Benefits of Pet Beds & How to Pick the Perfect One!
There’s nothing we wouldn’t do for our pets. They are a huge part of our lives, they bring us so much joy and they are, most definitely, honorary members of our families.
We’ve already covered about a few different pet-related topics for our apartment residents, like the benefits of making homemade dog treats, how to calm hyperactive dogs, apartment pet etiquette and even ways to be an eco-friendly pet owner. Our apartments are pet-friendly, and we provide plenty of amenities to make you and your pets live the best life possible here at AMLI Residential. Bottom line, we love our residents, and we love our pets, and so we love to make sure both are as comfortable as possible!
Pet bed is just one facet of pet ownership, and it's one that provides a lot of benefit to both the pet and the owner. We’ll delve into what makes a good pet bed, what the benefits of pet beds are and, finally, how you can make some of your own DIY pet beds!
What are the benefits of pet beds?
If your pets are the kind that sleep anywhere and everywhere (looking at you, cats!), then you may be wondering if it’s even necessary to provide them with a designated pet bed. As it turns out, however, having a designated sleeping area is as important for pets as it is for us pet owners!
Support
Think about it. We could fall asleep on the couch, on a sofa, a recliner or even on the floor if we are tired enough, but our bodies benefit from a comfortable and supportive bed. Both dogs and cats need beds that support their bones and muscles enough to allow adequate sleep and rest without stiffness or achiness. As your pets get older, it’s even more important for them to have proper support.
Warmth
Having a warm bed that’s situated away from drafts can help your pets avoid catching colds. Floors can get cold, sofas next to air vents can get chilly and even your own bed can be too hot or cold for your pets’ liking. If your cat or dog has its own pet luxury bed situated in a warm, comfortable spot, then your pets will be able to rest comfortably and better regulate their internal temperatures.
Security
It’s important for your pet to have a space that they can call their own, especially if you have multiple pets. Your pet should feel safe and secure in their bed, and it should be a place where they can truly relax.
Health
We love snuggling with our pets in bed, we also need to have a proper night’s sleep without a paw in our faces or a tail across our nose. Having clean bedsheets and sleep areas are good for our own health and wellness, especially if you’re prone to allergies.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that sleeping next to your pet is bad, per se. It just means that if your pet is negatively affecting your sleep and health, then a pet bed is a great alternative.
What type of bed does your pet need?
Veterinarians are the best resource you have for finding out what’s best for your pet. Since every animal is so different and has such different needs, your vet will be able to give you the most accurate information that’s tailored specifically to your pet.
In general, though, there are a few different things you can be aware of that will help inform your decision on what type of bed your pet needs.
Size
Your pet needs a bed that’s big enough for it to shift, turn and settle in comfortably. No heads and/or limbs should have to hang off the edge of the bed.
Washable
You want your dog’s bed to be washable, trust us, especially if you have young puppies or senior dogs. Pets also bring food, fleas, urine and other regular pet-related smells and sights into their beds with them, so being able to clean the beds regularly will make a huge difference. Plus, you wouldn’t want to sleep in filth for months on end, right? Neither do your pets.
Stuffing/support
Keeping your pets warm and well-supported is crucial for their health, especially as they age. Orthopedic foam is usually a good option for pets of any age, as it's sturdy and reliable over long periods of time.
Eco-friendly
There are a lot of factors when it comes to choosing an eco-friendly pet bed for your pet. Sustainable pet beds could mean chemical-free fabrics or recycled material, or it could mean upcycling something you already had so it gets more use. Whatever your priorities are, there’s definitely something out there already that’s exactly what you’re looking for.
Here are a few examples of eco-friendly dog beds!
Making your own pet bed
If your pet is healthy and young (i.e. they don’t need special orthopedic support), then making your own pet soft bed can be a great way to upcycle old materials and give your furry friend their own space.
As long as the bed is washable and supportive enough for your pet, then it’s a great way to avoid buying new products and keep old products in use for much longer!
How To Choose a Dog Bed
Choosing the right dog bed is an important decision. After all, a dog can easily spend 14 hours a day or more sleeping. And as a cherished member of the family, your pet deserves no less than the very best sleeping accommodations. Even a dog who shares your bed at night needs a special place to claim as his own: a quiet sanctuary for peaceful, uninterrupted naps.
Before you make this important purchase, consider your dog's age, size, health, breed, activity level and sleeping habits. Think about how the dog bed will look in your home. Will the color blend with your décor? Does the size fit your dog and your room? Is the bed easy to launder?
With so many choices available in the marketplace today, you can rest easy knowing that we've curated an extensive sleep selection that reflects our eye for smart design, uncompromised quality, dog-approved comfort and owner-approved ease.
For lasting value and satisfaction, we recommend choosing the highest quality dog bed your budget allows, rather than a bargain bed that will soon need replacing.
Choosing the Shape
This is an important decision, and one your dog can help you with. Observe him as he sleeps. Does he like to curl up, burrow in, sprawl out or lean back? Most dogs fall into one of these four "sleep personality" categories.
Choosing the Support
While young and healthy dogs will slumber soundly on a bed plumped with resilient, high-quality polyfiberfill, polyfill or foam, many dogs require the extra support that only an orthopedic dog bed can provide.
Dogs who are aging or arthritic, suffer from hip dysplasia or are recovering from injury will benefit from sleeping on an orthopedic dog bed. High-density orthopedic foam soothes aches and pains, reduces stress on joints, hips and pressure points, and provides superior support. For exceptional comfort and therapeutic relief, look for beds made with authentic, NASA-certified orthopedic memory foam.
Choosing the Design
Because a dog bed is a visible part of your home décor, it should reflect your own sense of style as well as your dog's. Our collection includes a beautiful selection of luxe, upholstery-grade fabrics—plush microvelvet, sumptuous chenille, cuddly Sherpa fleece, shaggy faux fur, rugged canvas and lots more—in the newest decorator colors and designer patterns to enhance any room.
Determining the Correct Size
Before ordering a dog bed, make sure to measure your dog from nose to base of tail while he's in his sleeping position, then add 8" to 12" to determine the bed length or diameter.
If in doubt, always round up in size to ensure maximum comfort. Then doublecheck to make sure the bed you've selected will fit into the spot you've chosen in your home.
Easy Clean Features
Because every dog bed eventually gets dirty, wet or smelly, we've made sure that every bed we sell is machine washable or has a removable, machine-washable cover.
Special Beds for Special Dogs
Is your dog a senior with mobility issues, or one who suffers from arthritis or hip dysplasia? Simple, low-profile dog pet beds such as pillows, nappers, pads and mats are easily accessible to an aging or aching pet.
If your dog is elderly, incontinent or prone to accidents, look for an easy-to-launder bed with a waterproof liner.
For the dog-on-the-go, portable travel beds provide instant, familiar comfort and convenience when you're on the road.
Need a bed you can use outdoors? Our weatherproof dog beds, cots and futons let your dog camp out in comfort on your deck or porch, join you by the pool or relax under a shady tree—and they're so attractive, you can move them into your home as the seasons change.