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Whether you’re about to welcome a new puppy into your home or simply upgrading your dog’s bed, choosing the perfect fit can be a tricky decision.
Along with finding the most comfortable model, you’ll need to think about selecting one with enough quality to last as long as possible. Add to that the ability to wash the bed, and you’ve got practicality to think about too.
Below, we’ve explained the most important things to think about before you buy a new bed for your dog.
- Your dog’s needs
Your dog’s physical and emotional needs matter the most when it comes to choosing a new bed. Perhaps surprisingly, there are several types of dog bed on the market and many of these are tailored to dogs with specific requirements.
For example, dogs that might be more prone to anxiety and worrying at night are often said to suit round, soft beds with high sides. This shape allows them to burrow down and feel a sense of security from the bolstered cushions that surround them.
When paired with a soft fluffy fabric to borrow into, a nervous dog might settle down with similar sensations to cuddling their mother and littermates as a pup. Alternatively, an older dog suffering with a condition like arthritis or hip dysplasia may need an orthopaedic bed designed to alleviate the pressure on their joints.
- Choosing the right material
Finally, it’s important to think about choosing the best fabric for your dog and your practical needs too. Not all materials are made equal, and you can typically expect the quality to reflect the price you’ve paid!
Savvy shoppers choose luxury dog beds made with premium fabrics and long-lasting thread patterns. These not only look fantastic in any room in the house but enable you to have a convenient time caring for your pup too.
If your dog is elderly, very young or otherwise accident-prone, a washable bed is an absolute necessity. You can simply strip the covers, leave them to dry, and leave your pooch feeling fresh again. Make it washable, high-quality, and suited to your home
- The bed’s purpose
Many dog owners know that it quickly becomes necessary to have more than one dog bed. If you’re planning to buy it for a specific purpose, it’s worth choosing a design that’s best suited to what you have in mind.
For example, if you’re thinking about getting your dog a new bed specifically for the car, it’s worth choosing a hard-wearing bed made with a quick- rinse outer fabric. This ensures that when your pooch returns from muddy walks and dog-friendly days out, you can easily get rid of the worst of the dirt. Plus, draped sides keep your dog’s paws from scratching the paintwork.
Likewise, if you’re buying your dog’s bed to fit in their crate, it will need to be the correct dimensions and something that helps them feel cosy and relaxed.