A Safe, Soft Place: Why Your Dog Needs a Dog Bed

Though many people think dogs can curl up and sleep most anywhere, your furry friend really shouldn’t be sleeping on the floor. You also probably don’t want him climbing up on your beds or sofas. The truth is, dogs need beds just like we do, and they are beneficial for a variety of reasons. Here are just a few:

• A Place of Their Own: Just like puppies feel safe and at home in their cages, a dog bed is a place where adult dogs can be the master of their domain. The rest of the house belongs to the people in it, and a dog can often feel like a second-class citizen. If he has a bed, though, it gives him a place he can retreat to when he needs time by himself. Additionally, giving your dog a place to sleep will keep him from sleeping where you don’t want him to. Dogs will try to find as comfortable a place to sleep as possible, and will often end up cozying in bed with you, scratching up your nice furniture, or tracking dirt on the nice carpets. A dog bed that fits your pet’s sleeping needs will keep him from bothering you or damaging anything else as he tries to nap. To make sure your dog uses it, though, get the right bed. Larger breeds will need larger dog beds, and different beds will come with various features.
• Health: Sleeping on a floor or other hard surface can be damaging to a dog’s health. Orthopedic dog beds can be used to help ease the pain and discomfort of hip dysplasia, arthritis, or other structural ailments. Older dogs should definitely be given an orthopedic dog bed, as they are far more prone to these conditions. Additionally, dog beds often feature other health-promoting aspects, such as cedar chips which may help keep odor down.
• Cleanliness: Let’s face it; as much as you sweep and vacuum your floors, it still isn’t the cleanest place to take a nap. Giving your canine companion a dog bed will help keep him clean. Should he track mud and dirt from outside onto his sleeping space, don’t worry. Most dog beds come with removable liners or other features that make them easy to clean. This is markedly easier than cleaning all of the furniture in your house with a hand roller or vacuum.