If you’ve been looking for ways to improve your pup’s sleep, you know there’s a lot of advice out there, from changing your dog’s exercise routine to implementing special bedtime rituals. But, there might be an even easier solution: calming, supportive dog beds. With a variety of carefully designed styles, you can find a personalised dog bed for your doggy dreamer, whether they’re a fussy puppy, a timid rescue, or a young-at-heart senior.
But, how exactly do calming dog beds work? What should you look for in one of these floofy poufs, and how can you make sure that your dog is getting the most out of it?
In this article, we’re getting cozy with the most comfortable dog beds you can buy. So get a bedtime story ready and let’s take a look at Mad Paw’s favourite dog beds!
First of all, what are calming supportive dog beds?
Picture a floofy, cosy, plushy ball of comfort that your dog can sink into like a cloud. You’ve got yourself a calming dog bed.
The shape, filling, and outer material of calming dog beds work to ease your dog’s anxiety by mimicking their favourite sleeping spots, whether that be in the arms of their beloved Owner or back with their wiggly littermates. With soft plush and plenty of squishable support, your pupper will be surrounded on all sides with warmth and a feeling of security.
Which kind of dogs enjoy these beds?
Calming and supportive dog beds were originally designed for dogs suffering from anxiety, or those that get sore after a day of bounding around at the park! This means they’re ideal for dogs who struggle to relax when they’re alone, elderly pups, those that are super active, or even recovering from injuries! If your dog already tends to seek comfort by asking for snuggles and curling up in tight spaces, they’ll be perfectly suited for this style of bed. And especially when combined with other anxiety-soothing methods, these dog beds are a great tool for encouraging relaxation and promoting a comfortable night’s sleep.
While all breeds can enjoy a supportive and calming dog bed, those with a background in digging may be especially drawn to them. Dachshunds and Westies, for instance, may be the most enthusiastic about burrowing right into their new bed. As long as you can teach them not to dig too deep, they’ll be happy as can be in a calming bed. And it’s not just the digging doggos that enjoy a calming dog bed. Dogs who need some extra support, such as sighthounds like Greyhounds and Borzoi, can benefit from ultra plush or memory foam beds.
So what are our favourite dog beds?
Just like our doggos have different personalities, tastes, and quirks, they also have their own sleeping preferences. Luckily, Mad Paws has tried and tested *cough cough* a FEW dog beds… and here are a few of our favourite comforting and supportive dog beds:
SASH Beds Luxe Bouclé Bed
The Luxe Bouclé Bed is for the puppers who deserve a bed that is as glamorous as it is comfortable. This bed features a round design and oversized supportive rim perfect for dogs who like to snuggle up rather than splay out when they sleep. And, the fleece-like boucle exterior is so soft and inviting that you can forget the days of fighting for space on the sofa. With extra padding to keep your pup perfectly suspended during sleep and deep walls for head and neck support, the SASH Boucle Bed combines luxury and style for the most enthusiastic loungers.
Orthopaedic Memory Foam Bed
Nap time isn’t just an opportunity for your pup to dream about chasing rabbits and going to the dog park. It’s also an important part of your dog’s muscle and bone health. Orthopaedic memory foam beds give your pup the rejuvenating sleep they need to regrow tissue, build strength, and keep their joints flexible. On the outside, the SASH memory foam bed soothes your dog to sleep with a soft microfibre covering. And on the inside, the perfect balance of support and ease from the highest quality double-layered memory foam will relieve tension for a more restful and recuperative sleep.
The Memory Foam Bed is also a great alternative for dogs who may be too excited by a bed that looks like their favourite plushy. And, because this bed offers a rectangular base, it can be a good option for dogs who enjoy spreading out when they sleep.
The Original Calming Bed
The Original Calming Bed was SASH’s first contribution to luxury dog beds, and the design continues to be popular with puppers of all sleeping styles. This pouf-like furry bed gives your dog the sensation of sinking into a cloud with ultra plush filling that cradles your dog to sleep with support on all sides. And, its gorgeous long fur exterior looks amazing with any home aesthetic.
Not sure about your dog’s sleeping preferences? Give them options!
You might find that in winter, your dog likes to snuggle up in a cozy bed like the Luxe Boucle Bed while on warmer days, they’d prefer to spread out on a larger surface like the Memory Foam Bed. Just like you might enjoy a few different places to relax in your home, your pup will appreciate sleeping options, too!
What should you look for in a calming supportive dog beds?
If you are ready to add a calming dog bed to your pup’s sleep schedule, here are a few things to keep on your checklist:
- The right fit for your dog’s size. You might wonder how to choose the size that is right for your dog. What you’ll want to do is measure your pup when they’re in their preferred sleeping position and match those measurements with the dog bed size. You can, of course, opt for a bigger size (especially if your puppy has some growing to do), but in general, the more snug the fit, the cozier the doggo
- Made from high quality materials. If your pupper likes their calming dog bed, they’re going to spend a lot of time in it! So, you’re looking for high quality materials that are built to last and won’t lose their form over time. To really pamper your pup, you also want the faux-fur to be absolutely luxurious
- Washability. Inevitably, your pup is going to track mud into their bed or dribble a bit of slobber as they drift off to dreamland. So, you definitely want a bed with low liquid absorption and machine-washability to keep it nice and clean
- Added bonus: something to fit in with your home decor! It’s recommended that you put your dog’s bed in the area of the house where you spend the most time. Not only do dogs want to be around their favourite humans when they’re home, but this will also give them a sense of comfort and security when you’re away. As such, you want a dog bed that is designed to blend in with your existing home decor. It’s not a requirement, but you’ll be glad you found something stylish!
If you’re wondering where to start your search, take a look at Sash beds for the original anxiety-reducing calming dog beds in Australia!
What else can you do to help your dog sleep better?
Giving your dog an amazing bed is a great first step in encouraging better, more restful sleep. Here are a few extra ways to make sure they get the most from their new sleeping setup:
- Keep working on lowering your dog’s anxiety. As relaxing as calming dog beds are, if your pup is suffering from anxiety, it’s a good idea to tackle the issue from a few different angles. This might include desensitisation training or talking to your vet about clinical treatment options
- Find the right balance between exercise and mental stimulation. All dogs need some amount of daily exercise and mental engagement to encourage a more stable sleep schedule. Finding the right levels of physical and mental exercise will depend on your unique dog, but if your furry friend tends to be wound up with energy at night, it’s a good indication that they could use a bit more stimulation during the day
- Think beyond the bed. Your doggo will have a much more restful sleep if you can provide them a dark, cool, quiet environment. Whether they’re curled up for a nap or settled in for the night, resist the urge to cuddle them so that they can rest peacefully
Is your dog dreaming of calming dog beds?
Now that you know the ins and outs of calming supportive dog beds, will you buy one for your furbaby? These cozy, cloud-like poufs of comfort might be just what your dog needs to curl for a calming snooze, and your pup might already have one on their wishlist!
