Are you thinking of replacing your dog’s sleeping pad? Wondering how long do dog beds last, and whether it is time to get a new one? Read this article to understand the signs that your pooch needs a new dog bed.
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If you are a dog parent, you must take care of all your pet’s needs, including sleeping needs. If you are a first-time dog owner, you might have some questions regarding the sleeping requirements of your dog.
The sleeping needs of dogs are as essential as their food and health requirements. In this article, we will clear your doubts about dog beds, when to replace them, signs to look out for, and more.
When Should I Get a Dog Bed?
Before you get your pet in the house, a dog bed needs to be ready and waiting for it.
Your dog needs its own bed
Your dog must have a specific place to rest. Dogs spend a lot of time sleeping during the day, and if they end up sleeping on floors or hard surfaces, it can lead to sore feet, knees, and elbows, decreasing their quality of life in turn.
You must provide your pet with a comfortable bed that is neither too hard nor too soft for optimal comfort. A soft yet firm bed is what you should get for your dog to ensure the best comfort.
Bring the bed as soon as you bring your pet home
Pet parents suggest that you must get your dog a new bed as soon as you get them home. It is so that they can form a habit of sleeping in their own space.
If you do not have a dog bed ready before you get your new pet home, the dog might form a habit of sleeping with you and getting comfortable that way. Trying to make it form a habit of sleeping in its bed later might take a while of training and getting-used-to for the dog.
Time to replace the dog bed
A standard dog bed should last for a couple of years. However, its longevity depends on how much it is in use and how your pet uses it. Many dogs chew on their bedding which might lead to damaged beds.
It would be a clear indication for you to replace your dog bed immediately, as you would not want your pet friend to choke on the bedding materials or feel uncomfortable while resting.
How Long Do Dog Beds Last?
There is no hard and fast rule. Observe the signs below to figure out when you need to buy a new one.
As a pet parent, you must be very observant about your pet’s requirements. Along with food, water, and activity, the need for a comfortable bed and a good sleep is also essential for your pet. Look out for the following signs that indicate that it is time for your to replace your dog’s bed:
Does your dog’s bed give off a foul odor?
As simple as it may sound to wash off the dog bed to remove the foul odor, it might not be a long-lasting remedy.
So if you are experiencing a foul smell from your dog’s bed even after washing it, it might be due to some bacterial infestation that might not be a great place to sleep for your dog. It is time to replace it.
Do you see an excess of insects or pest infestation in the house?
If there is a pest infestation, such as mites, cockroaches, spiders, or even mites, you might have to replace your dog’s bed. It could become a place for pest infestation and become difficult to remove.
If you do not take proper notice of the condition, your dog might even have ticks. It will eventually cause a lot of concern, so you should replace your dog’s bed as soon as you notice the infestation in the house.
If the bed is damaged
If your dog’s bed is damaged due to wear and tear or your dog chewing on it, you might want to replace it immediately. There is a chance for your pet to choke upon the strings or bedding materials, leading to a hazardous situation that you would want to avoid at all costs.
Growing needs of your dog
The little furball that you get home will grow in size very fast. However, the dog bed must be of the correct size. It should not be too big or too small. Purchasing a dog bed based on the maximum size of the breed might not be the best idea, as the little pup will not feel very comfortable sleeping in a bed that is too big for it.
Too small a bed might also be uncomfortable for the dog. Observing the growth rate of your dog and deciding when to replace the bed accordingly might be a good option.
What To Do With Old Dog Beds?
If your old dog bed is torn or damaged, you should get rid of it completely. Throw it in the garbage bin as it will be useless for anyone. However, if the bed is in good condition, but your dog has grown out of it, you might consider donating.
Many pet rescues accept donations for old pet accessories to give to a rescued dog in need. You must wash the bed, sanitize and deodorize it before giving it off to the pet rescue.
Recycling old dog beds is a popular idea among pet owners these days, and it has helped many rescued dogs in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my dog as a pillow?
It depends on how comfortable your furry friend is with this arrangement!
Does your pet get up on your bed often? Do you wish to use the furball as a pillow at times and wondering if it is okay? Surveys suggest that it is okay if your dog sleeps on your bed, and if you can use your dog as a pillow will depend on your rapport with your pet and its comfort level.
If your dog is not okay with the arrangement, it will move away. However, if you know that you move too much in your sleep, it is better to avoid it, as your pet will not get a good night’s sleep.
Don’t force the dog as it might feel agitated and restless. If it curls up beside you, enjoy it and let your furry friend share your bed.
How often should I replace my dog’s bed?
Typically anywhere between 1.5 to 4 years for adult dogs.
You might already be clear about the reasons to replace a dog’s bed by now. A standard dog bed can last for about 1.5 to 4 years if handled with care.
However, if your pet friend loves to chew on his bed, or if there is a pest infestation in the house, you might want to replace your dog bed sooner than you otherwise would.
There is no specific time for you to replace a dog bed. Be observant of your pet’s needs and see if your pet is not feeling comfortable in its bed. If the dog prefers to sleep on the floor or your bed instead of its entitled bed, you might want to have a closer look at the bed and replace it if needed.
Does my dog need a new bed?
Check its health and the wear and tear of the current bed.
Take a closer look at your dog’s health. See if it has sore body parts, allergic symptoms, extreme itchiness, excessive hair loss, or any such symptoms. If such situations persist, you should take your dog to a vet and replace the bed or the bedding as well.
These symptoms could be due to bacterial infestations, pests, mites, ticks, etc., and might need your immediate attention.
When should you throw away a dog bed?
Keep an eye on your pup when he starts looking uncomfortable in his bed, you should immediately buy a new one.
Throw your dog bed away when you see that your dog is not enjoying curling up on it quite often. There might be some underlying cause of such an action that you should not overlook. Donating the dog bed might not be a great idea if damaged. So you should throw it away if it is either damaged or infested with bacteria, pests, mites, or ticks.
How many beds should a dog have?
One per room in the house.
Do you think having a single dog bed in the house is enough? If you care for your pet friend, it might not be the best choice you make. You must have more than one dog bed placed in different rooms for your pet to ensure that the dog feels comfortable and a part of your family.
Like you, your dog needs to have designated places to relax in different rooms. However, if you think that having a dog bed in each room is too much, you should at least have two dog beds placed in two rooms for your pet to choose from.
Having multiple dog beds will ensure that you keep your dog off the furniture. You might even consider having one bed in a quiet place while the other in a more crowded place, like the living room.
A Few Final Words
By now, it must be clear as to when you need to replace the dog bed to ensure that your furry friend is comfortable? Look out for any signs of discomfort for your dog and take action immediately.
Having a pet is one thing and knowing how to take proper care of it is another, ensure that you are not just a pet owner, but a responsible and caring one too.
Thank you for reading the article, we hope we were able to cover all the relevant topics. If you have more queries, please write to us in the comments and we will get back with answers. You might also like to read: Top 30 Best Dog Beds and Why Does My Dog Hump His Bed After Eating?