Does Your Dog Really Need a Bed?

Does Your Dog Really Need a Bed?

As a dog owner, you can relate to the urge to give in to your puppy's plea to sleep on the bed with you. It's totally understood; those puppy dog eyes are irresistible! You may even find yourself considering the reality that puppies make the perfect soft and cuddly heating pad.

While you may think this contemplation is a trivial one, believe it or not, your decision to allow them to sleep on your bed or not can significantly impact the health of your dog, especially their joints and hips in the long run.

To avoid these challenges later in life for you and your Fido, it's recommended that you understand the ins and outs of bedding for dogs. The earlier you start them off with good practices, the greater the benefit as they get older.

Why Your Dog May Prefer a Bed

Conditioning your dog to sleep in a dog bed from the puppy stage can remove needless frustration on both parts when your dog gets too big for you both to fit comfortably. Some dogs might actually prefer their own area to sleep in.

Rescue dogs, for example, usually want to have their own space until they feel comfortable being near you for an extended period of time. In addition, dogs that have been hurt or are post-surgery may also prefer their own place, as it helps them feel more secure and safe.

And there is an added benefit to this training; starting out correctly when they are younger can boost their fitness and good health in their old age.

The Right Bed Can Help an Older Dog

There are also medical reasons for wanting to keep your dog in a comfortable dog bed and off of hard surfaces such as the floor. Sleeping on a hard surface could be difficult for older dogs that have arthritis and joint problems, either now or in later years.

For older dogs especially, an investment into a good orthopedic dog bed can be worth the price of your pet’s comfort.

If your dog is in a lot of joint pain or has chronic arthritis, consider also adding natural supplements and remedies to ease their discomfort. Supplements with Glucosamine and Chondroitin can help joint support.

For long-lasting relief, check out WALK-EASY Joint and Hip Pain Relief - a natural plant anti-inflammatory and pain relief remedy that helps dogs with all kinds of joint pain; or, for extra help, try WALK-EASY Extra Strength.

What Type of Bed Should I Choose?

The type of bed depends on your dog, their needs, and their preferences.

There are many different styles of beds that could benefit your fur friend, depending on their needs or lifestyle: chew-proof beds (especially useful for puppies), indoor and outdoor beds, heated beds, travel or car beds, and as previously mentioned, orthopedic beds for the older dog.

Orthopedic dog beds, in particular, cushion and support the joints of sick, injured, or older pets with arthritis - they help ease the pain of achy joints, and the stiff foam makes it easier for senior dogs to get up after laying down.

All these beds can be moved to any room so your dog can always be near you and part of the family even when they are just resting or if they can’t move as much anymore. Look for a good quality memory foam orthopedic dog bed - these may be expensive, but they will give your furry friend the same health benefits that people enjoy on a memory foam mattress.

Whichever bed you choose, the most important thing to do is make sure the bed is big enough for your dog. Even if it’s a perfect fit for your house and matches your decor, if your dog cannot lay down in it, the dog bed will never be used.

Choosing the right bed takes time, but the effort you make now in selecting the ideal dog bed will ensure that both you and your dog will get a great night’s sleep and wake up refreshed and ready for a new day!