A guide to modern dog beds

There is a wide variety of dog beds available to pet owners today; gone are the days when pets were given an old blanket or pillow to sleep on. Whether you want a luxury bed, an orthopaedic bed or even a heated bed, there really is something to suit every kind of dog. Here’s a quick guide to some of the more popular dog beds available today.

Nest shaped beds are one of the standard types of dog beds, recognisable from the fact that they have raised cushioned edges. These bolstered edges tend to surround the back and sides of the bed, with an opening at the front for the dog to get in and out. These nest beds are idea for dogs who love to curl up or lean against something when they sleep.

Many older dogs have a tendency to develop problems with their joints and bones, such as arthritis. For a pet like this, an orthopaedic bed is perfect. These are made with special memory foam and provide extra support for the dog, putting less stress on their tender joints. Some of these beds also come with a heating function, much like an electric blanket. Although this kind of dog bed can be used by any dog, regardless of their health, older dogs, or dogs who are naturally thin and bony, such as whippets and greyhounds, will benefit the most from an orthopaedic bed.

Pet owners who travel with their dog often use a crate or a kennel when they are on the move. For this reason, kennel ‘beds’ have become very popular. These are designed to fit snugly into a kennel and make the dog as comfortable as possible during a long journey. They are usually water resistant and very easy to clean.

Hooded or covered beds are another option for dogs. These often resemble miniature tents or houses and provide a comfortable, cosy little retreat for a dog. Some of these hooded beds are made up of a standard dog bed with a wicker hood, whilst others are made entirely of cushioned fabric. If your dog has a tendency to curl up in hidden corners of the house for a nap, then they may well love this kind of bed. Although these beds come in a variety of sizes, smaller breeds tend to be particularly fond of hooded beds.