The Different Styles of Dog Beds

Every dog needs at least one cozy dog bed, but of course, most pampered pups end up with far more beds than that. With a dog bed in every room of the house, your dog can feel comfortable no matter where they are. While some people might think getting fancy dog beds is over the top, dog lovers know that your furry friend’s comfort is a priority.

Yet, having plenty of dog beds may not be enough if you’re not getting the right type. Your dog should have a bed that fits their size, shape, and sleeping habits perfectly, so how can you choose the perfect dog bed style?

Why is Choosing the Right Dog Bed Important?

Choosing the right dog bed ensures your dog’s comfort. It should provide enough space for your dog to stretch out and have supportive cushioning if your dog needs it. With the right dog bed, your pup can sleep better and have healthier joints.

What Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing a Dog Bed?

When looking for a dog bed, consider the following factors:

• Size - Make sure the bed is big enough to accommodate your dog when they’re sleeping with their legs extended.
• Shape - If your dog has a specific sleeping position, shape may matter. Dogs who sleep curled up usually prefer round beds.
• Support - Dogs with joint problems (or dogs prone to joint problems) may benefit from supportive memory foam dog beds.
• Materials - Make sure the materials are pet-safe, easy to clean, and, of course, comfortable. If your dog is a heavy chewer, look for beds with strong materials.
• Non-Skid Base - If you plan to set the bed on a smooth surface, such as hardwood floors, the base material should prevent it from sliding.

Types of Dog Beds

Not all dog beds are equal. Below are some of the most popular dog bed styles. Consider the above factors to determine which type is most suitable for your furry friend.

1. Orthopaedic Dog Beds

Orthopaedic dog beds are beds designed to distribute pressure points evenly throughout your dog’s body. They’re typically made of memory foam or similar materials. They’re great for senior dogs, active dogs, or other dogs prone to joint problems. Not all memory foam dog beds provide equal support, so look at the reviews to determine if the one you’re looking at is good quality.

2. Nest Dog Beds

Nest dog beds are typically round dog beds that are perfect for dogs who curl up when sleeping. The circular shape wraps around your dog’s body as they sleep to comfort them. Even if your dog likes sleeping curled up, you should still offer them a second bed that allows them to stretch out if needed.

3. Bolster Dog Beds

Bolster dog beds refer to beds with raised edges. These could be just about any shape, such as a round nest dog bed or a rectangular orthopaedic dog bed. Dogs like the comfort of being surrounded by cushioned edges, and they can use the bolsters as pillows.

4. Cave Dog Beds

Cave dog beds are perfect for dogs who love to feel secure when sleeping. They have a cover, which could be an attached blanket that rests on your dog or a soft roof that keeps the bed dark. Dogs who love to burrow under blankets or hide in corners may prefer a unique bed like this.

5. Pillow Dog Beds

Some dog beds are just a large cushion. While this might not provide much joint support, it’s extremely soft and cozy. If your dog doesn’t seem to have a bed preference, a standard pillow dog bed might be just what they need.

6. Cooling Dog Beds

Cooling dog beds are beds that are cool to the touch. They may have cooling foam inside or a way to insert a cooling pad. These beds are perfect for hot summer days. They’re also great for any time of year if your dog has a thick, warm coat.

7. Elevated Dog Beds

Elevated beds are a type of dog cooling bed. They typically include a thick fabric layer raised off the ground by a metal frame. So, the airflow beneath your dog can help them cool down. This bed type is also great for canine joint health because it cradles your dog’s joints above the ground.

8. Heated Dog Beds

While some dogs like to cool down while they sleep, others want to be warmer. A heated dog bed might be beneficial in cold winter months. These beds usually plug in to warm up or have a way to insert a heating pad. Always touch the bed before letting your dog lay in it to ensure it isn’t too hot.

9. Travel Dog Beds

Travel dog beds are any dog beds that are easy to transport. These could include beds that fold up or dog car seat beds. Some travel dog beds are also made of waterproof materials so they can withstand the outdoor elements. If you love going on adventures with your dog, it’s good to have a travel dog bed along.

10. Designer Dog Beds

Some dog beds are so fancy that they almost look like child beds instead of pet beds. Designer dog beds could include mini couches and dog beds that look like human beds. Usually, they’re designed to blend seamlessly into your home decor while also using quality materials. If you have some extra cash to pamper your pup, getting a designer dog bed might be a good idea.

How to Choose the Right Size Dog Bed

The best way to pick out the perfect dog bed is to measure your dog. When they’re stretched out, measure them from nose to tail to see how much space they take up. Then, find a bed that’s slightly longer (at least a few inches).

Even if your dog likes to curl up while they sleep, having a bed that has lots of room to spare is perfect for when they want to rest with their legs extended. Most beds should state the measurements online or on the tag, so check that to ensure the bed is sized properly for you pup.

How to Clean and Maintain Dog Beds

Every dog bed needs to be cleaned differently depending on the materials. Most come with a removable cover that can be machine-washed for easy cleaning. In between washes, you may want to vacuum the surface if your dog sheds heavily.

For beds that don’t have machine-washable parts, you’ll need to wipe down the surface yourself. Sprinkling baking soda onto surfaces and then vacuuming it up can help get stains out of dog beds. You may also be able to wipe down the bed with a pet-safe cleaning spray. When in doubt, check the product information to find out the recommended cleaning method.

Most sources recommend washing your dog’s bed at least once every other week. If they don’t sleep in their bed often, you may be able to go longer, but if they sleep in it every day, you may want to wash it once per week. If you don’t wash your dog’s beds enough, it could lead to allergies for everyone in your home, both humans and pets.

Finding the Perfect Dog Bed for Your Furry Friend

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the perfect dog bed. Getting the ideal bed can ensure your dog is as comfortable and healthy as possible. So, pay attention to size, shape, support, materials, and style when picking out a dog bed. When in doubt, get multiple beds of different styles so your dog always has multiple beds to choose from.