How we chose the best large dog beds
With so much choice on the market, it can feel a bit like a minefield trying to decide which bed is right for your pup. However, it’s important to know what to look for when choosing a bed, so you have a clearer idea in mind when scouring the internet. So we’ve summarised a list of things to consider when on your search.
All good dog beds will have three things in common: thickness, support/comfort and practicality.
Thickness
Any thick bed is a good sign that it will be comfortable for your pooch simply because it has multiple layers to support them. When a bed is thick, it’s usually been filled with memory foam, comfort foam, support foam and polyfill. These things will provide either comfort or support, and having different layers is a good sign that the bed has been designed to achieve both.
Support/Comfort
For a bed to be good, it needs both comfort and support. Memory foam is great for comfort since your dog’s body will just sink into it (it’s especially good for seniors(, but a bed also needs structured support for those joints as well, so a bed that has a layer of memory foam and support foam that provides a layer of firmness.
Practicality
Dog beds naturally get dirty, and if you have a bed that’s difficult to clean, you’re probably going to be throwing it out sooner than you’d like. So look for a bed that has water-resistant material, waterproof underlining and one that is definitely machine washable.
Material
Material is naturally one of the most important factors for choosing your dog bed, so knowing what features you want is important.
Filling
Polyfil – Polyfill is a cheaper alternative to memory foam, but it doesn’t provide as much comfort because it doesn’t bounce back after the weight has been lifted. If a bed is filled with a thin layer of polyfill, then you may find a permanent dip occurs in the centre of the bed. However, this can be rectified by the bed being overstuffed to about 6 inches, which will provide enough comfort and support.
Memory foam – When it comes to beds, you’d have to be living in a cave to have not heard of memory foam, and that’s because it’s so effective in relieving pressure on the joints and providing comfort. We always recommend memory foam for a dog bed, and while it’s not the only option for comfort, it’s a fail-safe choice that you can count on, and naturally, the thicker, the better.
Cover Material
As long as the cover is machine washable, you can’t really go wrong; however, there are a few things worth considering.
If you have a senior dog that struggles with incontinence, then it may be a good idea to prioritise water-resistant materials just as polyester and nylon. While they’re not as cosy as furs, they will protect the inner lining and mattress better.
Faux fur and sherpa are great options because they’re more reflective of dog fur, and to many dogs, this can be comforting. They can cover hair shedding better, they’re also super cosy, and they’re also really nice style-wise. The only downside is they’re not very water-resistant, and they can get pretty warm in the summer. Consider using a waterproof inner cover lining and wash the cover once a month.
Size
Before looking at bed sizes, it’s important to measure the length and width of your dog first. The best way to do that is to measure the distance from your dog’s nose to the base of its tail; this is obviously the maximum length that they could stretch out, so it’s best to be on the safe side to provide your dog with the most space. It’s also important to check that you have space for an XL dog bed since some of them are over a meter in length.