I can think of plenty of reasons why providing your dog with the best breathable dog beds is important. If you are anything like me, your dog is your family member, and it is downright wrong if you do not provide them with their personal space to cuddle up, rest and sleep.
Furthermore, dogs sleep more than we do. According to the American Kennel Club, canines should sleep for 12 -14 hours, on average. It is easy to deduce that if your dog doesn’t sleep properly, it will impact their overall mood, behavior, and appetite, which is the least that you will want.
Thus, it makes sense to provide them with a comfortable dog bed wherein they can sleep properly. It is important for their overall wellbeing, after all.
Types of Breathable Dog Beds
Breathable dog beds allow air to circulate while the dog is on it, offering a cooling effect. They are generally used during summertime. Thankfully, your pooch doesn’t have to compromise with their comfort, all thanks to a range of dog beds available in the market today.
Let’s have a look at some of the commonly available beds for your dog and their features. Although these beds will tempt you and will convince you to buy immediately, do not buy them keeping your preferences in mind. Focus on your dog type, characteristics, and needs. I will be focusing more on this aspect later in this guide.
Raised or Elevated Dog Beds
Elevated beds for dogs will look like a trampoline at first sight, though with less bounce. It is equipped with a metal frame that is supported by four legs and consists of a comfortable fabric on top.
Since this bed doesn’t contain foam and has a minimal structure, it is a perfect fit for dogs who chew. One of the best parts of a raised dog bed is that it can be used both indoors and outdoors with ease, is washable and travel-friendly.
Bolster Bed
Featuring a cushioned base, a bolster bed is raised and provides enough support for your pup to lean against, cuddle up, and burrow into. It provides a wonderful neck and head support and helps them while sleeping.
Although there are a lot of design possibilities, these beds often have a couch-like build with cushioning at the bottom as well.
If your dog likes to lean over something while sleeping, a bolster bed equips them in the right way, thus enabling them to have a good night’s sleep.
Donut Bed
If your pup is shy, and you often need to calm them up, this bed could be a perfect pick. Quite predictably, these beds come with a donut-like structure.
If your dog loves nesting or sleeps in a curled position, this bed will turn out to be incredibly comfortable. The center part of the bed is at a lower level with raised surroundings.
These bed types are perfect for smaller-sized breeds like Corgis, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and the like.
Hooded Dog Bed
It is essential to choose comfortable bedding for your dog which resembles their natural behavior. You might have noticed that a lot of dogs dig a burrow like structure when left open in fields while sleeping. Such an arrangement imparts a sense of relaxation and security in them.
This is what hooded dog beds provide. It has a covered top and comes in various shapes like burrow, box, or a cave.
Crate Pad
A crate pad is a perfect mixture of a bed and a carrying arrangement. These pads have cushioned bottom, and look like a crate.
These arrangements are widely used to transport dogs and to keep newborn babies safe. Crape pads also come to your rescue if your pet has anger issues.
Irrespective of the reason you want to use the crate pad for, make sure that it is comfortable enough for your dog to sleep on. You don’t want your dog to feel caged, but rather have a homely feeling.
Pillow Bed
Think of a pillow bed as a pillow of large size. These are the ideal fit for large breeds that require enough space to spread themselves and rest properly. Thus, beds with limited space are not the best option for them.
If your dog loves to stretch themselves out while sleeping, this cushioned dog bed will meet all their requirements.
Pro tip: Maintaining these kinds of beds is easier. You can sew an extra cover for your dog’s pillow bed to extend its life, and to prevent it from getting dirty, and to even match it to your interior décor.
Orthopedic Dog Bed
Dogs are pretty much like humans. They age, and their bones get weaker too. They become prone to developing bone and joint pain, and some of them even suffer from hip dysplasia and arthritis.
If your dog is suffering from any of these abnormalities, it is your responsibility to take care of them in this time of need. Provide them with an orthopedic dog bed that comes equipped with memory foam inside.
Such beds support the aching joints and bones of your dogs. The memory foam adjusts itself with the shape of the dog’s body and regains its original shape when the dog gets up.
The bed not only helps the dogs suffering from bone issues but it also comforts the dogs effortlessly. If the claims are believed, these beds support a dog’s body from the beginning, thus they do not become susceptible to developing any related diseases at an old age.
