So, your vet diagnoses your dog with incontinence. What’s next? You may be wondering about the best dog beds for incontinence to help to manage your dog’s accidents in the house. A quality, waterproof dog bed makes life much easier for you and your pooch, providing ample comfort and a hygienic place to rest.
Here, we discuss what qualities make good dog beds for incontinence, the best options on the market, and how you can help your pooch with their problem. Ready to find out more? Read on with us.
What is Incontinence?
In short, incontinence is the involuntary passage of urine or feces. Urinary incontinence is a symptom of urinary tract infection, spinal cord disease, weak bladder sphincter, uroliths, and anatomic abnormalities like ectopic ureter. Fecal incontinence is a symptom of inflammatory bowel disease, cancer of the intestines, and spinal cord diseases. And, perhaps most commonly, incontinence can come with age, too. Because so many diseases can cause incontinence, you must get your pup to the vet if they start having accidents in the house. In many cases, incontinence is manageable through drug therapy, surgery, or supportive changes in the home.
What to Look For in a Dog Bed for Incontinence
If your dog is incontinent, one of the first things to consider is the suitability of their bed. Is it a suitable size? Is it waterproof? And is it washable? These are the most important factors to keep in mind as you shop for your pup’s ideal bed. Make sure that your pet’s bed offers all three of these things and check reviews before making your purchase – some owners find themselves disappointed upon realizing that their pet’s “waterproof” bed isn’t waterproof at all.
Size
Regardless of your dog’s incontinence, your dog’s bed should be a suitable size for them. Your dog’s bed should be large enough for them to lie in comfortably. Some dog beds are big enough to allow your pup to fully stretch out, but generally, your dog’s bed should be big enough to allow them to lie in most natural positions. To do this most effectively, wait for a time when your pup is napping comfortably on their old bed. Grab a measuring tape and measure the length of your dog in centimeters. Now, add about 25cm to this measurement. This new measurement is roughly the size that is suitable for your pup. However, do take into account that this is not guaranteed to match your dog with the perfect bed.
Waterproof or Water-Resistant
Waterproof material is essential for any incontinent dog. When made with waterproof materials, dog beds are more durable and hygienic, allowing your dog to use them for much longer. Since bacteria, moisture and urine have a much harder time getting through the bed’s outer lining, your dog’s bed is bound to stay cleaner. Many waterproof dog beds are easy to fit with replacement covers once the original cover is soiled beyond repair. Waterproof bedding is easier to clean with a quick wash down or spot clean, too. Be sure to invest in a durable, waterproof bed for your incontinent dog to reap the most benefits!
Washable
A machine-washable bed is a must for any incontinent dog. There are times when even waterproof materials can’t repel the worst of your dog’s accidents, and the whole bed may need a deep clean. Be sure to invest in a dog bed that’s not only waterproof and large enough, but can fit inside your washing machine, too. With an easy-to-clean bed, your pup is guaranteed a hygienic place to rest. Just be sure to check that your pup’s bed is machine washable before throwing it in, as some dog beds are not suitable for machine washing or drying.
7 Best Dog Beds for Incontinence
Looking for the best dog beds for incontinence? Here, we list some of the best options on the market, taking into account bed sizing, materials, and customer reviews. You’re sure to find the perfect match for your pooch here.
1. Dogbed4less Premium Memory Foam Dog Bed
Treat your pet to the best night’s sleep with this highly-rated dog bed. This dog bed by Dogbed4less is made with orthopedic high-density memory foam, a waterproof liner, and two machine-washable covers. Its memory foam filling is also hypo-allergenic and resistant to bacteria, mold, and dust mites. This bed is a premium choice for any senior pet struggling with incontinence. Its denim design allows it to blend seamlessly into any family home, too! There are also plenty of sizes available, which guarantees that your furry friend will find their perfect bed in no time. The sizes available include small, medium-large, large, extra-large, extra extra large, and jumbo.
