While there are pros and cons of your dog sleeping in your bed with you, sometimes your dog might want to sleep somewhere else. It’s up to you as the pet parent to provide them with the most comfortable sleeping space so that they can wake up feeling refreshed and ready for their first walk of the day. In this article, you’ll learn how to choose the best dog bed for your furry friend.
- Understand the Different Shapes
- Consider Your Dog’s Size
- Keep Dog’s Preferred Climate in Mind
- Look for Machine Washability
- Consider Materials
1. Understand the Different Shapes
Should your dog sleep in your bed? Of course, many pet parents love sleeping with their pets, but it’s not always ideal. If you have a spouse or a partner you share your bed with, it can quickly become uncomfortable, especially for the dog who has to wiggle its way between you two. Not to mention, many dogs get overheated sleeping in bed with their parents and end up on the floor during the winter months to cool off.
When it comes to finding the right dog bed for your pup, you should understand the different shapes of beds available to ensure they’re comfortable in their sleeping positions. Look at the different positions your dog sleeps in and which one he or she chooses the most. Then, choose a bed that they can be comfortable in. There are four common ways that most dogs sleep:
- Curled Up: If you’ve ever noticed that your dog looks like a donut when they sleep, then they’re a curler. These pooches require a circular bed that can surround their entire body like a hug. A donut bed is best for these types of sleepers.
- Under Blankets: If your dog loves to sleep under blankets, they’re likely a burrower that enjoys a cave-like experience when they sleep. There are many types of pet beds that can give them this same safe feeling by giving them a plush roof over their head, such as a cave or nest bed.
- Sprawled Out: Some dogs like to curl up, and others like to sprawl out. Sprawlers spread their bodies out and need lots of room, making a flat rectangular bed ideal for them. Remember, dogs also like to sprawl when they’re warm, so if your dog is a hot sleeper, they might love a bed that allows them to sprawl out and cool off.
- Leaning: If your pooch is allowed on the couch and you notice them sleeping with their head and shoulder pushed back and leaning onto an armrest, then they’re a leaner. Leaners enjoy beds that have soft, plush walls allowing them to lean without feeling uncomfortable. You can also get your dog his or her very own dog couch to give them the same type of nap without needing to jump onto the furniture.
2. Consider Your Dog’s Size
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so you should always choose a bed that your dog will fit on. While your large dog might sleep in a curled-up position most of the time, they might sometimes want to sprawl out. You should choose a bed based on the length of their body from nose to tail. If you want to ensure that you’re getting the right sized bed, measure your dog from nose to the end of their tail while they’re sleeping, or choose a bed that you think might be just a little bit too large to ensure they’ll have enough space.
Depending on the type of sleeper your dog is, you might want to avoid getting a bed that’s too large. For example, if you have a medium-sized dog who likes to sleep curled up, getting them a bed for large curled sleepers means that their bodies won’t feel the support of the bed walls, so they might not feel as cozy.
3. Keep Dog’s Preferred Climate in Mind
A dog with thick, fluffy fur likely won’t want to sleep in a bed made of faux fur that traps heat in the summer. However, a small dog, like a miniature pinscher, might enjoy sleeping in a warm bed year-round because they don’t overheat as quickly.
Depending on your pet’s preferred climate, some beds and materials will be better than others. If you’re in doubt about what your pet would prefer, get a dog bed that will keep your pet cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You can also put blankets in their bed in the winter months to ensure that they have enough material to keep themselves warm and snuggle up with.
For dogs who are always cold, consider getting them a pet bed with tall sides or a place for them to stick their nose under for ultimate warmth. For dogs who always seem warm or live in hot climates, get them a bed that allows them to sprawl out so that they can cool off on even the hottest summer days.
Layla’s pet bed is thermal-regulating, just like our memory foam mattresses, thanks to copper foam that can help keep your dog at their ideal sleeping temperature no matter what season it is.
4. Look for Machine Washability
Some dog beds can’t be machine washed without getting ruined, which means getting rid of a mattress for your pet every couple of months. No matter how clean your dog is, all dogs find ways to get dirty. If your dog goes on multiple walks a day, they likely have dirt and mud on their paws that can get tracked into their beds. Not to mention, some male dogs like to show dominance by marking their territory, and puppies can have accidents in their beds. Luckily, you don’t need to know how to get urine out of a mattress if your pet bed is machine washable.
Want to know how to clean a mattress for your pet? Get one that’s machine washable. Having a pet bed that you can easily throw into the washing machine allows you to ensure that your dog’s bed is clean no matter what. Even though dogs like getting dirty and playing in the mud, they don’t enjoy sleeping in dirty beds.
Layla’s dog bed is machine washable so that your dog can sleep in a clean, comfortable bed year-round.
5. Consider Materials
Dog beds should be constructed from safe, chemical-free materials. Dogs like to chew, and puppies will nibble on just about anything. If you plan on letting your dog sleep in his or her bed while you’re away or unable to watch them, ensure that the bed you buy them is completely safe, just in case they decide to start chewing on it.
Luckily, Layla’s pet bed has you covered. All foams used in the Layla Pet Bed are CertiPUR-US® certified safe. That being said, you should never allow your dog to chew on anything not meant for chewing.
Not only that, but you should invest in a quality bed made from durable materials that won’t break down and can withstand wear and tear. Dogs like to dig in the spot where they’ll be sleeping, so you don’t want a bed that rips easily.
The Layla Pet Bed
The Layla Pet Bed offers your furry friend the ultimate comfort to allow them to nap the day away or sleep throughout the night without begging for a treat. With Flippable Firmness™ and infused with copper, the Layla Pet Bed is durable and machine washable, making it your pets new favorite place to sleep, play, and chew their favorite bones and toys.
Now, your pet has options, depending on their preference for firmness. Your pet can choose between the more firm side for sprawling out and cooling off or the softer side for snuggling up into that adorable donut shape.
Does your dog get hot at night and have to sprawl out on the floor? With a copper foam bed, they can stay cooler and more comfortable all night long. Not to mention, copper is more sanitary and can help fight off bacteria and odors thanks to its antimicrobial properties.
Dog Bed FAQs
What’s the best dog bed for large dogs?
The best dog bed for large dogs is one that gives them adequate space to take their naps and sleep at night. As you search for a dog bed for a large dog, ensure it provides ample room for them to spread out and sleep.
What’s the best dog bed for small dogs?
Small dogs often don’t get as warm as large dogs, which is why finding a dog bed that keeps them warm is important, especially in the colder months. To ensure your small dog is even more comfortable, place a blanket in their dog bed to keep them warm.
What’s the best dog bed for old dogs?
Senior dogs may have health conditions, such as arthritis, that can make getting into a comfortable position difficult. A memory foam pet bed is a great choice for senior dogs because it supports their entire body, including their joints, to relieve pain.
Key Takeaways: Finding the Best Dog Bed
Your dog is your best friend, which means that they deserve a bed of their very own that allows them to get quality sleep after a long day of barking, running, and bringing you joy. Give your pet a quality place to play, chew, and nap by getting them a comfortable, memory foam pet bed from Layla Sleep.
