If you observe your dog, you will notice that he spends most of the day lying down, either sleeping or simply resting. Also, if it is a puppy, a large breed dog or a grandfather, he will even sleep more than 16 hours a day.
Doesn’t it seem like a long time to not choose his resting place correctly? The bed in which the dog sleeps is very important, not only for his well-being, but for his behavior and to avoid complications in his health.
The offer of dog crate or dog beds are very varied: large, small, dog cots, with covers, orthopedic beds for dogs, anti-allergy, modern or innovative designs, but what really matters is that it is the ideal bed for your dog.
The Importance of Rest
For a dog, as for any living being, it is vital to have a good rest. His character and his state of health depend largely on the comfort of a place to sleep and rest.
It would be ideal if your dog had two spaces for rest. This allows your dog to have a bed in which to sleep pleasantly at night and another in which to sleep during the day or simply lie down.
When choosing between the multiple options of dog beds you must take into account the climate in which you live and the time of year. The dog bed you choose should have some type of insulation for both cold and heat.
This protection will keep the temperature within adequate limits, isolating our pet’s bed from hot or cold floors. It is not the same to live in a cold and humid climate than in hot areas, keep that in mind when choosing.
Not only is the type of bed you choose important, but the place where you decide to place it is important. This step is easy. If you observe your dog you will see in which areas he likes to lie down to sleep or rest.
Dogs recognize hottest or cold areas and avoid drafts. Observe the most frequent places where he usually places himself and places his bed in the place he has chosen.
Your dog likes your company, so he will find a location where he feels comfortable and can be close to you. Avoid putting your bed in traffic and air circulation areas, such as hallways, bathrooms, and doors.
Size does matter
If you doubt about the ideal size of the bed for your pet, follow the rule: big donkey, walk or not. A resting place where he can stretch and move at ease is preferable to a dog bed where he has to sleep hunched over.
In the market there are a lot of models depending on the type of dog you have and you can buy a bed for large dogs or one for small dogs.
To calculate how much space your dog needs to sleep comfortably, you just have to measure it while it sleeps and add a few centimeters to greater to favor the comfort of movements.
If your dog sleeps straight, you should measure the distance between the nose and the tip of the tail and buy a wooden dog crate of sufficient width and without edges that hurt the legs, such as a dog mattress or a bed with padded edges.
If, on the contrary, he sleeps curled up, the measurement ranges from the neck to the tip of the tail. For these dogs, the ideal is a cot-bed that provides security and has rigid margins on which to support body weight.
And what if your dog sleeps in different postures? It simply takes as a reference the extent that it is as stretched as possible, so that the bed will not outgrow it when changing position.
A matter of comfort
Another of the most important factors is comfort. One of the best alternatives is a memory foam dog bed, which also usually have antibacterial covers that help take care of your dog’s health.
Do not forget to take into account the height. If your pet does not have good mobility, is small or especially fearful, a very high bed is not suitable. Choose a low mat or bed with an open area for easy access.
The importance of cleanliness
That the mattress or the bed cover is washable. It is recommended that the material is waterproof and its removal for washing is easy, since it will stain frequently.
Special cases: puppies, elderly and fearful dogs
The age of your pet is important when choosing a dog bed. For small dogs and puppies, a dog crib is preferable, which will allow them to feel safe by having edges that give them warmth and a feeling of protection.
Many pet owners decide to buy a large bed that will serve in the future for their dog and fill it with cushions or blankets for dogs while it is a puppy, but this is not a highly recommended option, since the animal will not feel comfortable and protected.
Some small dogs have a tendency to get cold or are particularly fearful and need a place to feel covered, especially when they sleep.
There are beds in the shape of a hut, padded, which isolate possible drafts. By incorporating a suitable mattress, your pet can enter whenever he wants and feel warm and protected.
Each dog is different and there are those who like to cover themselves while they rest. The simplest option is to cover it with a blanket, but if you want something more exclusive, you have beds with a built-in covering system of all sizes.
Some dogs, especially elderly dogs, can develop bone or joint problems. In these cases of advanced age, disease or large breeds prone to problems, the best is an orthopedic foam mattress.
Memory foam beds are indicated for joint problems such as osteoarthritis, dysplasia or back pain, since their composition allows the mattress to adjust to the shape, weight and size of the animal, maintaining a balanced posture.
This type of dog bed provides the animal with a better quality of life and allows it to rest and recover from its discomfort, which will reduce its pain and the need to resort to pharmacology to alleviate its discomfort.
Choosing a dog bed that suits our pet is not only important for their health, but it will allow them to have a quiet place without being disturbed where they can play or rest as they please.
In addition, its resting place allows space to be separated. Our dog will have his own space and will not invade ours. A dog bed allows the dog to feel protected and safe, giving him the well-being he needs.
