How Your Dog’s Bed Can Impact Their Level of Anxiety

Posted on March 9, 2022 by paigepesko

Despite their wiggly tail and cute face, a dog in a panic is not something you’ll want to see. Like people, dogs experience anxiety. Stress and fear, physical symptoms like pain and fatigue, and even their beds may directly affect their anxiety levels. This blog post will mainly concentrate on how your dog’s bed can impact their level of anxiety and what you can do about it.

Anxiety in Dogs

Anxiety occurs when a dog experiences stress or fear. If your dog is anxious, you’ll notice them panting, shaking, and drooling. Your dog may also be unable to sleep well or eat much either. Anxiety can even lead to physical reactions, such as vomiting and diarrhea in some cases. Anxious dogs will cry out for no reason and cower when approached by their owners.

If your dog is anxious, you shouldn’t attempt to comfort them. Your pup will likely snap or bite in defense. Instead, try investing in some training so that the problem doesn’t get worse over time.

How Does a Dog Bed Impact Anxiety?

Imagine sleeping on a hard floor every night. It’s uncomfortable, and you ache when you wake up in the morning. You’d likely purchase a mattress so that you could ease your daily discomfort. Dogs are no different, and a dog bed has the same effect as a person’s bed.

Stress, fear, pain, or fatigue will often contribute to a dog’s anxiety. Because of this, your dog’s sleep environment can harm their anxiety levels. A bad-quality bed will exacerbate the negative feelings they already experience because it’ll amplify their discomfort.

A poor-quality dog bed is also more likely to harbor dirt and hair, which can irritate your dog’s skin. An irritated dog will feel itchy, causing them to scratch excessively. This will create even more problems.

What To Look For in a Dog Bed

First is the material. There are many different materials in pet beds today, from cotton to memory foam and more. Your best bet is to get a bed made of orthopedic foam, which offers support and comfort. This bed type can reduce pressure on joints while still providing softness and comfort.

Chewproof dog beds are also an excellent choice. When they’re anxious, dogs will often chew or scratch to release some of their frustration. Chewproof beds are durable, so they won’t wear down when your dog gets stressed.

There are also cooling options available in dog beds. If you live in a hot area, this can be very helpful for keeping your pup comfortable through the summer months.

Dogs love us wholeheartedly, and they deserve care in return. Now that you know how your dog’s bed can impact their level of anxiety, you can make an informed decision when buying a dog bed. The wrong kind of bed can exacerbate an existing anxiety problem. However, the right one will support your dog’s mental well-being. With the right choices, you’ll have a healthier, happier dog that’s less likely to suffer from stress and anxiety.