Dog Bed Buying Guide
There are many joys and a lot of excitement that come along with owning a dog. They give you unconditional love and companionship, and you always have a furry partner by your side for support. Pay back all the love they give with a comfortable dog bed that meets their needs. Our best friends require relaxing, serene spaces to lounge and doze off in, keeping them happy and well-rested. Whether you have a large Great Dane or a smaller Terrier, you can find the right pet bed at Tractor Supply.
Creating a Comfortable Space with Your Dog Bed
On average, dogs can sleep anywhere from 12 to 14 hours per day. This is much more than humans – meaning dogs must have comfortable areas where they can spend their sleeping time. Like us, uncomfortable sleeping conditions can cause insufficient sleep, which can lead to stress or other conditions in our beloved pets.
To give your dog a comfortable night’s sleep and ensure their well-being, investing in the right dog bed is crucial. While many dogs sleep in the comfort of their owner’s bed, having their own space to snooze can provide many benefits. You can give your dogs a spot that’s exclusively theirs, providing a safe area to retreat to, relax in and wind down.
It’s recommended to have at least two beds per dog in your household. Consider placing these beds in areas that you and your family use a lot, such as living room and bedroom spaces. This way, your dog can hang out with the entire family while still having their own spot. As dogs age, they may require more supportive beds to keep them comfortable, or their preferences may simply change. Always pay attention to your pup when on their bed so you can give them the most relaxing environment.
Where to Start
To determine the best type of dog bed for your canine companion, it can help to observe them and their natural sleep style and behaviors. Do they enjoy digging around blankets until they can mold the perfect spot? Are you always finding them sleeping in a specific corner of your living room or bedroom? Maybe they prefer soft, fluffy blankets to smooth, comfortable ones, or perhaps they enjoy sleeping on the floor. Answering these questions and learning your dog’s preferences can provide insight into the right dog bed type, material and location for the bed.
For example, if your dog enjoys sleeping on cold, hard surfaces, such as wood or tile floors, they’re probably looking for spaces to keep them cool. Consider getting them one of our cooling beds without too much bulk or fluff, or look into our rectangular beds, cooling mats and elevated dog beds as ideal alternatives.
On the other hand, if your dog seeks out the sunniest spots in your home to lounge in, you may want to get them a heated dog bed. Older dogs with certain health conditions, such as arthritis, may prefer a cozy space to ball up and relax. In this case, you should get them a plushy and soft round bed or an orthopedic option.
What if your pup loves to sleep on your bed or couch, day or night, rain or shine? They are trying to tell you that comfort is their top priority. If this sounds like your dog, look for materials that will make them want to lay in their own bed, such as memory foam that contours to their body and promotes the ultimate coziness.
Types of Dog Beds
If you’ve completed your own research, then you already know the options are endless when it comes to finding the right dog bed. However, knowing your dog’s behaviors and preferences – as well as your own – can make your search much more convenient. For instance, you can choose a bed with removable and machine-washable covers, allowing you to keep your pet’s bed space clean with ease. Whether your dog is big, small or medium-sized, our options are loved by all breeds and ages, and they include:
Bolster Dog Beds
Bolster beds are made with raised edges, giving dogs a comfortable space to prop their heads while they dream about playing fetch or going for walks. With options featuring raised edges on some or all sides, our selection has everything from cooling properties to non-skid bottoms for stability.
Whether you want high walls so your dog can hide and cuddle, or your pet prefers shorter walls to better see their surroundings, you’re sure to find the right bed that complements your home’s decor. From beige and blackto gray and brown, we offer many neutral tones so your dog’s bed integrates seamlessly into your space. If you prefer a pop of color, our bolster dog beds also are available in blue, red, green and even multicolor.
Orthopedic Dog Beds
Orthopedic dog beds are ideal for dogs with joint problems, providing added padding and support for their joints. Made with specific materials, these beds cushion joints while dogs relax, eliminating stress on their bones and helping to alleviate pain. With options that have raised sides for enhanced comfort, you can also shop our floor pad or mattress-style designs, so you can give your canine the most ideal setup.
No matter how old your pup is, they’ll be able to get cozy for hours in our oval, rectangular or round orthopedic beds. We even have dog beds with waterproof covers, making them great for resistance against accidents. Whether you need indoor-only options or beds that are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, your dog will thank you wherever they like to rest.
Outdoor Dog Beds
Our outdoor dog beds are made for your dog to enjoy in Mother Nature, whether it’s hot and sunny or rainy and muddy. From pillow-style beds to rectangular and round shapes, your dogs won’t get enough of lounging outside with their ideal design. We also have covered dog cave beds featuring a loose cover, which wraps around your pup’s body for added comfort and a sense of security. Made with durable yet comfortable materials, such as polyester, canvas or cotton, these dog beds are great choices for your backyard, driveway or patio.
