How To Pick The Right Dog Bed

There can be a lot of choices when it comes to which dog bed to get for your pup. Just like humans, pets prefer certain bed types over others. Some dogs might love a classic square dog bed, where others will scoff and turn their nose up at it (it's true- we've seen it). Others might love a snuggly, burrow/nest type dog bed, but that might not be the right fit for your dog in particular.

This may seem hard at first, but your pet is probably giving you more clues than you think as to which beds they'd like best. We'll help you breakdown their behavior to reveal what mattress is the best fit for their lifestyle. Now bear in mind, this will involve some looking at dogs (we know this will be hard, but we believe in you) and assessing their sleeping positions. 

1. Fitting Your Dog's Bed To It's Sleep Style

Have you ever noticed that your dog will sleep curled all tight in a ball? What about sprawled out as if they must claim all the space in the world? This guide can help point you in the direction of the style of bed to purchase, depending on which way your pal likes to snooze.

The Curled-Up Pups

A pup that likes to curl up nice and tight will benefit from a donut bed or something with a corner to snuggle into. The best choice for dogs who love a snuggly nest would be our Calming Cuddler Donut Bed!

The Sleepy Sprawlers

A sprawler would prefer a bed with room to spare for them to stretch and spread out as as they snooze. If your dog loves some space to sleep, you might want to try our Ultra Plush Deluxe Mattress Dog Bed!

Bolster Beds For The Leaners 

Another group to consider is the Leaners. We're talking about the dogs that always have to perch their chins up on whatever is nearest. We've found the best solution to keep that noggin supported are beds with bolsters- like our Deluxe Chaise Lounge Dog Bed! This one has bolsters that are soft on snouts, and will keep your pup's head supported while they dream of tomorrow. 

2. Self-Warming or Cooling Dog Beds

Some dogs have such thick fur that they can overheat easily, while others have thin short fur which helps them regulate their temperature. Both of these are important to think of when choosing your bed. A husky might not enjoy a cave bed as much as a short haired dog because it might be too warm and vice versa!

Cooling down...

If your dog is consistently seeking out the cold, hard floor, consider getting a bed with a cooling gel layer, like this Indoor/Outdoor Oxford Dog Bed!

...or warming up

If your companion is always searching for a warm spot to snooze in, consider a bed with insulating fiber that will reflect their natural body heat. FurHaven has a Snuggery Bed with Faux Sheepskin that does great with keeping our puppy pals warm- so great, in fact, that Wirecutter put it on their list of the Top 18 Best Dog Gifts!

3. Age and Activity Level 

As hard as it can be to admit, dogs age faster than us. With older age comes issues like arthritis and hip dysplasia. You can learn more about senior dogs, as well as what hip dysplasia is on our blog. 

Older dogs oftentimes need a firmer and thicker supporting mattress. When searching for a bed, consider purchasing one that's made with orthopedic foam to help soothe joints and ease pressure points- like this Diamond Print Nest-Top Sofa Bed. It comes with the selectable option for orthopedic foams, which your dog is sure to appreciate!

4. The Best Dog Beds To Match Home Decor 

Although this purchase is made for your companion, it is important that you like it, too! Whatever your aesthetic is, you're sure to find a dog bed that matches it. We actually have a quiz designed for helping you pick the best dog bed- check it out!

We have a few unique options, but one of our favorites is the Dreamer Corduroy Bed- a fun cave style bed with a nautical sailing theme. 

We also have some fun patterned beds, like the Southwest Kilim- a fun sofa bed featuring several patterns that are sure to spruce up the decor in whatever room you choose!

Keeping all of these tips in mind should help out when you're trying to decide the best dog bed to get for your dog. We all want to make sure that our pet pals are getting the best sleep possible, and getting one for your furry friend should be a breeze if you follow this guide. Happy dreaming!