July 30, 2020

Best Dog Bed for your Pet – Some are Easy to Clean

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Is your pup in need of a perfect pooch paradise, aka a new bed? Taking care of your home is more than just nourishing and raising your little humans and big ones too (yes, husbands need raising sometimes ha ha). In this post, you will read about 5 of the best dog beds for your pet, some that are even easy to clean! Yay!

Table of Contents

This is the bed our dog Malibu sleeps in and loves. Click HERE to shop.

Why You Need the Best Dog Bed

As pet owners, it is in everyone’s best interest to keep those fur babies healthy, nourished, and trained too. Whether you’re a new pet parent or have had fur babies for a while now, deciding on the ideal functional dog bed can be hard enough as it is (so many options to choose from!). Then throw in trying to find one that also has some sort of aesthetically pleasing style. That can be a bit of a challenge! But never fear, I am here to help you find and create the perfect practical solution for your furry friend!

After Malibu, our Cockapoo, came into our lives, I really needed to find the right bed for her. Yes, her name is Malibu, and if you guessed her middle name being Barbie, well… you’d be right! :) You’ll hear me talk a lot about our home and decorating, and I don’t mean to sound like a broken record, but because our current home is over 120 years old, it isn’t the dreamy open floor plan we all love and desire nowadays. This means that space is limited. There are walls everywhere and room layouts are not very practical. When looking for a dog bed, I had a few options. I could buy a big pillow-style of bed and throw it on the living room floor (where again, space is limited already), or I could invest in something that looked stylish and basically functioned as a piece of furniture.

But let me back up a second. When Malibu was a puppy, we had her trained (and learned to train her) by an awesome local trainer here in Southern California. He recommended she get trained on an elevated bed so that she can learn how to stay on her bed when told to. While this was very helpful and worked (I highly recommend this kind of training!), as she grew up, we needed to get her something that was more for sleeping, napping, and laying on that was cushy and comfortable. After all, she is our princess, right?!

By the way, if you’re looking for the best elevated dog bed, we bought this one and never looked back.

shelivedwell dog bed

What Makes a Good Dog Bed?

The best bed for a dog is more than just a cozy space for your furry friend to curl up or crash after a long day of the zoomies. It should provide the ultimate sleeping experience and essential comfort and support ensuring your pup gets the quality sleep they need. It should ease any joint pain, and be made with durable materials. This is especially important for older dogs with joint issues or developing puppies who require extra cushioning for their growing bodies. You will want to make sure the bed is machine washable or at least comes with a machine-washable cover. Best dog beds and covers are easy to clean. We all know that our furry friends can bring some unwanted surprises, whether it’s excessive shedding, muddy paws, or happy little accidents. Opt for a bed with a removable cover or one that is at least easily wipeable or repels hair to keep it fresh and clean for your four-legged friend. A waterproof bed or water-resistant bed is even better! Inner material can be equally as important. An orthopedic bed with a memory foam base is a great option for dogs that are older or suffer from aches and pains. If you’re not one to like memory foam, there other other high-quality materials for a bed base such as latex, and wool, and I have even heard of recycled clothing or rags. This does not surprise me because my pup loves to lay on my laundry as I am trying to put it away. I’m positive she’d just love a pile of clothes as her bed of choice. My cleaning-obsessed side would not be happy with seeing a pile of clothes sitting there every day though. An important factor to remember is that the bed should be supportive. Like humans, our pets need support to live happy, energetic healthy lives. There are a lot of bed options with the bottom of the bed being a metal frame or wood frame. We opted for a supportive wood bed, that is supportive and doubles as a cute piece of furniture for the house!

dog-bed-shelivedwell

Which Dog Bed Should I Buy?

When it comes to choosing the perfect dog bed for your furry friend, there are a plethora of options available. Understanding the different types of dog beds and their pros and cons will help you make an informed decision.

1. Orthopedic Dog Beds

These beds are perfect for older dogs or those with joint or muscle issues. They provide orthopedic support and help alleviate discomfort. The orthopedic foam conforms to your dog’s body, ensuring optimal comfort. However, these beds can be on the pricier side. Memory foam or latex are a great option and are a type of material used in orthopedic beds. The downside is if your dog is a chewer, they may not be chew resistant, and if they don’t come with a removable washable cover, they can be tricky to clean.

2. Donut or Bolster Beds

If your dog loves to curl up and snuggle, the following beds are an excellent choice. The raised edges provide a sense of security and make your dog feel safe. They are also stylish and can blend seamlessly with your home decor. The only downside is that some dogs may find the raised edges restrictive, and if your dog is a chewer, these may not be indestructible.

3. Elevated Dog Beds

Also known as cots or hammock beds, these are perfect for dogs that love a cool sleeping surface. They raise your dog off the floor, providing proper airflow and keeping them cool during warmer months. They are even great for outdoor use. As I mentioned above, raised dog beds are great training beds too! When our dog was just a pup and potty training, I remember she had an accident on her bed and we simply hosed it off! Easy peasy! However, elevated dog beds may not provide as much cushioning as other bed types.

4. Pillow or Cushion Beds

These beds are like giant pillows and provide ultimate comfort for dogs that love to stretch out. They are often made of plush materials and come in various stylish designs to match your home decor. The only drawback is that they may lack proper support for dogs with joint or muscle issues.

5. Stylish Dog Beds for Your Home Décor

Sometimes you just want to focus on style and function. Below are some of my personal favorite stylish dog beds. They may not be the cheapest, but they’re oh so cute and aethetically pleasing to compliment anyone’s home decor!

Things to remember…

Remember, as a dog parent, finding the right dog bed is crucial for your pup’s well-being and overall comfort. Consider their breed, size, and any specific needs they may have. The perfect dog bed will combine comfort, support, and style, ensuring your pooch has a stylish sanctuary within your home.