Whether you are buying a dog bed for your first dog or your tenth, choosing the right bed can make all the difference. With an overwhelming variety of options to choose from, how can you be sure you are making the right choice?
Find out more about which dog bed is best for your best friend by reading our Webster, TX, animal hospital‘s article below.
How to Choose a Dog Bed
When choosing a dog bed, you should consider what type of dog you have:
- How big your dog is
- Your dog’s habits
- Your dog’s age
- Your dog’s coat
Each of these factors affects what type of bed would be best for your dog.
First, you will want to consider your dog’s breed. For this, you need to think about the long term. If your dog is a puppy, they will most definitely grow up. Are they going to be a large dog? They will need a large bed.
Another thing to consider is current or potential health issues. For instance, if your dog’s breed is prone to arthritis, they will not enjoy a bed that requires a lot of work to get in and out of.
Typically, you will have to buy more than one bed for a dog. For example, purchasing a smaller bed when they are a puppy and a larger bed when they are full size. You can, however, get away with buying a mid-sized bed if your puppy will grow into a mid-sized dog.
Your dog’s habits are an important consideration. If your dog is a digger, you won’t want a plush bed because they will destroy it while digging. Instead, a firmer bed would be best. If your dog is a chewer, you will also want to avoid plush beds.
The age of your dog is important because as dog’s get older, they may develop more health problems. They also lack the energy they had as younger dogs. This means that a bed that is easy to get into is best.
The last thing to consider is your dog’s coat. If they have a short single layer coat then a warmer bed might be just the thing. But if they have a lot of fur or a double layer coat, then a warm soft bed will be too warm for them.
Best Beds for Large, Extra Large, and Giant Dogs
Big dogs will need big beds. The larger your dog the bigger the bed needs to be. Some of the largest dog breeds may not want a bed. A bed that is too small will be uncomfortable. Think how you would feel sleeping on a bed that wasn’t long enough for your legs to stretch out.
PetFusion Ultimate Lounge Orthopedic Dog Bed
This dog bed is soft and comfy. It is perfect for dogs that need a little extra soft support. It has raised sides on three of the sides. The cover is easy to remove and wash. Because of the outer edges, this bed is best for large dogs.
Majestic Pets Bolster Bagel Dog Bed
This cozy round bed has bolsters around the outside. This makes for a comfy headrest, no matter what direction your dog sleeps. However, the bolsters limit the size of the bed making this a better choice for a large dog.
Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed
This pet bed may not be as soft and cuddly as the others but it has its perks. First, it is easy to clean. You can hose it off. It can be used indoors or outdoors. The elevated bed allows air to circulate beneath the bed. This helps your dog stay cool. This is the perfect bed for dogs that get hot easily.
Serta Quilted Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed
This great bed is soft and ideal for older dogs and dogs with arthritis. The cover is easy to remove and wash. This bed is best for large dogs. Serta does have a memory foam dog mattress available for extra large and giant dogs.
FurHaven Orthopedic Dog Bed
The FurHaven brand has beds for all sizes. They have a jumbo bed for dogs that weigh up to 95 pounds. They also have a jumbo plus that is great for dogs up to 125 pounds.
Dogbed4less Jumbo Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
This large dog bed is perfect for large dogs up to 160 pounds. This is another super soft and supportive bed that is perfect for dogs with arthritis.
Big Barker Headrest Edition Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed
This comfy dog bed is one of the biggest. It is great for older dogs that need a nice soft place to rest. This bed has one side with a raised headrest. The downside to this huge dog bed is the amount of floor space required.
Snoozer Orthopedic Cozy Cave Dog Bed
This dog bed is one of the few cuddler beds available for large dogs. Given the restrictions on the size, it may be uncomfortable for extra large and giant dogs.
The coziness of this bed is great for dogs with shorter fur, less fur, or light weight coats. However, this bed would likely be too hot for some of the fluffier dog breeds.
Best Beds for Medium Dogs
Medium-sized dogs can sleep in beds for large dogs. However, unless you have more than one, they will be most comfortable in a bed meant for their size.
PetFusion has beds for medium sized dogs. As does FurHaven. The Snoozer Orthopedic Cozy Cave is another great option for medium dogs.
If you happen to have more than one dog, and if they do not mind sharing you can also get your dogs a large dog bed. Beds for medium dogs are also great for large puppies.
Best Beds for Small Dogs
Small dogs can use some of the beds for medium sized dogs. However, a smaller bed is best to give them a feeling of coziness.
Popular and best rated dog beds for small dogs include:
- Frisco Rectangular Bolster Bed – similar to the PetFusion bed.
- Petmaker Orthopedic Sherpa Pillow Dog Bed – similar to the Dogbed4less bed.
- Snoozer Pet Cozy Cave
- K & H Elevated Dog Bed – similar to the Coolaroo bed.
- FurHaven Plush Ball Pillow Dog Bed
Best Beds for Diggers and Chewers
If your dog likes to dig or chew, you are going to want a sturdier bed. Otherwise, you’ll be replacing it a lot. Here are some of the highest rated options:
- K9 Ballistics Elevated Dog Bed
- PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed
- Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed
- Carhartt Durable Dog Bed
Let Our Webster, TX, Vet Know If You Have Any Additional Questions About Which Dog Bed is Best
Whatever your dog’s needs, there is a bed for them. You can purchase most beds online. However, if you want an in-store experience, take your dog with you. They may even help you pick it out.
Ask our Webster, TX, veterinarian if you have additional dog bed questions during your dog’s next visit with our animal hospital. To schedule an appointment, give our team a call at (281) 486-1509.