Whether you have decided to move to Australia or you are planning on import your dog, your furry pal must comply with some of the strict Australia regulations. And since dog quarantine is a must in this situation (except for those from New Zealand and Norfolk Island), you should do everything in your power to make your dog feel more welcomed.
Aside from showing your love by playing and cuddling with it, you should also create its own sanctuary by investing in a good and quality large dog bed. But before choosing the first one that steals your attention, there are a couple of other things you should take into consideration.
Measure Your Dog
Measuring your dog is one of the ways to find out the right bed size for it. The ideal way to measure it is by starting from the tip of its nose to the rump. In case, your furry fella loves to sleep curled up like a ball, it is recommended to measure its diameter side to side and from the top to the bottom. In case your dog loves sleeping on its back, it is recommended to measure it from its crown to the tip of its tail. The weight of your dog can also play a huge role when it comes to choosing the right bed, so by taking all of this into account, you’ll be able to make the right choice.
Consider the Dog’s Shape
Some of the most commonly used shapes for very large dog beds are round and rectangular dog beds. The one you choose should mainly depend on your furry pal’s sleeping position.
Round Dog Beds
If your dog loves sleeping curled up like a ball, then you should probably choose a round dog bed.
Rectangular Dog Beds
Rectangular beds are designed for dogs that love sleeping on one side with the legs poking straight out from the ribs. They are also great for dogs that love sleeping on their back.
What’s on the Inside of Dog Beds?
Memory Foam
One of the most commonly used bases for dog beds of all kinds is memory foam. Although in the past memory foam was designed mainly for dogs with orthopaedic problems, nowadays, memory foam beds can be used by any dog. One of the best things about memory foam very large dog beds is that they provide your dog with extra support.
Plus, they are also great in maintaining the dog’s temperature while also keeping it from overheating. Moulding beautifully to its body, memory foam beds are the ideal option for large and extra-large dogs. When buying a bed, make sure the rest of the material is water-resistant, removable and machine washable. Then and only then you will get the best of both worlds, a bed that is easy to maintain and good for your dog.
Spun-Polyester Fill
Besides being soft and cosy, one of the most beneficial things about this material is that it is hypo-allergenic. This filling is ideal for dogs that don’t have any special needs. Some of these beds can also be filled with cedar, but this is not the most ideal choice for hunting dogs as it can interfere with their ability to smell.
Polystyrene Pellets + Cedar
These beds can be found with or without cedar filling, and they are designed for dogs that don’t have any joint issues. What makes these bed fillings so popular is the amazing smell of cedar chips that also repels insects. The polystyrene pellets, on the other hand, are warming and can shape according to your dog’s body. However, if your dog is a chewer, this may not be the best option.
Consider the Design
Pillow
Pillow-style dog beds are basic open design beds that can come in around and rectangular shape. They are a great choice for most dogs.
Wraparound
As the name implies, these beds are perfect for cuddlers. Enclosed on all sides, they can give your secure-seeking dog the needed reassurance for a comfortable sleep.
Bolster
Bolster dog beds have a pillow roll on all three sides for added security and comfort. They are also designed for dogs which love feeling secured. The main difference between the wraparound and bolster bed is in their size. Bolster beds are larger and can take up more free space.
How to Wash a Large Dog Bed
If your bed doesn’t have a removable cover and it is too large to fit in the washing machine, you can hand wash it in a bathtub. Using hot water and a pet-safe detergent, thoroughly clean the bed, rinse it and let it dry. If your dryer is bigger than the washing machine, you can tumble dry the bed. For any left odours, you can always use baking soda. Just sprinkle it on the dry bed and let it sit for at least 24 hours.
An important thing to know is that memory foam beds are not designed to be washed. The only thing that you can wash is the removable cover. If the foam needs cleaning, you need to do it carefully and properly.
