When your dog gets out of his basket, stretches out and walks away smoothly, you should be happy. The dog slept well. If the dog gets up slowly and stiffly and it hurts, it may be time for a different bed or bed. Older dogs, just like older people, can suffer from osteoarthritis which can be very painful. In addition to old age, your dog may also have joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. In both cases, an orthopedic dog bed can offer a solution.
Dogs with joint problems
Common joint problems in dogs are hip dysplasia (HD) or elbow dysplasia (UD). The hip joint of a dog and of the owner consists of a hip socket and a hip head. It is important that the bowl and cup fit properly. If that is not the case (hip socket is too shallow), then there is HD. With ED the problem is similar. The ulna and radius will not fit together properly. Both conditions are often hereditary.
HD mainly occurs in larger dogs, but HD and ED also occur in smaller breeds. Crosses of different dog breeds can also be sensitive. Small breeds include pug, Norfolk terrier and French bull. Dogs particularly known for their sensitivity to HD and ED include Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd and Saint Bernard.
Both HD and ED can often be remedied with surgery. However, they are heavy and there is also a price tag. Not every owner can afford that. There are also other measures to take, such as preventing overweight, not playing wild games and also check whether you are not walking the dog on heavy surfaces (for example in the dunes). These dogs must also be able to sleep well, while protecting the joints. This is possible with an orthopedic dog bed.
What is an orthopedic dog bed?
In orthopedics, complaints and disorders of the joints are treated. A measure to spare and / or prevent joint complaints is the use of an orthopedic dog bed. Because the bed is specially made with regard to joint complaints, it is called orthopedic. Different materials are used for the beds.
EPS pearls
EPS (English abbreviation for expanded polystyrene) is a white plastic that we all know as polystyrene foam. Styrofoam consists of numerous small balls. The structure of the fabric ensures that it is shock absorbent and that it retains heat well. EPS pearls are often used for home insulation. Another application is that it is used as a filling for beanbags. These two properties also make the material suitable for orthopedic beds. The body of the dog is supported as much as possible and relieves the joints.
Memory foam
Another material is memory foam. Memory foam has been developed for space travel. Like many inventions made for space travel, memory foam has also found applications in everyday life. At room temperature, the material is stiff, but it becomes weaker in those places where it is heated by body heat. As a result, the foam adapts to the body of the dog. The weight is better distributed, which relieves the joints. A dog can then sleep pain-free. When the dog gets out of bed, the foam returns to its initial shape. Memory foam is often called Memory Foam.
Tips and points for attention when buying an orthopedic dog bed
When purchasing a dog bed, you should keep a few points in mind. How do you make the right choice? Is the orthopedic dog bed easy to clean? And what about heat retention?
Make a choice
Dog beds come in different shapes and sizes. Just buying a bed is not recommended. Still, making a choice is not very difficult. You should pay attention to the following points:
- Price tag
- Size of your pet
- Your pet’s sleep behavior
The first point quickly limits the possibilities. How much do you have for your dog and do you have that budget. The second also speaks for itself. The bigger the dog the bigger the bed that is needed.
The most important point is sleep behavior. Is there a place in the house where the dog prefers to sleep? The bed must then fit in that place. And just like humans, dogs have preferences for certain sleeping positions. There are dogs who like to sleep on their side or stomach. When choosing a bed, you should pay particular attention to protection against drafty floors. Some dogs like to lie on their back. These dogs need a much softer bed for convenience. Finally, you have the nesters. They need a dog bed that they can sink into. Many dogs also like that their head is higher than the rest of the body. An elevation or a special (orthopedic) dog cushion is nice.
Because the reason for buying an orthopedic dog bed is often the joint complaints, it is recommended to choose a bed that is nice and high. Away from the cold floor and above all, getting out of bed easily and without pain!
To clean
Difficult cleaning is often mentioned as a disadvantage. An easy solution is an all-weather cover. A cover that goes straight into the washing machine and also remains waterproof. The latter is also useful if your dog becomes incontinent. There are also dog beds with, for example, special leather covers that can easily be cleaned with a sponge with water or water with a dash of vinegar. The latter has the additional advantage that it works against dog odors.
Retaining heat
Heat retention is a big plus of an orthopedic bed. However, this can also be disadvantageous in the summer. If your dog (without knowing why) keeps getting up, walking around and lying down again, it may be that your dog is too hot. You can buy a cool bed for the summer, but a cheaper solution is a thicker top deck.
