Did you know that cats spend about two thirds of their lives sleeping? Dogs aren’t far behind: our canine companions spend about half of their time snoozing. Making sure your furry pal has a comfy bed to curl up (or sprawl out) in for all those naps is very important! A Sarasota, FL vet offers some advice on choosing pet beds in this article.

Size

Make sure your pet’s bed is big enough for them! If you have a puppy or a kitten, you’ll probably want to just go ahead and get a bed that will fit Fluffy and Fido when they’re all grown up. Otherwise, you’ll be replacing it soon.

Washability

Pet beds get pretty stinky, and they need to be washed regularly. Your best bet is to get something with a washable cover. However, if you have a raised bed, you may find one that you can hose down outside.

Filling

Several types of filling can be used in beds. Most are either loose fibers or a solid pad. In general, a pad will offer better support, but fiber will let your pup stamp the bed down to his liking. If your canine pal is a heavy chewer, look for something with safe stuffing, in case he accidentally ingests any.

Personality

You’ll also want to consider your pet’s personality. Beds with raised sides may be a good bet for anxious pets, who may like the added security of ‘walls.’ If your furry friend is a senior, has mobility issues, and/or is on the large side, an orthopedic bed is a great choice. If your pooch likes to sprawl, he may prefer a basic square bed.

Waterproof

In some cases, it may be a good idea to get a bed with a waterproof cover. This is a good idea if you have a senior dog that is dealing with incontinence. You may also want to get a waterproof bed for outdoors, perhaps for a patio area.

Choose The Spot First

If your furry friend is large, you may want to pick the area where the bed is going first. This will help you visualize what it will look like. You’ll also have a good idea of what type of bed will fit—and look—best in that area. As your local Sarasota, FLanimal clinic, we’re dedicated to offering top-notch care. Please feel free to contact us anytime!