Mary Allen
Orthopedic dog beds are trendy and should be particularly comfortable and easy on the joints for your four-legged friend. But is that really true? What is the difference between an orthopedic dog bed and a “normal” basket? And for which dogs is an orthopedic dog bed recommended?
What is an Orthopedic Dog Bed?
An orthopedic dog bed is characterized by its special structure. In contrast to “normal” dog baskets, an orthopedic dog bed consists of special foam. This so-called viscoelastic foam, also known as memory foam, adapts to the shape of the body and thus ensures that the contact points are relieved of pressure. In addition, the dog’s spine is kept anatomically correct when lying on its side. By relieving the joints and spine, an orthopedic dog bed has a pain-relieving effect and promotes healthy blood circulation.
For Which Dogs is an Orthopedic Dog Bed Recommended?
An orthopedic dog bed is particularly suitable for older dogs, dogs with joint diseases, or large and heavy dogs. Older dogs often develop joint or spinal problems such as osteoarthritis or spondylosis. An orthopedic dog bed helps here with its pressure-relieving and thus pain-relieving properties. The same goes for younger dogs with joint conditions like HD or ED. Here, too, the joints are relieved by the special foam. But even if your dog does not yet have any joint disease, an orthopedic dog bed can be useful, for example, if your dog is very large and heavy. These dogs are at higher risk of joint disease and an orthopedic dog bed can help prevent them. Of course, completely healthy small dogs will also find an orthopedic dog bed comfortable.
What Should I Look Out for When Buying an Orthopedic Dog Bed?
When buying, you should make sure that the lying surface of the bed is big enough so that your dog can lie completely on the side. You should also make sure that the bed is of sufficient height depending on the weight of your dog. The bed should be at least 10 cm high for a medium-weight dog (approx. 20 kg), and at least 20 cm high for large and heavy dogs. In addition, the right upper material should be selected. The preference of your dog should be considered above all, but also practical attention should be paid to cleaning options and resilience.
What Do I Do If My Dog Doesn’t Accept the Crib?
Most dogs take to their new orthopedic dog bed because they find it soft and comfortable. If your dog still prefers to lie next to the new bed, you can try the following:
Place the new orthopedic dog bed in the same spot where your dog’s old bed was. Dogs are creatures of habit and often like to lie in the same places over and over again. If your dog didn’t have a basket before, but the bed is in a place where your dog likes to lie. But be careful: your dog likes to lie in the middle of the room so that you can see everything as well as possible, but you should still put the basket in a quiet place. Then use one of the following tips to make the place appealing to him: Feed your dog on his new blanket and/or give him a treat every now and then as you pass by. In this way, he directly associates the little bed with something positive.
If your dog avoids the bed despite your best efforts, consider whether something might be bothering him. Does the bed have an obtrusive odor of its own? To be on the safe side, wash all covers and air the mattress well. Does your dog not like the upper? Some dogs prefer plush blankets, others prefer cool surfaces. Choose the upper that your dog prefers.
Conclusion
An orthopedic dog bed is a sensible purchase for old dogs and dogs suffering from joint diseases. Large and heavy dogs can also benefit from the positive properties of an orthopedic dog bed. When buying, you should pay attention to the right size, the right height, and the right material. The correct position in the room and positive training are important so that your dog accepts the bed well.