Why Your Best Friend Might Need an Orthopedic Dog Bed
As your dog gets older, it’s likely that he may develop Canine Arthritis or Hip Dysplasia, especially if it is overweight or a larger breed. You may not be aware of the different types of dog beds and what it is that your dog might require.
An orthopedic dog bed can be used as a way to delay the onset of some common problems in older or overweight dogs, such as Dyslpasia and Arthritis. There are some breeds that are susceptible to these problems and you may wish to purchase an orthopedic dog bed to give your dog comfort in his later years. Orthopedic dog beds support the dog’s joints and help alleviate the pain of hip Dysplasia and Arthritis.
There are a few different types of dog beds, different fillings are used such as egg crate foam. While this may be practical for smaller dogs, it’s not advisable to use it for dogs with arthritic problems as the filling is too thin. Memory foam is made from durable, elastic foam and has the ability to form to the shape of the dog and mold itself to the dog’s contours, then it restores to its original shape. You may even have a mattress or pillow made from this material for yourself. You can also get gell-filled mattresses although the memory foam is better as it conforms to the body. Most orthopedic dog beds are constructed from a wooden frame with the memory foam mattress inserted.
Orthopedic Dog Beds are lower to the ground which reduces the injuries sustained from jumping up and down from a bed or couch. Because the memory foam is light weight, the whole bed is reasonably easy to move around as it is not too heavy.
Waterproof orthopedic dog beds are also available, they have a tough polyester cover which will keep out moisture – much the same as your outdoor furniture. I know whenever my dog has a bath, the first thing he does, well the second thing after running around the yard like a maniac is to throw himself on his bed and roll around, obviously he is still quite wet so a waterproof mattress is ideal for these situations. Even other situations like getting home from the beach after a swim or getting stuck in the rain during a walk, you’ll be thankful for having a waterproof orthopedic dog bed.
You might also want to consider whether the orthopedic dog bed you’re looking into has a comfortable outer material as well and that it is stain resistant and even if it is machine washable. Not to mention guarding against mites, allergens and also odours.
It’s important to ensure that your best friend is comfortable in it’s later years, you know that your dog would stop at nothing to make sure you were.
Large Dog Beds – Do You Really Need One?
When you find that your dog is constantly getting on the sofa and making a mess with all the dog hair, it’s definitely time to invest in a large dog bed. The last thing you need (apart from the hair) is the smell that can come with it. These days you can get large dog beds that look like real furniture so they don’t look out of place in your home.
Larger breeds need extra cushioning as they are prone to Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia, therefore sleeping on the floor isn’t really an option with a large dog. The bed isn’t an option either unless you want to be the one sleeping on the floor! When buying a large dog bed, you need to think about how your dog sleeps. Does he curl up or spread out, possibly a little of both depending on the weather and other factors.
Memory foam beds are the best option, they have a higher price tag but last a lot longer than the cheaper large dog beds. They are great for relieving aches and pains as they conform to your dog’s musculature, they then spring back to their normal form when the dogs gets off. Different material designs are also available so you should be able to find one that fits in with your decor therefore they can still look like part of the furniture rather than a sloppy old mattress or sofa. Covers can also be taken off for ease of washing, further reducing any nasty smells.
Think about where you are going to place your large dog bed. Having the protective instinct that a lot of larger dogs have, they might prefer to be close to an external door or maybe by your bed. You may want to consider purchasing a large dog bed that resembles the furniture that you already have in the room where you are going to put the dog bed.
If you’ve just bought you new puppy into your home, and it’s a larger breed, yes, he may be small, cute and cuddly right now but it won’t be long before he’s too big for any bedding you may have bought. You might want to consider purchasing a large dog bed for your future requirements and have him sleep on that from the start.
Being a large animal, it must be quite difficult getting comfortable and finding enough room to sleep therefore a large dog bed is essential for any large breed of dog, just ask my mastiff-great dane cross!
And What About A Heated Dog Bed?
Even with a coat of fur, some dogs still feel the cold, they need a little extra warmth to get them through the night. As your dog gets older, it may be feeling arthritic and be in some pain, therefore a heated dog bed may be just what the doctor/vet ordered. You may also have a new litter and need some extra space and warmth for them.
Heated dog beds keep a constant temperature and are designed to keep the temperature at a safe level at all times. Heated dog beds have controls that give you several setting choices. Some more expensive brands are thermostatically controlled thereby keeping a consistent temperature, varying only by a degree or two. Heated orthopedic dog beds are great for older dogs or dogs with Arthritis or Hip Dysplasia providing warmth in the colder months, the orthopedic dog beds are made from memory foam and the warmth from a heated dog bed can loosen the muscles and make them more comfortable. You can also get heated mats for outside use, pillow beds with an internal heater and oval beds for smaller breeds. There is also the thermo-wave microwavable dog bed warmer that is placed in the microwave and then into your dog’s bed and will stay warm up to twelve hours.
You need to check how comfortable the heated dog bed is, the last thing your dog wants is to be able to feel the heating materials through the mattress. The mattress stills needs to be of a hardy material with a good, solid foam – memory foam is the best.
You will need to look out for the cord, look for a steel-wrapped cord or simply cover it with some hose or conduit just in case your dog is a ‘chewer’. Look out for a heated dog bed with a removable cover for ease of washing, preferably it will be machine washable. The cover also needs to be of a durable material to keep any clawing or biting in check.
I know I can’t get into a cold bed in winter, I love my electric blanket and I’m sure your dog will feel the same.
Here are some articles you may find interesting:
-
Heated Dog Bed: Providing Comfort and Warmth for Your Dog – That’s when a heated dog bed is perfect for your dog. You’ll also want to give even stronger consideration if your dog sufferes from arthritis or hip, joint or bone discomfort. A heated dog bed is pefrect for helping to soothe your dogs …
-
Heated dog beds, and large dog coats – Winter is coming soon, the weather is getting colder. My older mastiff will be 11yrs old in a few weeks. He is not as heavy as he used to be. This is a good thing for his joints, but not for the cold. I have tried different dog coats on …
