How we pick our products
Who doesn’t love dogs? They’re an important part of many lives, and for people who have dogs in their home, they are an essential part of that home. Our beloved pets deserve a nice place to sleep after a long day of being a man’s best friend, you know?
For your dog to get a good night’s sleep, they need to have their own space, and for most families and most homes, this means a dog should have their own bed. Just like us, they want comfort and they can get that with a bed that is specifically designed for them.
Contents
- 1 First things first:
- 2 The best dog beds in the UK
- 3 Shopping Guide: Everything you need to know about dog beds
- 3.1 Does the perfect dog bed depend on which dog I have?
- 3.2 Can I put my dog’s bed in the garden?
- 3.3 Can my dog sleep in my bed?
- 3.4 Can I put my dog’s bed close to my bed?
- 3.5 Where should I put my dog’s bed?
- 3.6 I have a small home: where is the best place for my dog to sleep?
- 3.7 What are orthopaedic dog beds?
- 3.8 What are dog’s sleeping patterns like?
- 3.9 Is it a problem if my dog sleeps all the time?
- 3.10 How can I make sure that my dog uses their bed?
- 3.11 What should I do if my dog tries to destroy their bed?
- 4 Shopping criteria
- 5 Summary:
First things first:
- You should think about the type of dog you have, what they like and how they behave.
- It’s fine for your dog to sleep in your bed or your bedroom, but dogs don’t like change, so stick with your decision.
- It is better for your dog to sleep inside your house than outside since it may get cold in the winter and they may get lonely. Also, if they bark it might get annoying for your neighbours.
The best dog beds in the UK
We’ve had a look at the dog beds on the market, analysed prices and customer reviews, and come up with this comprehensive list of the best in the UK.
- Hound Comfort Bed (Medium, (20cm x 40cm x 55cm)
- PetFace Bamboo Oval Dog Bed (Medium, 60cm x 52cm x 22cm)
- PetFusion Dog Bed with 10cm Memory Foam (Large, 91.4cm x 71.1cm x 22.9cm)
- Bunty Deluxe Soft Washable Dog Basket (X-Large, 90cm x 70cm x 20cm)
- Trading Innovation Dog Cushion Bed (Large, 73cm x 99cm)
Shopping Guide: Everything you need to know about dog beds
You’ve seen the best dog beds on the market, now it’s time for the buying part. We’ve put together this fab list of things we recommend that you think about before making your purchase. We’ve also got the most frequently asked questions. Let’s dive right in.
Does the perfect dog bed depend on which dog I have?
Additionally, you need to think about if your dog has any bone or joint problems. If this is the case, then they’ll need more padding on their bed, or you could even buy a memory foam bed for them. This will cost more money, but it’s worth it if it will help your dog lead a happier life.
Can I put my dog’s bed in the garden?
In any case, many dogs will feel sad if they are not allowed to sleep inside with their family. This distress can cause them to bark at night in protest if they are forced to sleep outside. This, of course, can be very annoying to your neighbours. So we recommend that for their health and happiness, and your and your neighbour’s happiness, it’s best for you to have your dog to sleep indoors with you.
Can my dog sleep in my bed?
Once your dog gets used to sleeping in a certain place, it can be difficult to change. This means that if you choose to have them sleep in your bed you should be sure that you will be able to stick with this, so as not to confuse them.
Can I put my dog’s bed close to my bed?
Where should I put my dog’s bed?
You can put the dog bed in your own room if your pet wants to be with you all the time, but the problem is that they may want to jump onto your bed. If you don’t want them to do this, then you need to be firm with them and train them not to do it, because if they get into the habit of sleeping on your bed and then you decide that you don’t want them to anymore, it can be difficult to break the habit.
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I have a small home: where is the best place for my dog to sleep?
It is important to know that whatever space you choose in the beginning will probably stay as your pet’s area for years to come, as dogs are creatures of habit. So make sure to choose somewhere comfortable, convenient and where you can tell your dog feels at ease.
What are orthopaedic dog beds?
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What are dog’s sleeping patterns like?
If your dog sleeps stretched out, this means they are warm, or that they feel safe and secure. If they fuss a lot at bedtime or turn over frequently, this could indicate joint pain or difficulty lying down.
