Did you know that Americans spend over $70 billion on products and services for our pets? It’s not surprising since 72 percent of pet owners say that they consider their pets to be part of the family.
We want our dogs to have the very best, whether it’s the food we give them, the toys we buy, or the different types of beds they sleep in. There are a ton of choices when it comes to dog products, and picking the right ones isn’t always easy. However, it’s more important than you might think.
Choosing the wrong toys can lead to choking hazards, the wrong food can create health problems, and the wrong bed can negatively impact your dog’s comfort and happiness. Today, we’re going to review the pros and cons of several types of beds for dogs so you can feel confident choosing the best one for yourfurry friend.
The Best Beds for Small to Medium-Sized Dogs
Your dog’s size is often a major factor in determining what style of bed will work best. Small to medium-sized dogs tend to enjoy cave beds and buttercup beds. Furniture beds are also another option that work well for dogs that aren’t too large.
Cave Beds
Cave-style doggie beds are also called hooded beds or burrowing beds. They’re often really popular with very small dogs who enjoy burrowing and hiding. If your dog is particularly nervous, a cave bed can offer extra comfort.
These usually don’t fit dogs that are larger than 20 pounds, but they’re ideal for toy breeds. Short-haired and hairless breeds that have a low tolerance for the cold will also enjoy snuggling down into a cave bed.
Buttercup Beds
Buttercup beds are a high-end option that you can usually only find at boutique pet stores or on Etsy. They’re also called a drawstring bed or a daisy bed. They’re unique because you can lay them flat like a regular dog bed or pull the drawstring and bring up the sides.
This is great for dogs that like curling up or sprawling out. It also gives you more options for where you’ll keep the bed, as it will take up less space when it’s pulled up.
These beds are only appropriate for small dogs as they just won’t stand up to the wear and tear of larger breeds. If your dog is a chewer, you’ll also want to avoid the buttercup bed.
Furniture Beds
One last type of bed that’s best for small to medium-sized dogs is the furniture bed. These beds blend right in with your furniture and allow your dog to stay right in the middle of the family’s action.
They’re quite versatile and can look great, but they do have some limitations. First, you’ll need to choose some comfortable bedding to go inside the furniture frame. Also, if your dog is a chewer or is mischievous or rambunctious, then this type of bed might not be ideal.
Different Types of Beds for Medium to Large Breed Dogs
The next four beds are great for medium-sized to large-breed dogs. Although some of these styles are also appropriate for giant breed dogs, if you’re shopping for a bed for a giant breed, you’ll want to make sure it’s specially designed to withstand the extra wear and tear. Otherwise, it won’t provide the support necessary to keep your dog comfortable.
Pillow Beds
Pillow beds are the most basic and also the most common style of dog bed you’ll see. They’re pretty much just giant pillows that your dog can lounge around on.
The cheapest type of pillow bed is stuffed with polyester fiberfill. Unfortunately, these aren’t always the most comfortable option for your dog, especially once it starts to wear out. You can find a higher-quality dog bed stuffed with foam beads, cotton batting, or other materials.
The most important thing to remember is that your pillow bed absolutely must have a removable cover. Otherwise, you’ll find that you’re stuck with a stinky, dirty bed that you can’t wash. Yuck!
Memory Foam Beds
Large and extra-large dogs and dogs with arthritis can definitely benefit from a memory foam bed. If you decide to go with this option, it’s important to know that not all memory foam is created equally.
Shredded memory foam won’t last as long as thicker slabs. These beds will flatten and become uncomfortable. The best quality beds have a top layer of memory foam and a thicker under-layer that provides more structure and support.
Bolster Beds
Bolster beds go by many other names including donut beds, nesting beds, and raised-edge dog beds. The raised edge gives dogs a sense of security while also providing a comfortable place to rest their heads. This style of bed is very versatile and will work for dogs of all breeds and sizes as long as you choose the right size bed.
If your dog likes to curl up when he sleeps, he’ll probably enjoy a bolster bed. It’s also a good choice for dogs who tend to rest their heads on the armrest of the sofa or chairs.
Hammock Beds
The last type of bed we’ll cover is the hammock bed. You might have also heard them referred to as elevated, raised, or mesh beds. This simple design is usually just material stretched tight across PVC, wood, or metal frame.
This type of bed keeps your dog up off the ground while he’s sleeping or lounging around. It’s also easier for dogs to get in and out of, making it a great choice for larger dogs and those with joint problems.
Hammock beds are super easy to clean, and because they allow for air circulation, they’re great for use in warmer climates.
It’s Time to Purchase Your Dog Bed!
Now that you’re clear about the different types of beds available for your dog, it’s time to start shopping. As you’ve learned, different beds are better for different situations, so you might want to buy a few and let your dog decide which ones he likes best.
Before you head out, though, make sure you learn all about dog bed sizes and how to choose the right one. This will help you ensure that your dog is as comfortable as possible in his new bed.
