FAQ: Beds & Bedding for dogs

A senior dog does well with a thick orthopaedic bed with a firm foam base, a low entrance and a non-slip bottom. Such a bed reduces pressure on the joints and makes lying down and getting up easier.

A thick firm bed can help a dog with arthritis lie more comfortably and get up more easily, but it does not treat the disease. Discuss joint pain, limping and stiffness after sleep with a vet.

If the dog avoids a bed with high sides, it may find stepping over them hard because of its joints or weaker muscles. Try a lower bed without sides, and if the dog generally struggles to move or lie down, see a vet.

Put an older dog's bed in a warm, draught-free spot close to the family with no stairs on the way. On slippery floors, lay a rug leading to the bed so the dog does not slip.

Older dogs often feel the cold more and get stiff, so they appreciate a warmer bed away from doors and windows. A self-warming pad or an extra blanket can help, but the dog must be able to move off it if it gets too warm.

Choose a firm bed that does not sag, with no high sides or with a low front edge, and a non-slip base. In a bed that is too soft the dog finds it hard to get a foothold, which makes getting up even harder.

Large, heavy dogs need a big sleeping area and a thick, dense foam base so their elbows and hips do not touch the floor. Durable fabric and strong seams also matter, because a big dog wears a bed out faster.

When a heavy dog often lies on hard floors, thickened bald patches can form on the elbows. A soft, thick enough bed helps prevent them, and if the spot turns red, swells or opens up, see a vet.

Small dogs often get cold faster and like to feel snug, so they enjoy round bolster beds, cave beds or fluffy pads. A large bed is not necessary for a small dog; what matters more is that it feels warm and safe.

Short-haired dogs get cold faster and have less natural padding over their bones. Softer, warmer beds, enclosed beds or beds with a blanket they can burrow under suit them well.

Lean dogs with prominent bones need a thick, soft bed that does not flatten, because bony points quickly get sore on hard surfaces. Many of them like to sleep stretched out, so the bed must be long enough.

Flat-faced dogs such as pugs or bulldogs cope poorly with heat, so breathable fabrics, cooling mats in summer and not overly enclosed beds suit them. If the dog snores very loudly or struggles to breathe while sleeping, it is worth consulting a vet.

For dachshunds and other long-backed dogs it matters that the bed is low and reachable without jumping. They like cave beds or beds with a blanket, and jumping off sofas and beds is best limited.

After surgery a dog needs a low, clean, easy-to-reach bed in a quiet place where other animals will not disturb it. Follow the vet's instructions on restricting movement, and change the bed cover more often so the wound stays clean.

With a protective cone it is harder for the dog to turn around and rest its head, so a larger flat bed without high sides may be more comfortable for the time being. Watch whether the dog can lie down and get up without difficulty.

A bitch with puppies needs a roomy, warm bed with low sides and easily changed pads in a quiet place. The pads will need changing often, so it is practical to have several, and follow your vet's advice on caring for the puppies.

A dog with incontinence does well with a bed that has a waterproof inner liner and an absorbent pad on top that is easy to change and wash. Incontinence can be a sign of illness, so it should be discussed with a vet first.

A new bed smells unfamiliar and may be too warm, too small or in the wrong place. Put an old blanket or a worn piece of your clothing on it, place it where the dog likes to lie and praise the dog when it lies down.

The most common reason is that the dog is too warm, especially if it has a thick coat or the bed is fluffy. The bed may also be too small, too soft or in a noisy spot, so try a cooler, bigger or relocated bed.

Digging and circling before lying down is natural dog behaviour for preparing a sleeping spot. If it tears the cover, choose a dense claw-resistant fabric and trim the nails regularly.