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Best Dog Beds

Pet Admin
by Pet Admin
Published:  December 27th, 2018

On average, dogs sleep for about 12 to 14 hours a day. That means that your pooch spends 50 percent of their life in sleep! And that number is probably even higher, given how canines sleep up to 20 hours a day in their puppyhood and senior years. This might seem like a lot on paper, but just think: how many times a day do you notice your pooch snoozing away?

Chances are that at the very moment you’re reading this, your pupper is taking a nap by your side. With all of this in mind, it’s quite clear why choosing high-quality, comfortable dog beds are an absolute must. PetGuide.com strives to give you all the information you need, whether in form of dog bed reviews or buying guides, to choose a bed that will suit your pet’s needs. From orthopedic beds for arthritic dogs to plush napping zones, we’ll help you make sure your pooch gets a good night’s sleep… or a day of it!

Best Dog Beds

Features

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PetFusion Ultimate Dog Lounge

    • Solid 4-inch memory foam base for superior overall comfort, reduced joint pain and improved health, mobility, & energy.
    • Recycled Green support bolsters are generously filled.

Furhaven Pet Dog Bed

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    • Orthopedic egg-crate foam pet bed is made from CertiPUR-US Certified Polyurethane Foam.

Orthopedic egg-crate foam pet bed is made from CertiPUR-US Certified Polyurethane Foam.

    • WProvides joint support and soothes pressure points for deeper, more restorative sleep.

Best Friends by Sheri Luxury Shag Faux Fur Donut Cuddler

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    • The raised rim creates a sense of security and provides head and neck support, while the super-soft filling offers joint and muscle pain relief.

The raised rim creates a sense of security and provides head and neck support, while the super-soft filling offers joint and muscle pain relief.

    • Cozy, flexible and finished with faux shag fur, the self-warming luxury dog bed is reminiscent of a mother’s fur coat.

Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed

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    • The cushioned plush poly-fill bolster provides your dog exceptional comfort, even for dogs with joint pain or arthritis.

The cushioned plush poly-fill bolster provides your dog exceptional comfort, even for dogs with joint pain or arthritis.

    • Water-resistant liner and human-grade mattress foam, this orthopedic bed has been put to the test proven to be durable and long lasting.

BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed

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    • Crafted with top-of-the-line workmanship and premium materials, it is built to both provide the ultimate sleep experience with superior overall comfort and to last.

Crafted with top-of-the-line workmanship and premium materials, it is built to both provide the ultimate sleep experience with superior overall comfort and to last.

    • Perfect for dogs of any ages, especially older dogs with joint, bone or arthritic problems.

Importance of a Quality Dog Bed

It’s not a coincidence that the saying “let the sleeping dogs lie” has been coined all those years ago and it is still used often. Canines can almost be compared to cats when it comes for their love of napping! Naturally, most pooches will choose a spot on the sofa or even pick out a favorite piece of furniture to sleep at, unless they’re taught to steer clear from the human beds and given their very own. Some pets will actually prefer spending time in their own bed, as having their territory and a place to retreat is important to a lot of four-legged babies!

Even if you don’t mind having your pet sleep or lounge on your living room furniture, it’s not good for them to lie on an uncomfortable sofa or an armchair for their whole life. Dog beds are made specifically for canines, meaning that they are supposed to support their back and be super comfortable. This might not seem important if you have a young pooch that seems blessed and cozy wherever they end up snoozing, be it on the living room floor or a pile of dirty laundry, but as your pet ages, sleeping on inadequate surfaces will take its toll.

To prevent issues with bones and joints later in your puppy’s life, you need to provide them with a comfy, anatomically suitable bed or mattress that will give them quality rest after a long day. PetGuide.com’s experts can offer you advice on getting an orthopedic bed for your dog that is specially designed to promote good hip, joint, and spine health as well as reviews of some of the most sought-after dog bed models. You don’t have to buy it to see if it’ll fit your pooch when you can read all about it here first!

Dog Bed Material

The choice of material will largely depend on the location you chose for the bed, as well as your budget. While you should always aim to go for the highest quality when it comes to choosing a place where you’ll pet will sleep, there are ways to save money on opting out of things your pet really doesn’t need. For instance, if you’re getting a dog bed for indoor use, chances are you’ll be able to cut costs on choosing beds without pricey mold-resistant covers, or state of the art insulation system. Instead, go for models that are just about being comfortable for dogs – you won’t have to give too much thought to durability if the bed won’t be exposed to the elements. (Unless your pooch is a destructive chewer, but that’s a whole ‘nother story.)

Similarly, if you plan to set the bed on the patio, for instance, so your pet could have a place to lounge near you while you’re soaking up some vitamin D in your backyard, look into dog beds that are made from sturdy and resistant materials, and that will provide protection from the cold or hot surface below them.

Sizes of Dog Beds

In addition to the materials and design, one of the most important factors you’ll need to pay attention to is the size of the bed. The dog bed you chose for your furry bestie should be able to support them when they’re fully stretched out and relaxed in their fave sleeping pose. There are a few tricks and tips that will help you measure your pooch to determine the right sizing of the bed or mattress you need to get for them, and you’ll find them all here at PetGuide.com.

