Restful Retreat: How a Calming Bed Can Soothe Stress in Your Furry Friend

Is your dog anxious? According to studies, around 70% of dogs experience anxiety at some point in their lives. Aggression, hyperactivity, or excessive barking are frequently signals that the dog is experiencing fear, anxiety, or stress. This could be related to separation anxiety, a fear of loud noises, or anything else. Fortunately, as a pet parent, there are several things you can do to assist your dog in dealing with these sensations, such as providing him with a relaxing bed.

What Is a Calming Bed?

Calming dog beds are specifically developed to help dogs of all ages, sizes, and types relieve stress. Memory foam, raised edges, and coverings are common elements that make frightened dogs feel protected and secure. There are many types of calming beds for dogs available and you’re sure to find one that both you and your dog will enjoy.

It’s important that you understand that different types of calming beds feature different characteristics that can help dogs calm down and fall asleep faster. Some of them, for example, are designed with orthopaedic memory foam to reduce arthritic joint pain. Others are heated, which can help calm dogs who become anxious when they are cold. There are also calming beds that feature covers that dogs can burrow beneath for greater security.

Considering the fact that not all dogs experience anxiety in the same way, you’ll need to watch your dog’s behaviour to choose the best bed for them.

The Different Types of Calming Beds

Calming Beds With Low Bolster

These beds can be quite beneficial for senior dogs who like to have something to brace against while they rest but not anything so high that they can’t get in and out of the bed. Low bolsters can also help brachycephalic breeds, who prefer having a place to rest their heads that keeps their airways clear.

Certain types of low bolster calming beds for dogs surround a dog with softness and padding, giving them the impression that they are sitting on your lap. Plush, high-bolstered designs provide ample of cushioning and an indented centre for burrowing, simulating the sensation of a mother or littermates. These are especially useful for dogs experiencing separation anxiety since they imitate the feeling of comfortable company.

Covered or Cave-Like Dog Beds

These beds offer the extra benefit of assisting fearful dogs in feeling hidden and protected. They are particularly popular with nervous smaller breeds and burrowers, whose instincts may push them to seek cover when they are unsettled. There are also self-warming calming beds that reflect your dog’s body heat to create a comfortable and pleasant environment for your dog to rest. These are particularly popular among geriatric, skinny, and short-haired dogs who get cold easily, as well as puppies who reside in cold locations.

Beds With a Memory Foam Base

For dogs suffering from anxiety as a result of a painful condition like arthritis, a bed with a memory foam base is the best option. It’ll help support and relieve painful joints and thus reduce anxiety caused by pain and discomfort.

What to Consider When Buying a Calming Bed?

When looking for a calming bed for your dog, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Here’s a handy checklist to consider.

Your Dog’s Size

It is critical that you choose a bed that is large enough for your dog to circle inside but not so large that it becomes uncomfortable. Furthermore, if you intend to get an orthopaedic bed for a senior dog, it must be spacious enough for your dog to stretch out completely without hanging off the bed.

Odour Resistance

To help with odour resistance, look for beds featuring an anti-bacterial faux fur bed cover. Faux fur also gives dogs a material that is similar to a mother’s soft coat, offering them a more relaxing experience.

Machine Washable

A bed with a soft, machine-washable fabric on the interior should be one of your top priorities. If the inside of a bed cannot be machine washed, consider adding a matching blanket in an attractive fabric to complement the bed without compromising aesthetics.

Waterproof Lining

Invest in a bed with a waterproof lining for aged dogs to make cleaning up after accidents easier. This will provide your senior dog with a comfortable and dry area to relax.

Non-Slip Bottom

Make sure the bed’s bottom does not slip. There’s no reason to give your dog more reasons to be stressed. Remember that, while a calming dog bed is intended to relieve anxiety, it will not solve the problem on its own. If your pet demonstrates signs of separation anxiety, a calming bed may help if used in conjunction with behavioural modification training and/or medications.

To prepare your dog for bed, use soft strokes down the side of his face or body, circular stroking of his chest, and massaging his ears. You can be confident that your four-legged friend is on his way to a happier, more comfortable existence with the right bed combined with the right measures.