How to Choose the Best Dog Beds for Large Dogs

Even if you allow your dog to sleep with you in your human bed, every dog should still have a bed of their own, especially large dogs. A dog bed will allow your dog to nap comfortably. After all, the floor is not warm enough. It will not prevent calluses or support arthritic joints. A dog bed also provides them space all to themselves, unlike with a human bed or couch. 

But with all the options available on the market, how do you find the right dog bed for your best buddy?

Qualities to look for in a dog bed

Your choice of dog bed will depend on your taste, home decor, and budget. If you have the budget, it can be as fancy and luxurious as a wrought iron frame with a lace canopy. But if you're a bit tight on budget, your dog's bed can be as simple as your old pillow. Of course, you still have to take into consideration the preference of your dog when shopping for their bed. 

Here are some of the qualities to look for when shopping for the best dog beds for large dogs.

• Good fit
• Washable
• Safe and comfortable
• Absorbent pads
• Chew-proof

If you're worried about cost, don't be. The best dog beds for large dogs don't have to be fancy or expensive. They just have to be comfortable. Plus, there are so many affordable dog bed styles to choose from like the ones you'll find on Bitch New York. Some of the most common ones are nesting/snuggle beds, flat mats or pads, cuddler/nest beds, bolsters, doughnut-shaped beds, and waterproof beds. If you have a dog with advanced age or medical needs, there are also special dog beds for them, such as heated beds, orthopedic beds, travel beds, and cot-style beds.

Knowing the right size of bed for a large dog

It's easy for us to find a bed because the size is pretty much predefined. But it's not the same when it comes to choosing a bed for your dog. For starters, there is no universal predefined size for dog beds. Eyeballing the bed size wouldn't do you any good either. In fact, the number one reason why people return the dog beds they have bought is because they got the wrong size.

To make sure that you pick the right bed size, you should measure your dog from the tip of their nose to their tail. Then measure them from shoulder to shoulder for the width. Make sure to add 6 to 12 inches to your measurement both horizontally and vertically to give your dog enough wiggle room. 

Another thing to consider is your dog's personality. If your dog likes to curl up when sleeping, then most bed sizes will work as long as they are not too small. However, if they like to stretch out when sleeping, you will need to get a larger bed with plenty of room. Oversized beds are also good for dogs with joint problems, as the extra room provides them with good support.

Cleaning and caring tips for large dog beds

Dogs, especially large breeds, need a comfortable bed of their own to accommodate their size. However, even the best dog beds for large dogs need to be cleaned regularly and large beds can be cumbersome when cleaning time comes around. But keeping your dog's bed clean helps keep them healthy and happy. 

Here are five steps you can use for cleaning large dog beds. 

1. It will be tough to remove pet hair from wet fabric. So make sure to vacuum the fur before putting the cover in the washer.
2. If the dog bed has a removable cover, make sure to remove it to make washing easier. If the cover is not removable, check the instructions if the entire bed can be washed in a washing machine. In most cases, large dog beds that are machine washable may need to be washed in a high-capacity washer.
3. Use a stain remover if the bed has any mud, urine, feces, or other deep stains before washing. 
4. Wash the bed cover or the entire bed in hot water using a front-load washing machine. The hot water will kill germs, insects, or eggs that may be found on the bed. Dogs are very sensitive to chemicals. So make sure to use a mild detergent when washing the dog bed to prevent irritation. If the bed is too large for the washer, you'll have to wash it by hand.
5. You can use your dryer to dry the cover and bed if it's large enough. To help remove the remaining fur from the bed, air fluff and tumble dry the bed using a dryer sheet. This will also help reduce static. If the bed doesn't fit in your dryer, you can air-dry the cover and bed in a well-ventilated area.