If you own various smaller dogs, this dog bed can also help you out by accommodating several smaller pets all at once!
Cooling Bed
Dogs like to maintain their body temperature, and unlike humans, they are not great at handling the heat. Summers are difficult for most dogs. Rising mercury levels worry them, all thanks to their dense fur. This is the reason why your dog feels happy and relaxed in a cold climate and might feel a bit uneasy during hot and humid weather.
If your dog also shows similar signs, you should choose to go for a cooling bed. Such a bed is infused with a cooling agent that extracts the heat from your dog’s body and keeps them cool and poise.
However, the beds with cooling properties require proper maintenance. For instance, avoid putting them under direct sunlight as the heat outside could heat the gel.
Heating Beds
Similar to the cooling bed, a heating bed keeps your dog warm in unbearable cold climates. Such a bed has a heater installed inside the bed. You need to connect the plug of the bed with an electric outlet and you are done.
Do not worry, this bed will not overheat as it comes with a thermostat which provides warm accommodation to your bed in line with their body temperature.
This dog bed could also prove to be ideal for the older canines with arthritis. The heat from the bed soothes the dogs and keeps them warm.
How To Pick The Right Breathable Dog Bed – Buying Guide
As is evident, there is an array of best breathable dog beds to choose from. Sounds overwhelming? You are not alone!
Almost all pet owners face a similar dilemma when they are asked to choose a bed for their pooch with is just the ideal pick for them. Like most of us, you don’t want to compromise with your dog’s comfort, and unfortunately, your dog can’t speak about their best choice.
Relax! Here are a few pointers which will help you make the right choice for your furry friend while also providing them with more than just a good nap!
Breathability
The breathability of a dog bed comes down to how much ventilation does it allow. Indeed, for a bed or lounger to be breathable, it needs to allow some air stream to pass through the fabric and any other padding there might be.
This is never given as a metric on a product description since it’s nearly impossible to measure. However, you must try to assume how breathable a dog bed by reading customer reviews (for example, on Amazon).
For instance, some dog bed brands are known for how chewproof their products are but by using strong materials, you may also lose in breathability. That’s a tradeoff only you can make on behalf of your specific circumstances and your specific dog.
Size
Once you explore the variants available in the market, you will realize that breathable dog beds come in various sizes – from extra small to extra large.
The best way to find the right bed size for your dog is to simply measure the size of your dog from their nose to the tail. For a hassle-free experience, it is recommended to do this while they are sleeping.
This will give you an idea of their sleeping position – if they like to stretch out or curl themselves while sleeping.
Based on the style that your dog prefers to sleep in, the kind of space that they need, buy the dog bed which fits them right.
Pro tip: if your pup is growing fast, I suggest you buy a size larger.
Comfort
It is important to make yourself aware of the varied needs of your dog. They might have shorter fur and you live in a cold climate. Undoubtedly, they will feel cold. In such cases, you should provide them with a heating dog bed.
On the other side, you might live in a warmer climate and your dog has dense fur. This will keep them hot and you will need a bed which could help them in maintaining their body temperature. In instances like these, you will need a cooling dog bed.
On the same lines, if your dog likes to chew the stuff, you will like to go with a bed with minimal structure. However, if your dog likes to dig their rest area and loves sleeping in a den-like position, you should go for a hooded dog bed.
Additionally, if your dog is drooly by nature, it is highly recommended to go with a waterproof bed. Above all, it is essential to ensure that your chosen bed provides enough breathability.
Sleeping style
Although I have already covered this point above, I cannot help but reiterate the fact that you must keep your dog’s sleeping style in mind while picking a bed for them.
Thus, go for a large bed if they like to stretch themselves out, and vice versa. Also, if you own several dogs and they love to sleep next to each other, you need to account for these situations in your final choice.
Security
One of the reasons why you want to provide your dog with their personal nesting space is to make them feel that they are at home. You want to keep your pooch calm and provide a sense of safety and security. Thus, it is essential to choose a bed that provides them with a happy feeling.
Provide them with their own little space, the place where they can play, cuddle, chew, and be on their own without getting scolded by you. After all, this is what our home means to us, right?
