puppy dry at all times, as “accidents” can happen while they’re asleep.   

How to Take Care of Your Dog’s Bed 

Dog beds have to be maintained properly in order to keep them longer and avoid odour as well. Always follow the washing instructions on the care label, which will help you get rid of unpleasant odour and disease-causing bacteria. Here are some additional tips for cleaning your dog’s bed properly and provide a clean and fresh environment for your furry companion’s sleeping and resting habits. 

Remove Loose and Debris – Vacuum over the interior, exterior and bottom of the bed to remove dirt, dog hair, dog food, dust and debris. Vacuuming before washing will make machine washing more effective and will remove unattached eggs from fleas or other harmful insects. Additionally, you can run a lint roller over the bed and pay attention to corners and trims. 

Remove Stains – If there are any stains, you can use an enzyme stain remover, specially formulated for pets, to dissolve stains or break them down and the stains will easily get removed through the washing cycle. Never use any cleaner or stain removal that contains bleach or any other harsh chemicals. 

Wash – Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and if your dog’s bed is more dirty or stinky than usual, you can run it through a second cycle on the same temperature. Make sure to use a dog-friendly detergent for best results. 

Rinse Away – It’s worth running the dog’s bed through the rinse cycle once or twice to make sure water is squeezed out if it completely.  

Dry – Again, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying your dong’s bed. If the material allows it, you can put it in the dryer and use the middle heat setting, as it’s usually recommended. Let it tumble until it’s completely dry to ensure mould and bacteria prevention. On a sunny day, you can dry it outdoors, if you have enough space for it.  

Most dog beds have removable covers which make the cleaning process easier and can be washed more frequently. Also, advanced dog beds are designed to minimize odour with waterproof liners and hypoallergenic foam that can be flee and mould resistant, too.