Dogs are the best pets. And, while dog beds are an important investment, they’re not the only one! To help you find the truly best dog bed for your pet, we’ve created a comprehensive guide covering everything from finding the right fit for your dog to how to get creative with DIY costumes.
1. What are the different kinds of dog beds?
There are different kinds of dog beds that are designed to suit your dog’s needs. For example, you can choose between orthopedic dog beds, raised dog beds, dog crate mattresses, and even heated dog beds, just to name a few.
When looking for the perfect dog bed, you will first want to consider your dog’s size. As a rule of thumb, large dogs need more surface area to exercise on than small dogs, which requires a bed that grows with your dog.
If you’re launching your dog bed project before deciding on your design (which we highly suggest you do), here’s a helpful reference sheet to help set the stage:
A comforter is not only essential for your own comfort, but it is of the utmost importance when it comes to your dog’s comfort. You can buy comforters from most pet supply stores or you can make your own unique design from scratch — just look below at our awesome dog bed crafts.
When selecting a comforter, it is important to examine both the type and the density/thinness of your dog’s bones. It should also be breathable so that your pet can maintain good posture while sleeping on it.
To find the perfect size comforter, take the following measurements:
It is super important to ensure your carpet is soft, yet firm enough to support your dog’s weight and provide warmth.
To check out the best dog beds for cats, go to Best Cat Beds.
Most dry dog beds are designed for use in static positions only
2. Do dog beds really matter?
Dog beds are something that may seem like a small thing, but they can make a big difference to your dog’s quality of life. When you’re shopping for dog beds, there are a few things you should look out for. First, you should find a good quality bed that’s not only comfortable but also durable and machine washable. While hardwoods always seem to be the best choice, if you have a hardwood covered in chipped paint you are losing out on the beauty of the wood. The small pieces of chipped paint that make up a dog bed are what give a bed the character that sets it apart from so many other beds. Check out the look of dog beds by going to Bone Up Hardwoods in Plano, Texas.
Now, on to the second thing to look out for: breed selection. Pounds and kilograms matter when buying dog beds (you can’t have one that belongs to a 75-pound dog), and finding a bed that fits your dog is the best way to ensure that they get the most comfortable and best possible sleep.
3. How do you measure your dog for a bed?
You can measure a dog for a bed by using a tape measure to get the length of the dog from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, and from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Then, measure the size you need against the size of the bed, and go from there.
For example, the following measurements are of a Pomeranian: The first measurement is the base of the nose, and the second measurement is from the base of the tail to the base of the head:
Base of the nose: 4 1/2 “
Base of the tail: 5 1/2 “
Base of the head: 6 “
The width of the neck needs to be extra-careful, because it’s more vulnerable than other parts of your dog’s body to injuries from scratches and the like. To do this, measure the diameter of the neck and the width of the base of the tail, and then divide by 4.
You can also do this by touching the front of the neck and the base of the tail. It should come to no surprise that the 10- to 12-pound dog should get a bed that is about 10 inches deeper, while the roughly 14-pound dog should get a bed that is about 12 inches wider. These are ballpark numbers — and you’ll have to do some extra shopping to get the perfect fit.
The two most well-designed and most-expensive dog beds for the average sized dog are as follows:
Mennonite Double Up by P Suluk: This dog bed is a bone-white powder-coat brushed nickel finish with a removable areola pad. The pad is removable, as well, in case your pup gets into trouble and needs his owner’s protection. The nickel finish also helps protect the dog from the harshness of dog bedding in general — so your pooch doesn’t smush itself to death.
4. What are the most important factors in picking out a good dog bed?
When picking out a dog bed, you want something with a high-quality cover that’s going to be soft and comfortable for your dog, and you want a good amount of padding to keep your dog warm and cozy. You also want a large enough bed that your dog can stretch out and fully relax in it. Depending on the type of bedding you choose, your dog’s sleep will look different. Here’s a quick overview of the major types and their properties:
Junk
These are old, tattered or occasionally even used cat and dog beds. They generally have one single thick pad, and are not going to be comfortable for your dog. If you have a large fluffy bed dent or down selection (read: more than one size fits most), those might be things to consider.
Heavy
These dog beds employ two different types of stuffing: either one very dense zinc or polyester, in pill form so more flesh can be stuffed into the beds; or one thick layer of hay. If your dog is more than six pounds, heavy bedding may be a problem.
Padded
Padded dog beds come in many different densities and are usually open-faced. They are not chew toys, either; padding is meant to be used as a temporary “blanket” to cover your dog’s furry fur rather than a chew deterrent. Puppies are typically stuffed into a heavy pad, and adults, including larger breeds, are sometimes stuffed into heavier pads. These heavy pads are ideal for overnight stays, but are generally only put on for longer overnight trips, such as taking their first hike or going for a swim.
Down
Down dog beds are made from fine wool or wetting sheep wool.
Down pads are firm and provide excellent protection from your potential pup-attacking nightmarish scene. They are generally made from one thick heavy pad, and are usually more expensive than other pad types. They can also be dirty in very short amounts of time.
5. How do you pick out a good dog costume?
First, consider your dog’s size. Since dogs come in all different sizes, you’ll need to make sure that your dog costume fits your dog properly. The costume should be snug enough so that it doesn’t fall off, but not too tight that it restricts your dog’s movements. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect fit for your dog, a few tips for fitting a costume and what size to get are below!
Toys and Games
WALL-E can sleep peacefully (and probably, like, warmly) in “Cubby Robot” and “Googly Spider-Man” (see above), respectively! Thanks to Sphero, you don’t just need a bed for your dog to snuggle up in — you need a bed and a game too! Check out the terrific line of games, best puppy toys, and cat toys available for your furry friend. Hug Scare is a good one to play with the younger pups, and we even have cat bowls and foam playing blocks for older cats too.
Hair Dryers
When it comes to giving your dog even the tiniest of paws to scratch, we’ve got you covered! Check out some of our most popular articles for dog owners with full-grown cats or dogs that have been enjoy trimming their manes:
The 10 Most Entertaining Cats for Dogs, and the Top 10 Fiestas for Dogs from Around the Web.
Pet Peeves: 10 Things Your Dog Hates and How to Deal with Them.
DIY Cat Toys for Dogs from Scratch.
Repaint Your Dog’s Coat (According to Science): Tips for Highlighting and Enhancing Individual Shines.
Best of You: The Top 10 Ways to Buy a Dog Bid (that’s right, a dog bid!)
Pet Toys for All Age Branches: Golden Retriever vs. Chihuahua
If you’re in the market for some back yard training equipment or your local park has some extra dog benches, you’ll need some gym equipment to attend your next dog grooming appointment. No matter what you need, we’ve got the right piece for you.