Would Your Dog Benefit from An Orthopedic Dog Bed?
Just like with us humans and the type of beds we prefer,
what makes a comfortable bed for your dog can depend on his
age, health, and personality. Dog beds provide warmth, comfort
and a safe haven for your pet. If you have an older dog, especially
one with arthritis or hip dysplasia, you may want to consider
getting him an orthopedic dog bed.
What Are Orthopedic Dog Beds
Orthopedic dog beds are built to protect and provide added
comfort for aged dogs, those with arthritic joints, and dogs
that are overweight. They provide maximum support and are
typically constructed with medical-grade orthopedic egg crate
foam cores and sometimes box-springs. There are even gel-foam
beds that conform to your dog's shape. Gel-Pedic pet beds provide superior comfort for aging, ailing, and arthritic suffering pets. The GelFoam molds and shapes to the contour of your pet's hips, and joints to relieve pressure that can cause pain and discomfort.
Typically a foam orthopedic dog bed or pad will have
a foam core of at least four inches to as much as seven inches
to help reduce stress on pressure points like hips. Depending
on your dog's age and health he may like or need a bed on
the thicker end of the range. A good quality bed will have
high density "memory foam" that bounces back to
shape as soon as your dog leaves it.
If you have an older dog, it is especially important that
he has a comfortable bed. It is not good for dogs in general,
especially older ones and larger ones, to lie on hard surfaces
because they can develop calluses or sores in bony areas such
as the elbow. If your dog has arthritis, it is even
more important to protect and cushion his bones and joints
and help insulate him from the floor.
Styles of Orthopedic Dog Beds
You can find orthopedic dog beds in a variety of styles from
traditional dog beds to nests with orthopedic foam bases and
polyfil pillow toppers, bolster beds with firm orthopedic
foam mattresses, and mats with orthopedic foam cores. The
key point is that the bed offers extra comfort and support
to your pet.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Bed
Most dog bed manufacturers recommend that you measure your
dog lying down from nose to his hind end (in other words the
area that is covered when your dog is lying down) and add
12 inches. This will ensure that he has room to move and get
comfortable.
Whether you choose a traditional, bolster or nest style,
an
Orthopedic Dog Bed
will offer your pet extra cushioning for sore joints. Your
dog will be more comfortable and will likely get better rest,
something we can all appreciate.