2. PetFusion BetterLounge Dog Bed
Don’t settle for low quality – treat your pooch to the PetFusion BetterLounge dog bed. Made with premium 3-inch memory foam, this two-bolster design provides your dog with plenty of space to rest. Its removable cover is machine-washable, and its sleek material makes it easy to spot clean, too. Buyers love that the cover is not noisy and the unique L-shape design that offers extra support for senior dogs. However, there are only two sizes available: large and extra-large. While this makes this bed great for larger dog breeds, smaller dog breeds may need to skip this bed and look for other options.
3. Barkbox Memory Foam Platform Dog Bed
Barkbox Memory Foam Platform Dog Bed is indulgently cozy and supportive. It is made with a thick, high-density memory foam base that supports your pup’s joints, making it a luxurious choice for any dog, but especially for those with mobility issues. However, this bed is more water-resistant than waterproof, and some buyers report problems with accidents soaking through to the bed foam. This may make it less suitable for incontinent dogs, but undoubtedly is an excellent choice for senior dogs in general. This bed is available in five sizes, including small, medium, large, extra-large, and extra-extra-large.
4. Milliard Premium Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
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This premium dog bed by Milliard offers ample contour support and comfort to any pet. Made with two layers of memory foam, this bed is highly supportive and has a luxuriously soft feel. It also comes with a waterproof and removable cover to protect the memory foam from moisture. And, last but not least, this bed comes with a non-slip bottom for maximum safety and security! Happy customers love the supportive quality of this bed, and most report that the cover is sufficiently waterproof. This bed is available in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large.
5. PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
Looking for the most comfortable bed for your pooch? Look no further than PetFusion’s Ultimate Dog Bed. This dog bed is made with a waterproof liner and Certi-PUR-US memory foam that is bound to support your incontinent pup as they sleep. Not only this, but buyers love how durable and easy to clean this bed is! Many buyers love how this bed is machine-washable and dryable, making it easy to maintain for their incontinent pups. This bed comes in four sizes, including small, large, extra-large, and jumbo, so you’re bound to find the best fit for your furry friend!
6. Brindle Waterproof Designer Memory Foam Pet Bed
Give your pet the comfort they deserve with Brindle’s waterproof memory foam bed. This bed is made with 100% waterproof encasement beneath its covering, protecting the memory foam from accidents. Its soft and supportive memory foam provides ample support to the joints, making it perfect for your older pooch. Its material is also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. And, last but not least, its cover is easy to remove and is machine washable! Buyers are raving about how easy this bed is to clean and its chew-proof quality. However, a small number of buyers find that the bed’s cover is not entirely waterproof. All in all, this bed comes in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large.
7. Bedsure Large Dog Bed
Is your pooch a light-to-moderate chewer? Look no further than Bedsure’s Foam Dog Bed. This bed is made with high-density foam that soothes aches and pains, and its durable Oxford fabric withstands chewing, too. Buyers love the softness of this bed, and many pets become glued to it because of how comfortable it is! However, other buyers warn that this bed can be on the thin side. This premium bed comes in four sizes: medium, large, extra-large, and extra-extra-large. Because this range skips small breeds, your smaller pooch may need to opt for a different bed this time around. It does not claim to be waterproof either, but the cover is machine-washable. Because of this, this bed is not suitable for dogs with severe incontinence but may be appropriate for very mild cases.
Cleaning The Dog Bed
Time is of the essence when cleaning a dog bed soiled with urine. Make sure that you are familiar with the bed’s cleaning instructions when you buy it so that you can act quickly! The faster you clean up the mess, the less smell and less staining there will be.
First, locate the wet spots and make sure to dry them with an old towel. This will soak up the excess urine before you get down to business. Then, make a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. You can do this by mixing one cup of white vinegar, one cup of water, and two teaspoons of baking soda in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to mix the ingredients, then spray the mixture on the stain. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, then blot the area with a towel until dry. For tougher stains, you can sprinkle baking soda directly onto the area, too. Be sure that your pup’s bed is completely dry before returning it to them!
