FAQ: Beds & Bedding for dogs

A solid block gives a flat, even base, while shredded foam is softer and moulds to the body but gradually shifts to one side of the bed. Dogs with joint problems are usually better off with a solid dense block.

New foam products sometimes give off a chemical smell for a short time. After unpacking, leave the bed in a ventilated place for a few days; if the smell is strong and does not fade, contact the seller.

Allergic dogs do well with beds that have a removable cover washable at higher temperatures and a filling that does not collect dust. Regular cleaning matters most, and the specific cause of the allergy must be identified by a vet.

More often the trigger is not the filling itself but the dust, dust mites or mould that build up in it. A waterproof inner liner, frequent washing and replacing old, flattened beds all help.

Natural wool and sheepskin hold warmth well and absorb moisture, so cold-sensitive dogs like them. They need gentler care, so check before buying whether the product can be washed.

In a warm room a dog is more comfortable on breathable fabric, a low-sided mattress or a raised mesh bed. Fluffy enclosed beds often go unused in a warm flat because they are too hot for the dog.

Many manufacturers give not only the dimensions but also a recommended dog weight or breed size. That is a good guide, but the most reliable way is still to compare the bed's inner dimensions with your dog's measurements.

If the dog sinks down to the floor when lying on it and struggles to get up, the bed is too soft. Older and heavy dogs need a firmer base that supports the body and makes standing up easy.

A very hard thin bed differs little from the floor and does not relieve pressure on the elbows and hips. The ideal bed is firm but gives a little under the dog's body.

Many beds have a separate inner cushion that can be taken out and washed separately from the frame or sides. This is convenient because smaller parts fit into a washing machine more easily and dry faster.

Reversible beds or cushions have different sides, for example a warmer fluffy one for winter and a cooler smooth one for summer. Flipping the bed also makes it wear more evenly and keep its shape longer.

Darker and patterned fabrics show stains and dirt less, while light beds look nice but need washing more often. It is also worth considering your dog's coat colour, as hair shows up clearly on contrasting fabric.

To start with, an inexpensive, easy-to-wash bed or pad with a waterproof layer works well, since puppies often have accidents and chew. Put the bed in a quiet spot from which the puppy can see the family.

Place the bed where the puppy already likes to rest, put a toy or something with a familiar smell in it and praise the puppy when it lies down by itself. Never send it to bed as a punishment, so the bed does not become linked with unpleasant things.

Chewing is natural for puppies, especially while teething, so give suitable chew toys and interrupt the chewing when you notice it. While the puppy is growing, choose a simple bed without easily reached zips, exposed seams or tassels.

Puppies often like beds with sides because they recall snuggling up to their mother and littermates. The sides just need to be low enough for the puppy to climb in and out easily.

Choose a bed with a waterproof inner liner or slip a waterproof pad under the cover. Wash soiled areas as soon as possible, because any remaining smell can encourage the puppy to pee in the same place again.

The first nights without the litter are hard for many puppies, so a bed or crate near the owner's bed helps them settle. Later the bed can gradually be moved to its permanent spot.

Small-breed puppies often need only one bed, while large-breed puppies may outgrow one or two during the first months. That is why people often start with a cheaper bed or pads and buy a durable bed once the dog is nearly grown.

In a crate a puppy needs only a medium-thick, easily washed pad that fits the floor snugly. An oversized soft bed in a crate sometimes becomes something to chew or a toilet corner.