Dogs can sleep 14 to 16 hours a day or more. And if you consider your dog to be a family member — like we do — you’ll want to provide your dog with the best dog bed possible for hours of snoozing pleasure. But the choices are overwhelming! How to decide? You’ve come to the right place — we’ve prepared a dog bed guide to help you. Below you’ll find a quick overview of the types of dog beds available.
But first, here are some questions to help narrow your search:
- Does your dog like to curl up in a ball while sleeping? If so, your dog might like a nest or donut bed.
- Is your dog a “sprawler,” taking up as much room as possible with limbs sticking out in all directions? Consider a pillow bed or an adequately sized elevated bed.
- Do you have a senior dog or a dog with joint issues? Consider an orthopedic bed, a memory foam bed, or a heated bed.
- Do you have a dog with allergies? You can now find hypo-allergenic dog beds.
- Are you a treehugger? Some companies, like Only Natural Pet, offer dog beds made from eco-friendly fabrics.
- Are you a fashionista? Designer dog beds will accent your home decor.
Pillow Dog Beds
Pillow dog beds are exactly what they sound like: big, flat pillows. You can find pillow dog beds in all kinds of sizes and shapes (oval, rectangular, round, and square). You’ll also find a variety of materials with all kinds of different fillers. Some have removable covers that you can toss in the washing machine…always a nice feature!Nest Beds, Donut Beds, and Bolster Beds
Does your dog like to curl up in a ball while sleeping or snuggle up in a pile of blankets or pillows? Consider a nest bed or a donut bed. A nest bed is like a pillow bed with raised edges. You can find nest beds in all kinds of fabrics and sizes. A donut bed is like a nest bed, only round and super plush. A bolster bed is like a dog couch – a rectangular bed surrounded by padded “arms” on three sides.
Chew-Resistant or Chew-Proof Dog Beds
Several manufacturers offer dog beds constructed of fabrics sturdy enough to stand up to power chewers. Some companies are even bold enough to offer guarantees.Covered Dog Beds
Covered dog beds look like little dog houses or pup tents (no pun intended). Some are made of fabric and foam molded to a house shape, and some are made of other materials, like wicker, with a cushion inside. (Beware of wicker beds if you have a chewer!) You don’t often find covered dog beds in a size adequate for large breeds, so this option is really reserved for small- to medium-size dogs.Orthopedic Dog Beds
If you have a senior dog or a dog with arthritis or other joint issues, you may want to consider an orthopedic dog bed. These sturdy beds are constructed of high-quality foam (you can even purchase memory foam dog beds). Some use a box spring for support. Like pillow dog beds, you can find orthopedic beds in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, and some also feature removable, washable covers.Heated Dog Beds
Heated dog beds are essentially heating pads and are similar to an electric blanket. You can combine a heated dog bed with an orthopedic dog bed to help your senior or arthritic pup. Heated dog beds can also be used to make an outdoor dog’s life a little better (but we hope your dog is inside with the family, where he belongs!).Cooling Dog Beds
If you live in a place that can get really hot in the summer (or year-round), consider a cooling bed for your canine companion. These beds are constructed of plastic or a similar material, filled with water or a special gel (probably not a good choice for a dog who chews).Raised or Elevated Dog Beds
If you prefer a dog bed that is raised off the floor or ground, you will find many different types, including beds that are made to look like real furniture. Frames are constructed of every type of material imaginable, and you can find cushions made up of many different types of fabrics and fillers.Designer Dog Beds
Photo used under Creative Commons from bedzineIf you’re fashionable and enjoy keeping up on the latest home decorating trends, don’t worry. You’ll be able to find a dog bed to match your decor…and maybe even inspire you to try some new decorating ideas.
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