Sometimes a spot clean just isn’t enough to clean your pet’s bed. If the bed is machine-washable, your next step should be to load it into the washing machine. Most dog beds come with a cover that is easily removable and washable – simply follow the instructions on the label. However, some dog bed cushions are not washable and require more protection. If you cannot wash the bed cushion, insert a plastic bag or lining between the cover and the cushion to add more protection. When machine washing, always do so at the highest temperature that the instructions allow.
Dog Beds For Incontinence: FAQ
Have any more questions about the best dog beds for incontinence? Feel free to refer to our Frequently Asked Questions section for more information. If in doubt about what’s best for your pet, always ask your vet for advice.
Many dog owners find that their pups don’t take to their new bed right away. This is normal. For some dogs, a new bed is unfamiliar to them and is not as safe as their previous one. It can take some time for them to grow accustomed to their new bed, and there are some things you can do to help speed up the process.
First, you can introduce your pet’s favorite blanket, toys, and other favorite items to their new bed. This will help to introduce your dog’s scent to the new bed, which can make it more inviting. Some dogs take to their bed after their owner sits or lays in it first. Not only does this show your pooch that this bed is safe, but it also piques their curiosity, too. Your dog will probably want to join you in this bed when you show how comfortable it is! Overall, this process can take weeks, so be patient.
There are plenty of products available to help to manage your pup’s incontinence: dog diapers, belly bands, training pads, and odor removers are some key tools to keep in your arsenal. Many owners find that washable dog diapers are useful for managing their dog’s incontinence in the house. A full diaper can help to contain both fecal and urinary incontinence in both male and female dogs. A belly band, on the other hand, is better for male dogs with urinary incontinence as it provides more freedom.
Training pads are useful to keep at hand, too, as they can provide your pooch with places to go indoors if they can’t make it outside. Just be sure to place the pads away from your dog’s bed and food for good hygiene. Lastly, urine and feces in the house undoubtedly cause a smell – you’ll want to have stain and odor removers at hand. However, you must be sure to use removers that are safe for dogs, or skip them altogether and go with natural options instead.
You can make your dog’s bed “waterproof” in a pinch if your dog is without a waterproof bed. Some owners find it best to wrap the bed cushion or foam in bin liners or a space blanket, and then simply place the cover back on top. This means that you only have to clean the cover, and the foam inside is better protected. However, this option is noisy, making it unsuitable for anxious dogs and heavy chewers. It is best to invest in a waterproof dog bed for your dog and to keep spare covers at hand.
Incontinence may or may not be uncomfortable depending on your dog’s condition. If your dog is completely incontinent, they may struggle with the discomfort of wet bedding and sore skin caused by frequent urination and defecation. Some dogs may struggle with anxiety caused by having accidents in the house, too.
However, other dogs with milder cases of incontinence may be unaware of their predicament. Some dogs are unaware that they are urinating or defecating and may go about their business as normal. In either case, you must be sure to clean up any mess that your pup leaves behind as quickly as possible. Nobody wants to sleep in a wet bed or walk on a wet floor, including your pooch.
A waterproof dog bed is highly advisable for an incontinent dog. And, because many dogs need time to get used to a new bed, it is best to introduce it as soon as possible. However, it is also worth noting that a waterproof dog bed does not only have to be for an incontinent dog. Any dog will benefit from a waterproof bed – any dog can have an accident, vomit, or otherwise get their bed wet! So, even if your dog is not incontinent, you might find that your pooch benefits from a higher-quality bed to prevent odor and moisture build-up.
The best dog beds for incontinence are waterproof, comfortable, supportive, and easy to clean. If your pooch struggles with incontinence, it is best to introduce a waterproof bed as soon as possible to manage their accidents. You want your dog to be comfortable through their condition, and providing a high-quality bed is one of the best gifts you can give.