Our dogs are our best friends and nothing is ever too good for them.
That’s why most dog owners will spare no expense when it comes time to find them a nice cozy bed.
However, these purchases tend to be on the more expensive side.
Why is this?
Why Are Dog Beds So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons)
1. Avoids Major Messes
While dogs are our best buddies, they are messy creatures.
They don’t mean to make a mess of themselves and their sleeping quarters.
It just happens.
That’s why the best beds can withstand the rigors of regular washings.
Other top-notch dog beds will come with covers that can be removed and cleaned as well.
Those who are not willing to spend on their dog’s bed are placing themselves in a less advantageous position from a cleaning standpoint.
Many owners will also rely on waterproof dog beds to avoid massive messes.
This is especially important for puppies, who are far more likely to have “accidents” at bedtime as they become acclimated to their new homes.
Owners will also want to avoid the hassles associated with regular cleanup.
It is much easier to simply remove a cover or throw the bed in the washer as opposed to getting down on hands and knees to scrub.
After all, the average dog owner does not have the time to spend on these types of tasks consistently.
2. Chew Proof
As anyone who has ever brought home a new dog can tell you, even the most well-behaved pooch loves to chew.
You can provide them with all of the chew toys in the world, and they are still going to gnaw on their beds from time to time.
If you do not provide them with a bed that can withstand such abuse, you are going to be replacing it again before long.
Any money that is saved by selecting a bed that is a bit cheaper will be spent again several times over.
On top of the issues that are caused from a financial standpoint, the dog’s health could also be placed in serious danger by a negligent pet parent.
A chewed dog bed could land your pet in a vet’s office, an experience that is better avoided by all parties.
“Avoid anything that can be chewed and ingested, especially fibers and fabrics. This is a potentially serious issue for puppies or confirmed chewers,” Jacqueline Boyd, a senior lecturer in animal science at Nottingham Trent University says.
“Often towels, blankets, etc. are not ideal choices here. Fleece bedding with a non-chew backing is often a good start for puppies,” she continues.
This takes a number of the cheaper bedding alternatives off the table and rightfully so.
Puppies love to chew and there are no materials that they should be left unattended with.
The best choice is a bed that is tough while remaining comfortable.
A pet owner who makes the wrong choice will be left holding the bag for a bed replacement cost and potential vet bills.
3. Enough Space For Continued Growth
Yes, a dog owner can choose a bed that is large enough for their current puppy.
This is a short-term strategy at best, as you are only postponing the inevitable.
As long as the puppy can comfortably make its way in and out of the larger bed, there is nothing wrong with buying a larger bed.
The puppy will grow into it over time.
Make sure that the animal prefers the larger bed before beginning this process, though.
If they are not comfortable as a puppy, the situation is not likely to improve as they age.
Yes, a puppy-sized bed is a fine choice early on, but this can come with unexpected consequences later on.
Kiersten Forsyth, a researcher at the Dog Aging Project at Texas A&M University, warns against the practice.
“If your dog seems more sentimental and gets attached to the old puppy bed, sometimes they will still choose to lay in it instead of the nice new bigger bed,” Forsyth shares.
This is not a huge problem if the animal is happy and they are not in any physical danger.
It still bears noting for any dog owner who is looking to maximize their pet’s comfort.
As long as the dog is not in pain, they can still enjoy a smaller bed as they age.
For the most part, it is best to purchase a more expensive full-size bed that the animal has a chance to grow into.
4. Caters To Older Dogs
Of course, the expenses that are associated with dog beds are not just the product of puppy-related concerns.
Older dog owners have to consider the advantages and disadvantages of placing their pets in less expensive beds.
Their quality of life is severely diminished when they do not have a proper bed to sleep on and the pain that they experience daily becomes exacerbated.
When beds are purchased for senior dogs who struggle with conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia, expenses should not be spared.
“You really want a bed that’s going to be supportive for their joints,” Forsyth advises.
