What are the best dog cushions and pillow beds in the UK?
It's one of the most important things you'll need to buy before welcoming a new doggo into your home. Give them a comfortable, padded bed that fits them well and makes them feel safe.
Whatever your pet's breed and personality, it's vital that they have a place of their own, a small refuge where they can go to sleep in peace. There are various types of beds for dogs, from round baskets with padded edges to non-slip blankets and orthopaedic mattresses. You should choose your dog's cushion based on their body type but also their taste for destruction! It would be best to have a comfortable cushion on which they can roll up in a ball or stretch out their paws. Choose a model equipped with non-slip spikes. If the cover is removable, your dog's cushion should also be machine-washable.
Are you planning to adopt a puppy? With this comparison, we'll help you choose the best dog cushion for your dog a good night's sleep as soon as they arrive!
Summary
How do I choose a dog cushion?
Choose the best cushion according to your dog's breed. The size of the dog pillow must be adapted to the pet's body type.
It's a good idea to choose a waterproof bed that is easy to clean and put in the washing machine. That is very important because your little puppy will tend to make their bed dirty. If you have a female dog, she may also stain her mattress when she is in heat.
Choose a soft, comfortable and breathable material to keep your pet safe from the cold while wicking away sweat. That is especially crucial in summer.
Avoid buying a padded cushion with foam. Your young puppy will be tempted to tear it up. This type of cushion also wears out quickly and quickly forms an uncomfortable indentation.
How should I choose the size of the dog cushion?
Your dog's cushion must be neither too big nor too small for them. The pet should be able to sit comfortably without its paws sticking out on the floor. On the other hand, if the cushion is too big, they will not feel safe.
It's best to choose a cushion that fits your puppy's size and buy another one as they grow. That way, your doggo will always be comfortable in their sleeping area.
- If you have a small breed dog, such as a Chihuahua, Yorkshire or Dandie, a 60-80 cm long cushion will be sufficient.
- Choose an 80 to 100 cm cushion in length for medium-sized breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels or Shetland Sheepdogs.
- Large dogs, such as the Braque or Greyhound, will need a cushion of 100 to 120 cm in length.
How do I clean my dog's bed?
To wash your dog's cushion, start by removing hair and other waste with a vacuum cleaner. If the cushion has a cover, remove the cover and rub the stains with a stain remover.
Then put the entire dog pillow bed, or the removable cover, in the washing machine unless the manufacturer recommends handwashing.
You can dry the dog cushion cover in the open air. In the meantime, put your dog on another cushion so that they don't sleep on the floor!
It is essential to clean your pet's bed regularly because a dog sleeps 50% of the time. Your dog's bed quickly absorbs its smell, which is quite unpleasant, especially in the living room.
In addition, cleaning the cushion helps get rid of any parasites, like fleas.
Why is my dog scratching their cushion?
Many dogs have a habit of scratching their pillow before bedtime. It's cute, strange and normal behaviour: don't worry!
Most of the time, these are old instincts that come to the surface. Our dogs' ancestors lived outside and used to scratch the ground to make a comfortable bed before sleep.
Scratching the bed also allows animals to leave their scent. Dogs have glands in their paw pads, which enable them to exude reassuring scents that relax them when they want to sleep. The dog feels at home.
Your dog may also like to scratch their basket as a game. However, if your pet tends to be destructive, you'll have to try to get rid of this habit by diverting their attention.
What is the difference between a dog cushion and a dog basket?
Cushion or basket, it is not always easy to choose the ideal bed for a dog. Baskets are more cumbersome than cushions and have raised edges to keep the animal safe. They are usually made of wicker, plastic, or fabric and allow the dog to rest in its own corner.
A dog cushion is lighter and easier to carry than the basket and invites the dog to sleep comfortably. It is shaped like a pillow and has no edges. Cushions are often removable and easy to clean.
Where can I buy a bed for my dog?
You can find a dog cushion in many pet supply stores. You can ask the salespeople for advice on which bed is best for your dog. Feel the different textures, and don't hesitate to bring your dog to see if a particular cushion tempts them.
There is also a wide choice of cushion models online. Read buying guides and get inspiration from comparison sites to find the best value for money. You can check out pet forums for consumer reviews and ask any questions you may have.