If you have a sizable canine living with you such as a Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, or other big breeds, it should not come as a surprise that finding a good large dog bed can take a little time.
These loveable giants need a little extra love and care when it comes to their resting grounds because of the weight they carry and the space they take up. To find the best large breed dog bed, we have prepared a list of the top 5 factors you need to take into consideration when looking around.
Factor 1: Ample support
The first and most important factor is getting a large dog bed with ample support. Because of their size, large dogs usually suffer from arthritis and would generally be more in need of a comfortable and orthopedic dog bed to alleviate discomfort and pain.
You can ensure better support by investing in a large dog bed that has a memory foam of at least 2”, and even better if you get one that is 4” or higher. 2 inches is the minimum width required for a dog bed to be considered orthopedic and offer extra support.
With this, you can ensure that your canine’s joints will not come into contact with the hard, cold floor beneath.
Factor 2: Big enough size
Without question, a large dog breed needs a large dog bed. A good rule of thumb is to invest in a bed that is about ¼ longer and wider than your canine while it is lying down. Stores that offer large, extra large, and XXL sizes are your best option!
Factor 3: Safe elevation
When you have longer legs, a higher bed would be easier to get in and out of. Especially if your dog is experiencing common joint soreness, it can help if their bed is a little higher off the ground than most manufactured variants.
However, it is important to note that a large dog bed that is too high off the ground can result in injury. Make sure that your canine does not have to leap up to get into bed, rather, they should be able to get on with a comfortable step up.
Should you opt for an elevated dog bed, double-check the material to ensure it is sturdy and firm. This helps in preventing the bed from shaking when the weighty animal makes use of it. Not only does shaking stress or scare the dogs, it can also cause accidents.
Lastly, since elevation will need a little traction to get on and off of, it is advisable to have a yoga mat, carpet, or rug with non-slip backing situated under and in front of the bed.
Factor 4: Regulated temperature
Dog beds can sometimes feel a little too warm when summer kicks in. For this reason, our furry friends would rather sleep on the cool hardwood, tiles, or concrete floors during warmer weather. This can be quite unhealthy as the surface can be tougher on the skin and cause friction on the muscles and joints.
We may often see dogs sleep on hard surfaces, but this actually heightens the risk of joint pain, callus, and hygroma in their later years.
The best large breed dog bed is one that can keep the temperature cool despite the weather because of its material and breezy elevation. It would also help to invest in a cooling pet pad or a mesh pet cot for this reason.
Our most recommended large dog bed that self regulates its temperature is the Infrared Dog Bed, which we touch on more below.
Factor 5: Utmost comfort
Dogs, much like humans, have different preferences when it comes to what is most comfortable and desirable. To ensure that you get the best large breed dog bed for your pet specifically, observe how they like to sleep first. Ask yourself:
- Do they often burrow, snuggle, or rather lie flat on their side?
- Do they rather sleep on a warm, cushioned surface or a cold, firm floor?
Dogs that like to snuggle would usually prefer a large dog bed with a bolster, such as the Orthopedic 3-sided Bolster Bed or the Orthopedic Round sherpa Top Bolster Bed.
Dogs that like to burrow, would often enjoy a round bed, such as the Calming Faux Fur Round Bed.
Dogs that like to lie flat prefer beds that have a little more wiggle room, such as the Original Bully Bed.
If your dog is older and/ or is experiencing joint pain regularly, many large dog breeds also enjoy the Infrared Dog Bed that offers a wide array of health and therapeutic benefits. These advantages include the promotion of blood flow, enhancement of tissue oxygen levels, increase of energy, reduction of discomfort, and hastened recovery period. Moreover, it also helps promote better sleep and temperature regulation.
Other Things To Take Into Consideration
To guarantee your dog’s bed stays hygienic and in excellent condition, choose one that is also beneficial for you as the human who gets to clean and maintain it.
There are many dog beds that come with waterproof or water resistant lining, as well as durable fabric that is resistant to early wear and tear. By keeping the kind of material in mind, you can lengthen the lifespan of your dog’s bed and save you the time, money, and hassle of purchasing a new one every so often.
Why Bully Beds
Our products are the most supportive of large dog breeds by offering sizes that go up to XXL. Bully Beds are made with CentiPur-US Human Mattress-Grade Foam that is specially produced to provide utmost comfort and support. They also come in thickness of 4” up to 7”, depending on the bed model and size.
Moreover, they come with washable and removable covers that are waterproof to make cleaning an absolute breeze.
Last, but not the least, our dog beds come with a 20 Year No-Flat Guarantee to ensure you get your money’s worth with every investment and your furry best friend gets the bed they’ve always deserved.
