Dog Beds vs. Human Beds | Dog Friendly Co.
Where should your dog sleep: in a dog bed or a human bed? This is a dilemma many owners have. They want the best for their dogs, but they may also have their own preferences about where their dogs should sleep. Let’s examine the arguments on both sides of the dog beds vs human beds debate to help you make the right decision for you and your pet.
Pros of Dog Beds
A dog bed provides your dog with a dedicated sleeping space just for him. This improves his overall health and comfort in several ways.
Orthopaedic Support
One of the biggest advantages of a dog bed is to provide orthopaedic support. This is especially important if your dog has joint or muscle issues, which may occur as dogs age and are common in certain breeds. An orthopaedic dog bed is made of memory foam to keep his joints cushioned and avoid pain from pressure points. It also has a headrest to give your dog neck support.
Hygiene and Allergies
It’s easier to keep your home clean if your dog has his own dog bed. As long as you make sure to stick to a schedule for cleaning his bed, you’ll keep it relatively free from dirt and hair and remove odours before they become a problem. This will also reduce allergies for all members of your household — humans and pets alike.
Not Just for Night Time
As you’ve likely noticed, your dog sleeps many hours throughout the day. During this time, he needs somewhere to sleep and rest where he’ll be comfortable. You could give him access to your bed, but it likely makes more sense for him to have a dog bed.
Your Dog’s Own Space
Do dogs like dog beds? Oftentimes, yes! Dogs appreciate having a space they know is theirs, especially those who have a strong sense of territory. It’s also useful to have a dog bed you can bring with you when you travel, as it will help your dog feel at home in unfamiliar settings and help him relax. Plus, this should keep your dog off the furniture, which tends to be necessary even in pet-friendly accommodation.
Pros of Human Beds for Dogs
Although there are many benefits to using a dog bed, there are also advantages to allowing your dog to sleep in your bed with you. Dogs sometimes prefer to sleep with their owners — and many humans like having their dogs on their beds. There are several reasons why it may make sense to let your dog sleep with you.
Bonding and Comfort
The first advantage of allowing your dog to sleep in your bed is it will strengthen the bond between you. It may also be more comfortable for both of you — provided the bed is large enough to fit everyone. If you’re stressed or your dog suffers from anxiety, it will be comforting to have each other close.
Temperature Regulation
When you sleep in the same bed, your dog is able to use your body temperature to regulate his own. This is beneficial for dogs who are prone to feeling cold, especially in the winter.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog Bed
Even if you decide to allow your dog to sleep in your bed at night, it will be advantageous for him to have his own bed. There are a few factors to bear in mind to select the right bed for your pet.
Size and Breed
The first thing is to ensure the bed is large enough for your dog. Dog bed sizing guides often mention specific breeds, which should help you find the right bed. Another option is to measure your dog. Take a measurement from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail while he’s standing. Find a bed 15 to 30 centimetres longer than this to give your dog space to stretch out.
Behavioural Traits
Consider how your dog likes to sleep to find a bed that meets his preferences. For instance, if he sprawls out when he sleeps, he may need a larger bed than if he sleeps curled up. If you have two dogs who like to sleep together, the bed will need to be twice as wide.
Where the Bed Will Live
Decide on the shape and size of the dog bed according to where you want to keep it in the house. For small dog beds (and even medium dog beds), finding space should not be an issue — you may even be able to move the bed around the house to give your dog a spot wherever you are. Since large dog beds take up a lot of space, though, they’re more likely to need a permanent home. If you’re worried that the bed will clutter up the house, choose the smallest size that still comfortably accommodates your dog.
Accessories
Beyond the bed itself, you may like to provide your dog with some sleep accessories. For instance, a soft blanket is ideal for keeping him warm in the winter or just to feel extra snuggly in bed. It’s also worth buying dog bed covers to make the cleaning easier, as you’ll be able to just clean the covers rather than the entire bed. One more accessory to consider is a winter hoodie. This will help your dog sleep if he suffers from the cold and is a good alternative if your dog doesn’t stay under a blanket for long.
Purchasing a dog bed gives your dog his own special space. This is ideal for naps during the day as well as for sleeping at night (such as if you prefer not to have him in the bed with you). Find a dog bed and all the accessories in the sleep sets from Dog Friendly Co. Our dog beds are designed for comfort, orthopaedic support, and low maintenance. Check out our online store to find everything your dog needs to be healthy and happy.