Does Your Dog Need a Bed?

Did you know that dogs usually sleep for 10-16 hours every day? Sleep plays a vital role in your dog’s health and well-being. In order to ensure your pooch gets a good night’s sleep, he needs a soft and comfortable bed that he can call his own. Moreover, a dog bed will prevent him from climbing up on your furniture for a nap.

Make sure to consistently train your furry friend to sleep on his bed from an early age so he gets used to it.

Different Kinds of Beds

When selecting a bed, keep factors such as type, size, build, shape, etc., in mind. Here are the different kinds of beds you can consider buying:

  • Flat pads or mats
  • Raised beds
  • Covered beds
  • Heated beds
  • Cuddler beds
  • Nesting beds
  • Donut-shaped beds
  • Bolsters
  • Waterproof beds
  • Homemade beds
  • Orthopedic Beds

Importance of a Dog Bed

Dogs are always searching for a comfortable spot to take a nap. If you don’t have a dog bed at your place, your pooch may gather laundry or blankets to create a cozy zone. Alternatively, he may snuggle on your sofa or on your bed. Here is why it is important to have a bed for your dog:

1. Sound Sleep

A designated napping space for your dog enables him to enjoy good quality sleep, leading to improved health. Studies show that getting enough rest at night can also enhance a dog’s memory, enabling him to remember new commands.

It is important to understand that there is a direct link between health and sleep. Larger and older dogs typically require more snooze time than their younger counterparts. Therefore, you need to buy the right bed for him.

2. Sense of Ownership and Security

A dog bed is your dog’s personal space where he can relax. However, make sure the bed is large enough for your furry friend to stretch his legs, especially when he is tired. He is likely to find comfort in his bed whenever he is feeling stressed.

If your pooch suffers from separation anxiety when you leave the house for a while,  his bed will be a source of security to him. It will prevent him from indulging in destructive behavior, such as damaging your slippers or the television remote.

3. Cleanliness

Making your pet sleep on the floor is not a good idea. Not only is it uncomfortable for him but also unhygienic. Your dog may end up collecting bacteria from the floor and passing them on to your furniture.

When your pooch will has his own bed, it will minimize the time he spends on your carpet or couch. All you would have to do is keep his bed clean. This is much more convenient as compared to cleaning all of your furniture using a hand-roller or vacuum.

Dogs tend to spend a considerable time outdoors and may bring in mud or fleas inside your home. Dog beds are generally easy to clean, allowing you to keep your house dirt-free.

There is no need to worry even if your dog gets into his bed dirty. Dog beds come with removable covers that you can easily toss into the laundry basket for a wash.

4. Health

Napping or sleeping on the floor may hurt your pet, especially if is he is older and weaker. Resting on a dog bed provides protection to your dog’s bones and joints.

Aging dogs need to be cared for just like older humans. As dogs grow older, they become more vulnerable to health issues like arthritis. If your dog has any ailment such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, sleeping on hard floors can be detrimental to his health. Consider buying an orthopedic bed to ease your pet’s discomfort if he is afflicted with a health condition or at risk of one.

Sleeping on the floor may also make their skin raw. Dog beds are crucial to providing your pet with a place to rest, nap and sleep.

5. Protection From Harsh Weather

Beds provide a snug spot for dogs during winters. Even if your dog can withstand cold temperatures, such as a Husky, providing him with a warm place to sleep is necessary.

Dogs do feel cold, which is why having them sleep on the floor during winters is not advisable. Dogs crave warmth and comfort while sleeping, and a bed is exactly what you need to help him sleep soundly.

There are different types of beds that you can choose to keep your pet cozy. Traditional beds, cuddler beds, self-heating beds, and electric beds are some of the best options for your pet during cold weather.

At the very basic, you can go for a traditional dog bed with around 4 inches of loft to keep your dog warm. A cuddler bed is another bed type you can select. They typically have a half-dome roof that can cover your pooch and keep him warm and toasty.

Self-heating beds are an even better option as they have a reflective metal film embedded in them that redirects your dog’s body heat back to him. They are a cost-effective option and don’t require electricity. If winters are exceptionally harsh where you live, consider buying an electric bed. It contains enclosed heating elements that radiate heat to keep your furry friend warm.

Dog beds are created to last long and provide your dog with the much needed comfort to sleep peacefully. Sleeping in a bed can improve your dog’s  health and offer him a safe zone that he can call his own. If you want to learn more about your dog’s different requirements, click here to explore our website.


by Maria A Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™

Facts About Animal Homelessness:

  1. Only 1 out of every 10 dogs born will find a permanent home.
  2. The main reasons animals are in shelters: owners give them up, or animal control finds them on the street.
  3. Each year, approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are killed every year because shelters are too full and there aren’t enough adoptive homes. Act as a publicist for your local shelter so pets can find homes. Sign up for Shelter Pet PR.
  4. Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.9 million are dogs and 3.4 million are cats.
  5. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2% of cats and only 15 to 20% of dogs are returned to their owners.
  6. 25% of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred.
  7. About twice as many animals enter shelters as strays compared to the number that are relinquished by their owners.
  8. It’s impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States. Estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million.
  9. Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. Overpopulation, due to owners letting their pets accidentally or intentionally reproduce, sees millions of these “excess” animals killed annually.
  10. Many strays are lost pets that were not kept properly indoors or provided with identification.
  11. According to The Humane Society, there are about 3,500 brick-and-mortar animal shelters in the US and 10,000 rescue groups and animal sanctuaries in North America.

Here are a some adoptions for consideration:  puccicafe.com/adoptions