Best dog beds and mattresses: From thick memory foam dog beds to fleeces
It's essential to choose a dog mattress carefully. All dogs enjoy comfort, especially as they get older. An ideal mattress has memory foam and a removable cover for optimum hygiene.
The dog mattress is where your pet spends most of its time, whether it is on the floor in the living room, in a basket, or in a crate. As a result, this is not a purchase to be made lightly. A bed should be comfortable, meaning it needs to be thick and soft, with a memory foam dog mattress being the best fit.
It also needs to be easy to clean; you can go with a waterproof mattress that can be wiped clean with a sponge or one with a removable and machine-washable cover. Of course, the size of your dog must be taken into account. Do not worry, dog bedding comes in various sizes ranging from S to XL. There are also cheap dog mattresses available if your budget is limited.
Summary
Why should I buy a dog mattress?
A dog mattress will serve as a sleeping place for your pet. It will be their little corner to spend the night or just rest during the day.
The advantage of a mattress is that it is thick and therefore more comfortable. It is particularly important for:
- Dogs with arthritis or dysplasia
- Older dogs with pressure sores
- Large breed dogs with calluses on the elbows
- Dogs who squat on the sofa because it's more comfortable than their bed!
How do I choose a mattress for my dog?
The new bed for your dog must be ideally suited to their needs.
You should take into account the following:
- Size: several sizes are available to accommodate all breeds, from Yorkshire to Leonberger.
- Build: a heavy dog such as a Labrador needs a thicker mattress than a small one like a Chihuahua
- Health: for an animal suffering from arthritis or at risk of developing joint problems, such as the German Shepherd, choose a memory foam or thick foam mattress
- Pet lifestyle: if your dog gets dirty often, a mattress with a removable cover is essential
- Owner lifestyle: if you travel a lot, you need to consider the size of the mattress. A soft dog mat can be a good compromise.
How do I clean a dog mattress?
A waterproof dog bed can be easily cleaned with a sponge, but it may be less cosy.
Opt for a dog mattress with a removable cover for convenience. When it becomes dirty, just put the cover in the washing machine, and the bed will be as good as new! Some brands provide a spare bed cover which is a great idea!
How can I prevent odours on a dog mattress?
You can reduce odours by regularly washing the dog bed and choosing a mattress with breathable foam. This technology keeps unpleasant smells from becoming trapped in the fabric.
Another option is to choose a dog mattress that is resistant to both dirt and odours.
Ideally, it would help if you aired the mattress regularly by placing it on the windowsill or the terrace for a few hours.
What should I look out for when shopping for a dog mattress?
The mattress should be comfortable, hygienic, non-slip and safe.
For comfort, you can choose a dog mattress with memory foam that adapts perfectly to your pet's body shape. A thickness of 8 cm is the minimum for a foam bed.
There is nothing better for hygiene than a removable, machine-washable cover. Our pets can sometimes be true pigs, and this precaution is far from unnecessary.
If you do not want your dog mattress to move around the living room, put it in a corner or buy one with a non-slip surface to avoid slipping on the tiles or parquet.
Finally, pay attention to the finishing touches: the seams and zip of the cover should be robust.
How long can a dog mattress last?
First of all, it depends on your pet: a small lap dog, such as a Bichon, will put less strain on the mattress than a reckless Australian Shepherd!
Some animals are very destructive and can destroy their mattress. Not only may the bed not survive long, but the ingestion of foam or bits of fabric can cause an intestinal obstruction. Be careful!
Of course, a quality accessory is made to last, so a cheap dog mattress serve not to last as long.
To ensure that your dog mattress is as comfortable as possible, don't forget to check regularly that the foam has not collapsed.