Dogs are active animals who enjoy exploring, sniffing and playing, but it's also really important for them to get enough rest. As dog owners, we can help our dogs get the important downtime they need by making sure they have somewhere quiet and comfortable to snooze without any disturbances. Dogs can’t tell their ‘paw-parents’ what bed is right for them or if they are uncomfortable, so it really is up to owners to get it right and ensure they are buying a comfortable dog bed with the right information to provide their dog with what they need. Even if you let your dog sleep with you (as I do Bodhi), every dog should have a bed of their own or two or three, actually.
Unlike the floor, a bed will keep your dog warm, support his or her joints, prevent calluses on joints and provide a safe space that they can have to themselves. I have a bed in a few rooms around the home so Bodhi can have the choice as to where she goes. Most of the time though, she will gravitate towards the bed which happens to be in the same room that I am in – No surprise there!
How To Choose A Dog Bed
There are many different types of beds available. If you watch your dog sleep, you'll notice they get into lots of different positions: stretched out, curled up, on their back - even on their belly with their hind legs stretched out, like Superman! Sometimes this can be trial and error, especially if you have a new dog. It is very much dependent on their size, breed and age. What size bed should I get?
It is very important to make sure you chose the right size bed for your dog. It should be large enough for them to be able to lie comfortably in all natural positions. Some beds might be big enough for your dog to curl up, but can they also stretch out their legs if they want to? They will need the support for fully stretching out comfortably, this is important to support their joints and for proper blood circulation to aid rest and recovery.