Humans sleep 30% of their whole life, so it is difficult to imagine how uncomfortable it will be sleeping without a comfortable bed. Our dogs sleep between 12 to 18 hours a day, depending on their age. This is almost twice as much as humans. However, are dog beds really necessary for dogs? What are some of their benefits, and have beds been scientifically proven to help dogs sleep better?

Does Your Dog Need A Bed?

There is no definite yes or no answer. Unfortunately, there is insufficient evidence on whether beds are directly beneficial to your dog getting a good night’s sleep. However, this is similar to how humans never thought that they needed beds, until they did.

We believe that there are some common-sensical scenarios when you should get a bed for your dog; such as when they have canine arthritis, or when you want to put up a specific corner in your house that belongs to your dog, where they can go when they need “me time”. A dog bed will also keep your dog warm and prevent injuries from happening if your dog slips while getting up from the floor.

What Types of Dog Beds Are There?

Basic Dog Beds

These are often called nesting or snuggle beds, which are similar to beanbags and are often preferred by small-sized dogs who love to curl up. There has also been a rise of cuddle beds becoming more mainstream recently, these come in an oval or round bowl shape.

Long Dog Beds

These are usually beds which are oblong with an attached pillow at one side. These are suitable for bigger dogs.

Special Dog Beds (for senior dogs & dogs with medical needs)

Orthopaedic dog beds, or special dog beds, supports weakened joints and they usually have medical-grade foam or a box-spring construction.

These beds are good for maintaining body warmth in dogs who also have canine arthritis, where their joints are sensitive to the cold, often worsened by cool temperatures.

Special dog beds also help to distribute your dog’s weight evenly, which is great for overall joint support.

What Are The Benefits Of Having A Dog Bed?

Space

Dogs sleep more than 10 hours a day, so setting up a comfortable place for your furry friend to have uninterrupted rest is definitely a good idea. Ensure that this space is easily accessible and introduced to your dog properly so that they know that it is a safe place for resting in.

Injury Prevention

Orthopaedic dog beds are getting more popular, as pet parents become more proactive in deterring joint issues in their pooches. Senior dogs are more prone to injuries as they have weaker joints, and a good dog bed will help to improve their sleep posture and general quality of sleep. It will also support them in getting up, particularly if you have smooth or slippery flooring at home.

Warmth

This may be a benefit if your dog is living in a cool or chilly environment, which is rarer in Singapore, but not uncommon. We have noticed homes or commercial spaces where air-conditioning is kept on 24/7. Dogs living in these environments will benefit from a warm and toasty bed, especially if you notice your dog whining or shaking in these environments for an extended period of time.

What is the best dog bed for your dog?

A good fit. Size matters, so choose a bed where your dog’s head and limbs can stay within easily. Also remember that if you have a puppy that’s still growing, you should get a bigger bed to accommodate for their growth in the next few months.

Easy to wash. Dogs eat, lick, roll about, and sometimes even vomit on their beds. Ensure that you find a bed which can be easily machine washed for easy maintenance.

Chew-proof. Although your dog should not be chewing their bed unless it is made out of treats, you should check to make sure that there are no disintegratable parts or fragile parts on the dog bed. This is for their safety, and deters another trip to the vet.

The Material. Choose a bed that is soft, but does not sink all the way in when you press it down with your hand. It should provide a certain amount of support, firmness, or even resistance, to help support your pup’s sleeping posture. Furthermore, think about recycling used dog beds, or eco-friendly dog beds so that you consider factor in the environment.

Want to learn more about the best ways to treat your pet?

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xo
Nellie