Calming Dog Bed Guide: Help Your Furry Friend Relax

Just like people, dogs get anxious. Although unpleasant, the emotion is normal and healthy. All breeds of dogs can have dog anxiety, although each dog may experience it differently and for various causes, including separation anxiety, environment change, disease, or trauma. Although all dogs occasionally experience worry, if it becomes excessive and left untreated, your fur pal may develop an anxiety disorder, resulting in behavioural and other problems.

For some pets, treats and toys may be sufficient distractions and relaxants. But if your dog has anxiety issues, you may need to search for additional strategies, including using anti-anxiety medicines. Numerous items on the market can ease your pet’s anxiety, including pheromone plug-ins, sprays, and anti-anxiety dog beds. Your pet buddy will benefit immensely from having a den where they may retreat and feel private.

Can a Dog Bed Help with Anxiety?

One of the most popular pet products of the year, cosy calming beds for dogs are soft, velvety, and supportive—and it’s easy to understand why. These plush sleeping cushions are as cosy as a lap dog on a chilly afternoon and are available in all sizes. But do they help dogs in overcoming anxiety?

Dogs can experience anxiety. Puppies develop a keen sense of touch during their first few weeks, and the contentment and security it instils in them shape their behaviour. They would squeak in fear if they couldn’t feel their mama or siblings close by, and if they were secure, you would probably find them asleep.

As they grow, our furry infants never lose this sense of touch. That’s why calming beds can only help with anxiety when they closely resemble the sensations of security people recall when they were babies surrounded by a pack of pups.

The perfect calming dog bed must have elevated edges that simulate lying up against their fur Mama and a soft, short imitation fur to mimic the sensation of sleeping next to their littermates. A premium inner filling will help them burrow into and feel surrounded, like a giant hug.

What to Consider When Choosing a Calming Dog Bed?

You must consider your dog’s age, size, and sleeping preferences to choose the best bed for your furry friend. A flatter bed can be a better option if they frequently pick the floor to sleep on, while older dogs may require more support for their head or joints. Regarding size and durability, you also need to consider where you’ll place the bed in the house. Here’s what you need to know.

Style

Doughnut-style beds – small breeds are perfect for dog beds that resemble doughnuts. This circular bed has elevated sides all around to give it a nest-like appearance that is ideal for cuddling. Additionally, the edges are excellent for supporting the head in any orientation.

Bolster beds – raised edges on three sides of bolster calming beds for dogs resemble pillows for your pet to rest its head on. These edges give your dog a sense of security by giving them something to lean against when they sleep. Large dogs are best suited for this style of calming bed.

Cave-style beds – beds designed like caves have a “pocket” where your dog can hide and burrow. These anti-anxiety beds come in a variety of styles. Some resemble sleeping bags, while others have a dome-like appearance. They have an interior often lined with soft Sherpa fleece or material comparable to it that will make your dog miss the days he spent snuggling up to his mother and siblings.

Self-warming beds – as the name suggests, these models warm themselves up using the dog’s body heat, providing a comfortable setting for your dog to unwind.

Orthopaedic beds – memory foam is a component of orthopaedic dog beds that supports and relieves pressure points. Senior dogs and dogs with arthritis and movement limitations can benefit greatly from these. Dogs in discomfort may experience anxiety, so a bed that eases their stiff muscles and relieves joint pain can help them relax.

Size

Some dog beds are more comfortable for certain breeds than others. For example, doughnut-shaped beds are better suited for little dogs, while large dogs feel more comfortable on bolster beds. Getting the right size can help keep your doggo happy and healthy.

To allow your dog some room to move around, get something with a little more room. Avoid purchasing a dog bed that is too big because it won’t have the ideal cocooning effect. Make sure the orthopedic mattress you buy has enough space for your dog to stretch out fully without any parts of its body sticking out from the bed.

Machine-Washable

Choose a bed with machine-washable fabric to make cleaning the mattress straightforward. A least, go for an option with a removable, washable cover.

Waterproof Lining

To be comfortable, your dog needs a good, dry bed. If an accident does occur, cleanup is significantly more straightforward with a waterproof lining.

Odour-Resistant

To keep odours from adhering to the bed, look for a calming bed made with antibacterial materials. For instance, most faux fur options aren’t only like the soft coat of a dog but are also antibacterial.

Non-Slip Bottom

Be careful that your dog doesn’t slide as he tries to get in or out of bed. Not only does that increases the risk of an accident and possible canine injury, but it can also stress your dog out.