Did you know that most dogs spend 12 to 14 hours sleeping every day? This is why picking the perfect dog bed is essential for their health and happiness. We know that with so many different options on the market, choosing your pup's bed can be an overwhelming experience, which is why we have created this guide to walk you through the decision-making process.
In this blog, we will explore the key factors to consider when shopping for a dog bed and explain why a sustainable dog bed makes the perfect dog bed for your pet and our planet.
Why is Choosing Sustainability Important?
Traditional dog beds are often made using non-renewable resources and harmful chemicals that are not only damaging to the environment but also harmful to you and your dog's health. By using natural, non-toxic bedding and materials, eco-friendly dog beds help prevent allergic reactions and skin irritations in dogs and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill every year.
By choosing a sustainable dog bed, you are supporting businesses that prioritize environmental and social responsibility and fair working conditions. This, in turn, sets a positive example for others to be more conscious about their own consumption and ideas of sustainability. By choosing a sustainable dog bed, you are, therefore, helping to promote a more eco-conscious lifestyle and contributing to the long-term health of the planet!
Key Features To Look For
Shape
Dog beds come in all different shapes and sizes. To help you pick the perfect bed for your pup, these shapes can be split into five categories:
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Donut/ 'Bagel' Beds: These beds tend to be round or oval with a fluffy inner pillow and raised bolster, making them the perfect bed for dogs who like to curl up to sleep.
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Bolster Beds: Similar to the donut bed, these beds have a raised bolster wrapped around all four sides; however, they tend to be square or rectangular, giving your pup more room to stretch out!
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Couch Beds: These beds are the same as a bolster bed; however, they have an opening on one side so your dog can get in and out easily.
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Loungers/ Mattress Beds: Loungers tend to look like mini mattresses with no raised sides, perfect for dogs with mobility issues or those who love to splay out when they snooze.
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Cots/ Elevated Beds: These beds are raised off the ground, often by a metal or plastic frame, and are ideal for outside use or for dogs that like having extra airflow.
Durability
If your pooch likes to chew and scratch or dig at their bed before they settle down to sleep, a dog bed made with a more durable fabric such as hemp or cotton canvas may be needed. Dog beds made from natural or recycled materials tend to be more durable than traditional dog beds, meaning that the bed will need to be replaced less frequently, which is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Temperature
Larger breeds with thicker coats tend to overheat easily and, therefore, do not need a thick, warm cover on their bed. Some sustainable dog beds even come with cooling gel foam inside to keep your dog cool if they suffer particularly badly in hot weather. On the other hand, small dogs with less fur, like chihuahuas and pit bulls may appreciate a cozy bed that helps them retain their body heat - you can even buy electric heated dog beds to keep your pup toasty in the winter!
Comfort and Support
Some beds offer more orthopedic support than other models for large dogs or those with mobility issues. They include a memory foam mattress to support your dog's joints so that they can sleep pain-free without having to worry about creating pressure points on the elbows or knees. It is also essential that you pick a bed that is the right size for your dog so that they have plenty of space to lay down and spread out comfortably.
Cleanability
It is also important to consider how easy your dog's bed is to clean, particularly if they are a messy pup prone to drooling or accidents. Some eco-friendly dog beds come with a removable cover or waterproof liner, making them perfect for machine washing, whereas others require being spot-cleaned by hand. Dog owners often choose beds made from organic cotton fabrics due to their durability and ease of laundering.
Our Favorite Sustainable Dog Beds
Looking for the best dog beds with health and safety in mind? Here are our top choices.
Hemp Canvas Dog Beds
The Hemp Canvas Dog Bed Duvet by Bean Products is one of our favorite eco-friendly dog beds on the market, but it isn't actually a bed at all! It is a durable hemp canvas duvet cover (sort of like a sleeping bag) that you can fill with old clothes, towels, pillows, and blankets from around your house. The duvet system is super sustainable as it upcycles items that would otherwise end up in landfills and skips the usual memory foam, polyester, or nylon fillings in most traditional dog beds.
Moreover, by stuffing the bed with items from around your house, the duvet will smell like your dog's favorite person - you! - making it an irresistible spot for them to rest their head at night. If you don't have anything old and worn lying around your house to use as stuffing, then you can pick up some used items from a local garage sale or thrift shop. This duvet comes in four sizes, perfect for even the smallest furry friends in your house.
Looking for a finished pre-stuffed option? Bean Products also makes these Hemp Dog Beds are made with the same durable hemp canvas, but are filled with natural latex. They are both super comfy and super sustainable since they contain zero toxins and only use natural latex as filler.
Bean Products makes all their covers in the USA - another thing we love about them! They also sell their latex and kapok stuffing on the side in case you want to use it as well.
Wool Pet Blanket
This Wool Pet Blanket is not only an excellent choice for cat owners but dog owners too! Made from 100% lanolin-rich wool, this blanket works well as a crate mat or for use directly on the floor to keep your dog cozy as they sleep. The lanolin in the wool is anti-microbial and odor-resistant so helps to keep your pet's bed naturally clean while conditioning their paws and keeping their coat extra shiny.
Handmade Wool Cat Bed with Handles
This Sustainable Cat Bed Handle Basket isn't just for feline friends - it's a perfect sustainable choice for small to medium sized dogs too! Handcrafted from Himalayan and New Zealand wools rich in lanolin, this bed offers a luxurious and sustainable sleeping spot for your furry friend. The wool's natural lanolin content is anti-microbial and odor-resistant, ensuring a clean and comfortable environment. Free from plastics and made entirely from natural fibers, it's a zero waste accessory that your dog will love to curl up in.
DIY Sustainable Dog Bed
Are you a DIY fanatic? Creating a sustainable dog bed can be as simple as repurposing items you already have at home. For example, old pillows, duvets, bed spreads, and comforters can be transformed into a cozy and eco-friendly sleeping spot for your dog. Start by layering a few old pillows to create a cushioned base, then wrap them in an old duvet or comforter for added softness and warmth. You can also use an old bed spread to sew a simple cover, making it easy to remove and wash as needed. This DIY approach not only reduces waste by giving new life to your old textiles but also provides a comfortable and personalized bed for your furry friend. Plus, it's a cost-effective solution that embraces sustainability without compromising on comfort!