Of course, as a pet parent, you get to factor in your preferences, as well. Thankfully, modern dog beds come in a variety of styles and designs, and there is a pet bed to match any interior decor! Go for a sleek, futuristic design, or a vintage, cozy feel: as long as you choose a bed that’s a match for your puppy’s needs, you can get any model you want. Additionally, you should pick out a bed that you won’t find hard to clean – be it washable covers or mattress that can be dry cleaned, choose a dog bed that’s easy to maintain. You can count on your pooch getting it dirty after a while, and if the bed can’t be properly washed, the only thing you can do is toss it out- and that’s neither budget-friendly or eco-friendly!

PetGuide.com’s reviews, guides, and articles will help you choose the best dog bed for your precious pooch without breaking the bank. The sheer volume of the offers can be overwhelming to pet parents, both fresh and seasoned ones, but our experts are making the choice easy for you by sifting through all the brands and models to give you only creme de la creme of doggy beds! All you need to do is settle on one of the selected choices, without having to lose precious time scouring the web yourself.

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How to Clean Dog Diarrhea From Carpet

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Melatonin is an important hormone, which is naturally produced in the pineal gland of the brain. It has numerous beneficial aspects, such as it can help regulate mood, sleep cycles, and reproduction. However, its production is directly stimulated by darkness, while it is inhibited by light. What does this mean? It means that both dogs and humans will produce melatonin only when it is dark outside. As soon as the dawn arrives with the light of day, melatonin production ceases. This means that many people will supplement melatonin, or use it throughout the day for various reasons. Which brings up the question - is melatonin safe for dogs? Let’s find out. Is Melatonin Safe For Dogs? Melatonin is generally considered extremely safe for dogs, and it is almost always safe to give it to them - when it is used appropriately and under the guidance of a veterinarian. While melatonin is used in humans for the above-mentioned reasons, for dogs it is usually used for treating various skin conditions, anxiety, or sleep disorders. But even with all the positive aspects, it is necessary to first heed the advice of your veterinarian, before giving melatonin to your pet. This is because the proper dosage is important. The dose of melatonin administered depends on your pet’s size, weight, and overall health condition. Generally, veterinarians recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it if necessary. Dosages typically range from 0.5 to 3 milligrams per dog, but this can vary. Mistake the dosage, and you risk a lot of side effects, like digestive upset, lethargy, and changes in mood or behavior.What is more, melatonin might not be suitable for dogs with certain health conditions or those taking other medications. Because of this, it is always crucial to seek professional advice before administering any supplements or medications to your pet. Ignoring this can cause a lot of harm.

Do Dogs Cry Tears?

Perhaps you spotted tears streaming from your pet’s eyes and wondered: do dogs cry tears as an emotional response? Or is there a different explanation for this phenomenon? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward – dogs don’t produce tears because of their emotions like we humans do. They produce tears primarily to lubricate their eyes, and remove dust and other irritants. But, this does not mean that they don’t express emotions in other ways – here’s what you need to know about your teary-eyed furball.Do Dogs Cry Real Tears?If you spot tears running from your dog’s eyes, you are not deceived – they are real. However, they are not tears of sadness or emotion, as dogs simply don’t express feelings the same way as we do. The role of those tears is more of a bodily function. They are there to lubricate the eye, making sure it functions as it should. After all, dogs can just rub their eyes or place a few drops inside when needed. So, their body does the job for them, and hence the tears. Of course, an excessive amount of tears is not natural. And neither are dry and tearless eyes. So, in either one of these cases, you should schedule a visit with your vet. Dry eyes in dogs are also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or "dry eye syndrome," and can lead to discomfort, irritation, and potential complications if left untreated. In many cases of dry eyes, veterinarians prescribe artificial tears or  lubricating eye drops to help moisturize the eyes and relieve discomfort. These drops can help supplement the natural tear production and provide relief from dryness. 

