Let’s be honest - when you bought your dog’s bed, what made you decide that *this* was the one?
Was it the cute pattern that matched your aesthetic?
Was it a clearance sale that made the bed seem like an irresistible bargain?
Was it the bed that the sales associate at the pet store said that her dog liked?
Something else?
Very few dog moms and dads can honestly say that they let their dog choose their own beds. And that’s normal. After all, how can a dog really evaluate the finer things of bedding like thread count and temperature control?
You might be surprised, though. Your dog has distinct preferences about what they like, and it turns out that your dog’s bed can also play a huge role in their health.
So, let’s put your dog’s bed to the test and see if it has all 5 of these must-haves.
1. Comfort
You already know that comfort is a requirement, but do you know what constitutes a “comfortable” dog bed?
Like humans, who have preferences about mattress softness and materials, your dog also has their own ideas about what they like. And yes, this is true even if you find them sleeping in random places across the house, including that hard tile floor (hey, some pups find the cool temps of the tile refreshing).
Even though pup preferences may vary, there are some universal truths when it comes to a comfortable dog bed.
The most important feature here is support. When your dog lies down for the night (or a leisurely afternoon nap), the bed should provide a cloud-like cushion that provides the perfect balance of molding to your pup’s body while preventing them from sinking down to the hard floor.
How to test your dog’s bed for comfort:
Press your palms into the center of the bed and press down with a substantial portion of your body weight. Do you feel the bed “bounce back?” If not, then your dog’s bed is not providing the necessary support.
Try sitting down on the bed. Is it comfortable? Would you meditate here? If no, then your dog’s bed needs an upgrade.
A final test for the ultra-ambitious dog mom (or dad): Lie on your back on the dog bed and do snow angels. Rate the activity on a fun scale of 1 to 10. If you score less than an 8, ditch that bed and get something better.
2. Size
Whoever said size doesn’t matter needs to have their head checked.
Whether you have a tiny pooch or a giant bear, your dog needs an appropriately sized bed for restful sleep. While you don’t want your dog to be cramped into a space that’s too small, you also need to make sure that the bed feels safe. This means that, yes, it’s possible for your dog’s bed to be either too small or too big.
Again, there are preferences here, and we would never tell your pup how to sleep. But we can give you some general guidelines about how to determine what bed is the right size for your fur baby.
How to measure the right fit:
Step 1: Measure your pup from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail (or nub).
Step 2: Measure your pup at their widest point, which is typically shoulder-to-shoulder.
Step 3: Add a few inches to each of those measurements to find an ideal size range for your dog’s bed, especially if your dog likes to stretch out.
Note: If you have a puppy, go by the standard breed size for an adult male or female because your pup will fill out that bed before you know it!
3. Material
You’re going to want to look at the bed’s material from the inside out because what’s inside your dog’s bed is just as important as what’s on the outside.
It turns out that dog beds made in some other countries (we’re looking at you, China) are often filled with toxic materials that can lead to illness and life-threatening diseases like cancer.
According to the Environmental Working Group, the top 5 toxins to be on the lookout for are:
- Arsenic
- Lead
- Bromine
- PBDE - Polybrominated diphenyl ether
- Phthalates
We recommend buying dog beds made in the USA, where environmental, labor, and consumer protection laws prevent these materials from being used.
What’s on the outside of your dog bed counts just as much as what’s on the inside. By far, the best material for a dog bed is faux fur because it feels like mama’s fur, and it helps keep your dog’s body temperature regulated.
The problem with faux fur is that it’s not always washable, but that’s not a problem with NurtureBed.
How to see if your dog bed material passes the test:
Look at the label. Where is the dog bed made, and what is it made of?
4. Donut Rim
When you crawl into bed at night, do you have a favorite pillow or blanket? Do you prefer your sheets to feel a certain way? Do you assume the starfish position, or do you curl up in the fetal position?
Just like you want to feel comfortable (and comforted) in bed, so does your pup! One of the best ways to give extra comfort to your dog while they’re sleeping is with a bed that has a donut rim. The donut shape serves as a support system that allows your dog to feel cuddled. It can also function as a pillow or added head and neck support.
How to confirm the presence of a donut rim:
No, don’t go to your nearest bakery. All you have to do is examine your dog’s bed and look for this shape with a raised edge:
5. Washable
Your dog’s bed has seen a lot of action. From drool to vomit and maybe even the occasional tinkle, the surface and inner workings of your dog’s bed are a breeding ground for bacteria and filth.
The problem is that most dog beds aren’t washable. Or, they might have a removable lining that can be washed, but that doesn’t solve the problem of the icky liquids and detritus that seeps through the upper layer.
So, how do you find a dog bed that you can put in the wash that doesn’t fall apart after a single cycle? You’ve come to the right place. NurtureBeds are 100% washable, and they stand the test of time. Throw that puppy (the bed, not your dog) in the wash and rejoice when it comes out looking (and smelling) brand new.
How to confirm washability status:
Most pawrents learn the hard way. You can do it the smart way and get your paws on a NurtureBed. You’ll have peace of mind that you can wash your dog’s bed as often as you wash your sheets.
Bonus Must-Have: A Warranty
What happens if your dog has a Godzilla moment and destroys the dog bed within days, weeks, or months? What happens if your dog hates their bed?
In most cases, you’re stuck with a pile of foam and fabric rags or an unused bed that sits and gathers dust.
We don’t think that’s fair, and that’s why all NurtureBeds come with a 30-day return policy and an optional lifetime warranty upgrade. This means you can buy a dog bed from us 100% risk-free. We stand by the sleeping solution we’ve created, and we know your dog will love it. And if they don’t, you can get your money back. And if they love it too much, we’ll give you a new one - even if it’s years later!
How Did Your Dog Bed Score?
If your dog’s bed scored anything less than 100%, it’s time for an instant upgrade. Grab a NurtureBed and enjoy 50% OFF on us. Get yours here.