If you’re a happy owner of a small breed dog, then you might actually find out that it’s so much easier to take care of it than of a large pup. At the same time, smaller dogs also have some special needs that you should remember about while taking care of them, and buying dog supplies and accessories. A perfect bed for a small dog has a list of features, but firstly, it’s comfortable for your pet and lasts for years. To find the best small dog bed, we’ve made a short list of tips for new dog owners, so they and their pets will be happy with their new dog bed!
It should be soft
Small breeds owners often love spoiling their pups, but in this case, it’s not about whims at all. Tiny breeds like Chihuahuas or Terriers are very light, so they physically can’t press hard beds enough to get comfortable there. That’s why a perfect small dog bed is soft, so your pet can easily find a comfy position and have a good rest.
The same goes for young puppies and older dogs in general. They are light-weighted, and older dogs also tend to lose muscles a lot, so they also need softer beds or pillows. An old Chihuahua needs a super soft bed with cotton or polyester fiber inside. Sometimes memory foam beds are also great, but you need to look closely at them and probably even touch them before buying to make sure they’re soft enough.
Pick the right size
Of course, small dog beds take way less space than beds for larger breeds. It doesn’t mean they can be exactly tiny, though – your pet still needs some extra space to move a bit and find the best position to sleep.
Your pet’s sleeping habits also matter a lot. Dogs sometimes love curling, so donut-shaped beds are perfect for them. Others are starfish sleepers, so it’s better to buy larger soft donut beds for them, or mattress-like beds. Some pups need more personal space where they can feel protected and safe, so you can buy a dog burrow for them. It’s hard to understand your pet’s habits when it’s very young, but you’ll notice them eventually.
It also makes sense to buy a small dog bed for a puppy, while keeping in mind that it’ll grow bigger soon. Small dog beds of high quality can last for many years, so it’s better to buy a good bed once than to change them occasionally – that’s actually an investment that can save lots of your money.
Maintenance
Lots of small breeds are pretty fluffy, so if you don’t want to make your life harder, then look for beds made of materials that are easier to keep clean. Lots of fabrics don’t clog on pet fur, so you can easily take it off with a brush, dump cloth, or just your hands. If your pet has short hair, then you can buy a fluffy bed made of artificial fur – it’ll help your dog feel warm and comfy.
At the same time, don’t forget that some dogs have accidents – especially when they’re really young. Some fabrics are water-repellent, so you can make them clean again relatively easily and quickly. Beds that are completely waterproof are hard to find, and they’re often not exactly comfortable. If your puppy has accidents way too often, then cover its bed with a case or just material that can keep it clean and absorb water.
Removable cases are also great – you can just use your washing machine to make them clean quickly. It’s also a good idea to buy two of them to change like bedsheets – so your pet’s bed will always look and smell nice. You can find such cases at https://hunting-pony.com.
Durability
The best dog beds are usually made of linen, polyester, or artificial fur. All these materials can last for years. Larger breeds can destroy larger things, but even smaller breeds can cause lots of problems sometimes. If your pet is unruly or hyperactive, or just loves chewing and tearing apart things, then you need an anti-vandal bed. Some beds are made of thick, strong fabrics, but you can also find soft and squishy beds that are still hard to destroy, because your dog won’t be able to bite through them.