It seems that there are numerous benefits to using raised dog beds (sometimes called elevated pet beds) for your best friend. Discover why you should be investing in one today!
Raised dog beds aren’t just for older, injured, or sick dogs. Their elevated design makes them ideal for dogs of various sizes, ages, and breeds. Various brands and sizes of elevated dog beds are available in the market to accommodate different breeds. Selecting the appropriate size for an elevated dog bed is essential for ensuring that your dog has enough room to stretch out comfortably. Choosing the right bed is crucial for your dog's comfort and health; it should be tailored to match your dog's size, breed, and specific needs.
Raised dog beds are available for both small and large dogs, ensuring that even small breeds can benefit from the support and comfort provided.
One obvious benefit is getting your dog off the floor, which improves cleanliness and reduces allergens. Hard flooring can inflame sore joints in older or special-needs dogs. Getting down to and up from the ground can pressure their joints, causing pain. Elevated beds eliminate this struggle; they simply require your dog to step up or out, which can contribute to their health by supporting their joints and overall well-being.
Introduction to Elevated Dog Beds
Elevated dog beds, also known as raised dog beds, are specially designed to lift your dog off the ground, providing a comfortable and supportive resting place for them. Unlike traditional dog beds that sit directly on the floor, elevated dog beds utilise sturdy frames and durable materials to create a sleeping surface that promotes better air circulation. This design helps keep your dog cool and comfortable, while also reducing pressure on their joints. Many dog owners choose raised dog beds because they are suitable for all breeds and ages, offering a healthier and more hygienic sleeping environment. With weather-resistant features and easy-to-clean materials, elevated dog beds are a smart investment for any pet owner looking to improve their dog’s comfort and well-being.
Benefits of raised dog beds - Outdoors
Raised dog beds are also ideal outdoors, keeping your dog off wet grass, mud, and puddles. By elevating your pet, a raised dog bed helps keep your dog and their bedding cleaner by preventing dirt from accumulating on the bed surface. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you don’t want your dog sitting or lying in moist grass or a wet patio. Look for weather-resistant materials if the elevated bed is intended for outdoor use to enhance durability. Many raised dog beds are designed for both outdoor and indoor use, making them a versatile bed for your dog in any environment. A raised dog bed is a simple solution that can make a significant difference and keep the wet dog smell at bay, providing a cleaner and healthier environment for your dog.
A relaxed, well-exercised dog can spend up to 80% of its life chilling out on their bed, depending on their age. So why make them sleep on the floor? Why compromise on a comfortable bed for your pet dog? This could mean you are compromising their long-term health as well.
Raised dog beds also tend to be more durable than softer options. They’re tougher, easier to wipe clean, and made of materials that can stand up to chewing. These beds feature a sturdy frame made from materials such as metal or wood, topped with mesh or fabric. Elevated beds tend to last longer than traditional dog beds because they are built with wear-resistant and durable materials that can withstand outdoor conditions and frequent use. Here are some main benefits of choosing a raised dog bed for your canine pal.
Types of Raised Bed
There’s a wide range of raised beds available to suit every dog’s needs and preferences. Orthopedic raised beds are an ideal solution for dogs experiencing joint pain or arthritis, as they offer extra support and help alleviate pressure on sensitive areas. Memory foam raised dog beds are another popular choice, moulding to your dog’s body for personalised comfort and support, making them ideal for pets who love to lounge. For those hot summer days, cooling raised beds are designed to help keep your dog cool, using breathable fabrics and elevated frames to promote good airflow. Regardless of the type you choose, raised dog beds offer a range of benefits, ensuring your pet has a comfortable and supportive place to rest and recharge.
Raised dog beds help to maintain a comfortable temperature.
As the name suggests, a raised dog bed elevates your dog off the floor. This allows air to circulate underneath, helping your dog maintain a steadier and comfortable temperature. A bed on a cold tiled kitchen floor can be uncomfortable in winter, lowering the temperature surrounding the dog. Raised dog beds are also suitable for indoor use, offering comfort and support for your pet throughout the year. Using a crate can leave the dog with an uncomfortable temperature because of the cold, hard, and plastic floor. This isn’t what you want for your pet.
In summer, the air can be stuffy and hot. Raised dog beds provide more ventilation because air can flow freely around them, helping to prevent heat buildup and keeping your dog cooler, even in hot weather.
