Below are a few key factors our experts recommend considering when shopping for the best bed for your pup: Oral Care Wellness All Oral Care Electric Toothbrushes Toothpastes Whiteners Floss Mouthwashes Water Flossers Dr. Dana Varble is the chief veterinary officer and spokesperson for the nonprofit North American Veterinary Community. Beds labeled as orthopedic dog beds, which are made with high-quality orthopedic foam to gently cushion bones and joints, are usually the best option for older dogs, says Fadl.

Unfortunately, many older large-breed dogs like to lie on the floor, which can be harder on their joints. This might be due to temperature concerns, so beds that are designed to keep a dog cool might be a good option [and] many orthopedic dog beds have this feature,” says Fadl. Orthopedic beds with a low profile on one side can allow for easier access, especially since arthritic dogs can find it hard to lift their paws high enough to get in, says Nelson.Since beds can be a key source of anxiety-reducing comfort for your pet, the insulation level of the bed can be an important consideration based on the climate you live in and the breed of your dog. Basically, the bed shouldn’t make them feel too warm or too cold. Other Occasions & Loved Ones Gift Guides All Other Occasions & Loved Ones For Teens For Grandparents For Bridal Shower For New Parents For Any Occasion Office Home & Kitchen All Office Office Chairs Standing Desks Desk Organizers Seat Cushions Under Desk Ellipticals Electronics Tech All Electronics Tvs Wifi Routers Gaming Consoles Streaming Devices Instant Cameras Handheld Gaming Consoles 3D Printers Health Wellness All Health Meal Kit Delivery Gluten-Free Meal Kit Delivery KN95 Masks N95 Masks Disposable Face Masks Air Purifiers Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents Natural Deodorants Period Underwear

Dog beds come in a variety of materials, ranging from soft polyester that’s designed to be attractive and comfortable to ballistic fabrics designed to be hard-wearing and durable. “If you have a dog that likes to tear apart stuffed toys, a soft fluffy fleece bed will not survive very well and your money would be better spent on something stouter,” says Hoggan.Durability: How durable a bed is really comes down to your dog’s temperament. Though most dog beds are made of soft polyester designed to look good and feel comfortable, dogs more prone to chewing or pawing at their bed will likely benefit from ballistic fabrics designed to be hard-wearing. If your dog tends to destroy their toys, a soft fleece bed or one with tassels and threads should be off the table. At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Dr. Joe Wakshlag is a professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. Size: The right sized bed means it’s large enough for your pet to sprawl out with their limbs fully extended and their entire body still on the bed, according to our experts. Most beds will have size recommendations based on your dog’s weight. Small dogs can generally use beds meant for bigger dogs as long as they can comfortably step in and out of it (though this is not true for medium and large sized dogs).

You should also be careful with any tassels or long threads that are visible on the bed. “Dogs like to chew and a tassel or thread has the potential to become a linear foreign body trapped in their stomach and intestines,” says Hoggan. Insulation level A thin and small breed with no undercoat, like a whippet or Italian Greyhound, will need much more warmth provided in cold northern climate, whereas an arctic breed would need a more cooling bed in a tropical region,” says Hoggan. Dr. Kristen Nelson is a veterinarian at Arizona Skies Animal Hospital in Cave Creek, Arizona and the author of “Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life.” Measure your pup. The dog bed should be slightly larger than your pet to accommodate the many positions dogs like to sleep in.The size of the bed will likely have the biggest effect on how comfortable your dog is when using it. “A bed should be large enough for your pet to lay out with their limbs fully extended with their entire body, even their toes, on the bed,” says Varble. Small dogs can usually use beds that are designed for larger breeds as long as they’re able to jump into the bed without issue, but “a tiny bed for a giant body doesn’t work very well,” says Hoggan. Washable covers Angela Logsdon-Hoover is a certified dog trainer, canine behaviorist and the regional technician director at VCA Animal Hospitals. Note how your pup sleeps."If they sprawl out on the couch, a rectangular bed that gives them room to 'starfish' might be best," says Senior Editor and pet expert Lizz Schumer. "But if they like to turn around in a circle a million times to create a little nest, they might do best with a cuddler or cave bed." Mili Godio is an editor at Select who covers a variety of pet essentials, including dog food, treats, travel carriers and shampoos. For this article, Godio spoke to six veterinarians and trainers about the benefits of having a dedicated bed for your dog. She also compiled their recommendations for the best beds to consider and researched dozens of options on the market based on expert guidance. Skin Care Wellness All Skin Care Moisturizers Mineral Sunscreens Sunscreens for Kids Sunscreens for Dark Skin Acne Teen Acne Rosacea SPF Lip Balms Under Eye Patches

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Dr. Sarah Hoggan is the medical director for VCA California Veterinary Specialists — Murrieta, where she also oversees emergency and critical care services. Kitchen Appliances & Tools Home & Kitchen All Kitchen Appliances & Tools Coffee Makers Cookware Air Fryers Mixers Kitchen Gadgets Outdoor Home & Kitchen All Outdoor Raised Garden Boxes Garden Hoses Gas Grills Beach Towels Solar Pool Covers Grilling Accessories