Dog Beds for Old Dogs
Dogs can sleep in the strangest places and positions. But did you ever think that the way your dog sleeps could give you a hint as to the type of bed he prefers?
- does your dog curl up or stretch out?
- sleep on his back or on his tummy?
- some dogs like to cuddle up in your recliner while others will sleep on your bed with their head on your pillow.
Think of these as clues...find the beds that best match your dog's sleeping habits.
It is important for an older dog to have a comfortable rest area. Achy bodies can mean a cranky pet. Sleeping on a cold hard floor can cause chronic pain and additional discomfort.
By observing your pet, you will have a better idea of what product to look for as his daily comfortable resting place.
A dog that sleeps in a tight curled up position might prefer a round bed with sides. Beds with sides are great for dogs that like to hang their head over the edge. Make sure the sides aren’t too high or there is a lower opening so that your dog won’t have to jump to get in and out. Measure your dog when his is comfortably sleeping. Use the inside dimensions and compare to this measurement to choose the right size bed for your dog.
If your dog likes his head on a pillow, try a lounge bed or couch. Again consider the height for comfort.
If your dog is a sprawler, consider a large flat bed. Be sure to measure the entire length of your dog at rest to get an idea of how much space he is using so you can select the correct size.
If your older dog has slept in a kennel his entire life, it is good to know that there are beds specifically designed for use in
dog crates.
Often these will have padded sides for extra comfort.
Orthopedic dog beds are often a good choice for a senior dog as they are designed with special high-density foam for additional comfort and cushion for your dog’s aching bones and joints. Firm, orthopedic foam is egg-shell shaped to evenly distribute weight and provide extra comfort. The foam holds its shape for a longer time and will not need to be replaced as often as beds with traditional polyfil or cedar chips.
The foam tends to provide additional warmth too so if you live in a warmer climate, your dog may prefer a cooling bed like the Canine Cooler to the traditional orthopedic bed. However if your dog is extremely sensitive to cold or suffering from arthritis, a heated dog bed might provide the extra comfort he needs.
Heated beds - If your dog has joint stiffness and you think heat may help them feel more comfortable there are heated dog beds available. Most heated beds feature chew-resistant cords! There are also heating pads and blankets for help provide some warm comfort..
-
Heated Wellness Sleeper -
is an excellent quality foam based bed that features low level therapeutic heat.
-
Thermo-Pet Throw -
is the perfect warm spot for pets at home or on the road. 12 Volt thermostatically controlled heated throw to warm directly under your pet.
- Snuggle Safe
These adorable SnuggleSafe covers are a perfect cushion for comforting or pampering your pet with cozy warmth.
-
Pet Bed Warmer
Provide your pet with year-round warmth and comfort. Simply slide inside your pet’s bed and plug in.
Cooling beds - Relief from the heat does not come easy if you are covered head to toe in fur at any age. As dogs age, their ability to regulate their body temperature decreases. This means they are less adaptable to temperature changes. Dogs who could handle cold temperatures when they were young may not be able to as they age.
-
Cool Bed III -
If your dog has a shedding or odor problem, make certain the cover of the bed is removable and washable. Some products such as the
Canine Cooler Bed are a great choice because wiping down with a cloth easily cleans them.