Buying the right bed for your dog is an important decision. It will be where they sleep at night, nap throughout the day, and ideally a place they turn to for comfort. You don’t want to buy a bed your dog ultimately doesn’t like to use. This article will give you some helpful tips for purchasing a bed for your furry friend.

If possible, hold off on buying a bed for a few days after getting your dog. This will give you a chance to observe how they typically sleep, and allow you to purchase a bed that will match how your dog tends to sleep. A circular dog bed is ideal for dogs who like to sleep curled up in a ball, while a rectangular bed would be better suited to dogs who prefer to sleep stretched out.

The bed you buy for your dog should be appropriate for their size. A small dog will sleep just fine in a small bed, while a big dog needs a much larger bed to fit in. For big dogs, you’ll likely have to purchase new beds at different stages of their growth so that they’ll continue to have a comfy place to sleep. Measure your dog before you begin shopping for a dog bed so you can be sure to purchase the right size for your dog.

Believe it or not, dogs can be very picky about textures and will have a preference about the type of fabric they will want to sleep on. Some dogs will prefer a smooth and flat surface to sleep on, like a sleeping pad, whereas others will prefer something soft and fuzzy to sleep on. Look at where your dog tends to sleep: do they like the bare floor or a cozy rug or blanket? This is a very good indicator of the type of fabric your dog would want their bed to be made from. Older dogs with bone and joint problems may benefit from memory foam beds, as the added cushioning provides them with more support while they sleep.

Also consider the climate you live in and your dog’s average temperature. Do you live somewhere cold or warm? Does your dog have a lot of fur or not very much? If you live somewhere that tends to be cold and your dog doesn’t have a thick fur coat, you may want to consider a fleece bed to help keep them warm when they sleep. Dogs with lots of fur or who live somewhere warm can get by just fine on a smooth, sheet-like material.

Whatever type of fabric bed you choose to buy, you should always make sure it’s easy to clean, as dog beds tend to get dirty quickly and require regular washing.

It may seem like there’s an overwhelming amount of criteria to consider when buying a dog bed, but knowing your dog’s specific needs and making a note of them will make it much easier to make the right purchase for your pet.