The perfect rest: how to choose the most suitable bed for your dog
She is the one who has shared with us the keys to the most suitable beds for our dogs, depending on their size and physical condition, a subject that she knows thoroughly thanks to her experience with her handsome dog, Bilbo, whose story we have already published.
A healthy adult dog sleeps, or should sleep, between 12 and 18 hours a day. If it is also a very young, large breed or geriatric dog, even more so.
That's a long time, right? Don't you think that since our dogs spend so much time resting or sleeping, where they do it is really important?
Ideally, each dog should have at least two beds or resting places and that they can choose which one they want to sleep on at any time.
This is something that in each house is different, there are dogs that can use the beds and sofas in the house and there are dogs that cannot. In the event that they do have the beds and sofas in the house, with one more mattress or bed, it would be enough. If not, your thing is to have at least one place like a blanket or rug, which is cooler, and a mat, more comfortable, fluffy and warm. Also, most small and medium-sized dogs love high-edged beds, to lean on and feel more sheltered.
Having one of each would be perfect. The thickness should be appropriate for the weight of our dog, otherwise it is as if they were sleeping on the floor.
One very important thing when choosing Pet Bedding Store is that they are of a suitable size for our dog, that is, the dog must fit on the bed lying on its side fully stretched out.
If you are not sure of the size, it is always better to go from large to small. If we have any doubts about it, we just have to put ourselves in their place; How are we most comfortable? In a big bed in which we can sleep stretched out and change our posture or in one in which we have to sleep hunched over or in which our feet dangle?
Read also: 7 tips to choose the best bed for your dog or cat
And what happens if our puppy is geriatric or has osteoarthritis, back pain, dysplasia or any other joint problem? Well, the same idea of at least two resting places is still applied, much better if there are three, only that in this case, one of the two or three should be an orthopedic mattress.
What is special about them and how do they help this type of mattress? Are they really worth it? Because they are quite expensive….
Well, in parts; What is special about them is that they are made with materials that adjust to the shape, size and weight of our dog and keep their body in a balanced position.
They promote proper blood circulation, relieving pressure points, postural overloads and therefore minimize muscle and joint pain. There are also orthopedic mattresses that maintain a warm temperature, which is very beneficial for dogs with osteoarthritis problems and muscle pain.
Is an orthopedic mattress really worth it? Without a doubt, yes, it is worth it.
A bed of this type helps our dog to have a better quality of life, provides him with better rest and a better recovery if one day he is somewhat more sore or has made a bad gesture.
In the medium to long term, such a bed will mean less anti-inflammatory drugs, fewer visits to the vet, a dog with less pain, greater mobility, better mood, more rested and more balanced in general.
Personally and professionally, I believe that a mattress of this type should be a priority for any owner of a dog with these characteristics.
I would also recommend this type of bed to all large and giant breed dogs as they have a great chance of developing over time, joint problems such as hip, elbow, or knee dysplasia. And to dogs whose breeds have a genetic predisposition to suffer from joint problems. In these cases, adequate and quality rest can delay the appearance and minimize the symptoms of this type of pathology.
Today there are already many brands and many manufacturers of orthopedic mattresses; there is even the possibility of making them to measure. I am not going to recommend any specific brand but when choosing it I would take into account the following:
- That they have an appropriate size. That the dog can lie on its side fully stretched out.
- That the height adapts to the dog. Do not choose very high dog bed mattress for dogs with reduced mobility, balance problems or fearful ones.
- If the dog has osteoarthritis or muscle pain, those that also maintain the temperature are more interesting.
- In the case of dogs that have very reduced mobility and are prostrated for many hours in a row in the beds, it is advisable to add anti-deceits, breathable and antibacterial mat.
Choosing a good bed or mat is important for the health of our dog, such as a good diet, balanced social relationships or adequate exercise. It is a key element in having a healthy, relaxed and fit dog.
Read also: HOW TO CHOOSE A DOG BED? - STEP BY STEP GUIDE
