Did you know that 43% of dogs sleep in their owner's bed? 

While it can be fun to have your dog sleep with you, your furry friend needs its own dog bed to rest. 

But how do you know what to look for in a dog bed? How do you know your new pup will love it as much as you do?

It can be hard to read your dog's mind, so that's why we've gathered 7 tips for buying a dog bed. Follow our guide, and your dog will have the best night's sleep of its life!

Why Is Buying a Dog Bed Important?

You may think: why can't my dog just lie on my bed? Or on the couch? Why can't it just stay on the floor?

Here's the thing. Your dog is now a big part of your family, and they deserve their own personal space. Sometimes if dogs are nervous or overwhelmed, they need somewhere to go recoup and rest. 

A dog bed is like a dog's personal spot. This gives them a sense of security and comfort, and some dog beds may offer benefits that your bed or the couch don't.

You can love your dog well by giving them a spot that they can call their own. This is one of the many reasons why dog beds are important. 

1. Measurements

There are a few different measurements you will want to consider:

• The size of your dog
• The size of the place the bed will be in
• The size of the bed

These measurements will decide how big or small your bed is. You won't want to buy a bed that your dog won't fit in or drowns in. Beds for large dogs will be very different than beds for small dogs. 

By figuring out the size of your dog, you can calculate the maximum and minimum size necessary for the bed. 

Along with this, you must decide beforehand where you will put the bed and the measurements of the space. You don't want to buy a bed only to realize it doesn't fit in your home. 

Always take measurements before you buy; that way, you set yourself up for success.

2. Material

Depending on the climate of your area and the nature of your dog, you may want to settle on a particular material. 

While some dog beds may be lined with fleece, others may just have a cotton or silk cover. If your dog has a lot of hair, you may want to opt for a non-fleece option, so your pup doesn't get overheated. 

If your dog doesn't have a lot of hair, a fleece-lined bed may be perfect for them in the winter. 

3. Durability

Some dog beds will look worn out after only a few uses or can be easily torn to shreds. 

This is why it is important to choose a dog bed with good online customer reviews. This will ensure that you are picking a bed that will last you a while, and not just overnight. 

4. The Look

You will want to choose a dog bed that fits in well with the rest of your house. Think of the dog bed as an extra piece of furniture. The rest of your furniture blends in well with your home, so your dog bed should do the same. 

These are questions you should consider when thinking about the look of your dog bed:

• What color are my walls?
• What color is the furniture?
• Do I have carpet or hardwood flooring?
• Does my home look more rustic, modern, or minimalistic?

If you want your dog bed to blend in with your home, you will want to choose one that goes with your walls or furniture. You don't want a tacky-colored dog bed to throw off the appearance of your whole home.

So, choose something that fits your aesthetic. 

5. Health Needs

Considering your dog's health needs will be especially important as they grow older. If your dog has canine arthritis, you may want to opt for specially-made orthopedic beds. These will give more support and comfort to your dog when they are in pain.

If your dog has skin issues, you may want to choose a bed that is gentle on the fur and skin. Some beds may aggravate your dog if they are not gentle enough on the body. 

If your dog doesn't have any particular health needs, then it may be easier to choose. Still, you should regularly take your dog to the vet to ensure you are meeting all their needs properly. 

6. Easy Wash

If you neglect to wash your dog's bed, your precious pup will develop odors more easily. 

This is why it is important to find a bed that is easy to wash and won't get damaged in the process. You may find it helpful to choose a dog bed that has a removable cover, that way, you won't need to wash the whole bed as often. 

If you choose a bed that isn't very durable, it may become damaged and worn out after only a couple of washes.

Be sure to check the tags on your dog bed to find out the best way to wash it.

7. The Sleeping Position

The way your dog normally sleeps can be a big deciding factor in your dog bed. Do they curl up? Do they layout on their back? Do they lie sideways? The types of dog beds you want will depend on the sleeping position of your pup. 

A bolstered dog bed may be perfect if you have a nervous dog that likes to lie on its stomach. This will give it lots of security and support.

If you have a dog that likes to lay flat out on its side, a flat wool dog bed may be a better option. This will give the dog more room to stretch out.

There are many options when it comes to dog beds, but the one you choose will ultimately depend on who your dog is.

What Now?

Buying a dog bed is extremely important for the health and happiness of your pup. We have a selection of dog beds that can jumpstart you in your journey to find one.

Do you want assistance in deciding what bed is the best for your dog? Contact us today and find out how we can help!