Do calming dog beds really work?
In short, yes, they do. While there is no official evidence behind it, experts have agreed that certain features of a dog bed can have a positive and calming effect on canines. And if the reviews are anything to go, then the results speak for themselves, even if the technology behind a dog bed is simple.
It makes logical sense that high sides will help a dog feel secure and will stop them from being distracted by outside stressors if they’re trying to settle. And once again, being that we know dogs are pack animals, the presence of fur will reassure the instinct to be near other dogs even if the fur is fake.
There may not be sufficient evidence behind the beds yet, but the amount of success stories from other dog owners (including ourselves) is enough to help you feel confident in making your purchase.
How can I calm my dog?
Naturally, a dog bed isn’t going to solve all your problems. For dogs with mild separation anxiety, it might just be enough. But for the majority of other dogs, a calming dog bed will be just one of the ways you’re tackling the anxiety.
Exercise: It’s basic knowledge that dogs need a walk every day, but many people don’t realise that dogs (especially working dogs) need 1-2 hours of activity every day in order to feel calm in the house. Exercise them to tire them out.
We understand that if you’re working and have a family, an hour-long walk a day probably isn’t feasible, so it’s important to invest in a good dog walker or a doggy daycare. They can be pricey, but it’s a sure-fire way of calming your dog and helping them to socialise and become more even-tempered.
Training: Whether it’s a result of past experiences or energy that they pick up on, dogs can develop bad habits of how to respond to something, and of course, some dogs respond with anxious behaviour like barking or crying.
That doesn’t mean this behaviour is permanent; with the right amount of consistent training, you can teach a dog to respond to things differently in the same way you can as a person. Consider speaking to a dog trainer or reading up on the daily training that you incorporate to slowly condition your dog to react differently.
Remedies: A calming dog bed is, of course, one of the natural remedies that you can implement, but you can also try putting the bed in a different room, away from any hustle and bustle. That way, your dog will come to associate the bed as a calming and restful place rather than an anxious one. Another thing to try is natural calming aromas and supplements; you can pick these up at any pet store, but if you’re in doubt as to which one will be best for your dog, always speak to your vet.
Where can I buy the best calming dog bed?
It’s quite difficult to buy a calming dog bed on the high street, so we advise shopping online to get a full picture of what’s available and to compare specific attributes. Online pet shops like Woof Inc, Pets At Home, Zooplus, Omlet, and Not In The Doghouse will provide specialised options, and Amazon is great for finding trusted dog brands. Ovis is also a trusted dog brand as well.
How do I wash a calming dog bed?
Most calming dog beds have a zip cover that’s machine washable, and in some cases, the entire bed can be placed in the machine.
However, if the bed is not machine washable, simply soak in a bath or sink in warm soapy water for a few minutes before air drying. It’s important to leave it overnight or for an extra day as the internal padding will be holding a lot of the water and therefore needs to dry out properly.
