You already know that sleep is vital for your dog’s health, but you might be surprised to find out that the bed you choose for your pup has a major influence on the quality of their sleep.
Even in the wild, dogs rarely sleep on the cold, naked ground. Instead, they’ll nestle on a pile of leaves or a soft patch of earth. Similarly, your domestic pooch also needs a supportive surface where they feel safe and cozy.
So, what happens if your dog doesn’t have the right bed to crawl into at night or for an afternoon nap? Just like humans, not having a proper bed can wreak havoc on their health.
No pups were harmed in the taking of this photograph ;)
{Instagram: @chuckothedog}
The Importance of Sleep for Your Dog
Sleep is vital for a dog’s immune system, brain development, and physical recovery. According to Dr. Joan Hendricks, VMD, Ph.D., Dip ACVIM, insufficient sleep (both in terms of quantity and quality) can make your dog more prone to developing infections and succumbing to illness.1
Sound familiar?
Sleep is universally important for all of earth’s creatures, not just humans. And this includes, of course, man’s best friend. There are, of course, some exceptions - jellyfish, sea urchins, bullfrogs, and some species of insects can manage to survive without sleep, but these animals are rarities.2
A dog who’s not getting enough sleep may show signs of moodiness or changes in energy levels (both lethargy and hyperactivity can be common side effects of sleep deprivation), but the signs of sleep deprivation in a dog aren’t as obvious as they are in humans.
You won’t see bags under your dog's eyes, copious amounts of coffee consumption, or emotional outbursts over trivial issues like the toilet paper roll facing the wrong way.
Plus, dogs can’t talk, so they won’t come right out and tell you that they’re not sleeping well. It’s up to their humans to be observant and take proactive action to create an ideal sleep environment.
Instead, it’s up to a pet parent to recognize when their fur baby isn’t getting proper rest and then provide a solution to fix the problem.
Animal Chiropractor Explains the Ideal Dog Bed
One of the most important factors in ensuring your pet gets restful sleep by providing them with a bed that is comfortable, cozy, and feels like “home.” Every dog is unique, so preferences are bound to vary. Instead of having to sample dozens of dog beds to find the “right fit,” your best bet is to find a dog bed that ticks all the boxes for the vast majority of dogs.
According to animal chiropractor, Dr. Daniel Kamen, DC, “Dogs should have a comfortable place to sleep with moderate padding. Studies have shown that dogs need support when they sleep, just as people do.”3
This sounds like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many dog beds get this wrong. As pet parents, we do our best, but until we have a telepathic connection to our pets, we have to go by instinct and whatever clues they give us.
Instead of relying on style alone, we also have to consider the best interests of our pooch. The most important factors in this area are:
- Comfort
- Support
Sounds simple, right?
The problem is that there are so many options that it can be hard to figure out which is best and evaluate them objectively. And, as Dr. Kamen explains, because “the low back is very flexible and therefore prone to injury,” the right dog bed is essential. For most dogs, a donut-style bed is the perfect solution.
Why Dogs Love Donuts
Donut-shaped beds get top marks from veterinarians, chiropractors, dog trainers, so this type of bed is what we typically recommend to a pet parent who needs some advice.
Small dogs can feel nested and the interior cushion provides plenty of support. Larger dogs can choose to curl up or stretch out - the key is to get a bed big enough to allow them room to get comfy.
NurtureBed’s donut-shaped beds have features that your dog will love:
- Faux fur fabric that feels like mom
- A super fluffy center that offers tons of support
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A cushy donut rim that can function as a pillow or warm surface to press against (your dog will feel like they’re sleeping with the pack)
Ready to get your pup (or other four-legged friend) the bed they deserve so that they can continue living their best life? Check out NurtureBed today. It’s available in four sizes and four colors and comes backed with a satisfaction guarantee and an optional warranty.
Plus, it’s fully machine washable. Your pet will love this bed so much, you might be tempted to try it out for a nap yourself!
2. https://animalhow.com/which-animals-do-not-sleep-5-species/
3, 4. Daniel Kamen, The Well Adjusted Dog: Canine Chiropractic Methods You Can Do 25, 103 CCB Publishing, 2nd ed. (2013).