It’s often said that dogs are man’s friend and while that may certainly be true, the same can be said for all pets in the United States. It is estimated that between 70-80 million dogs and 74-96 million cats are owned in the United States.
For all the comfort and companionship that cats, dogs and other pets provide, it’s important to provide for them as well. Whether you’re a new dog owner or a veteran of dog ownership, one of the most essential things you’ll need to take care of your dog is a dog bed.
But not all dog beds are the same. Just like there are many different dog breeds, each with their own characteristics, there are many different types of dog beds.
If you own a small or medium breed of dog, the best beds for these dogs tend to be more compact, but there are still a lot of varieties. Ultimately, you want to pick a dog bed that pairs well in proportion to your dog’s size. You want to have a bed that gives your dog some room to stretch, but you also don’t want them to feel insecure in a bed that’s too large or leave them chilly in a drafty bed.
One of your best bets with smaller dogs is to buy a nest dog bed. This type of dog bed is round, has plenty of cushion and will make your furry friend comfortable. If you do buy this type of dog bed, be sure to check out the filling material to make sure it offers protection from hard surfaces.
If you own a bigger-sized breed of dog, you’re obviously going to need a bigger bed. Your best bet is trying to find a memory foam dog bed with plenty of cushion. Since bigger dogs tend to flatten out a memory foam over time, you’re likely going to need a replacement at some point.
If you don’t want to get a dog bed for your bigger dog, there’s also the option of a crib mattress, which has spring coils to support your dog’s weight.
If you’ve got an elderly dog who’s dealing with joint pain or arthritis, you’ll need a dog bed with plenty of support. You’ll need something more than a bed with cushion, you’re going to need something that’s thick and pushes back when your dog lies down rather than having them sink into their bed.
Your best bet here is an orthopedic dog bed, which will provide support for your dog’s aches and pains an conforms to their shape. A waterproof orthopedic bed or a chew proof orthopedic dog bed is a good choice to ensure you’ll be able to get a lot of use of it and your dog will get the support they need.
Depending on the dog breed you have, another option for dog beds is a crate bed. After all, dogs love having a space of their own they can retreat to and feel comfortable. Choosing a crate bed can also help with housetraining your four-legged friend and can also keep them safe if you’re not home.
One of the other benefits of chew proof crate beds is that they’re very helpful for solving behavioral issues with your dog including chewing and barking. As with any dog bed, it’s important to pick the right crate, accounting for different materials, the size and breed of your dog and the best size for your dog’s needs.
There are many options available when it comes to picking the right dog bed for your pup’s needs. Consider what breed of dog and you have and how that will effect the size of bed you choose. Take time also to consider the bed’s materials, it’s cushioning and how to ultimately make your dog the most comfortable when they curl up.