Memory foam and egg crate foam are the best choices in these instances.
Beds that incorporate these types of materials tend to be on the more expensive side, but it is a worthwhile investment over the short term and long haul.
Elevated beds are another great option for older dogs with joint issues.
They significantly reduce the number of pressure points, are easily cleaned, and remain chew-proof.
There’s just one concern about the elevated beds that must be addressed before they are brought home.
If they are too high off the ground, older dogs will struggle to get in and out of them.
Washable materials should also be chosen in these instances, as a senior dog will be far more likely to start displaying bladder weakness as they age.
5. Climate Specificity
This is not always something that is considered by dog owners.
However, a dog that resides in a warmer climate will have different bedding needs from a dog that resides in a cooler locale.
Is a dog that lives in California going to be happy in a big fluffy bed?
Probably not.
The same goes for a dog from the northeastern United States as it relates to a thinner option.
That’s why dog owners must not spare expenses when it comes time to choose a bed that is appropriate for their climate.
Otherwise, their pup could be left to toss and turn.
No pet owner wants to watch their best friend shiver and shake either.
Do your homework on the breed that you have chosen and its susceptibility to certain temperatures.
For example, the huskies and whippets of the world will have concerns that need to be considered.
“If you live in a really hot environment, you might not want to get a memory foam bed, because memory foam tends to trap heat,” warns Forsyth.
Egg crate foam is the better choice in these instances because it encourages more airflow.
Elevated dog beds are another great selection for dogs that tend to run on the warmer side.
On the other hand, memory foam is a perfectly fine option for dog owners who reside in colder climates.
These beds easily capture heat, making them a go-to choice for these regions.
Chillier dogs may also benefit immensely from having access to a nice pile of blankets once the temperatures start to drop.
They are also known to enjoy being tucked in each night like children, so bear that in mind.
6. Your Dog Will Be Spending Countless Hours In The Bed
A pet owner will get their money’s worth, regardless of what they are spending.
The sheer amount of time that the animal will spend in the bed dictates it.
As humans, we notice the difference when we are willing to spend more on our bedding.
Why would the same not apply to our pets?
The average human is going to be spending a third of their time in bed if they are fortunate enough to be getting eight hours per night.
Meanwhile, our dogs will be spending at least 50 percent of their time sleeping and up to 30 percent of their time loafing about.
That’s why this purchase should be maximized.
Humans should be asking themselves all of the same questions that they would be asking about their own beds.
Would you want to sleep on the floor?
Would you want a bed that is fashioned out of old hoodies and towels?
Of course not.
Now take into account the sheer number of hours that the dog will be spending in the bed, even when they are not sleeping.
Yes, the pet owner can save some money in the short term by skimping out on their pet’s bed.
This is money that is simply going to be spent again once the bed inevitably needs to be replaced.
The dog is sure to love its owner when they are willing to go the extra mile.
This purchase is not solely about avoiding a secondary one in a few months.
The dog will sleep better, wake up far more refreshed, and love you for providing them with their own space to slumber.
This is especially true for dogs who are not going to be allowed on the bed.
How can an owner feel comfortable with having their own comfy place to sleep while their dog makes do with whatever they are being provided with?
Thin mattresses and other lesser forms of bedding are simply not going to cut it.
7. Can Potentially Help Health Issues
Much is made of the importance of choosing the best bed for an older dog that is already suffering from painful joint issues.
This causes many puppy owners to neglect the importance of providing their pets with the proper support from the very beginning.
By spending a little bit extra during the early stages of a puppy’s life, the owner can save the pet from all sorts of health issues down the line.
Those who own larger dogs will want to bear this in mind.
Larger dogs are more susceptible to joint pain, and if they are forced to sleep in beds that are too small for them, these problems are even more likely to occur.
The best beds in these instances are those that are more comparable to human mattresses.
The days of asking one’s dog to settle for less are over, and we are all better off for it.