Pet Furniture-Style Beds
If you’re looking for a way to incorporate your dog’s bed into your home stylishly, consider a furniture-style option. These beds are designed for all life stages to complement your home’s existing furniture, providing a more discreet place for pets to relax. Your pet can lounge just like you do in sofa and daybed styles, or you can choose ones modeled after human-style beds for the ultimate accessory for your dog.
Covered Dog Beds
Covered dog beds give your pup an enclosed space to rest up for your next adventure together. With a top cover to make them feel safe, they are ideal for breeds that like to burrow and hide. Our covered dog beds can range from teepee-style tents to round shapes, and we offer a variety of comfortable materials, such as faux fleece, suede or faux velvet.
Elevated and Cooling Dog Beds
Elevated dog beds are designed to be raised from the ground, ensuring breathability on all sides of your dog to help keep too much heat from affecting their sleep. These dog cots are typically made with cooling, lightweight materials, such as mesh and nylon, but they may also feature warm and cozy materials, such as sherpa and faux fleece, to ensure comfortable lounging from season to season. Meanwhile, our cooling dog beds lack cushioning to avoid heat buildup, working efficiently to keep your dog cool during indoor and outdoor use.
Heated Beds and Pads
If your pup is always looking for something warm to cuddle up next to, such as a blanket or their favorite humans, consider getting them a heated dog bed. Made with soft, comfortable and self-warming materials to promote warmth, bolster or pillow-style options put a smile on their faces. Amp up your dog’s comfort level with microfleece or polyester bed constructions, or plug in your dog’s bed using electric heat sources. To warm up existing bed setups, you can invest in a heating mat to give your dog a whole new experience.
Floor Pads
Floor pads are a flatter style of dog bed that looks similar to a mat or pillow, but they come in many shapes and sizes, including round or rectangular designs. Invest in our floor pads designed for indoor use only if your pooch needs an extra spot to rest, or find options intended for both indoor and outdoor relaxation – whatever you’re looking for, our selection has a fit for any breed or life stage.
Pet Travel Beds
Whether you need to take your dog to the vet or want to take your puppy on their first vacation, keep your pets comfortable wherever you go with a travel bed. These are constructed with high walls to keep dogs safely contained, and they can easily attach via a seatbelt or headrest for your convenience. Pick up a packable bed for easy storage when not in use, or consider chew-resistant and waterproof constructions to ensure durability.
Finding a Dog Bed for Your Dog and Home
Now that you know about the benefits of each style, it’s time to decide on the type of dog bed you want for your beloved companion. If you’re looking for a specific dog bed with key features that give your furry pals enhanced comfort, we make it easy to search for what you need. Browse for our dog beds by:
Bed Types
The type of dog bed you choose depends entirely on your pup’s preferences and your available space. Elevated dog beds give your canine added height, allowing them to remain aware of their surroundings and providing breathable comfort for their bodies. Mat+style beds are flat and often rectangular with bolstered sides, while mattress beds look like mat-style beds but with thicker, bulkier cushioning. If you’re looking for a fluffier, more comfortable design, consider a pillow-style dog bed.
Bed Shapes
While some dogs prefer open, large spaces to relax and unwind, others may want to feel safe and protected between fuzzy layers of cushioning. The bed shape you decide on can play a role in adding comfort to your dog’s bed setup. Oval, round and square bed shapes provide a tighter, more compact space for dogs to curl up and hide in. On the other hand, rectangular bed shapes give dogs plenty of room to snooze and stretch.
Colors
Whether you want something that matches your home or adds a pop of color to your space, dog beds come in many colors and designs. Beige, black, brown, gray and white colors are optimal if you want a neutral addition that blends well with existing room furnishings. Other colors, such as blue, green and purple, can give any room a subtle touch of style. Or, try orange, pink, red and yellow to give your space a pop of color.
Bed Features
Our selection is packed with special features to deliver comfort for dogs, as well as convenience for owners. Our beds with cooling properties consist of lightweight materials to promote cooler comfort for dogs that get warm easily. Meanwhile, our heated dog beds give off warmth to keep chilly dogs cozy on cold days. We also offer options with non-skid bottoms, ensuring security for dogs that like to move and dig around to find the comfiest spot.
You can also find convenient dog bed features, such as removable covers and washable designs, for simplified cleaning in case of accidents or messes. Waterproof, water-resistant and weather-resistant dog beds are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, and convertible options allow for versatility from the porch to the living room.
Breed Sizes
From extra-small to medium to extra-large breeds, pet parents with dogs of all sizes can choose a bed that’s comfortable for each pup. However, there are no rules when it comes to finding your dog their new favorite lounging spot. In other words, the size of your canine doesn’t always determine the size of bed you need.
