Best Memory Foam Dog Beds

Do Dogs Need Their Own Bed?

Dogs are den animals, so they like having a designated spot where they can relax. This means that giving your dog their own bed allows them to call a place their own (which is especially beneficial in busy households with children). Studies have shown that dogs—and their humans—sleep better when they share a room, but have separate beds. 

Quick Tip: Giving your dog their own bed can help lessen anxiety because it’s a familiar piece that belongs to them. This is especially helpful when crate-training and traveling with your four-legged friend. 

To accomplish this, always be sure to have the bed as a designated security place and never as a punishment. This means that your dog’s bed should be accessible all day, whether it’s in or out of their crate. You can learn more about training techniques here.

Is Memory Foam Good for Dogs to Sleep On?

Did you know that dogs sleep up to 14 hours a day? So not only is having a comfortable bed essential for your dog’s health, it’s also the best way to promote good sleep. A good night’s sleep can help naturally increase REM cycles, which puts memory foam at the top of many dog owners’ lists.

Memory foam is a preferred mattress material because it forms in your dog’s body as they move in their sleep. This helps alleviate pressure from any aches in their muscles and joints so that they can have a comfortable and uninterrupted sleep.

Quick Tip: When shopping, be sure that you get a memory foam bed that is at least six inches thick since lower density beds don’t provide the same support.

Why Do Dogs Sleep on Dog Beds?

The answer may seem obvious: Dogs sleep on beds because they’re comfortable. But in reality, finding the right bed plays such an essential role in your pup’s health. A comfortable and supportive bed will keep your dog warm, aid his arthritic joints, and even prevent calluses. 

Ensuring your dog’s joints are supported is especially important as they age. Similar to people, it’s easy for dogs to begin developing joint issues like arthritis and hip dysplasia. When this begins to happen, memory foam beds are an excellent option. Since they cushion your dog’s body, these beds can help provide immediate relief associated with age-related problems.

But memory foam beds aren’t just for seniors: It’s also beneficial in supporting puppy joints so that they stay cared for even while they’re young!

Is Memory Foam or Orthopedic Foam Better for Dogs?

You might have heard the term “orthopedic” thrown around every so often when shopping for dog beds. Like memory foam, orthopedic mattresses are designed to provide support to your dog’s joints. But what exactly is the difference?

Orthopedic beds are a specific type of bedding that intends to support bones and joints. There are no defined materials for what makes a bed orthopedic, but it’s not uncommon for memory foam beds to fall under the same category.

Because orthopedic is a term used to describe beds that support the joints, memory foam mattresses are often orthopedic too. So as long as your memory foam bed can contour, support, and adjust to the shape of the body, it’s also considered orthopedic.

What Are the Materials in Memory Foam Beds?

Memory foam has been used in NASA because of its shock-absorbing properties—but what exactly makes it so? One of the main components of a typical memory foam bed is a polyurethane polymer, which is a substance with large molecules that have smaller units bonded together.

Polyurethane is a common yet versatile polymer used in tons of furniture products, like couches, mattresses, insulation, and other foam-based substances. More specifically, polyurethane foam is what makes memory foam mattresses viscous and elastic. The viscous properties allow the foam to change shape slowly under pressure. In contrast, the elasticity allows the memory foam to stretch and contort before returning to its original size.

There are many different ways memory foam is manufactured, but many beds are formulated the same way. Generally speaking, all memory foam beds have polyether material, which gives the foam elasticity and viscosity.

What Should You Consider Before Buying a Dog Bed?

Not all beds are the same, so there’s plenty to consider before you buy one for your pup. When you begin browsing, take some time to address a few factors, such as:

• Your dog’s sleeping position.
  Does your dog like to sprawl out and stretch, or do they want to curl up in a ball? The size of your pup also affects the type of dog bed you may be looking at. Big dogs generally want to stretch a lot further than small dogs can, so it’s good to upgrade them to extra-large beds with lots of consistent support.
• Where the bed will go.
  Is the dog bed going in the living room, your bedroom, or in the crate? If you decide to put the bed in a high-traffic area like the living room, space may already be compromised with other people and furniture. In this case, you might want to consider a more compact memory foam bed. If the bed is going in your dog’s crate, then you want to make sure that it fits the dimensions just right—and is comfortable enough for your pup to want to spend time in every day.
• Your dog’s age.
  Puppies and older dogs are similar in many ways: For both, accidents are relatively common; they both may require easy access into their beds; and both need some extra joint support. While you may need to look for waterproof lining or low-entry beds, memory foam is an excellent choice for supporting joints, which is beneficial no matter your dog’s age.