Raised beds are also a great choice because of their ability to provide support without any stuffing.
Dogs of all ages have been known to remove the stuffing from their bedding, and this is a problem that any pet owner will want to avoid if possible.
Raised beds are designed to remain taut, so they are not relying on stuffing to do the job.
Worst of all, a dog that consumes stuffing could put itself at risk for any number of major health problems.
If a pet owner does not provide their loved one with treatment, these types of obstructions can lead to a severe amount of gastrointestinal pain.
8. Materials
While the more expensive dog beds out there may rely on different materials, these materials are chosen for a very specific reason.
It may seem smart to purchase a cheaper bed that is flameproof and stain-proof, but these materials can cause serious harm to a dog.
These decisions become even more important when allergies or skin sensitivity issues are taken into account.
Even dog owners who have the time and effort to track down a high-quality bed will want to take additional precautions once they have gotten it back home.
It may not seem that crucial, but even something as simple as forgetting to wash a new bed could leave the dog at risk of ingesting harmful residues from processing.
These are the problems that are avoided when a pet owner springs for a nicer bed.
In addition to higher quality materials, some other bells and whistles cannot be forgotten about.
A non-skid bottom is a must, as many dogs love to get a running start when they head to bed.
The last thing that any pet owner wants is to watch in horror as the bed slides out from beneath them.
This poses major dangers to the dog and beds with bottoms that skid will also become trip hazards before too long.
Non-slip matting can help in a pinch but without a non-slip base, the advantages become far more limited.
9. Can Potentially Help Itchy Dogs
Itchy dogs need love, too!
It all starts with the bed that is chosen for them, and these are the splurges that need to be made.
The top beds are typically going to be machine washable, which is a godsend for all of the itchy pups out there.
Be sure to choose a top-notch bed that has not been treated with any chemicals in these instances.
A quality bed should be able to stand up to a machine washing once a week, although laundry detergent is not used in most cases.
Larger dogs that struggle with itching and allergies will benefit from trampoline beds, which tend to be a bit more pricey.
Fortunately, these beds can be hosed off weekly and put in the sun to dry.
In fact, it is often recommended that pet owners keep two dog beds on hand.
This allows them to keep their pet in a fresh, clean bed, rotating out the one that needs to be washed regularly.
Dust mites and fleas have to be considered when a dog bed is being chosen.
Choosing a cheaper bed may not seem to be a problem in these instances.
After all, can’t any bed be washed or hosed off regularly?
Absolutely, but beds that are made with cheaper materials are more likely to irritate itchy dogs in the first place.
These beds are not going to be able to stand up to repeated washings, causing a dog owner to have to make numerous follow-up purchases.
10. Can Help A Dog’s Sleeping Habits
Owners have to consider their dog’s specific sleeping habits.
In most cases, a cheap bed is simply not going to cut it.
Some may be able to skate on this expense because their dog prefers sleeping on the floor, but even this will only last for so long.
It is usually just a matter of time before the animal starts to perch themselves on your bed or couches.
There are four different sleeping positions for dog owners to take into account.
Some dogs are lighter sleepers who prefer to be ready to spring into action as soon as they hear a noise.
Other dogs would rather curl themselves up into a cozy ball and they tend to be deeper sleepers.
Meanwhile, some dogs sleep in a slab position, where they are flat on their sides.
Last but not least, you have the dogs that stretch out in a spread eagle position.
The dog owners who do not allow price to be an obstacle will choose a bed that does not function in an overly restrictive manner.
If the dog cannot comfortably adapt and enjoy its preferred sleeping position, this is a sign that a better bed needs to be purchased.
Cheaper beds do not offer the support that a slumbering dog needs, keeping them from being able to get a restful night’s sleep.
More expensive beds will offer the chunky bolster that the animal requires, working as a back, neck, and foot rest.
These bolsters are also a major plus for any dog that prefers to have a place to rest its chin while sleeping.
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