For instance, some large dogs enjoy cuddling up and sleeping in smaller beds, while some small dogs prefer large spaces to relax in. Don’t be afraid to get your dog an over- or under-sized bed. As long as they’re comfortable and happy, following your dog’s preferences can help you give them a space they love retreating to.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
If your dog enjoys spending hours sunbathing in your backyard, you should consider getting them an outdoor bed. You’ll want to add beds to all the spaces that you spend time in. If that includes the outdoors, having an outdoor bed can give your furry friend a place to rest while enjoying some fresh air between frisbee tosses. Browse our dog beds for indoor use only, or find one that’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Materials
The different materials used for dog beds bring comfort to furry friends in many ways. Covers made with polyester, canvas and cotton offer durability and a cooling touch, while faux fur, suede and fleece materials provide an abundance of warmth. If you’re looking for something with a specific texture, you can find dog beds made with faux velvet or chenille materials.
Depending on the style, our dog beds feature strong frames to help maintain their shape and structure. These frames are made with durable materials, such as plastic, LDPE and wood, to withstand years of relaxation by your pup. For dogs with joint problems or those looking for extra-comfortable cushioning, you can also find memory foam options.
Promote Relaxation With Dog Bed Accessories
Like their owners, dogs love having their own accessories to make a space truly feel like their own. That’s why, alongside dog beds and other supplies, we carry dog blankets made with warm, comfortable materials, giving your dog a cuddly addition to their sleeping setup. Dog blankets are not only easy to clean, but they also provide added fluff for dogs to snuggle and sleep with. Find dog blankets in exciting and fun patterns to add a fun touch that reflects your pet’s personality.
Even with the perfect dog bed space, some dogs will still want to cuddle up with you on the couch occasionally. To keep furniture protected from scratches and dirt, consider adding a pet couch cover to your living room setup. Our couch covers are made with durable, easy-to-clean fabrics and lay on top of your sofa’s surface, so you can cuddle with your dog stress-free while watching your favorite shows or the big game.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Beds
How should I introduce my dog to their new bed?
Once you finally decide on the right dog bed for your dog, the next step is to introduce the bed and allow your dog to become familiar with it. Some dogs may be apprehensive about their new bed, as it smells different than what they’re used to, and others may also take longer to get used to new items in general. Luckily, there are many ways you can help them acclimate to their new sleeping space, including:
- Wash the bed to give it your home’s scent, allowing your dogs to recognize that their new bed is part of their home – and here to stay.
- To add more familiar scents, consider throwing their favorite dog blanket in the bed, along with a few of their favorite toys.
- Get onto the bed yourself to show them that it’s safe.
- Place their dog bed in a quiet, comfortable location, away from noisy areas and cold spaces. This ensures optimal lounging for your pet by making it an attractive option for them.
How often should I wash my dog’s bed?
With everything else that goes on at home, it can be easy to forget to clean up our furry friends’ bedding. Because of this, it’s important to remember to wash your dog’s bedding frequently – around twice per month. Between washes, you can shake dog beds off to remove fur, hair and dust. However, if your dog has an accident on their bed, you should wash it as soon as possible to keep their space clean and safe.
What’s the best material for a dog bed?
The best material for your dog bed depends entirely on your dog’s size, behaviors and preferences. Heavier dogs require a sturdier build, so choose beds with plastic, LDPE or wood frames to withstand long-term lounging if you have a bigger buddy. If your pup is always looking for the coziest spot in the house, consider materials that provide warmth and cushioning, such as suede, fleece or memory foam. Perhaps your dog likes to scratch or dig in their bed – if this is the case, go for polyester, canvas or cotton. Whatever you’re looking for, we have a wide range of options, from faux velvet to chenille.
How can I tell if a bed’s padding is suitable for my dog?
Depending on their age, dogs may prefer different levels of padding in their dog bed. Fluffier options can feel great for growing pups, while more supportive styles are ideal for aging dogs. The best way to tell if a bed’s padding is suitable for your dog is by trying it out yourself. Is the padding feeling comfortable enough to spend hours on? Does it sink in a way that still gives your dog cushioning? If the answer is yes to these questions, then chances are your dog will love their bed.
Where should I put my dog’s new bed?
Dog beds give canines special areas to retreat to when they want to be alone and relax. You want to keep this in mind when deciding on the right place to put the dog bed. Dogs want to feel involved with the whole family, so consider placing their bed in areas that you spend time in frequently. If your dog has a favorite spot on the floor, placing it there makes it easy for dogs to get used to their bed, as they already go to that area to lounge. Keep dog beds away from noisy areas and appliances.
At night, should my dog sleep in bed with me or in their own bed?
Whether your dog sleeps in the bed with you or on their own is up to you and the pup. If you find that having your dog in bed disrupts your sleep, then training them to use their own bed can solve this problem. In addition, having them sleep in their own bed reinforces the idea that their space is just that – their own. This allows dogs to become more comfortable with their areas, using them as places to sneak off when they’re stressed and need some relief.
Find Comfortable Dogs Beds and More at Tractor Supply
Our dogs are our best friends – and you want them to feel comfortable and happy in the space they’re in. Adding the perfect dog bed to your living room or bedroom can give them just that. When you need reliable, durable and comfortable dog products that stand up to whatever your pup throws at them, rely on our in-store and online selections. To learn more about our dog beds and other pet care supplies, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.