Top 5 Best Breathable Dog Beds
Let’s admit: finding the best breathable dog beds which prove to be comfortable for your little fur buddy is not an easy task. This is why I have tried to make your task a bit simpler by providing you with a list of the best breathable dog beds.
Here are our five favorite breathable beds for dogs:
1. PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
Made up of a solid 4-inch memory base, this dog bed is what your dog needs. Providing superior comfort, and offering medium firmness; this dog bed will reduce joint pain and improve mobility of your dog.
It is a bolster bed with thick cushioning. The bed is water-resistant and tear-resistant and comes with a non-skid bottom. What’s more, the bed is easy to clean and is machine washable. This bed measures 36 x 28 x 9 inches in dimensions and is suitable for a medium or large dog or multiple smaller dogs with a total weight of 100 pounds.
Further, the bed is durable, comfortable, and versatile. The only downside is that the zippers might break after some time.
2. BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed
Ideal for dogs who love to cuddle, and snuggle while sleeping; this large orthopedic dog bed measures 40 x 30 x 10 in dimensions. It can easily accommodate a large dog or multiple smaller dogs comfortably.
This breathable dog bed is made up of premium materials including ultra-soft polyester cover with a quilted design, orthopedic foam base for reduced joint pain and extreme comfort. The bed is easy to clean. Further, it has a removable and machine-washable cover.
Rest assured, your dog will love it and will have a good night’s sleep. However, this bed might not be a great pick for a dog who loves to chew and bite off the things.
3. Cozy Cave Pet Bed
Is your dog shy and wants to sleep in a den of their own? Gift them this cozy cave bed and win their hearts forever. The bed consists of a Sherpa lining which provides warmth during winters and stays cold during summers. Additionally, it comes equipped with a zippered liner that is removable and washable. The bed has a heavy-duty brass zipper for added performance.
The large size of the bed can easily accommodate a 30lb dog, while the small size is good for 20lb pups. If your dog loves digging burrows, this is the ideal bed for them.
4. DogBed4Less Premium Orthopedic Dog Bed
Provide your pet with lasting comfort and care with this orthopedic dog bed from the house of DogBed4Less. Made up of premium quality shredded memory foam in the USA, the bed comes along with two layers of cover. Furthermore, the internal cover is made of breathable waterproof material while the external cover is equipped with extra stitching that prolongs the life of the bed.
The external cover can be easily removed and washed. The bed provides enough orthopedic support, all thanks to its 10” thick overstuffed insert. Moreover, the bed is completely breathable and will provide an extremely cozy feeling to your little one.
The company is known for its amazing customer service. In an event, if you find that the product is faulty, the company is quick at providing a replacement. However, since the bed is quite stuffy, it is essential to ensure that your dog will like it. If your dog is lumpy, the chances are high that the bed might not resemble their likings.
5. Serta Ortho Quilted Couch Pet Bed
This is another comfy bed you can provide your fur friend with. Made of high-quality upholstery grade fabrics, the bag is assembled in the US. To provide the utmost comfort, the bed is made of 100% CentiPur US foam. Further, the bed comes along with a machine-washable removable cover. What’s more, it has a non-skid bottom which will ensure that the bed stays in its position.
This is one of the best breathable dog beds. It is a perfect pick for dogs who prefer to sleep in multiple positions. It is big enough to accommodate multiple small dogs. The only downside associated with this bed is that it might not be as durable, especially if your dog loves to chew, and throw tantrums.
Does My Dog Need His Own Breathable Bed?
Of course, I cannot think of any reason as to why your dog doesn’t need a breathable dog bed of their own. They, like you, need their own personal space too. They need a place where they can curl up, cuddle, snuggle, and lie.
Essentially, making your dog sleep on a floor and other hard surfaces could be detrimental to their health and could lead to arthritis and other structural ailments.
Further, providing a bed to your dog will also keep your home clean. It will also prevent them from sleeping in areas where you don’t want them to.
The only thing that you need to keep in mind is to ensure that your chosen bed is in line with your dog’s requirements, and is comfortable enough. Thus, look for essential factors like breathability, size, style, and the likes which we have already discussed above.
So, are you ready to make an investment for your dog? Go ahead, and buy the best breathable dog bed for your four-legged-fur-friend!