Your dog’s sleep is more than just having downtime. Their sleep affects their comfort, their behavior and their long-term health. Having the right dog bed supports their joins, regulates their temperature and gives them a consistent place of rest that matches their natural sleeping habits.
There are so many different dog bed shape, materials and support levels available, it’s hard to know which to choose for your dog’s size and breed.
Understanding Your Dog’s Natural Sleep Position
Watch how your dog sleeps for a few days, to learn their natural position when sleeping. Dogs often favor one of a few common sleep poses; belly-up, side sleeper, curled like a donut or the lions pose with their chin on their paws.
A belly-up dog exposes their belly and their legs, meaning your dog feels very safe and wants to cool down. A soft, open dog bed or a flat foam bed will give them room to sprawl out.
Side sleeping dogs lie on their sides with their legs stretched, for a relaxed, deep-sleep posture. Go for a supportive, cushioned dog bed that will let them stretch without putting pressure on their joints.
Curled sleeps tuck into a donut or bolstered bed, seeking warmth and security. Look for a round or bolstered dog bed with raised edges, to support their head and spine.
When a dog does the lion’s pose, with their head on paws, it shows light rest and vigilance. Choose a firm, rectangular bed or an orthopedic bed, that’s going to give them head support, while letting them spring up quickly.
Different Types Of Dog Beds And What They Offer
Choose a bed that matches how your dog sleeps and what they need. Pillow beds give soft and all-around cushioning which works well for dogs that like to stretch out, and they usually have removable covers for easy washing.
Orthopedic foam dog beds use dense memory foam to support your dog’s joints. They also help older dogs, or dogs with arthritis feel more comfortable. They usually keep their shape, and reduce the pressure on hips and shoulders.
Crate beds and crate pads fit inside your crate, to make it feel like a safe den for them. Crate pads are thin and low-profile, so they don’t crowd the crate. Thicker crate beds give extra cushion, whilst still fitting inside most crates.
Donut/nest beds have raised sides, letting dogs curl up and rest their head. They work well for anxious dogs, or puppies who like to feel hugged. Plus, smaller dog breeds enjoy the more enclosed feel.
Best Beds For Dogs Who Curl Up
Curling dogs like to feel snug and secure, so look for a bed with raised sides that let your dog tuck in, and rest their head.
Choose a calming dog bed with soft, plush lining to mimic the feeling of being nuzzled.
Memory foam dog beds work to support the hips and spine, meaning they’re great for older dogs, or any dogs with joint pain.
Buy a cover that’s removable, and you can throw it in the washing machine, to keep the bed clean. Plus, durable, chew-resistant fabrics will last longer for active curling doggies, that like to knead or dig as part of their settling down process.
Ideal Options For Dogs Who Stretch Out
If your dog like to sprawl out, choose a bed with a large and flat sleeping surface for them. Look for beds labeled “large” or “extra large”, so your dog can still stretch out, without hanging off the edge.
Consider an elevated dog bed, to give the bed breathability and joint relief all-in-one. Raised designs keep the air flowing underneath, and reduces pressure points, working well for indoors and on patios.
If your dog likes sleeping outside, choose an outdoor dog bed with water-resistant and UV-stable fabrics. Durable covers that zip off for washing, will help you keep the bed clean for them.
Choose a bed with a washable, tough cover if your dog sheds or gets dirty. Non-slip bottoms on the bed matters if you have smooth floors, so the bed stays in place whenever your dog jumps on/off, and reinforced seams extend the life of the bed.
Before you buy your dog bed, measure your dog’s length from nose to tail, and add a few inches so he/she can stretch fully. If your dog shares a bed, size up again, for extra room to sprawl together.