Those dreams of chasing
tennis balls will be sweeter
if your pooch has a safe and
comfortable place to sleep
out flat, or burrow and snuggle?”
says Ashlee, who suggests a mat style
for the former and a bolster or shell
style for the latter. If they sleep
in a crate, size their mat to fit.
Practicality plus
CREATURE
COMFORT
PICK THE PERFECT PERCH FOR YOUR SLEEPY
PET WITH THIS BUYER’S GUIDE TO BEDDING
W
hen your precious
pooch is not busy
being cute (or
crazy), he or she
needs a comfy
place to rest – and that doesn’t
mean stretched out across your bed!
But with almost as many sleeping
options as there are for humans, how
do you know which pet bed is best?
Here’s a guide to help you decide.
Words Shelley Tustin. Photography Getty Images.
Custom digs
Consider your pet’s individual needs,
starting with size. Many brands have
a helpful breed guide, so you can
work out if their medium or large size
is better for your growing labrador.
But make sure you note the inner
measurements and not just the main/
outer space, advises Bunnings pets
buyer Ashlee Tanner. Sleep style is also
important – look at how your dog
likes to sleep and take this into
consideration. “Do they like to spread
Blankets are an
excellent accessory
for promoting warmth
and also protecting
your pet bed
CATNAP
Felines habitually write their
own rules around where they
sleep, but it’s good to give
them a space of their own.
“Many cats enjoy a quiet
place to sleep, as offered in
hideaway-style options such
as deep dome shapes and
pet cubes,” says Ashlee.
Alternatively, cushiony
doughnut or shell beds are
great for snuggling and may
be comforting for anxious cats.
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Most dogs aren’t overly fastidious
and a pretty white bed is unlikely
to stay that way for long. Many pet
beds have removable, washable
covers or inner cushions, or feature
water-resistant fabric, which is
great for all-weather dogs who often
come home damp. Regularly wash
any parts that you can, following
the manufacturer’s instructions,
and air out the inners.
Consider the climate too, which
might mean different beds for winter
and summer. Ashlee suggests a
flat mat for the warmer months
and a plush doughnut style when the
temperature drops. When it’s hot, your
dog might appreciate an elevated
mesh bed or a gel cooling mat. For
the sake of your pet’s health and
comfort, as well as bedding that will
last, go for a quality product – look for
dense foam or a high volume of filling.
Special care
Some pups will sleep anywhere, but
others need special consideration.
For arthritic or elderly dogs, Ashlee
says there are some good options
to keep them comfortable. “Choose
lower and easy-to-get-into shapes,
such as shell styles with a lower front
opening, or mat styles with a dense
foam inner,” she advises.
An uneasy pet, on the other hand,
will benefit from some extra comfort
– soft faux fur in a plush, deep-sided
doughnut bed or pet cube could
help them feel safe and secure.
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