Five reasons to invest in a good dog bed.

Unlike humans, dogs are unlikely to pick a bed based on whether they prefer a firm mattress or soft one.

That’s right, your dog really isn’t thinking about whether that pricey memory foam dog bed you’ve just purchased is going to stop his joints aching in the morning (in fact he’ll probably just want to hop in yours!).

Even so, it is important your dog has access to a dog bed that offers warmth, cosiness and support. A good quality bed can contribute to your dog’s overall health and well-being and a well-rested dog is a happy one.

Your dog deserves a good night’s sleep just as much as we do and here are five reasons why investing in a good dog bed will benefit you both.

1. Dogs (and owners) will get a better sleep
Having your dog sleep in your bed might seem like precious bonding time but it can lead to both of you not getting an adequate amount of sleep. Like humans, dogs need a good night’s sleep to be fully rested and restored. Quality sleep helps to improve memory, boosts health and can even make your dog smarter (we all know how poorly we function after a bad sleep).

This is particularly important for our pups, older dogs and larger breeds. For pups, they need the extra energy for learning all of those new commands! Older dogs and larger breeds need more sleep and better joint support.

To help your dog get the quality sleep and support they need, invest in a good quality dog bed that caters to their needs.

2.Beds offer a safe retreat
Dogs love to be with their humans, just as humans love to be with their dogs. But there are still times where your dog might want to just get away from it all (lets be honest, we all know that feeling).

Busy times of the year like birthdays, Halloween and Christmas can leave your dog feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and anxious. Having a well-sized comfy bed that can be placed away from it all can provide your dog with safe retreat away from the hustle and bustle.

3.Easily clean your dog bed
Okay, okay… your dog isn’t going to be as big a fan of fresh bedding as you are (or maybe they will?). But your dog should have a clean space to sleep in. Dogs trap a lot more dirt than you, malt more hair than you and there is also more of a chance of them pesky fleas making an unwanted appearance than you (we hope).

Having a dog bed with a cover that is machine washable and dryable can help you stay on top of this. This can be particularly helpful for pups who aren’t toilet trained or older dogs with a leaky bum.

4.Help with joint support
This one is particularly important for dogs with age-related health issues. Like humans, as dogs grow older, they can develop issues such as arthritis or problems in their joints.

A supportive dog bed can help relieve these issues allowing your dog to get a good night sleep. It can also help puppies who are still developing their joints.

5.Protect your furniture
You may have noticed that your dog will start to dig out and scratch the surface of where he plans to sleep. This is an instinctive behaviour: your dog’s ancestors would have burrowed as a way of protecting themselves against their environment, particularly against cold and wet weather.

Now, as much of an ‘aww’ moment that may be, it isn’t so cute when your dog is getting down deep into your expensive rug, layering it in fur and dander in the process. Having a cosy dog bed that is even more appealing than your couch will keep you both happy and your furniture protected!

How do I choose the right dog bed for my dog?
You’ll find that your dog sleeps in all sorts of positions. They might be stretched out, on their back, or curled up in a ball. It is important you get a bed that is a suitable size for your dog when he is stretched out. We wouldn’t feel comfortable with our joints hanging over the mattress, and neither do dogs!

Lok for beds with sides which allow will allow your dog to get cosy and stay warm. This can protect them from draughts and keep them warm in the winter months. A flat mattress style dog bed may be more suitable in for hot weather.

Because your dog is likely to burrow and scratch the bed as he settles down, it is helpful to get a dog bed made with durable material. Look for dog beds with machine washable materials so you can keep your dog’s bed clean.

As for where to keep your dog’s bed – this is personal preference! Just make sure it is warm and draught-free. You could even have one bed placed in a quiet retreat and another placed in the family room.

Help your dog live their best life!