Best Dog Beds of 2021: The ultimate guide

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.

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.

Your dog will be very comfortable with their new bed. (Damedeeso: 85567449/ 123rf.com)

Does the perfect dog bed depend on which dog I have?

Definitely. A small dog will need a smaller bed than a bigger dog. Also, small dogs can sleep in big beds, but big dogs can’t sleep in small beds! Bigger dogs also need more support, since they weigh more, so it’s good to get a better quality bed for big dogs.

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.

Johnny DeppAmerican Actor

“The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants.”.

Can I put my dog’s bed in the garden?

Some pets genuinely do have a preference for sleeping outside. If that is the case for your pet, then there’s nothing wrong with them sleeping 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.

You can get many types of dog beds, and if you want extra comfort you can even buy them a memory foam dog bed.(Source: Hannamariah: 26523935/ 123rf.com)

Can my dog sleep in my bed?

Obviously, at the end of the day, this is your decision. They may sleep with you in your bed thinking it will make you happy but in reality, they prefer not to. So you should make your own decision at the beginning, when your dog first enters your home, and stick with it.

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?

You can put your dog’s bed close to your own, but bear in mind a few things first: your dog may snore, fart, or bark during the night. If you do not want your dog to sleep in your bed, you need to train them and make them understand that they must follow your rules.

Robert WagnerAmerican actor

“A dog will teach you unconditional love. If you can have that in your life, things won’t be too bad”.

Where should I put my dog’s bed?

Think about the layout of your house and carefully choose a space which will benefit you. The kitchen or living room are usually good options since the temperature is usually suitable and they’re far away from the bedrooms.

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.

Make sure you place your dog’s bed in a place where they like to sleep.
(Source: christingasner: 27625946/ 123rf.com)

I have a small home: where is the best place for my dog to sleep?

Even if you live in a small house or flat, it’s a good idea to keep an area that’s exclusively for your dog, their bed and their toys. As faithful and loyal as your pet is, they also need their own privacy and time to relax without being bothered.

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?

There are some types of dog beds which are made from memory foam. These types of beds are amazing for dogs who suffer from joint, bone or spinal problems. This type of foam adapts to the shape and posture of the animal. They can also be used for healthy dogs simply because they are very comfortable.

Your dog will be guaranteed a great night’s sleep if they have a good bed.
(Source: Damedeeso: 41699727/ 123rf.com)

What are dog’s sleeping patterns like?

It is important to observe your dog’s sleeping patterns as this can be an indication of whether they feel happy and secure. Dogs will cuddle in while they sleep to feel safe and keep warm. If you see them having spasms, this means they are dreaming.

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.

If your dog is having a nightmare, talk to them softly or say their name gently.

Is it a problem if my dog sleeps all the time?

Puppies sleep for 90% of the time. As they grow up, dogs can adapt to the habits of their owners and go to bed at the same time as they do. An adult dog should sleep around 14 hours each day and should keep active. If you find your dog is sleeping more than usual, it may be that they are bored.

Robert Louis StevensonAuthour of Treasure Island

“You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us”.

How can I make sure that my dog uses their bed?

If you have a small, nervous puppy you can let them sleep with you for the first few days and then gradually transition them to sleeping in their own space. Put a  treat on the bed, so that they go to the bed and they have a positive association with it. Never force your dog onto the bed, as this will make them scared. If your dog doesn’t want to use the bed, change the position or put one of their toys on it to make them go towards it.

Dogs need a soft and comfortable bed so they feel happy.
(Source: sharpshutter: 30799294/ 123rf.com)

What should I do if my dog tries to destroy their bed?

Dogs, by nature, like to chew on things: it strengthens their jaws and teeth and prevents tartar. Therefore it’s a good idea to give your dog toys that they can chew on and release tension.

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.

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.

Definitely think about getting a warm bed if you live in a cold place.
(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)