Dogs sleep between 12 and 14 hours, divided between the night and small naps throughout the day. Faced with such a sleep schedule, it is evident that they need a comfortable place for adequate rest.
Regardless of whether you let him climb on your bed or on the sofa, the dog requires a soft and comfortable bed that he identifies as his own resting place. This should be located in a quiet place, where it is not disturbed, but without separating it too much from the rest of the family. Avoid areas of passage, noisy corners and where there are no air currents.
But in addition to choosing a good location, there are certain criteria to look at when deciding on one bed or another. It will depend on whether our best furry friend adore it or adopt the habit of sleeping on the floor.
If you adopt him when he is still a puppy, you can buy him a small, cradle-shaped bed with borders so that he feels protected. But when it grows you will have to change it, so if you prefer to save that money, opt directly for one aimed at its adult size and fill the gap that is left over with cushions or rolled blankets.
Of course, you should not only look at the size of your dog, but also the position in which it usually sleeps. There are very small dogs that love to sleep fully stretched out and other huge ones that prefer to curl up. If your dog sleeps stretched out, choose a bed in which he can do it freely and in which he has several centimeters of margin left over. For them, the best are the elongated mattresses without edges.
If he prefers to curl up, opt for smaller beds with sunken cushions or edges to keep him cozy. If it tends to take refuge in corners or under surfaces, opt for beds in the shape of a house or teepee with walls and a roof.
For those who change positions frequently, opt for a larger option that gives you room to stretch out, but is fluffy enough to snuggle into.
The fabric of the bed will also influence the decision. For cold dogs –especially small breeds with short hair–, as well as in winter, it is a good option to opt for furry or stuffed fabric beds. Remember to add a blanket to make them feel warmer. In summer a soft but cool cotton bed is better. Likewise, it is positive that it has a non-slip base to prevent it from slipping when lying down.
Very old dogs or dogs with muscle or bone problems need orthopedic beds, whose mattresses adapt better to their body shape and on which they can lie down without making any effort.
Finally, make sure that the bed can be easily washed in its entirety, both the cover and the cushion or padding. With this you will avoid bad odors, you will eliminate hair and stains and you will keep parasites at bay.