FAQ: Beds & Bedding for dogs

Measure your dog lying stretched out from nose to the base of the tail and add a little room. Manufacturers usually state the inner size of the bed.

Yes, a removable cover is much easier to wash. You will find this in the product description on the shop's website.

Between two sizes, the larger bed is usually the better choice, especially if the dog likes to stretch out or is still growing. Small dogs that like to feel snug may feel less secure in an oversized bolster bed, so a closer fit suits them.

Dogs that curl up do well in round or oval beds with high soft sides they can press against. Measure the diameter of your curled-up dog and add a few centimetres.

A rectangular mattress or a flat cushion without high sides, or with a low edge on one side, works better. It should be longer than the dog stretched out, so the paws do not hang onto the floor.

The sides and frame take up a lot of space, so a bed with thick bolsters can be much smaller inside than its outer dimensions suggest. When comparing products, look at the inner sleeping area.

Dogs that like to rest their head on something raised do well with beds that have a bolster or rim on at least one side. The edge supports the neck and head while the dog can still stretch out.

An oversized bed may feel less cosy to a puppy, and puppies often chew and soil their beds. It is often practical to start with an inexpensive smaller bed or pad and buy a sturdy adult bed once the dog has grown.

A mattress is flat and firmer, a cushion is soft and often has no sides, and a bolster bed resembles a nest. When choosing, consider how your dog sleeps and where the bed will stand.

An orthopaedic bed usually means one with a thick layer of dense foam or memory foam that spreads the weight evenly and does not flatten down to the floor. It reduces pressure on the joints and suits older and large dogs especially well.

Memory foam slowly moulds to the body and reduces pressure on bony points, while ordinary foam springs back faster and is firmer or softer depending on its density. Low-density foam thins out over time, so check the layer's thickness and density.

It is a frame with stretched mesh or fabric that lifts the dog off the floor. Air circulates underneath, so it is cooler in summer and in winter the dog does not lie on cold floors or ground; these beds are easy to wipe clean.

Enclosed or semi-enclosed beds appeal to small, short-haired and cold-sensitive dogs that like burrowing under a blanket. The dog must be able to get in and turn around comfortably, and it must not get too hot inside.

A sofa-style bed has a raised back and sides like a small couch and is often chosen for its looks. It is comfortable for dogs that like to lean, but choose it by the inner area, not the overall dimensions.

Round fluffy beds with a high rim suit small and medium dogs that like to curl up. For large dogs or dogs that stretch out they are often too short, and long-haired dogs may find them too warm in summer.

A pad or mat is thin and light and is usually laid in a crate, carrier, car or on a sofa. It protects from cold or hard surfaces, but for long sleep it does not replace a thick bed for a large or older dog.

If your dog sleeps in a crate, the pad should match the crate floor so it does not bunch up or slide around. Crate pads are often thinner and easy to wash, since puppies soil them more often.

Foldable and roll-up beds are handy for travel, camping and visits because they take up little space. For everyday sleep at home they are usually thinner, so a thick permanent bed suits a large or older dog better.

Self-warming beds have a reflective layer that returns the dog's body heat and contain no electrical parts. They suit cold-sensitive, short-haired and older dogs in cool rooms.

Choose only heated pads made for pets, with a temperature limit and a chew-resistant cord, and use them according to the manufacturer's instructions. The dog must always be able to move off the warm surface, and a dog that chews should not be left alone with the cord.