CREATURE COMFORT

When 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.

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

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.

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

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. 

Beds To Keep Your

1 Fido & Fletch pet bed, $41/small, I/N: 3440235. 2 65cm cord dog bed in Navy Blue, $22, I/N: 0248812. 3 Charlie’s cat bed in Chocolate, $22*, I/N: 0321067. 4 Charlie’s ‘Lite’ side table cat scratching post in Charcoal, $69*, I/N: 0282023. 5 ‘Oxford’ 91cm dog patterned pet bed, $26.99, I/N: 0248804. 6 Soga dual-purpose pet bed in Silver, $35.50*, I/N: 0369317. 7 50cm dog bed in Grey Suede, $11, I/N: 0248814. 8 Timeless Living ‘i.Pet’ 110cm extra large pet bed in Pink, $72.95*, I/N: 0347958. 9 Fido & Fletch hessian pet bed, $74.90/large, I/N: 0116706. 10 Charlie’s ‘Scandi’ 64cm x 48.8cm x 25.4cm elevated bed in Natural/Grey, $99*, I/N: 0338197. 11 LazyPets 110cm x 80cm x 20cm large pet bed, $21, I/N: 0012554. 12 76cm polyester dog bed mat, $14.97/medium, I/N: 3440270. 13 LazyPets 850mm x 850mm x 330mm padded pet bed with high sides, $30, I/N: 3440266. 14 LazyPets 80cm x 54.5cm x 24.5cm plastic pet bed with cushion, $29, I/N: 3440264. 15 Charlie’s faux linen orthopedic memory foam dog sofa bed in Grey, $89*/medium, I/N: 0284328. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Pet products are not available in WA, except Armadale and Bunbury stores.