Top Things To Consider When Buying a Dog Bed

Your dog is a unique member of your family. Each dog has their own extraordinary personality, quirks, and preferences. There is genuinely no one-size-fits-all way to keep your pup comfortable in your home—especially when each breed is so different. No matter your situation or your pup’s needs, there is a bed out there that is right for them. Before you set out on your dog bed buying journey, first check out the top things to consider when buying a dog bed.

Dog Size

A primary factor to consider when you want to purchase a dog bed for your furry friend is your dog’s size. The owner of a Yorkie and the owner of a Husky likely need to buy different-sized beds for each of their dogs. Getting too big of a bed for your pet may intimidate them or lead to them using the bed for playtime. Getting too small of a bed is not comfortable and may take a toll on your pet’s willingness to sleep in the bed.

Consider your pet’s size when searching for the perfect dog bed. Below is a basic size guide. Measurements are from the tip of the dog’s nose to the start of their tail or rump.

• Up to 25 inches: small
• Between 26 and 35 inches: medium
• Between 36 and 40 inches: large
• Between 41 and 55 inches: extra large
• Between 55 and 70 inches: extra extra large

If your dog is significantly smaller than 25 inches long or larger than 70 inches long, fear not! Gorilla Dog Beds offers custom sizing for your extra special pet.

Chewer or Non-Chewer?

The next thing to consider is whether your dog is a chewer. Most dogs, especially puppies, chew on many things. Every dog is different, and while some breeds tend to chew more than others overall, you know your dog best. If they have a tendency to destroy shoes or go through stuffed animals at a rapid rate, you likely have a severe chewer on your hands.

There is nothing wrong with dogs who enjoy chewing on things; it simply makes the bed buying experience a bit more stressful for owners. Most owners of heavy-chewing dogs know the struggle of buying their beloved pet a new bed only to watch them devour it mere hours later.

Whether or not your dog has an affinity for chewing, investing in a chew-proof dog bed is a great decision. With a chew-proof dog bed, you no longer need to worry about its potential destruction.

Age

Age is another vital thing to think about when purchasing a bed for your dog. Much like humans, as dogs age, their comfort needs change. They may have trouble getting up or get joint pain. The same bed they loved when they were two may not work for them the way it used to.

If you have an aging dog or a dog with known joint pain, circulation issues, or trouble sleeping on a regular dog bed, investing in an orthopedic bed might help them get comfortable. It is difficult to sleep soundly with pain and discomfort. An elderly dog may sleep better and feel better during the day with a mattress that supports their weight.

Location of the Bed

Something many dog owners forget to consider is location. Where your dog sleeps informs what type of mattress they need. If you put your dog’s bed on the floor, a thicker mattress may be the best choice. If your dog sleeps in a crate, then a traditional dog bed might not be the best option. Investing in a crate pad instead may benefit your dog.

A crate pad is ideal for dogs that enjoy spending time in their kennels. Many pups prefer kennel sleeping because the enclosed space adds a layer of safety, allowing them to relax and wind down for the day. Many crate pads are thin and easy to chew through, but with a Gorilla Dog Bed crate pad, you get a comfortable bed that supports your dog’s weight while keeping them comfy.

Hair Type and Drool

The type of hair your dog has is another factor in deciding which bed is the right fit for them. If your furry friend is a heavy shedder, you know the struggle of constantly de-furring every surface of your home. Your dog’s bed is often the place with the most accumulated fur because of how much time they spend lying and rolling around on it.

Washability is vital, so look for a bed with an easy-to-remove cover. This makes cleaning day much more manageable and reduces stress substantially.

Washability and water-resistance are also vital factors if you have a dog who constantly drools. Many breeds tend to drool, and this can really accumulate into puddles during the nighttime. If you have a drooler, a water-resistant liner with mildew and mold-resistant features is a must.

Pet Comfort Preferences

Just like people, each dog likes different feels and surfaces. Some dogs love a giant, squishy bed, while others sleep better on an appropriately sized, supportive mattress. Pay attention to the surfaces to which your pet seems to gravitate. Do they love your memory foam bed? Do they prefer to lay on old, lumpy pillows? Every dog is unique. You can get a bed with mostly base, supportive foam, or a more memory foam type mattress. Both options will support your pup and keep them comfy without the foam flattening.

An excellent rule of thumb is that younger pups tend to prefer memory foam, while aging dogs may enjoy the support of thick orthopedic foam.

While these are the top things to consider when buying a dog bed, there are many other vital factors. Your dog is unique, and you know them better than anyone else does. Investing in the perfect bed for your pup is an important decision. Contact Gorilla Dog Beds today for more information and learn more about which bed suits your dog best. All our chew-proof dog beds come with a 125-day chew-proof guarantee. They are machine washable, luxurious, breathable, mildew, mold, and odor-resistant, and customizable for your furry friend.