How to choose the right dog bed based on your dog's size and age?

Kalmo
Kalmo Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I often see owners picking out a dog bed at random without really knowing what's best for their dog. After quite a bit of research and experience, here are the factors that really matter:

1. Size: measure your dog while they're lying on their side (from nose to the tip of their tail) and add about 6 inches. This is the minimum length for the bed. A bed that's too small = a dog sleeping on the floor next to it.

2. Age: a puppy doesn't have the same needs as a senior dog. For older dogs or those with joint issues, a memory foam bed makes a massive difference to how comfortable they feel when they wake up.

3. Material: avoid wicker (it's dangerous if your dog chews it) and go for a bed with a removable, machine-washable cover. Believe me, after a few months, it's essential.

4. Location: a quiet spot, away from draughts and high-traffic areas. Your dog needs to be able to rest without being disturbed.

What about you? What kind of bed do you use for your dog? Are you happy with it?

I've written a more detailed article on the subject for anyone interested: https://kalmo.fr/blogs/actualites/choisir-panier-ideal-chien

Translated from French
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2 answers
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    • Docline
    Docline Icon representing the flag French
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    I find it infuriating when people rave about memory foam mattresses for senior dogs.

    Memory foam is super comfy for the first few minutes. BUT THEN the body gets stuck in that initial position, without moving, >>> which inevitably worsens all those aches and pains and causes stiffness that prematurely ages the body.

    What an old dog actually needs is a mattress they can get up from easily on their own, where they can change position—basically, it needs to be "springy".

    (The ideal solution for an old dog is to pick up a child’s spring mattress from a charity shop like Emmaus; obviously, you’ll need to go to the effort of protecting it from claws with some heavy-duty fabric. But whatever you do, no memory foam—it’s an absolute nightmare for their joints!!!

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    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hello,

    It’s true that many owners don’t realise just how important a good bed is for their pet. You’ve summed up the key points perfectly, especially the fact that no matter the choice of bedding, two criteria remain vital for long-term maintenance: a bed with a fully removable, machine-washable cover, and high-quality padding that won’t sag after just a few weeks!

    Best wishes,

    Laure.

    Translated from French

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