If only dogs could talk … they can’t really, but Caesar had a whisper in my ear and here is what he told me. Plus, I’ve made observations along the way … so I think these thoughts are pretty spot on. So, here’s what a big dog is likely to want in a bed. And remember, especially older dogs, they spend an awful lot of time sleeping; in their later years, it can be up to 22 hours. In reality, a dog lives for such a small period of time, especially larger breed dogs, as they generally have a shorter lifespan than a small breed dog, so let’s make their sleep time comfortable!
Words From Caesar On Behalf of All The Big Dogs Out There
1. I do need a bed.
Just because you’ve got a big dog, doesn’t mean s/he can just sleep on the floor, concrete or dirt. In fact, big dogs often have hip and joint problems, so some decent support and a bit of suitable padding are very appreciated. Remember also that the average dog will spend between 12-14 hours every day sleeping. For an older dog, this is between 18 and 22 hours! Puppies sleep about 20 hours a day. That much time sleeping, don’t you think they deserve something decent? Us humans, we will spend thousands on our beds and are often on them for a maximum of 8 hours a day – some of us less.
2. I don’t like a mushy bed.
Most big dogs like some decent support in their bed, not something soft, fluffy and mushy. In fact, those squishy type beds can give a dog a sense of unease and instability, especially for that older dog. Remember also that the older dog will struggle to get out of the mushy bed; a higher and firm bed makes it easier to get on, and get off.
3. Give me a rectangle shape that’s a decent size.
Whilst smaller dogs (maybe partially for security and maybe because they are smaller and have to work harder to retain body heat) like a round bed with sides, the large dog likes to be able to stretch out and relax. They are not little, or puppies, they don’t need an edge to keep them in bed; in fact, sometimes it’s comfortable just to allow a limb or head to extend beyond the bed. In fact, it’s usually small to medium-sized dogs which donut and circle when they lie down; far less common in larger dogs.
4. Don’t overheat me.
In Australia, and especially in our hot summers, we need a bed which is flexible. If you can have a warmer covering in winter, great, and in summer, keep it to a light heavyweight cotton. Think about your own bed. You won’t want flannel sheets on your bed in December in Townsville! If the bed is going to overheat your big dog, then s/he’s going to seek out someplace cooler, such as tiles or concrete which does nothing for their hips and joints.
5. I’d love to sleep in your bed but …
There are two major buts here. One is that some people don’t like their dog sleeping on their bed. It may be a personal belief, they can suffer a little from allergies, their dog is out and about and usually/often has dirty feet or a dirty coat, or perhaps the older dog who simply cannot jump up on the bed anymore. Or perhaps (we are talking big dogs here) there simply isn’t room for everyone on the bed. A dog having his/her own spot often just makes practical sense.
6. Location does matter.
Dogs love two things when they are sleeping. One is to feel safe; so their bed in the middle of a walkway, in a loud room or in the open, may not have them feeling safe. The other thing is that often dogs want to be near us, so if you are on two levels, you might even have two beds (or move the bed) for day sleep and night sleep. Your dog probably won’t want to go upstairs to sleep when you’re downstairs all day. They just want to be with us … well that’s at least my experience. I feel like I’ve got two shadows at present … especially the German Sheppard; but I’ve heard that’s a Sheppard thing. Remember also with the location, consider also the temperature. In the middle of winter, they may like a bit of sunshine, but on a hot summer day, they will be looking for a cool spot.
7. I like variety!
Ok, so you’ve got this great bed for your dog and they don’t use it all the time. It might be it’s too hot, or uncomfortable or in the wrong spot, but sometimes, large dogs just seem to like to shift around. I know that Theo and Caesar are constantly moving around. On the bed, on the floor, in the crate, under my bed, and then back to their beds. Even during the night, no-one (except me) is where s/he started in the morning. I’ve two large dog beds and even they seem to rotate between their beds and I can wake up in the morning with Theo in Caesar's bed and Caesar in Theo’s.
One thing I have found as a big dog owner is that I like having covers on the dog beds (just like my bed has sheets) and I’ll wash the dog bed covers regularly. We are in the process of getting bed covers created to fit our big dog beds – to suit both winter and summer. So, if you’re interested in bed coverings/sheets, drop me an email to woof@4bigdogs.com.au and let us know. As soon as they’re available, we will drop you an email with the link to let you know. To check out our range of big dog beds, which have been thoroughly tested by Caesar before we even chose to sell them, go to this page. Make a doglightful day!