Do Dogs Really Need a Dog Bed? Vet-Verified Facts

Although most dogs are considered active and energetic, they tend to sleep up to 18 hours a day depending on their age, health, and lifestyle. Some dogs don’t mind snoozing on the floor inside or ground outdoors, but it’s important for them to have the option to sleep on a comfortable bed when they want to. Here are a few reasons why every dog should have access to a supportive dog bed.

Why Your Dog Needs a Good Dog Bed

First and foremost, all dogs deserve comfort, and that’s exactly what a good bed can offer them. Like humans, dogs enjoy softness and support when they sleep. It can be just as uncomfortable for them to sleep on the hard ground as it would be for you. That is reason enough to ensure that your dog has access to their own comfortable bed. Here are other reasons that a good bed is important for dogs:

• It’s Good for the Joints. As a dog ages, their joints may start to ache. They might develop arthritis or hip dysplasia. A supportive dog bed will help reduce the risk of developing these problems to begin with and provide comfort and support to relieve pain.
• It Ensures Better Sleep. Like humans, dogs must get ample sleep to stay happy and healthy throughout their lives. Sleeping on the floor can make it tough to get into REM sleep, which is necessary for proper rest. A good dog bed can help ensure that your dog sleeps well and gets all the REM sleep that they need.
• It Provides a Sense of Security. A dog bed can act like a den, which dogs naturally look for when they want to stay safe while they sleep. Basically, your dog’s bed does more than offer comfort and support; it also acts as a buffer from the outside world to ensure peace of mind.
• It Helps Keep Your Furniture Clean. A comfortable bed can help keep your dog off of your furniture throughout the day, reducing the work that you must do to rid the furniture of hair, dander, and debris. The key is to choose a bed that your dog really likes so your furniture is not more attractive to them.

Tips for Choosing a Good Bed for Your Dog

Not all dog beds are created equally. Some dogs prefer soft fluffy beds, while others like a more firm and supportive bed. Some prefer an open bed, while others want a covered igloo-style bed. Therefore, you should determine what kind of bed your dog would like before you start looking for one.

If your dog likes sleeping on your soft couch rather than the floor or a firm loveseat, chances are that they would prefer a soft and squishy bed to sleep in. If your dog sticks to firmer surfaces, they likely want a more supportive sleeping environment. If they like to sleep out in the open, a basic pillow, pad, or bolster bed should do the trick. If they tend to hide under the table or in a corner when they sleep, a covered bed is probably the best bet. Here are a few other tips to consider:

• Choose a Bed With a Removable Cover. A removable cover will make it easy to keep your dog's bed clean as time goes on. All you'll have to do is take it off the bed, throw it in the washer, and then put it back on again.
• Measure the Area Where You’ll Put the Bed. If there is a certain space where you want to put your dog’s bed, it’s a good idea to measure that space before buying a bed to ensure that it will fit properly. Otherwise, you might end up having to return the bed or put it in a place that is not ideal.
• Consider Your Dog’s Safety. Beds with frills and embellishments can be dangerous for your dog if they are rambunctious and tend to destroy things. Playful puppies are typically the worst offenders when it comes to chewing things that they shouldn't. Unless your dog is mature and you know that they won't try to destroy their bed, it's a good idea to stay away from beds with attachments and things that will attract a dog’s playfulness.

Conclusion

Your dog will appreciate every minute that they get to spend on their comfortable supportive bed, whether it’s basic or extravagant. The good news is that they don’t care what the bed looks like or how much it costs, so you can overlook the design and choose one that is within your budget and has the features that your dog needs.

See also:

• My Dog Sleeps All Day, Are They OK? Vet Approved Canine Facts & FAQ

• 12 Health Problems in Corgis & Vet Approved Tips on What to Do

• How to Choose a Dog Bed: 12 Vet-Approved Tips for a Comfy Pup

Featured Image Credit: everymmnt, Shutterstock