Human-Cat Amputee Duo Teams Up To Help Others Through Animal Therapy

Juanita Mengel from Amanda, Ohio, and her five-year-old dilute tortoiseshell cat Lola-Pearl, make a unique therapy team. The 67-year-old Mengel is missing a leg, and her fluffy feline is missing a left hind leg. This special duo is one of an estimated 200 therapy cat teams registered in the US through Pet Partners. This nonprofit organization puts together owners and their pets as volunteer teams. They aim to provide animal-assisted therapy in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. “A therapy animal is an animal who’s been assessed based on their ability to meet new people and not just tolerate the interaction but actively enjoy it,” said Taylor Chastain Griffin, the national director of animal-assisted interventions advancement at Pet Partners. This organization registered nine different species of animals as therapy animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, birds, horses, mini pigs, alpacas, and lamas. Therapy cats are less common than therapy dogs, and people are often surprised to see cats in this role. However, Griffin studies the impact of therapy cats and emphasizes the importance of cats in therapy teams. There’s a lot of research on other therapy animals, especially dogs, so there is often a ‘shock factor’ associated with therapy cats because many people don’t know these felines exist. “They go into a setting and people are like ‘Whoa, there’s a cat on a leash. What’s happening?’” said Griffin. According to her, cats inspire people to connect to them in a way that’s not seen with other kinds of therapy animals. Juanita Mengel knew that her cat Lola-Pear would be an excellent therapy animal a month after she adopted her. The feline’s therapeutic potential became clear after Mengel took her to an amputee conference. “She was so good with people I just knew she would be a good therapy cat,” said Mengel. “People really were attracted to her, too.”During a recent limb loss support group, Mengel pushed Lola-Pearl around in a cat stroller labeled “Therapy Cat’, so participants could pet the cat as she woke from a nap. When she wasn’t sitting in a stroller, Lola-Pearl could be found brushing against participants’ legs or cuddling in their laps, bringing a smile to the face of every person she decided was worthy of her company. “She’s very intuitive of people,” said Mengel.Although Lola-Pearl is very special, she isn’t the only cat Mengel owns. Mengel, who lost her leg after years of surgeries following a near-fatal car accident, is a mom to seven cats, most of whom have disabilities. “They find you, you don’t find them,” she added.Lola-Pearl was only a few weeks old when she was found with her back legs completely twisted together. The kitten was unable to walk and was brought to Mengel’s friend at a shelter in Missouri. Unfortunately, the vets there couldn’t help the feline. The shelter located a specialist in Iowa who was able to splint Lola-Pearl’s legs in order to save them. However, it was clear that the left hind leg was beyond saving and the vets decided to amputate. Mengel adopted Lola-Pearl after she recovered from the surgery and they formed the unique therapy team. After everything Mengel has been through, she is extremely grateful for Lola-Pearl and appreciates all the good work they do together. “It’s a really rewarding experience,” she said. “I get just as much out of it as the people that I visit.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Shows Shape of a Dog’s Head Can Actually Affect Their Sleep

If you have noticed that your dog’s sleep quality is reduced, or that they have begun to snore heavily, there might be an unusual reason behind it – the shape of your pet’s head! Snoring problems can be quite common for many dogs, but they are most often seen in brachycephalic dogs – basically, dogs with flat faces. For example, this is the key characteristic of the  French Bulldog, one of the world’s most popular breeds. In the USA, and in Hungary where the research for these claims was conducted, the goofy little French Bulldog holds the place of the number one most common pet dog breed. And that means that some health-related issues, stemming from their flat-face appearance, are coming into the foreground. Their shortened skulls and brachycephalic morphology result in sleep problems, snoring, difficulties with breathing, and deteriorative brain morphology changes. According to the latest  study by a Hungarian research team, flat-faced dogs tend to sleep more because their breed suffers from sleep apnea and thus their daytime sleepiness is increased. Thus, their REM (deep) sleep phase is much longer than their non-REM sleep, while the EEG patterns in their sleep indicate signs of white matter loss. And while some owners across the world see these Bulldogs and their extremely flat skulls as an attractive or unique feature, it is, nonetheless, a major health hazard. These breeds, for example, the French Bulldog, the Pug, and the English Bulldog tend to live around 3 to 4 years less than other dogs, and in many cases, they don’t even live to adulthood.Some will even have to undergo surgery to correct their musculoskeletal, respiratory, and eye problems, which can cause them a lot of problems throughout their lives. To make matters worse, the rounded and short skull of these dogs results in a distorted and rounded brain, which could affect neural functioning.All this resulted in the Hungarian team’s extensive research into the sleep of these breeds. They studied the sleep of 92 dogs, using EEG. "In the sleep lab, dogs spend about three hours with their owners. As nothing exciting happens, the dogs fall asleep quickly. Meanwhile, we conduct the electrical potential generated by the brain activity with electrodes glued to their scalps," says Anna Kis, who is considered a pioneer in the study of sleeping dogs and a researcher at the HUN-REN Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology. "We wanted to investigate whether flat-faced dogs sleep differently from other dogs, as they are known to suffer from oxygen deprivation due to respiratory problems and therefore have poorer quality sleep. We found that the flat-faced dogs slept more in the three hours given to them during the study. More daytime sleep is probably compensation for insufficient sleep at night.”Ivaylo Iotchev, the first author of a study of dog sleep patterns that was published in the Journal of Brain Structure and Function, adds "In the present study, we found that brachycephalic dogs had decreased beta waves and increased delta compared to dogs with longer noses. The frequency of sleep spindles increased. This pattern has previously been associated with poorer learning in dogs and loss of white matter in humans."He also adds "There may be several reasons for our results. The most interesting of these is that it seems as if the flat-faced dogs have retained the sleep pattern of puppyhood, similarly to newborns who spend more time in REM sleep.”If you own a brachycephalic dog and have been seeing a lack of quality in their sleep, these studies might provide the answers you are looking for – your pooch’s genetics might be to blame for their poor sleep.

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