How to Buy an Orthopedic Dog Bed
As your dog gets older, you may notice that he is limping a little bit. You may wonder if he has injured himself or if it part of normal aging. A quick check at the vet will probably reveal that he has arthritis, a fairly common condition especially in older dogs as well as larger breeds. Whether they have arthritis or a dysplasia of the elbow, hip or shoulder joints, your dog would likely benefit from an orthopedic bed. There can be some confusion about what constitutes an orthopedic bed and what does not plus there may be some issues about choosing the right size.
It doesn’t have to be that hard.
What is an Orthopedic Dog Bed?
An orthopedic dog bed is one that is made of special memory foam that is soft enough to be comfortable and dense enough to provide maximum support to the dog in whatever position he is sleeping in at the time. It should also be able to relieve pressure points especially on joints such as the hip, shoulders, knees and elbows.
Memory foam is specially designed foam. When you smash it down with your hand it should conform to the fingers and wrist. When you remove your hand the foam should very slowly rise back to its original position. Both of these factors are very important.
Size Does Matter
A dog bed of any kind should be the right size. An orthopedic bed that is too small will not provide any of the benefits that it was designed for because the dog has to sleep completely curled up and may be putting additional pressure on areas of his spine as he tries his best to fit. Every brand will have a convenient sizing chart that you can follow but remember, if the chart lists “breeds” rather than height and weight sizing you might not get the right size. Not all beagles are beagle size, after all. Look for sizes in inches and go by that. If you are unsure of sizes choose the next size up. It is better to give your dog a little extra room than to have a bed that is too small.
The height of the bed from the floor will also matter. If the bed is too thick and he cannot easily get in to it he may stop using the bed or it may cause additional pain. That is certainly not the goal here. Most orthopedic dog beds have a small indented area in the front so that dogs are able to get in and out with relative ease.
The higher the density of the foam that you choose, the more comfort your dog will get. The lower quality foam beds will quickly become flat and are not meant for dogs with arthritis or dysplasia.
Other Features to Look for
In addition to high-quality foam, you need to look for a mattress cover that is made of washable, quality material that will not tear, shrink or fade even with multiple washings. You may also want to find a bed that allows you to have more than one cover especially if your dog is sick frequently. This way you can wash one cover while using the other. Flannel bed sheets and small plush blankets can also be used as covers and are easy to care for.
A non-slip bottom is good especially if the dog’s bed is on a hardwood or a tile floor. You can put a small piece of backing down to keep it from sliding as well.
Placing the Orthopedic Dog Bed in Your House
If your dog typically sleeps in the main room of the house, his bed should be placed there. His main goal in life is to be where the family is, so this will make him happy. If he doesn’t care where the bed is look for a warm place that will let him get the rest he needs. Do not put the bed anywhere that is cold and drafty as cold temperatures can make arthritis pain even worse. On very cold nights you can add some warmth by warming his blanket in the dryer for a few minutes before his usual bedtime. Check that it is not too hot before putting it in the bed. Some dogs will allow a hot water bottle while others will chew through it and make a mess. Do not be tempted to use a heating pad as they become a fire hazard when placed under anything.
Getting Some Recommendations and Tips from Experts
If you are still pretty confused by the whole process, you can get some recommendations from experts including your veterinarian and the people at the local pet store. Make sure that they are giving you good information and feel free to ask plenty of questions. Get a few name brands and then comparison shop. You want to compare the various features of the beds as well as the price, the company you are buying from and customer service. If you need to have one ordered or you feel confident in ordering online by yourself, make sure that you are factoring shipping and handling costs as well as shipping time when making a final decision.
Don’t get lured into buying from the vet right off the bat because you may be able to find the same bed for a lower cost somewhere else. On the other hand, don’t go for the lowest price bed just to save some money. The cheaper beds are rarely made of the memory foam so they will not provide the comfort and support your dog needs. They will also not hold up as long and you are going to have to quickly buy another one. The cheap beds are covered in cheap material which will either not be washable at all or will shrink, tear or fall apart within a few washings.
Look for quality which will last longer, perform better and make your dog happier.
