CHOOSING THE CORRECT BED FOR YOUR COMPROMISED COMPANION

We tend to put a lot of time and effort into finding the correct bed and mattress for ourselves, but often don’t think twice about what our companions are sleeping on. There are so many shapes and sizes of dog beds out there it really can be tough choosing the correct one. And, whilst all companions can benefit from having a decent bed to sleep on, the choice becomes even more challenging when you have a compromised dog. If you think about the importance of correct spinal alignment in humans and how any compromise in this alignment can severely affect us, considering this same alignment in our companions makes good sense.

1. SIZE OF THE BED

The first factor to consider is the size of the bed. A bed that is too small will mean that, depending on your companion’s size, they will be unable to stretch their legs or body out. Sleeping crammed up and being unable to stretch out is not fun for anyone, so a bigger bed is always better. Basically, don’t expect your Labrador to rest comfortably in a bed designed for a Jack Russell, even if they look cute, curled up in a little ball and bulging out on all sides!

2. SHAPE OF THE BED

The second factor to consider is the shape of the bed. Beds come in so many shapes, most designed to look cute and appealing, but these can often be uncomfortable and impractical for your dog. One also needs to consider whether the bed has high, hard sides, which many of them do. Some companions like using these sides as a pillow, but there still needs to be space to stretch out and lie flat when they choose to. Rectangular or square beds are generally a better choice as your companion can stretch out in all directions. One can build some height with a smaller pillow or blankets if your companion likes a softer headrest.

3. HEIGHT OF THE BED

The third factor to consider is the height of the bed. This one is important for companions who struggle to step up or over objects as they must climb into the bed or step over a lip to get in. High beds also require your companion to step or jump out, which can put a strain on a compromised animal. A flat bed on the ground is best as your companion can climb on the bed from any side, and it’s not a high step up. Some of the round beds also have a lower entrance portion, but your companion does not always remember to use it, which could lead to tripping or a fall. There are a lot of companions who sleep on their human guardian’s bed. In this case, teaching your companion to use a ramp or steps, or even just an ottoman they can step down onto first, is so important. There is high impact and strain on your companion’s joints when they jump off a bed. This is even worse for an already compromised companion. Jumping on a high bed is equally risky as there is always the possibility that your companion may misjudge and end up falling or twisting something. A great deal of strength is required to propel oneself from the ground onto a bed, and again, for a compromised companion, this is not a good idea. All companions, especially the small breeds, should be taught from a young age to use a ramp or steps onto beds and couches.

4. FIRMNESS

The fourth and most important factor is the firmness of the bed. As we know, a bed that is too hard is uncomfortable, but so is a bed that’s too soft. When a compromised animal has to walk on a soft, unstable surface, it can be sore and scary as they will struggle to keep their balance and may end up collapsing or being reluctant to use the bed. As cute and comfy as these big, poofy beds look, they can often be difficult to navigate and squash down to just about nothing when weight is placed on them, which makes them uncomfortable. These beds will usually also not have a firm, consistent surface, much like a lumpy mattress, leading to discomfort when trying to sleep. A hard bed with minimal cushioning or give will also be very uncomfortable, even painful, for your companion, especially for the oldies who usually have bones that aren’t as well covered as they used to be. Your companion can also get bed sores if lying on a hard surface for most of the day. This is an important point to remember for our paralysed companions who cannot turn and readjust themselves. These companions will not only need to be regularly turned, but will need to be on a cushioned, supportive surface.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Many of our companions choose to sleep straight on the floor; this is usually linked to them getting hot, but it may also be that the other bed options available are uncomfortable or impractical, so try a new type of bed to see if that changes anything. We always recommend orthopaedic beds and mattresses to our clients as their companions are compromised and need the best support and comfort. Look for flat beds that don’t have high rims that make entering and exiting the bed a challenge. Make sure the bed is not too hard or soft. Ultimately, a good bed should improve your companion’s quality of life and comfort, much the same as with us!