How To Choose the Best Bed for Your Pet
This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian,
Every pet deserves a cosy bed to snooze in at the end of a long day, but how do you know which style will be most comfortable and best suit your pet's unique paw-sonality?
Our Vet Squad are here to help and have done all the hard work for you! Answer all your bed related questions and find the perfect bed for your dog or cat.
Contents:
- What type of bed is best?
- How to choose the right sized bed
- How to clean a pet bed
- Bedding accessories
What type of bed is best?
With so many different styles of pet beds available it is difficult to know which bed is right for your pet. Factors such as where your pet sleeps, their sleep style and current age affect the type of bed that they will be most comfortable in. See the different types of beds below to pick the perfect bed for your pet.
Bolster beds
Unless you plan on sharing a couch or bed with your furry companion, a comfortable indoor bed is a must!
Bolster style beds are perfect for indoor use and are designed with a comfy cushion base surrounded by raised sides, perfect for pets that love to curl up to sleep. These beds are super snuggly, encasing your pet in a soft cushy hug!
Hideaways and igloo beds
If you have a kitty or pint-sized pooch that is always looking for a cosy nook to catch some z's, a hideaway or igloo bed may be just what they are looking for. Perfect during colder weather, these beds are designed to trap your pet's body warmth, keeping them toasty warm inside.
Cats especially love hiding away to sleep, making this type of bed the perfect addition to any cat household.
Cushion beds
For larger dogs and those that like to stretch out to sleep, cushion or mat style bed are a great choice. These beds are often made from a supportive foam material with a soft and comfortable outer cover, and are the perfect addition to a crate.
For older pets and those that suffer from arthritis, cushion beds are great for two reasons - not only do they offer extra padding to help support stiff and painful joints, but they are usually lower to the ground, making it easier to pets to get up and down.
Elevated beds
Elevated style beds are a great option for dogs and cats of all shapes and sizes. The raised sleeping platform allows air to circulate underneath to keep your pet cool and well ventilated during summer. Perfect for outdoor dogs or those pets who like to stretch out when they sleep.
Often made from mesh-like material, these beds have been referred to as 'anti-flea', as fleas don't tend to lay eggs in their material (they prefer cushions, carpet, or blankets). These beds also tend to be less dusty, which is great for pets with potential allergies.
During winter try a cushioned elevated bed, or simply add a soft mat or fluffy cover to help keep your pet warm and cosy.
Heated and self warming beds
For pets that feel the cold or suffer from aching joints and arthritis, a heated or self warming bed is perfect during winter to keep them warm and comfortable.
Cats are especially fond of seeking out warm places to sleep and love nothing more than curling up on their owners lap or in their bed. Providing them with a heated or self warming bed ensures that they will always sleep in comfort, even when you can't be home to be their personal hot water bottle!
Kennels
It is important to provide a kennel for any outdoor dog. They offer protection from the elements, and ensure your dog is always cosy, warm and dry, no matter what the weather! Options are available made of canvas, plastic, or timber.
A cabana house is an excellent lightweight and portable option that is perfect for camping too! Ensure your dog's kennel is extra cosy and inviting with the addition of a soft mat or cover.
How to choose the right sized bed
Pictured: Petkit Deep Sleep Mattress Bed
To choose the right size bed for your dog or cat, wait until they are sleeping comfortably and grab a tape measure.
For dogs, measure out a rectangle around the area that they are sleeping, adding an extra 30cm or so to the length and width to ensure that they will have plenty of room to stretch out and move around.
For cats, measure from their head to the base of the tail and then allow an extra 10cms to ensure you give them plenty of stretching and grooming space. Both favourite bedtime routines for any cat.
If your pet measures between sizes for your chosen bed, it is always better to go to the next size up.
Remember: If you have a new puppy or kitten, allow plenty of growing room when choosing a bed size.
How to clean a pet bed
Over time all pet beds start to smell. Choosing a bed that is easy to wash is a must to keep your pet clean and odour free.
Beds with zippable covers and removable inserts are ideal for popping straight into the washing machine. For beds that do not have removable covers, it is best to follow washing instructions and allow to dry thoroughly in the sun to prevent any mould. Try using a lint roller on your pet's bed between cleans or before popping in the washing machine to remove surplus hair. If your pet has sensitive skin, ensure you use a mild detergents to prevent allergies.
A spare cover or bed can be good to have on hand for when their regular bed is unavailable.
Bedding accessories
If you're looking to keep your pet cosy during the cold winter months, a soft, fluffy blanket (or plush cover for outdoor beds) are an excellent way to provide extra warmth. Coats and pyjamas are a cute addition to help short coat breeds stay warm during cold winter nights. Adding a soft toy or pillow to cuddle up to can add an extra dimension of comfort to give your fur baby the best possible night's sleep.
For new puppies or older pets that suffer from incontinence, reuseable pee pad or Dundies will help keep your dog and their bed fresh all night long.
Not only will choosing the right bedding for your pet ensure that they have a comfortable and appealing place to rest all year round, it also means that there will be more room on the couch for the human members of your family! With beds in a huge range of styles, colours and sizes, you're sure to be able to find an option to suit your fur baby's individual sleeping style and paw-sonality.
Further Reading
Premium pet food: Is it worth it?
Your guide to fleas, ticks and worms
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips from our expert Vets on keeping your pets happy and healthy.