How to choose a dog bed that fits your pet

CertiPUR-US is urging pet owners to check its directory or app before buying a dog bed, with guidance on size, materials, washability and support. The advice matters because the right bed can improve comfort, joint support and sleep for dogs at every age.

Why it matters: - Dogs sleep about 12 to 14 hours a day, so bed choice affects daily comfort and rest. - A supportive dog bed can ease pain linked to age-related health problems and support growing puppies’ joints. - A well-chosen bed can also reduce anxiety during travel and give dogs a familiar place to settle when they need to be out of the way.

What happened: - CertiPUR-US advised consumers to check the CertiPUR-US directory or app before buying a pet bed. - The guidance focuses on choosing a bed that matches the dog’s size, sleep style, materials, cleaning needs and support requirements. - The American Kennel Club says a supportive dog bed provides relief from pain associated with age-related health problems and supports the joints of developing puppies.

The details: - Crates are useful for puppy training and housebreaking, but dog beds become important once training ends. - Researchers observing elderly dogs found they used dog beds intensively at night and rarely slept on the floor. - Those dogs used floor-level beds 83% of the time at night, while elevated beds were used only 21% of the time. - The researchers recommended a padded, soft bed that is easy for older dogs to reach, plus a variety of options. Their findings were published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior in November-December 2018. - Bed size should be based on the dog’s length from nose to base of tail in a sleeping position, plus 8 to 10 inches or the next size up. - Dogs generally fit four sleeper types: curlers, burrowers, sprawlers and leaners. - Dog bed styles range across fabrics, colors, patterns and shapes that can match home decor and furniture. - Most dog beds use flexible polyurethane foam, either conventional or memory foam. - CertiPUR-US certified foam has been screened for chemicals of concern and emissions-tested for low VOCs, below 0.5 ppm, for indoor air quality. - Consumers can verify a brand through the CertiPUR-US online directory or app before purchase. - Cover choice should reflect what the dog already prefers, including fleece, suede, cotton or twill. - Washability matters for accidents, fleas, mites and muddy paws, so machine-washable beds or removable washable covers are recommended. - Size guidance in the release says a small pet bed may fit dogs up to 45 pounds, a medium bed up to 90 pounds and a large bed up to 120 pounds. - Older, arthritic or injured dogs may need orthopedic beds with high-density orthopedic foam. - Heated beds, pillows, nappers, pads and mats are also options for special-needs pets. - A new bed may take a few days for a dog to accept. - Moving the bed close to people, adding treats or a favorite toy, or placing an owner’s unwashed clothing on the bed can help a dog adjust.

Between the lines: - The message is less about buying any dog bed and more about matching the bed to the dog’s body, habits and health needs. - The CertiPUR-US certification push also signals concern about indoor air quality and foam safety, not just comfort. - The elderly-dog research reinforces a practical point: accessibility may matter as much as softness for older pets.

What's next: - Once a dog accepts a bed, consumers may want to buy additional beds so they do not have to move one bed between rooms or floors. - Pet owners considering a purchase can verify certified foam first, then narrow choices by size, sleeper type, cover and support level. - Dogs that travel or sleep in multiple parts of a home may benefit from more than one bed.