Choose the Right Bed for Your Older or Injured Dog
September 23, 2009
If you’re concerned about the mobility of your older injured dog, then one of the best things you can do for him or her is to look into getting a good orthopedic bed. Not only are these beds usually more comfortable for your senior dog but they can also help your dog’s mobility by ensuring that he doesn’t injure himself getting up and down.
Choosing A Bed
If you’re considering an orthopedic bed for your dog there are some important factors to keep in mind. The most important consideration will be the mattress. Some orthopedic dog beds have medical grade foam while others have box spring (coil) construction. Medical grade foam is made from the same material used for people in hospitals and nursing homes. It will retain your dog’s shape when he sleeps on the foam so he can be comfortable in the same space each time he lies down without lumps or having to readjust the bed. Box spring bedding provides support.
Both kinds of bedding can be expensive, especially if there is a frame for the bed involved. It is possible to make an orthopedic-style bed for your dog yourself by using egg crate foam and cutting it to fit your dog. You can fit this bedding into an ordinary dog bed that unzips and voila! You have made a makeshift orthopedic dog bed for your ailing dog. This bed will give your dog some of the same benefits as the bed with medical grade foam although it won’t retain your dog’s shape.
You can also choose an orthopedic bed for your dog with additional features such as a heated bed. Heated beds often help dogs who have arthritis and degenerative joint diseases. You can add a heating pad to a homemade orthopedic dog bed but if you do you should keep the setting on low and be sure to check your senior dog often to make sure that he can move away from the heat if he wants to. You don’t want him to burn himself on a heating pad.
Another consideration when choosing a bed for an elderly dog is to choose a bed that has a washable cover. Older injured dogs may have accidents and you want to be able to wash the cover easily. If possible, try to have two covers so you can place one on the bed while you’re washing the other cover. Or even try to have two beds so you can keep them in different rooms for your dog. Foam beds are typically much lighter weight than the box spring beds so they are easy to move from room to room if you have one bed that you want to move around for your dog.
Raised Beds
Some people also like raised beds for their elderly dogs. If your dog is able to walk onto a raised bed, or if you can lift him up, these beds are very comfortable for many dogs. Some of them have a canvas or plastic bottom that folds over a PVC framework. They can be easily hosed off outdoors for cleaning. They are great for outdoor or indoor use. If your dog needs something softer to sleep on you can always fold a blanket to put beneath him.
If you or someone in your family is handy, it’s not hard to make these raised beds. All you need is a little fabric and some PVC piping, along with the proper tools.
There are many choices when you begin to look at beds for an aging or convalescing dog. Consider your dog’s needs and his likes. Consider what will make him most comfortable. You’re sure to find a bed that will suit him.
Summary
Beds for older injured dogs range from expensive orthopedic mattresses to do-it-yourself beds. Whichever style you choose try to pick one that will be comfortable for you dog. A good bed can improve your dog’s mobility.
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