Your dog needs a comfortable place to sleep at night. A dog bed allows your dog to have a safe place to rest that is all his own.
Many owners find it difficult to choose the right size of dog bed for their precious pooches. There are so many considerations, and getting the correct measurement is essential for your dog’s comfort.
While it might not seem like a big deal to have an ill-fitting dog bed, it could cause more problems than you realize, including the following.
- Your dog may develop painful joints because he is not getting enough support.
- If your dog is cramped up in his dog bed, he may develop muscle pain.
- Your dog may toss and turn, preventing him from getting a restful night’s sleep.
- Dogs sometimes develop back and hip subluxations because of the wrong dog bed.
There Is No Universal Sizing For Dog Beds
Unlike human beds, there are no universal sizes, making it difficult for owners to choose the best size for their dog’s bed, among different manufacturers. Your dog is going to feel much more comfortable when he has a supportive bed that fits his body well.
Measure Your Dog Carefully
One of the first steps you need to take before purchasing a bed is to measure your dog. Get a flexible tape measure, and make sure your dog is feeling relaxed. If he is too hyper, he may not stay still for the measurement. You will likely need a helper, depending on the size of your dog.
To measure your dog for a bed, you will need a fabric tape measure. Your dog needs to be standing on all fours. Start at the tip of your dog’s nose and measure all the way to the base of the tail. You will need to add anywhere from six to twelve inches to this measurement, and that will be the length of your dog’s bed.
To get the width, measure your dog from shoulder to shoulder, at the widest part of his body. As with the other measurement, you should add between six and twelve inches to get the width of the dog bed.
Discover Your Dog’s Weight
You are going to find many manufacturers list dog beds according to weight. You should weigh your dog or get his weight from the vet. Although you may choose a dog bed based on your dog’s weight, do not forget to also keep the measurements handy, to ensure your dog’s body fits comfortably within the bed.
Think About Your Dog’s Health and His Age
Another factor that will impact the purchase of a dog bed is your dog’s age and health. If your dog is a senior, he made need a bed that is larger and offers orthopedic support. This will give him increased comfort and allow him to stretch out until he is comfortable.
What About Your Dog’s Sleeping Position?
Pay attention to how your dog sleeps because this will tell you what type of bed he needs. Some smaller dogs stretch out and need a larger bed, while gigantic dogs might curl themselves into a ball and feel more secure in a smaller bed.
Knowing your dog’s sleep style will help you choose the perfect-sized bed. The following offers information on the different types of dog sleepers.
- Leaners must rest their heads against something or they do not feel supported. This likely means you need to purchase a high-sided bed that offers pillow comfort.
- Sprawlers love to stretch out in every conceivable way possible. These dogs typically require a lot of space, so a big bed is ideal.
- Burrowers love to hide under the covers. For this type of sleeper, you need a covered bed.
- Curlers love to curl up into a ball when they sleep. If your dog is a curler, he may prefer a round or oval bed with extra padding.
Typical Dog Bed Sizes
As mentioned, there is no universal dog bed size. You will find most manufacturers list their dog beds according to the weight of the dog. You should also measure the width and length and compare them to your dog’s measurements. Consider the following sizes when purchasing a dog bed.
Small Dog Beds
Small dog beds are best for dogs that weigh under 25 pounds, such as Chihuahuas, Poodles, and Boston Terriers.
Medium Dog Beds
Medium dog beds will support dogs that weigh between 25 and 50 pounds. Medium dogs like Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Basset Hounds will fit perfectly in these beds.
Large Dog Beds
If you have a large dog that weighs between 51 to 100 pounds, you are going to need a large bed. You will also need a large bed if your dog is a sprawler or has certain health conditions, like arthritis. Rottweilers, American Bulldogs, and Irish Wolfhounds will all fit on a large bed.
Extra Large Dog Beds
If your dog is over 100 pounds, you need an extra-large bed. Dogs like Great Danes, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, and Rottweilers will love this bed size. A small dog may even want an extra-large dog bed if they are a sprawler.
Purchase the Right Sized Bed For Your Dog
Now, you know how to measure your dog and how to choose the right bed for his size, weight, age, health, and sleeping style. Before choosing a bed, make sure you know the dimensions and the materials it is made of. so you can make a perfect choice.
Having a comfortable place for your dog to sleep is important for his health. Finding the right size means careful research and proper measurements.