Is it a problem if my dog sleeps all the time?
How can I make sure that my dog uses their bed?
(Source: sharpshutter: 30799294/ 123rf.com)
What should I do if my dog tries to destroy their bed?
If you see your dog chewing on their bed you must train them by saying “no” firmly, and removing the bed. Then return the bed a little later and watch their behaviour. If you see them chew on it again, repeat the training as before. If they don’t chew on the bed, praise and reward them for their good behaviour.
Shopping criteria
When buying a dog bed there are a few things to consider. Luckily for you, we’ve done all the work. We’ve summed them up below and we’ll go into more detail later on. Take a look:
- What filling do I want?
- Which material do I want my dog’s bed to be made from?
- What style is best?
- Does it have special features?
- What size should I get?
What filling do I want?
In order to get their well-deserved rest after hours of walking or playing, the materials which fill the mattress on your dog’s bed will be key.
| Material | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Foam | Very common because it is durable, cheap and soft. Recommended for large dogs. |
| Cedar shavings | Many animal-lovers prefer this material as it has a pleasant smell, is natural and repels insects. |
| Synthetic fleece | It’s soft and fluffy, and is the most commonly used stuffing. |
| Cotton | Tends to become lumpy and it picks up bad odours. |
| Soft foam | Soft and fluffy and suitable for small dogs. For large dogs, high-density foam is more suitable. For example, polyurethane foam is common for older dogs or those with joint problems. |
| Memory foam mattress | Used in orthopaedic beds. Ideal for dogs with bone, joint or spine problems. |
Which material do I want my dog’s bed to be made from?
There are two main factors to keep in mind when choosing what your dog’s bed is made out of: you need to make sure that it’s comfortable and easy to clean.
- Waterproof fabric – This material protects the mattress from moisture and odours and are easy to wash. They can, however, be cold for your dog.
- Synthetic leather or canvas – Very easy to clean, but not very comfortable.
- Wood – Sometimes the mattress may sit on some kind of structure, which may be made of wood. If you are keeping the dog bed in a fixed place, this heavy material is a good option.
- Plastic – This material is common for outdoor beds to support mattresses made of waterproof materials. Also good for very hot climates.
What style is best?
The ideal shape of a bed or a mattress for a dog bed depends on how your dog likes to sleep.There are lots of different styles of dog beds, take a look:
- Basic cushions – These are usually rectangular and can be thin or thick. They’re good for dogs that have mobility problems.
- Nest – Mattresses with raised edges. The dog feels more protected and has the can support the head. Not recommended in hot weather.
- Hammocks – Made from fabric and PVC plastic material and are optimal for very hot climates.
- Igloo – Beds closed up that offer some privacy to the dog. Recommended for cold areas where the dog requires shelter. Normally only for small dogs.
- Sofa style – As the name suggests, they are shaped like a sofa, which makes them cosy. They give can support the head, but they have an open part, unlike the nest type.
- Plastic beds – They may seem uncomfortable, but they are ideal for female dogs that are close to giving birth. And also for old dogs or those who are sick.
Does it have special features?
Think about the weather where you live, so your dog can be the most comfortable. Both the material and the shape make the bed suitable for different temperatures.
You also have to keep in mind the location of the bed, and how likely it is to get dirty or wet. If it is going to be an outdoor bed, it is better to be waterproof, and if it is going to be in a part of the house where it is exposed to dust or dirt, better one that can be easily cleaned.
(Source: Anna Yakimova: 17787490/ 123rf.com)
What size should I get?
Your dog needs to fit well in their bed, so that they’re comfortable and they don’t suffer from aches or pains. Therefore, you should choose the bed based on the length and height of your pet. Small dogs adapt much more easily to different bed styles and mattress fillings. If you have a large dog, they’ll need more support so it’s best to get a memory foam bed.
Summary:
Dogs need a good bed so that they can relax properly and feel well-rested. Dogs beds come in all shapes and sizes – just like dogs themselves!
We hope that you liked our ultimate guide to dogs beds. If you did, feel free to leave us a comment in the section below and let us know what your dog’s favourite type of bed is. You can also share it on social media so more of your friends can buy great dogs beds for their pets!
(Source of the featured image: damedeeso: 85567449/ 123rf.com)
