As an extra-caring dog parent, we’re sure that you want only the best for your lovely pooch. From feeding them with high-quality commercial food and supplements to providing an environment where your dog will feel loved and accepted.

However, taking care of a loving puppy isn’t as easy as it seems, as they require more than regular walks and food to develop into healthy dogs. In fact, dogs can also benefit from a regular sleeping schedule and a proper surface where they can rest their bodies. Hence, you’re probably wondering are dog beds really a necessity, or your puppy is perfectly fine sleeping on the floor? Let’s find out.

Do Dogs Really Need Beds?

Depending on their age, puppies sleep between 12 and 18 hours per day, so they can grow up into healthy dogs with strong muscles, bones and joints. Hence, a sturdy and improper sleeping surface such as floors can lead your dog to suffer from common conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia and joint issues as it ages. On the other hand, providing your dog with a soft and supportive dog bed won’t only give them a comfortable surface to rest their body, but it can also provide relief from the pain associated with these conditions.

Except for being comfy and supportive, beds for dogs can also be the ultimate spot your pooch needs to rest from the hustle and bustle in your household. In fact, dogs can also get tired from all the surrounding noises, and they also appreciate having a spot where they can unwind and relax from all the overwhelming crowd.

Last, but not least, it was scientifically proven that a good night’s sleep can improve your pooch’s memory and make it smarter. In other words, by providing your pup with a cozy bed you’re giving them the opportunity to rest well and gather more energy to devote to learning and repeating new commands.

Long story short, yes, dog beds are among the most important puppy essentials, so make sure you provide your furry friend with one and see how it develops into a happy and healthy dog.

Types of Beds for Dogs

We already learned that dog beds can bring a vast of benefits for your lovely pooch. However, this doesn’t mean that you should pick up the first option you stumble upon once you start exploring the market, as dog beds come in a lot of different types packed with different conveniences and functionalities. More specifically, we can split dog beds into a couple of general categories:

Standard Beds

This is the most standard option you’ll come across- they’re affordable, suitable for all breeds and ages and chosen by many dog parents. On top of that, standard dog beds typically don’t feature any specialized foams your dog may find uncomfortable or rims and edges that can get in their way while resting.

Snuggle Beds

If your dog prefers sleeping burrowed under your blankets rather than comfortably spreading all around, make sure you explore snuggle beds Australia wide pet shops. These beds typically feature attachable covers your dog can burrow into and feel warm and safe when you’re not around to tuck them in. Hence, they’re ideal for breeds that have a natural instinct to burrow such as Terriers, Jack Russells, Dachshunds and any other pooch that wants to sleep burrowed snugly.

On the other hand, some of the snuggle beds Australia pet parents love also feature luxury mattresses with internal wall panels to ensure that the entire bed stays soft and supportive and doesn’t show lumps and bumps over time.

Elevated Beds

Elevated dog beds are the ideal type since they serve as a supportive comfy barrier between your dog and the cold sturdy ground. This isn’t only great for keeping your pooch warm for the coldest winter months, but it’s also very useful to protect it from annoying pests and insects that can get in touch with their fur and skin.

However, keep in mind that elevated beds aren’t recommended for dogs that suffer from back problems as well as some breeds that are prone to them such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Beagles.

Orthopedic Beds

Dog beds nowadays go far beyond just being comfy and warm for your dog. In fact, some of them are made from specialized padding intended for senior dogs and adult dogs suffering from musculoskeletal conditions. For this purpose, the specialized padding will follow the natural shape of your pooch’s body and make sure to relieve all the pressure from its bones, joints and other vulnerable areas.

On top of that, some orthopedic bed models can also feature heating elements inside so they can provide an even more comfortable surface that soothes your dog’s joint pain and muscle spasms.

How to Choose the Right Bed for Your Dog?

Whether you decide to go for the standard, orthopedic or a snuggler dog bed, keep in mind that not all of them are made equally and not all of them are good for your pooch. In fact, different brands have different manufacturing processes which determine the quality of the final product- the bed your dog is about to sleep on.

So, once you decide to hit the market and explore the vast of dog beds, make sure you consider the following factors:

Materials

High-quality material makes for one of the most important considerations as it’ll determine the bed’s durability and have a role in your pooch’s overall comfort.

For instance, suede cushions make for a great option, as they’re wrinkle-resistant and don’t gather hair like some other materials tend to do. Once it’s “reinforced” with a woolly burrow, you can make sure that you’re providing your dog with the ultimate softness and warmth it needs to sleep comfortably.

Polyester also makes for a great material for covers. Not only is it among the most affordable options, but polyester is a hypoallergenic material that traps heat to keep your dog warm and cozy.

When it comes to the padding, have in mind that foams stand out as the best option. This is due to them offering maximum support for your dog’s body and not compressing under its weight. In addition to this, memory foam can also help to relieve the pressure from your dog’s bones and joints and is soft enough to provide a comfortable surface for your dog to rest.

Size

Even if you choose the softest memory foam and the fluffiest wool cover, your dog will feel very uncomfortable if it sleeps curdled or stretched out on the side. Hence, the size of the bed also plays a huge role in your dog’s comfort, so make sure you choose wisely.

Luckily, you can always determine the right size by taking a couple of simple measurements of your dog. First of all, it’s important to determine whether your dog sleeps with the belly on the mat in a ball position or it’s a side or back sleeper. If it sleeps curled in a ball, it’s best to measure its diameters side to side and top to bottom while it’s sleeping. Otherwise, it’s recommended to measure from the tip of its nose to its rump as well as from the crown of its head to its pads. Once you record the measurements, check the specific manufacturer’s sizing chart and see what size is best for your dog.

Now that you know about the different types and their features, it’s time to hit your favourite pet shop and choose a cozy bed for your pooch.