Special Dog Beds For Seniors Or Dogs With Medical Needs
Orthopedic beds support old joints or very large dogs; they usually have medical-grade foam and/or box-spring construction.
Heated beds maintain body warmth. This can be beneficial for dogs who get cold easily or for dogs with arthritis that is worsened by the cold.
Travel beds with cat toys are portable, so your dog can have the security of the same bed every night while on the road. For dogs who suffer from anxiety in new places, this can help them relax and get some sleep.
Cot-style beds keep your dog off the ground and comfortably support joints by distributing the dog’s weight evenly. They are also usually fairly easy to transport.
What Is The Best Dog Bed For Your Dog?
There are so many dog beds and cat beds on the market. How do you pick the best one? There are many factors to take into consideration, including size, cost, comfort, your dog’s medical needs, convenience, and so much more.
You should do your research and consult your veterinarian about your pup’s needs before you make a decision. Here are several factors to consider when choosing the best dog toys bed:
A good fit. Beyond finding something within your budget, make sure your dog fits on the bed with pet toy; heads and limbs shouldn’t have to be hanging off the edge.
Easy washability. Dogs eat treats, vomit, pass gas, scratch fleas, and wipe ointment-filled eyes and ears on their beds. Some dogs urinate on them — so the ability to throw the bed into the washing machine is a big help, if not downright critical. Dogs with allergies will also benefit from having their bed washed frequently.
Safety. Place the bed away from high-traffic areas so no one trips on it or on the dog. If the dog chews it, then get rid of it — swallowing stuffing can lead to emergency surgery (and you thought the bed itself was expensive). Remove any buttons or ribbons the dog could chew, or look for “chew-proof” beds now available.
Stuffing that works for you and your dog. Young, warm, healthy dogs can usually get by with inexpensive foam filling, but your older or arthritic dog will probably prefer more comfort and support. Some orthopedic beds use foam because it’s thicker and of higher quality, so it doesn’t squash flat. Thick, flexible gel has recently become more common as a bed filling; it’s more comfortable than foam and distributes weight more evenly, making it excellent for geriatric dogs — but expensive. And some beds contain cedar chips to ward off pests and keep the bed smelling fresher than your dog.
The environment. Some of us are concerned about using materials that won’t harm the earth when we decide to replace, get rid of, or recycle a dog bed. You can check out eco-friendly dog beds if that’s something that factors into your decision.
Absorbent pads for dogs who wet the bed. Sick, incontinent, or geriatric dogs can benefit from washable or disposable absorbent pads (technically, you’re the one benefiting because you won’t have to wash the bed). Note: These flat pads won’t fit well in a nesting bed.