Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting milestone for every animal lover. But as exciting as it is, it can also be extremely overwhelming. A new pet comes with a never-ending list of responsibilities and items you need to keep them happy, satisfied, and comfortable.

Dog beds are a necessary item to provide for your new pup when bringing them home for the first time. Just as humans need high-quality beds that support their physical and mental health needs, so do your pets.

Every dog is different, and depending on their breed, personality and age, their needs may vary significantly. Choosing a comfortable bed for puppies can feel like a chore, especially if you aren’t familiar with your puppy’s needs quite yet.

Why Choosing the Right Dog Bed Matters

A bed should be at the top of every future pet owner’s list. Nothing is as relaxing and restful as a good night’s sleep, and without proper sleep, your puppy will be groggy and tired.

You might find it comforting to have your puppy next to you at all times. However, as cute as sleeping next to your pet is, it’s not always what’s best for them.

Your puppy has comfort and health needs just like you, and it’s your job to meet their needs and provide them with the best life possible. The road to a happy, healthy, and most importantly, long life for your dog starts with choosing the right dog bed.

If you just got a new, young puppy, their needs will be significantly different. Firstly, they are still growing, and with that, their size, personality and overall behaviour might change.

It’s important to provide your dog with the right bed for their needs, size and personality. Some beds might feel cosy for certain dogs, and for others, they can be uncomfortable.

As dogs age, their joints start to weaken. The best remedy for aching joints is a supportive, orthopedic bed for puppies that provides comfort and eases their pain. Choosing the right bed for your puppy is key to a happy, healthy pup, who, when well-rested, will shower you in cuddles and kisses.

Types of Dog Beds to Consider

Pillow Bed

One of the most popular types of dog beds available is the pillow bed. These beds are soft, plush and closely resemble pillows. The reason so many dog owners reach for a pillow bed first is that they associate the pillow with being a comfortable, cosy place for their dogs to lounge and relax. Pillow beds are filled with soft beds and are perfect for dogs who like to relax on soft surfaces.

Doughnut Bed

A cuddler bed, or commonly known as a doughnut bed, is a soft, round bed with raised sides that provides your dog with a comfortable place to rest their head. This design provides warmth and a greater sense of safety for your puppy thanks to its semi-closed design.

Orthopaedic Bed

Elderly dogs with achy joints and weak bones need beds that will keep them comfortable and provide some pain relief while they rest. These beds are made of memory foam and are much firmer than regular dog beds. Some additional design elements of orthopaedic beds are headrests, foam that absorbs bad odours and anti-tear fabric covers.

Elevated Bed

If your puppy tends to get cold during the night, or if they aren’t a fan of sleeping on the floor, you can try purchasing an elevated bed. These beds keep your dog elevated from the ground while also providing firm support for their entire body.

Igloo Beds

An igloo bed, also known as a cave, is a soft bed that’s covered on all sides by a roof made of breathable fabrics. The igloo bed design closely resembles an igloo, which is where it gets its name from. These beds are great for keeping warm in winter and can even help relieve your dog’s nighttime anxiety.

Choosing the Perfect Bed for Your Puppy

Size

The size is the first and most important factor to consider when choosing a dog bed. Young puppies grow quickly. This is why, if you are purchasing a bed for a young puppy, you should get one that’s a few sizes bigger than your dog. Your puppy should have enough space to comfortably stretch and roll around when resting.

Materials

The material of your dog’s bed is another important factor to consider. Some dogs prefer certain materials over others. Ensure the material of your puppy’s bed doesn’t irritate their skin or make them uncomfortable.

Durability

Dogs love to chew anything they set their sight on, and that sadly includes their bed. Look for beds made of materials that are hard to tear. Additionally, try to consider the bed’s cleaning needs. Dogs get dirty, and they bring the mess straight to their bed, which means you’ll be doing a lot of washing. Get a bed that is easy to clean, wash and dry, so it stays fresh and odour-free.

How to Keep Your Puppy’s Bed Clean and Fresh

Maintaining a clean, fresh bed for puppies is essential for your pet’s hygiene and health. Over time, a dog’s bed collects dirt, hair, mud and other particles that, if left unwashed for long, can harm your dog’s health.

You should wash your puppy’s bed once a week to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

• Check the Label: Ensure there isn’t a specific wash routine you have to follow. The label should have specific information about the material of your dog’s bed and how to wash it best.
• Remove Loose Hair: If you don’t remove loose pet hair from the bed before throwing it in the washing machine, you can clog your drain and even damage your machine. Always vacuum the bed to remove hair, loose dirt and other particles.
• Detergent Guide: Choose a pet-safe detergent. You don’t want to irritate your puppy’s skin, and a mild detergent doesn’t have any chemicals that can harm your pup.
• Wash Gently: Wash your dog bed on a gentle cycle in the washing machine, or at a warm temperature if you’re washing it by hand. Extremely hot temperatures can damage the bed’s material.
• Air Dry: Always air-dry your dog’s bed after washing it. This process might take longer than just putting the bed in a dryer, but air-drying won’t damage the material and will keep the bed fresh and odourless longer.