The best raised dog bed for your pet will also depend on their sleeping style, as some dogs prefer to stretch out while others curl up.
Raised dog beds provide firm and even support
You don’t tend to get a good night’s sleep on things like aeroplane seats or things that are too soft. You can wake up feeling pretty stiff. This is the same for your dog! They want the right kind of support when they sleep, just as you get from your mattress every night. The best night’s sleep is when you have the right kind of lumbar and neck support. The correct level of firmness is also critical for you and your dog. A raised dog bed supports your dog's body and dog's joints, providing the right level of firmness and support for optimal rest.
Older dogs may develop arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint issues. Lying on the floor can put pressure on their hips, shoulders, and elbows. A padded, comfortable, and firm raised bed can help alleviate that pressure, resulting in a much more comfortable night’s sleep for your pet. Raised dog beds offer joint support and orthopedic support, which can be especially beneficial for dogs with mobility issues.
These features not only support your pet’s health but also enhance your dog's comfort and help protect your dog's joints.
Raised dog beds are weather-resistant
One of the standout benefits of raised dog beds is their weather-resistant construction, making them an excellent choice for outdoor use. Whether your dog loves to relax in the backyard, on the patio, or even by the pool, a raised dog bed made from durable materials and featuring waterproof covers will withstand the elements. These beds are designed to provide a comfortable place for your dog to rest, rain or shine, and are especially helpful for dog owners living in areas with unpredictable weather. The weather-resistant features not only protect the bed from moisture and sun damage but also ensure it remains a cozy and inviting spot for your dog, no matter the season.
A raised dog bed is portable.
Large and fluffy dog beds can be bulky and heavy, making them a pain to move to another room or take on travels. Raised dog beds tend to be lightweight, making them a good choice for moving around when needed or for taking on a trip. A sufficient warranty can be a good indicator of the bed’s quality and reliability, especially for larger or active dogs. Many raised dog beds come with warranty options, providing additional assurance of their durability and reliability. You could even move it outside so your dog can rest while you’re in the garden. They also won’t take up as much room in the car as a heftier option would. So if you are travelling, or taking them to kennels while you are away, it helps them to have a little reminder of home and a familiar environment. Introducing a new bed can make your dog or pups feel more at home in unfamiliar environments, easing the transition and providing comfort.
Pups, in particular, benefit from having a dedicated, portable resting spot that helps them relax and feel secure wherever they go.
Even other pets, such as cats, can enjoy the comfort and portability of a raised bed.
Limited stuffing for your dog to chew
Dogs are real explorers and love to solve problems. One of their favourite problems is working out how to shred their bed, right? How many times have you gone out for the day, and returned home, only to find that there is stuffing from their bed all over the house? It is a pretty common occurrence. And in more extreme circumstances, you may need to take your dog to receive emergency veterinary care. This occurs after they have attempted to chew and ingest a significant amount of the fluff. At this point, you need to know: Are bean bag beans toxic to dogs? When you choose a raised dog bed, it tends to have very little stuffing inside, if any at all. Switching to a raised bed may require an adjustment period for some dogs, especially older or smaller ones. Puppies and dogs with limited mobility may also require extra time to adjust to a raised bed, but the benefits in terms of hygiene and support are worth it. If your dog is prone to digging, exploring, and chewing on anything and everything, raised dog beds could be a suitable solution for them. Compared to traditional beds, raised dog beds have less stuffing, are easier to keep clean, and are generally more durable.
Raised dog beds are easy to clean.
Choosing a raised dog bed can be a good choice for your home. They are a good option for keeping clean. If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, this can be a real benefit. If you have allergies, you know that wooden floors are preferable to carpet. This is because they are easier to clean. They can just be swept, mopped, and wiped, and nothing is absorbed, like with a carpet.
Raised dog beds are a good option, as they work similarly to wooden floors in this example. They can be cleaned much more easily, as they only need to be wiped down, and are also more waterproof. Elevated dog beds promote better hygiene by keeping dogs off the ground, reducing their exposure to allergens and parasites, and helping to prevent dirt and dust from accumulating on the sleeping surface. There isn’t a lot of puffy foam or super absorbent materials in a raised dog bed. Of course, when it comes to cleaning a more puffy dog bed, there are usually removable covers that can be washed in the washing machine. Having a removable cover is important for easy washing and maintenance, making it simpler to keep the bed fresh and prolong its lifespan. This can help if you have allergy sufferers in the home.
