If you’re searching for the finest dog bed for your best four-legged friend, here’s everything you need to keep in mind.
Firmness
Though you don’t want a bed that’s hard as a rock, you should look for one that’s supportive enough — especially if you have an older dog, or a pet with arthritis. A top layer of support or softer foam is always a plus, as long as the base of the bed is sturdy and supportive enough. If you have an older dog, you don’t want a fluffy bed that they can sink into. A fluffier bed is more suitable for puppies and younger dogs.
Material
The material used in a dog bed determines the price, firmness, durability and overall look of the bed. If you’re looking for a cheaper bed, one made of polyester is the way to go. It might not look as nice as others, but it’s affordable and fluffy. Dog beds made with foam are good for pressure-relief and often last longer than those stuffed with various fillings.
Size and shape
Your dog’s size and sleeping position helps determine which dog bed is best. My black lab, Louie, weighs about 75 pounds, and he requires a dog bed that’s long and wide enough, because he likes to sleep on his stomach, with all four paws stretched out. Large, rectangular beds are best for dogs like him. If you have a smaller dog that likes to sleep in a donut position, then a small, disclike bed may be a great fit.
Budget
When shopping for the best dog bed, stick to your budget. Some beds out there can get way too expensive — and if your young dog normally sleeps on the hard floor and doesn’t have any arthritis issues, there’s no need to get a pricey bed. Amazon has lots of great-value dog beds, such as the Lesure calming bed and the Bedsure dog bed.
