Choosing the right bed for your dog, at all stages of life

Winter can bring a lot of joy, but for some people, it means more arthritis pain. Unfortunately, the same goes for our dogs. 

Arthritis in dogs, also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, usually develops over the course of many years. As your dog ages, the cartilage in their joints breaks down, allowing the bones to rub together abnormally. The changes in the joint cause swelling, inflammation, and pain.

The best orthopaedic dog beds are made from memory foam, which adapts to your dog’s shape and returns to its original form after use. 

Other features to look for include:

• Removable, washable covers – essential for hygiene (all of our dog beds come with zippable outer covers to ensure your dog's bed stays looking and smelling it's best!)

• Water-resistant liners – to protect against accidents or spills

• Raised edges or bolsters – perfect for dogs who like to rest their heads while still supporting their joints

Even if your dog is still young and sprightly, investing in a supportive bed now can help protect their joints as they age. 

Beds for the playful puppy stage

For the first 20 weeks of their lives, puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep a day for normal mental and physical development. As they age, sleep time is reduced to 13-15 hours. 

The rest of their time is divided into different short periods during which your puppy eats, plays and learns new things.

Puppies often curl up and will snooze for hours on end anywhere they see fit. However orthopaedic dog beds are necessary to accommodate your puppy’s sleeping pattern so they grow healthy and strong.

Consider a waterproof dog bed like the Henley nest bed. With a naturally calming design, 600 Denier waterproof fabric (plus a removable cover to easily clean any accidents), this choice is great for puppies as the waterproof fabric is exceedingly durable. With this bed, your dog will feel at ease with the support and longevity of the mattress.

Comfort for adult dogs

Like humans, our dogs experience daily aches and pains, particularly after periods of activity. 

Adult dogs grow more susceptible to stiffness and joint pain every day. An orthopaedic bed with the right firmness and support can help adult dogs recuperate overnight and promote better overall health.

Be sure to select an orthopaedic bed that matches the size and sleeping style of your dog. Larger breeds require thicker mattresses to adequately support their weight, while smaller dogs might prefer a donut bed, with its soft and snuggly design.

Certain breeds are predisposed to conditions such as hip dysplasia and elbow issues, so it’s essential that you invest in an orthopaedic dog bed that offers the right support, so their joints and bones align correctly to help prevent various bone or joint development issues.

Additional support in their senior years

As dogs age, their joints become stiffer. Arthritis is common in older dogs, and getting up and down from hard surfaces becomes uncomfortable. An orthopaedic dog bed cushions their joints, making resting and rising easier.

Our collection of pillow beds are ideal for bigger breeds like retrievers and shepherds, featuring all the memory foam support of our nest bed but designed to be closer to the ground, allowing for easier access to their bed. 

Keep an eye out for signs your dog is struggling with the cold, which can affect stiff joints and sore bodies.    

• Decreased activity levels

• Unwillingness to play or exercise

• Stiff movement, especially difficulty moving from sitting or lying down to standing

• Limping when walking

• Changes to how your pet sits, such as leaving a leg extended

If your dog is showing signs of discomfort, your vet might prescribe prescription medications to decrease pain and joint swelling. Never use your own pain medications for your dog. Some human pain medications, such as ibuprofen, is toxic to dogs.

We hope that this guidance is helpful in choosing your dog's next dog bed!

 As always, stay safe, warm and cosy, from all of us at Ralph & Co.