When it comes to our health and wellbeing, poor sleeping habits and lousy sleep hygiene significantly affect people’s health and wellbeing—the same goes for our furry best friends. If we want our beloved pets to be healthy and strong, we must provide them with the best sleeping environment. Most dog owners know how important sleep for their dogs is. Some of them make sure to buy the most comfortable dog beds. Others are even ready to share their bed with their dogs on account of their own sleep.

Should You Let Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed?

First of all, there’s nothing wrong with your dog sleeping on your bed. Pack animals like canines greatly benefit from having a company. They feel loved, safe and warm. As long as they’re clean and wormed and you feel comfortable having them sleep with you, nobody can tell you that it’s not okay.

On the other side, many people don’t feel comfortable sleeping with their dogs or have trouble getting control over their beds. We all know how serious can be dogs over territory. And, seeing your bed as their territory can bring many behavioural issues, such as them peeing on it. They may not have a problem having you on ‘their’ bed, but things may become tense when a third party joins. They can start to growl and bark every time they feel endangered. This is where it becomes vital to show your dog who’s in control. The primary way to do that is to introduce a dog bed as a separate sleeping space.

Do Dogs Really Need a Bed?

Anyone can sleep on the floor. The question is, how does it feel? Depending on the age, dogs sleep between 12-18 hours a day. Spending so many hours catching their Zs, they need a comfy spot to dose off just like we do. And the floor is just too firm to be cosy. These are some of the reasons why beds for dogs are so important. 

• Encourages dog sleep in their bed;
• Ensure better sleep;
• Supports joints;
• It’s easy to clean;
• Provides your dog with a spot to relax when you’re not around.

A dog would never lay down to sleep on the cold ground when in the wild. They would instead make a pile of leaves or find a tree spot to rest comfortably. This tells us that dogs are creatures that instinctively search for warm, safe, soft spots to call their own. If they don’t have a cosy place to lay down on, such as a dog bed, they will find a blanket or a pile of laundry for that purpose.

The many benefits of beds for dogs and the nature of dogs makes dog bedding a necessity.

Comparing the Different Types of Dog Beds

Vet Beds

As the name suggests, vet beds have been used by vets and dog breeders in the whole world for many years now. Made out of polyester, the best vet beds are made of high-density polyester, preferably above 1000 gsm. This allows for extra heat retention and better air circulation. These beds are also called dry beds, as they absorb any extra liquid (think pee) to keep the surface dry and clean and your pup.

Vet beds are a very popular choice for whelping boxes, vet clinics and travel cages. The rubber backing is more chew-resistant than other dog beds and harder for teething puppies to get to. This makes them the perfect choice for crate training too.

Some vet beds are made with rubber backing and others with carpet-like ones. They’re available in different sizes and thickness levels, as well as colours to suit your taste. Whether you need it for travelling or home, vet bedding can make transporting and treating your dog more pleasant for you and your dog.

Calming Beds

People suffering from anxiety can find sleeping props like weighted blankets beneficial. It’s proven that the sensory stimulation they provide helps them to calm down and fall asleep. A weighted blanket’s effect on some people is the same that a calming bed can have on dogs. Canine anxiety isn’t a rare problem at all. Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, and many others occasionally show signs of distress. Combined with proper behavioural training, calming beds can be just what your dog needs to feel safe and secure.

Calming beds come in a variety of shapes and materials. The most common ones are the plush ones in the form of a doughnut, with a collapsible centre and raised edges. This shape creates a cosy experience for borrowing. The raised edges support the spine and the neck during sleep and help to reduce muscle and joint pain.

When buying a calming bed for your dog, look for one that’s washable so you can easily keep it clean. The ones with a rubber bottom provide the extra grip needed to stay in one place.

Elevated Beds

Elevated beds for dogs, also called trampoline beds, have sturdy legs that raise the bedding off the floor. This prevents your dog from sleeping on their pressure points. Trampoline beds are very breathable. They allow for extra airflow that keeps your dog cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Elevated beds are often waterproof, making them great for indoor and outside use. They’re very easy to clean – you can easily clean them with a quick rinse. They’re the perfect bed for the dog who loves lounging in the garden and are great for camping.

You will significantly benefit from an elevated dog bed if you have a larger or older dog. Rising from a mattress on the floor can put extra pressure on an older dog’s joints, and larger dogs don’t enjoy as cuddling into plush pillow beds as smaller dogs do. And, if you want to make its bedding cosier, throw a blanket over your trampoline bed, and you have the perfect spot for your beloved dog.

What to Look for When Buying a Bed for Your Dog?

Which bed will be the right choice for your dog depends largely on your dog’s needs, size and age. But no matter the type of dog bedding, always opt for one that’s durable, easily washable and comfortable. That way, you will do your best to support your dog’s sleep and ensure your companion get the sleep they need for a healthy and long life.