Dog Beds: Because Large Dogs Deserve a Cozy Space Too!
Helping our pet companions get comfortable is the least we can do. With all the joy and excitement they bring us, it’s important to return the favor whenever possible. After all, they’re a responsibility we have chosen to accept.
For big dogs, beds are especially important for many factors besides comfort. Let’s take a closer look at some fabulous dog beds for large dogs.
Are Dog Beds Even Necessary?
Owning and caring for a dog is not necessarily hard, but there are some essentials we can all do which will benefit our furry friend and us. Dogs need attention and exercise. They need quality food and water and parameters for behavior and allowances. In truth, dogs are people pleasers as long as they understand what you want.
Choosing to keep dogs off the furniture and beds is a personal preference many pet owners abide by. If dogs aren’t given a designated spot, they will often look to create one. By giving dogs a bed to sleep and rest, we’re also giving them a place, like a den, which feels safe and secure for them to be.
A bed can also be an important training and home introduction tool for young dogs or puppies. Although beds shouldn’t be associated with punishment, going to bed can represent a positive action or accepted behavior and can be rewarded.
Beds also simply provide warmth and comfort for our fuzzy buddies. When considering large or extra-large dogs, comfort can be even more of a factor due to their body mass and the pressure it puts on their bones and joints when they lie down.
As they age, larger dogs are often prone to arthritic conditions. A good bed can be pretty effective for helping senior dogs with their pain management, too.
What Breeds of Dogs Fall Under the Extra-large Dog Category?
Most dog owners have a relative idea of what constitutes a small, medium, large, or extra-large dog. Still, most experts agree that large dogs start at 50 lbs and are 24 inches tall. Once dogs reach 100 lbs or more, they fall into the extra-large category.
Some more recognized breeds of XL dogs include:
- Bull Mastiff(mastiff breeds, in general)
- St. Bernard
- Great Dane
- Cane Corso
- Newfoundland
- Rottweiler
- Irish Wolfhound
- Great Pyrenees
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Doberman Pinscher
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Siberian Husky
Of course, other dogs can range into the XL category. Most importantly, recognize if your big dog is comfortable in their bed, both sizewise and to support their weight.
What Should Big Pup Owners Know About Health Problems?
It’s important to stay aware of your dog’s health. With large or XL dogs, there can be more specific problems to be aware of and keep an eye out for.
Bigger dogs can fall victim to a number of problems relating to arthritic conditions, hip and elbow dysplasia, spinal deformities, as well as issues with the development of internal organs.
Throughout the centuries, dogs have been bred to produce wide variations in size, coloration, and shape, often far removed from their wolf ancestors. With larger breeds, the internal organs are larger than naturally intended, so the muscles and tissues have to work harder than in smaller dogs.
Consequently, their organs don’t quite last as long, which leads to, on average, shorter life spans for the larger breeds, often between 8 and 12 years. For comparison, my grandma had a mini-poodle, which weighed no more than 8 lbs, soaking wet, and lived to be 19.
Large dogs also carry more weight, so their joints, ligaments, and tendons can endure more strain. This is often the cause of arthritis in older years. A comfortable bed is key to helping manage their potential pain levels.
Why is Choosing the Correct Big Berth Important?
Ideally, you want to choose a bed that will last a while. Familiarity is a large factor for dog comfort, too. Even after washing the bed, a dog will still recognize its home scent and that the bed is theirs.
Picking a bed with good support and cushioning is also necessary to provide comfort in the long term. And the bed needs to be durable enough to handle your pup lying, rolling, scratching, and generally being a dog on it without it breaking down or getting too dirty.
Here’s How to Choose Berths for Big Pups!
Below, you’ll find some good rules of thumb to consider when buying a dog bed.
Dimensions: Large Enough to Spread Out with Comfortable Support
One of the first considerations should be if your dog fits on the bed. Too small of a bed can prove more uncomfortable and have a negative outcome for the dog, which they will often abandon. Think about how tall and long your dog is. You don’t want their legs and body sprawling off the sides, do you?
Even better, measure your dog, both in length and height. Then, when choosing a bed, pick one with dimensions 10 to 12 inches greater than that of your dog’s length or height, whichever is the bigger of the two.
Durable Design: High-quality Material with Concealed Stitching
Although super soft beds may look great, durability is a far greater feature in the long run. Especially with larger dogs, the bed’s material needs to be relatively durable while still retaining some comfort.
Hidden stitching also improves the durability of the bed. It can also help some dogs to resist the urge to chew at visible stitching or loose strings. Concealed zippers are also preferred for the same reasons.
Easy Cleaning: Waterproof Lining with Washable Core
Dog beds will eventually get dirty. For active dogs, the bed may need to be washed as often as the dog does. A bed designed to be easily cleaned or washed is one made with humans in mind, too.
Additionally, the waterproof lining helps to keep moisture and odors from seeping into the bed. If your big dog is a drooler, this could be an important benefit for keeping the bed clean and fresh.
Finally, being able to wash the filler or core of the bed is critical to keeping a handle on doggy odors.
Materials and Support for Orthopedics: Provides Extra Support While They Rest
Certain pet beds have seen advancements in the materials used for the covers and the mattress-like pads inside. Improving the quality of the foam as a means to support orthopedic issues for dogs allows them to enjoy more time with you and less pain overall.
Choosing an orthopedic or memory foam bed for your dog can be a worthwhile purchase before they show signs of pain. Think of it as a preventative medicine for your best buddy.
According to Climate: Look for Season-appropriate Options
Matching the right bed with the climate or seasons of the year can be an important consideration for comfort. A dog living in Florida during the summer may not want a super warm and fuzzy bed. Cool and ventilated may be a better option. A waterproof bed is the best bet if it’s a wet season. Choose wisely and intelligently.
Hypoallergenic Materials: An Important Aspect for Large Pups
Most big dogs seem like warrior pups, even if they’re huge teddy bears. But, sometimes, because of their size, it’s easy to forget that little things like allergies can be more detrimental to their health. These beds can help support a dog’s airway for less constricted breathing when allergies flare.
Consider, too, that the bigger the dog, the more skin can be itchy or inflamed. A cooling and allergy-free pad can make a big difference for a struggling pup.
Warranty: Examine the Warranty Details
Generally, the warranty details should always be clear and easy to find for a product. If they’re hidden or non-existent, that should be a red flag to the consumer.
Fortunately, lots of companies make high-quality dog beds that they stand behind as far as overall quality and craftsmanship.
Where Should it be Placed in the House?
Most dogs like to be with their people. Some dog owners have more than one bed around the house, so their dogs feel comfortable wherever they are.
Generally, dogs like to feel secure, often in a corner and not too close to windows or doors. They should also be removed from excessively hot or cold areas, such as HVAC or furnace vents. It’s also important to watch your dog, see where they feel most comfortable, and place the bed there, if possible.
Which Large Pup Berth is the Finest to Purchase?
Honestly, there are so many to pick from, so it’s very helpful to read customer reviews or forums about beds for large dogs. Equally, numerous lists explain the virtues of many different beds. Some of my favorite large dog beds can be found here.
Conclusion
Regardless of which bed you choose, your dog will thank you. Contact me today for more information about different beds or assistance making a purchase. I’m happy to help guide you to the best dog beds for large dogs.
