Admit it…your dog sleeps with you! At least, some of the time? Many pet owners sleep with their pets, but often, letting your dog into the "people bed" can cause problems. One study revealed that over half of people suffering from sleep disorders admitted that their pets shared their beds. Whether your pet edges you off your pillow, steals your leg room, paws and twitches in his sleep, or snores (Bulldog and Pug owners, we don’t have to tell you!), pets can leave you feeling less than refreshed in the morning.
Why not train your dog to sleep in his own bed? Dog beds come in all shapes and sizes, to fit any décor, personality, and sleeping style. But would your Dachshund prefer a donut bed? Would your Shih Tzu like a chaise? Maybe your mutt likes to shred upholstery or your Newfoundland really just wants a big plaid pillow where he can stretch out all the way. From snug, nesting beds to hooded beds to utilitarian fleece mats, you can find a bed to fit your pet’s comfort level and it’s important that they be comfortable or neither of you will get any sleep. Many a new dog owner has regretted the impulse bed purchase, only learning after a few sleepless nights that their pup finds fleece annoying and tiny plastic pellets much less inviting than the couch. So take a little time and invest in quality—that way you can make the most of your investment and not have to keep replacing beds and covers. Here’s how:
Watch your dog: Is she a nester, a huddler, a loller, or a sprawler? All dogs like to paw and circle before they settle down (a remnant of wolf behavior), but once they’re asleep, what do they do? Narrow your bed preferences by learning what your dog prefers. Certain breeds prefer certain kinds of beds. For instance, if you have a shorthaired dog, he or she will tend to prefer padded, nesting types of beds that help them preserve body heat. A longer haired dog may hanker for plain mat or dog pillow where they can stretch out and keep cool.
The Right Size: A bed should be big enough that your dog can turn around, paw a bit, and lie down comfortably. Dogs with thin coats and low body fat also need protection from hard surfaces that can wear off the coat and even injure bony areas like "elbows" and "knees." A bed should be large enough that your leggy Greyhound or Great Dane can stretch out without joints hitting the floor.
Easy to Clean: Can you pop off that cushion cover and throw it in the wash, or does the bed say something like "spot clean only" or "do not machine wash"? Especially for heavy shedders and dogs that tend to get dirty, you’ll want to find a bed that you can keep clean with relatively little effort. If you have an older dog or a dog with incontinence, you will want to investigate waterproof-linings, as well.
Durability: If your Bloodhound mix or German Shorthaired Pointer could shred a couch in a single afternoon, he could probably chew up a dog bed in a matter of minutes. If your terrier can de-squeak a toy in the blink of an eye, that stuffed doughnut bed doesn’t stand a chance. Some breeds need more durable beds in chew-resistant materials, beds that can’t be de-fluffed, or beds that don’t in any way resemble a chew toy. Look for sturdy fabrics like canvas or plain fleece mats that don’t have any stuffing. Or, teach your dog to sleep in a well-appointed crate, and fill it with lots of chew toys to keep those energetic jaws busy.
Special Needs: Arthritic senior dogs might benefit from an orthopedic dog bed with cushioning memory foam or a heated dog bed to keep sore joints warm. Thin-coated breeds might need extra cushioning, and dogs that get cold easily might appreciate an elevated bed that keeps them off the cold floor.
Multi-Dog Households: If you have several dogs, they might each like their own beds On the other hand, if you have dogs that tend to cozy-up together, consider a slightly larger bed or a double-donut bed—because at least when it comes to beds, two dogs can live almost as cheaply as one!
One Dog, Many Beds: If your dog likes to follow you from room to room and hang out wherever you happen to be, she might enjoy having multiple beds. When you’re paying bills she can hang out in the office bed. When you’re dusting, she can hang out in the living room bed. And at night, of course, she can sleep in her bedroom bed. Can you be too comfortable? We don’t think so.
