Choosing the Right Bedding for Your Dog

Beds: some people can’t get enough of them! There’s nothing quite like slipping into a cozy pair of sheets at the end of a long, hard day — or, when occasions permit, right in the middle of one.

Every person has a bed, but what about every dog? Many pet owners neglect to give their canine companion their own cushion, often for a variety of good reasons.

For one, many dogs don’t actually care for the (often expensive) beds their owners go out and buy for them, opting instead to lay on the floor or furniture. Others assume, in the same vein, that their dog is perfectly content without having a designated bed.

The truth is that there’s the right bed out there, even for the most finicky (or couch potato-y) of dogs. What matters is that you’re able to take their needs and preferences into consideration before you buy.

The Right Size to Get Cozy

Unless your dog is really into balling up in tight spots, you’ll want a bed big enough to accommodate their size when fully sprawled out — and then some.

“Measure your dog from nose to tail, then add 6-12 inches to determine the size of the bed your dog needs,” recommends boutique pet retailer The Natural Dog. They also note that “it’s better to choose a larger bed than a smaller one because your dog needs enough room to turn around, stretch, and curl up.”

If your dog is on the medium to large side and loves to stretch out as looooong as possible, then you may want to opt for something much larger than their size when standing. On the other hand, if they tend to tuck up, a bed that fits them just right will be better enjoyed.

Shape and Features

Another key consideration in choosing dog bedding is the type of snoozer your dog is. Some dogs like balling up to stay warm, while others prefer laying on their side or belly.

Still, others prefer sprawling out, nearly taking up an entire human bed no matter how petite they seem normally (feel free to look sternly at your own dog right now if that sounds familiar).

The shape of a bed can either accommodate or work against their napping preferences.

• Oval-shaped beds tend to offer good surfaces for dogs that sleep compact, with the added bonus of usually having supportive walls to lay against or bolster their side.
• Box-shaped beds are usually on the larger side, and they have lots of structure and padding for dogs that like to lay their head on something, as well as those that tend to switch between all the positions as they lounge.
• Square, flat beds are a great choice for larger dogs that love to sprawl. An added bonus is that these are easy to store under furniture or under your actual bed and that they can accommodate multiple animals if they all enjoy snuggling together.
• Raised platform, cot-style beds are among the most durable types, and they’re perfect for bigger dogs that tend to get overheated, like huskies. They’re typically made out of a sturdy metal frame with heavy-duty canvas or nylon mesh acting like a canopy to support them. These beds allow air to circulate between the dog and the ground, too, making them ideal for pooches that tend to run hot.
• Compact nest or cave-style beds can accommodate smaller dogs as well as those on the smaller side who like to ball up or feel safe and cozy. These also tend to come in cute shapes, like an igloo or tent.

You may also want to look into certain dog bed features, such as a removable pillow top, adjustable side supports, or a detachable canopy. These can add versatility to the bed to help your pup enjoy it through all seasons and moods.

Consider Climate and Your Dog’s Typical Temperature

Some dogs get chilly easily, whereas others tend to get hot and splay. Consider their needs when shopping for the right bedding for dogs.

Smaller, more compact beds tend to hold heat in. This feature makes them ideal for frigid winters in Mechanicsburg. On the other hand, some dogs can get hot more quickly, making beds with lighter materials and a larger floor footprint better for them.

There are even cooling pads just for dogs, especially when its been hot out or they’ve recently enjoyed a bout of exercise.

Pick Something Ideal for Its Location in the Home

Where do you intend to leave your dog’s bed? Will it be in a secluded room where Rover can get some privacy?

Or will it be right there in the living room, alongside the couch, so your dog and the rest of the family can binge their favorite shows together?

The intended location can greatly affect the ideal size and shape of the bed. Beds left in the open or carted from room to room may be better off if they’re lightweight and not as likely to be tripped over.

Beds with more structure, such as cave beds or box beds, tend to work better when they can be tucked into an out-of-the-way corner or left in a room that has less foot traffic. You can even purchase rugged beds that can be brought outdoors, including travel dog beds for trips and camping.

And, of course, there’s always aesthetics to consider: you may want a nicer-looking bed if it’s going to become a permanent fixture of a room where guests frequent.

Make Washability a Top Priority

Dog beds should be washed every 1–2 weeks. Wait any longer, and you not only risk strong smells but also excess dirt, grime, hair, and the bacteria that can come with it.

Just as importantly, clean bedding is a better insulator, keeping your dog warm or cool, depending on the season. While they may not seem like the most hygienic of creatures, they always seem to know when there’s fresh bedding around!

To make your life easier — and more sanitary — look for a bed that has a removable cover. This feature makes washing the part that’s most likely to get soiled infinitely easier.

You can also always wash the padding, too, but make sure to follow care instructions to avoid permanently warping or damaging it.

Carefully Balance Quality vs Your Budget

If you’re already in the market for a dog bed, you may have noticed that they aren’t cheap!

Some can run into the hundreds of dollars. Others still seem pricey, given their build quality and where you’re purchasing them, often costing $40 or more for something that seems like more of a novelty than a piece of pet furniture.

The only way to know for sure that you’re spending the right amount is to put in the research. Look up reputable reviews from neutral, experienced outlets, such as this list of the best dog beds from New York Magazine.

Often, you’ll find with these lists that high-dollar looks or fancy branding doesn’t necessarily make a better product. Some dog beds will fall apart within weeks — making them a bad deal, at any price.

Others are extremely nice but not really worth the extra cost. 

Be sure to read product reviews for any model you are considering, and look for red flags that it may not be a real review, such as glaring spelling or grammar issues. You can also look to forums like Reddit, which are happy to offer opinions on which dog beds met with both human and canine approval.

No matter what bed you want, be prepared to shell out a bit for something that lasts.

“Expect to spend $35-$150 on a quality dog bed, or more depending on the design,” writes WebMD Pets. “Think of it as an investment into your pup’s long-term comfort, sense of security, and sense of home.”

You may want to spend even more if you have a larger dog or a dog that tends to chew, as you want to be sure that the bed will continue to be usable for a few years at a time.

Pets Get the Five-Star Dog Boarding Treatment at Greenlin West in Mechanicsburg

No matter how pampered your pup is, Greenlin Pet Resorts strives to meet its high standards. When you come to us for a dog boarding stay in Mechanicsburg, you can know with confidence that each dog gets their own roomy accommodations.

Bedding is laundered fresh, daily, and dogs can even enjoy high-end creature comforts, like fresh-baked dog treats. You can even add dog daycare to their stay for some more rigorous activities or enlist them in our lodge and learn program to combine training and boarding in one.

When you come to pick up your precious furry family member, they can come back to you fresh and squeaky clean, thanks to our professional dog-bathing services.

Our staff always go above and beyond to keep our discerning guests happy! Come find out why we’re a local favorite — for both pooches and people — when you call our Greenlin West location in Mechanicsburg at (717) 766-8622 or contact us online to learn more about our services.