It is also important to note that the stuffing in this type of bed can still harbour a variety of allergens, including pollen, dust, and dust mites. You won’t be able to truly get that kind of dog bed clean, which is why raised dog beds should be a consideration. Compared to a standard dog bed, which sits directly on the floor and can be harder to keep clean, raised beds offer easier maintenance. They can also be hosed off, in many cases. Making them a good choice for getting a lot of use outdoors. And if you have a dog that loves to get dirty!
Raised beds mean a reduced chance of flea infestations
We all know how common fleas and dust mites are. They are responsible for a range of skin allergies in both dogs and humans, which is why a raised dog bed also has a health advantage. The mattress on a raised dog bed tends to get more air than one that is on the floor. Therefore, there is no chance for dust and fleas to accumulate in their bedding. Any dog hair and other particles will fall straight to the floor when using a raised dog bed. This means they can be easily cleaned away by sweeping or vacuuming. Additionally, insects and fleas won't be able to find a warm, moist setting between the bedding and the carpet. It is here they would grow and thrive.
Having a dog using a raised bed means that something like a flea infestation is much less likely. However, be sure to use an effective flea treatment as well. As the height of the bed won't make a difference if the dog brings itself onto the bed. Another small thing to note is that you should ensure that there is no vegetation near the bed. Especially when being used outdoors. So, there isn't a launchpad for pests and fleas to reach your pet or their bed.
Health benefits for your dog
Elevating your dog’s bed off the floor can help them to be much more comfortable and get a good night’s sleep, providing additional health and comfort benefits. They will be away from draughts and any dampness. This means there are several health benefits associated with having a raised dog bed. Dogs feel more secure and comfortable when they have a dedicated, elevated sleeping space, which can improve their overall well-being. Getting a good night’s sleep helps our physical and mental health immeasurably. So why should our dogs be treated any differently? When they get a good night’s sleep, they can experience improved physical and psychological health. Choosing the right elevated dog bed involves considering the material and design for coolness and ease of cleaning. A raised dog bed is often a better choice for many dogs compared to other options, as it offers superior durability, hygiene, and comfort.
Large dogs and elevated beds
Elevated dog beds are particularly beneficial for large dogs, as they offer the extra support and comfort their larger bodies require. Large breeds are more prone to joint issues, such as hip dysplasia and arthritis, and the American Kennel Club recommends elevated beds to help reduce pressure on their joints. With sturdy frames and durable materials, these beds are designed to accommodate the weight and size of large dogs, offering a stable and comfortable sleeping space. Elevated beds help distribute your dog’s weight evenly, supporting their joints and making it easier for them to get up and down. For dog owners with large breeds, investing in an elevated dog bed is a helpful way to support your pet’s health and ensure they always have a comfortable place to rest.
Everyone sleeps more comfortably
If you have a dog that likes to jump into your bed, and you want to get them out of the habit, then you should think about getting your dog a raised bed. Raised dog beds come in a variety of styles to match your home decor, so you can choose one that complements your space while providing comfort for your pet. Your dog will be more comfortable, but so will you, when you get your own bed to yourself and don’t have to share it with your pet. So it is a win-win all round!
Not only that, but you can keep your bed and your furniture free from dog hair. This may be a nuisance for cleaning, as well as for those with allergies, so it's worth considering. A raised bed supports your dog's need for a dedicated, comfortable resting spot, making them more likely to choose to sit on their own little spot in their own raised bed, if they have one, rather than on yours. So another win-win situation.
Get yours off the Floor!
No matter what kind of dog you have, they can benefit from a raised dog bed. They don't need to be older or a dog with specific needs to get the most out of them. If you go to places where there are a large number of dogs, you're unlikely to find any other kinds of beds. Raised dog beds are ideal for shelters, dog groomers, and boarding kennels.
The only time not to consider a raised dog bed is if your female dog is heavily pregnant or nursing her puppies. A mother who is about to give birth to puppies needs a comfortable space where she and her puppies will be safe and secure. And you don't want to run the risk of some of them falling off a raised bed when they're tiny!
An exposed surface isn't going to help her relax and give birth. And won't work when the puppies arrive in the early days. Other than that, they can be a great choice, ensuring a clean space, as well as a more rested and more comfortable pup.
