How does choosing the wrong bed harm your dog's health?

There’s nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than a good night’s sleep, not just for humans but for dogs too. Dogs sleep between 12 and 18 hours a day, depending on their age, so they need a comfortable bed to relax and rest, just like you.

While you may occasionally or frequently find your “pup” snuggled up next to you at night, dogs need to have their own bed! And even when you’re not around, they can relax in a spot just for them. And if your dog doesn’t usually sleep on your bed/couch, it’s even more important that they have a cozy space to sleep in that isn’t the floor.

A good bed provides your dog with a space that is not only comfortable but also supportive. Think about how you sleep best? Don’t you feel better in a comfortable bed with your head resting on a soft, fluffy pillow like a cloud? There are a variety of options that make for a good dog bed that you should consider when purchasing a new bed for your furry friend.

A good dog bed supports joints

As dogs age, they can develop issues like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint problems. To help with these issues, a supportive dog bed is essential to protect your dog’s body and alleviate the pain associated with age-related health issues. A comfortable dog bed also supports your dog’s developing joints, ensuring a good night’s rest.

Joint disease in dogs (especially large breed dogs) is an extremely common and painful condition, but studies show that a suitable bed can alleviate symptoms and serve as a preventative measure.

 Good beds ensure better sleep

Dogs, like people, need good quality sleep to stay healthy. Not only that, but a good night's sleep improves your dog's memory and may even make your dog smarter, according to a study published in a 2017 issue of Scientific Reports . That's because when dogs learn new commands, they tend to learn them better by repeating those commands when they get adequate sleep. After all, just like us, when dogs get better rest, they have more energy to dedicate to learning.

Just like people, dogs need a good night’s rest to stay healthy. This is especially important for older dogs and larger breeds who need a little more sleep than their smaller, younger friends. A cozy bed that cushions their bodies encourages dogs to sleep, and stay asleep all night!

The dog needs a place to relax, just for him!

A cozy dog ​​bed should be an oasis for your dog, away from the hustle and bustle of the house. Dogs are pets, and they like to have a place where they can relax and feel safe at home. It is a place where dogs can own their “domain”. The rest of the house usually belongs to humans, and a dog can sometimes feel like a “second-class citizen”. However, if he has a bed (his space), he will always have a place where he can retreat and relax when he needs some alone time, away from the hustle and bustle of the family. Plus, providing your dog with a place to sleep/relax will prevent him from sleeping where you don’t want him to.

What is the best place to put your dog's bed?

Place the bed somewhere warm and draft-free, and if possible, offer more options. Place one bed in a quiet area of ​​the house where the dog can rest peacefully, and another bed in the area of ​​the house where the family spends most of their time so that the dog can be with you while relaxing in a comfortable place .

Encourage your dog to sleep in his own bed

Sometimes it’s comforting to have your dog curled up next to you in bed. But it can often be disruptive to your sleep when he constantly moves to change positions or even takes up all the space in the bed to stretch out.

It’s great that your dog shares your bedroom, but it’s even better that he has a cozy bed to sleep in that’s away from your bed. In fact, a study published in the 2017 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that sleeping with a dog in the bedroom improved sleep, but sleeping in bed with you didn’t.

The way to make your bed and its wonderful pillows less appealing to your dog is to get a comfortable bed just for him.

You could even try placing multiple beds in different places around the house for your dog. This will encourage your dog to choose these beds over your bed or couch, which will also result in less hair to clean up on your furniture.

Now that you know what harms your dog's health and sleep, learn how to choose the ideal bed for him!

Criteria to consider when choosing a bed for your dog