Senior Dog Beds - Finding the Best Dog Bed for Your Senior Dog

Senior dogs need special attention as they age. One thing that can make a HUGE difference in their comfort is a good senior dog bed. Learn the features of a senior dog bed that are most important.

It breaks our hearts to watch our beloved dogs age -- yet , take heart! Choosing the best senior dog bed can greatly improve the comfort and support of their golden years.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Senior Dog Bed

Dogs eight years and older are considered "senior dogs"! Just like us humans, senior dogs begin to have health issues as they age. And. . . just like us, they tend to sleep more as they get older. That is why choosing the correct dog bed is as important as selecting a bed for yourself.

It is important to take into consideration your dog's age and health. Good padding and support will give comfort to those old bones. As dogs age, they loose muscle mass leaving exposed bony prominences. As a result, often they will get painful pressure points in the hips, shoulders, elbows and knees. A good orthopedic dog bed will prevent these painful pressure points!

What to look for in a senior dog bed:

1. Orthopedic - There is only one material know to man that completely eliminates all painful pressure points. . .and that material is memory foam. There are three qualities (grades) of memory foam.

-"5 pound" memory foam is the highest quality - although more expensive, it gives the best support and lasts for years.

-Next is "4 pound" memory foam which is what most 'humans' have on their beds.

-Lastly "3 pound" memory foam is the lowest quality - even known to lose its memory over time. Sadly, many orthopedic memory foam dog beds use the cheaper "3 pound" memory foam in their bed.

Make sure you ask what grade/quality memory foam is being used in your Orthopedic Dog Bed!!

2. Waterproof and resists moisture - Sadly many of our dogs become incontinent as they grow older. If you have invested in a memory foam bed, remember memory foam is still a foam, and like all foams, will absorb liquids, stains, and odors. The most frequent reason a foam bed must be discarded is it has soaked up 'stuff' - and once that has happened it begins to smell. Unfortunately, nothing can be done and the bed becomes unsanitary.

3. Washability - A senior dog bed should be easy to clean. The covers should be able to be removed for washing. Choose a style with a machine washable cover that can be easily removed for frequent washing. Also, extra long zippers are a nice touch since I hate to struggle to get those covers on and off the dog bed - one of my pet peeves! Look for durable fabric that will last the test of time. . .and washing.

4. Comfort- We want our dogs to be well supported and comfortable. Again memory foam is a perfect material since it is shape and temperature sensitive. The foams molds to every nook and cranny of your dog's body - effectively eliminating all painful pressure points protecting those bony prominences.

A couple further tips:

-Place your senior dog bed in a location that is free from drafts. You might want to purchase several senior dog beds and place them in draft- free locations near you their owners - living room, family room or bedroom. Our senior dogs want to be in the heart of the action and in the same room as their family.

-Choose sturdy materials that cannot be chewed or consumed by your pet.

-Lastly, make sure you are getting what you are paying for. Remember there are three things to look for in any company you purchase a dog bed - high quality products, products that will last and stand the test of time, and superior customer service.

So with those suggestions. . .here is wishing your senior dog years of comfort and good health! Sweet dreams.

Debbie Holte is a frequent contributor of articles on our dog's health and happiness for http://www.buddybeds.com/ whose company's mission is to improve the quality of life for our animals.

What did you think? Was this lens helpful? Do you have a senior dog?