Tracking Down a Large Dog Bed

If you have a big dog, finding the perfect large dog bed can be very frustrating and challenging. Sure you’ll find many online dog stores that sell large dog beds but some cost too much and look so ridiculous that you would never bring them into your home. Just when you think you’ve finally located the right dog bed style, you find out they don’t carry large options. Sigh. I feel your pain. All you truly want is a sweet comfortable spot for your big pooch. How hard can it be?

Don’t despair – I’ll guide you in tracking down the large dog bed that you and your doggy companion have been dreaming of. Larger dog breeds have very different needs when it comes to some shut-eye so I have a few guidelines that you might want to consider when shopping for a large dog bed. We’ve also scouted some of our favorite big dog beds to give you a head start in your quest to track down that perfect cozy doggy nook.

It seems like the majority of the dog market is focused on small breeds and toy dogs. If I think of some popular celebrities with pooches – Paris Hilton, Miley Cyrus and Mischa Barton come to mind. How many have large dogs? The majority don’t, which is absolutely ok, whatever works for them. All I’m saying is cute tiny dogs are definitely very popular.

This article is for the large dog fans who need big dog accessories for their favorite furry friends. The day we brought Halle puppy home, we knew we would eventually need a lot of chewing toys and a large dog bed. As a puppy Halle only did two things throughout the day. Play – or should I say get into trouble – and sleep, so cute! A good dozen chewed up toys later, Halle was ready to be a big girl and sleep outside her crate at night. It was finally time for us to purchase the famous dog bed. What do you look for in a large dog bed you ask? Read on!

4 Large Dog Bed Considerations

Whether your dog’s favorite bed is a bolster, a pillow, a mat or a nest-style, here are some of the most important features to look for when selecting a large dog bed.

1. Perfect Fit.

I just had to put this one first. Please get your big pup a big dog bed. Don’t be stingy. You wouldn’t want your feet sticking out of your bed looking silly would you? I didn’t think so. Measure and obey – your large dog will thank you. Enough said!

2. Solid Construction is Key.

You want a dog bed frame tht is made of a durable material like solid wood (bamboo is a great eco option here) or aluminum. The last thing you want is a saggy or weak large dog bed, look for something that is sturdy and made from quality materials. For dog beds that are constructed with a removable/washable cover, make sure that they’re filled with a durable high quality eco-friendly filler.

3. Eco-Friendly High Quality Covers & Fillers.

Remember your dog will easily spend the majority of his day resting and sleeping. For this reason we highly recommend you spend a few extra dollars and opt for a large dog bed made of natural eco-friendly materials. During that sleepy time, you want to make sure that your dog is not breathing in toxins from synthetic materials like polyester. Synthetic fillers and covers (mostly made from petroleum) are dangerous for your dog’s overall health as they attract allergens and release VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) into the air. The dog’s delicate lungs can easily get irritated as microscopic particles leach from the poly-fill and settle in the lungs causing some serious irritations. Polyesters fillers are easily recognizable, they are often found in bed pillows and decorative throw pillows.

When it comes to fillers, look for large dog beds that are filled with kapok fibers or natural latex foam. These two are your most eco safe bets. I am partial to the recycled plastic bottle fillers that are gaining in popularity for one particular reason – no matter how you cut it, blend it or package it, it will always remain plastic. I know it’s great because it’s recycled with post consumer waste but the end product is still plastic. They are still a solid eco friendly option. Like I said, I’m partial.

For fabrics we love 100% hemp covers and durable organic denim cotton. Any natural fabrics will do the trick. I promise your dog will happily cozy up to his new natural bed. Animals are sensitive to man-made fabrics and much more comfortable and calm with natural ones.

4. Your Dog Knows Best.

Your dog is a very special individual with his own uniqueness – that’s why you love him. Another important factor for doggy sweet dreams is to figure out your dog’s favorite sleeping position. Does he roll into a bagel when he naps – Halle makes the cutest bagel – or does he stretch out like a prehistoric fossilized dinosaur – Yup, Halle does that too! This will help with your large dog bed selection and almost guarantee your dog will eagerly flop right in and doze off.

Remember these handy large dog bed factors during your tracking. It will save you lots of frustrations and give your dog a comfortable place to rest his head.

As a loving dog owner you have many responsibilities. Feed your dog the best food you can presently offer. For a good kibble diets go with Organic or Holistic dog food. Next, provide your big dog a quiet and soft safe place where he can flop and catch up on some essential zzzzz’s. You also have to offer your dog lots of smart play-time to stimulate the brain and physical activities, especially walks. Dog training and obedience using positive reinforcement is also very important.

Say No to Large Disposable Dog Beds. I’m absolutely disgusted with cheapo disposable dog beds. Granted they are economical and temporarily serve a purpose. However, they are quick fixes with generally very small life spans. Not only are they generally not very planet-friendly they are also not recommended for the health of your beloved beast. Most times the material and construction borders on the “are you kidding me – waste my money” side. Anyway, you get the picture!

Our Large Dog Bed Favorites!

On another note, Vish and I are very selective and specific when it comes to the interior design of our home. We choose pieces we absolutely adore, carefully making sure they are functional, as eco-friendly as possible and essential to our space. The same philosophy can be applied for selecting the most appropriate bed for your unique dog friend. As interior designers and owners of a couple of design blogs, I can tell you that we’ve seen the great and the not so great when it comes to designer dog beds. Here are a few of our most favorite large dog beds for any budget that fit many of the considerations I mentioned earlier.

Organic is the way to go. Here are our two companies that carry top organic beds for your big dog. Their incredible quality and choice materials are top of the line. Cheengoo has an incredibly cozy 100% organic lounge bed and Bella Dogga has a lovely choice of beautiful cotton fabrics with contrasting piping – a favorite of ours!

Halle insisted we share HER dog bed faves. We have to agree with our pup, these two are incredible choices. DoggyArchy’s calm and serene natural dog beds are great for any modern interior – plus I think Halle likes the Weim in the picture! Molly Mutt has a very fresh and unique concept. She offers a sweet collection of dog bed duvets that you can fill up with your own used and recycled clothes and fabrics – great idea!

Here is our stylish large dog bed selection if you want to spruce up your interior decor with a modern dog bed. Hermann’s Heaven is a comfy lounger available at Modern Doggie and pet-interiors offers a very large collection of
contemporary dog beds in many styles, materials and colors. We love the style of their wool dog beds.

True form and function – Bark Deco Beds are absolutely gorgeous if you’re willing to extend your large dog bed budget. The beds are all hand made and constructed from birch hardwood with the care and attention to detail given to fine furniture.

Next is our “Good Bet” selection. Bambeco’s 100% hemp and post consumer plastic bottles ‘green fibers’ filling are good if you don’t mind the plastic. Many styles and colors too. Big Shrimpy gets good grades from us because of their selection and their FullCircle product designs. They make durable, washable beds and offer replacement parts so that your purchase goes a long way. Also you can mail your old dog bed back to them and they will recycle it, less stress on the landfills. I’m a little iffy with Crypton’s large dog bed collection mainly because they use an almost indestructible material. Their Crypton Super Fabric pet beds are stain, moisture, odor and bacteria resistant which is a good thing. Still, I’m concerned with the multiple synthetic chemicals that go into the creation of their super fabric. Nevertheless, their large dog beds are very popular and stylish – worth a look!

If you need a heavy duty extra large dog bed then you can’t go wrong with Kuranda. Their collection of extra large dog beds are super tough and almost indestructible thanks to their brilliant design and construction.

Hope our large dog bed article will help you and your dog’s quest for sound nappy time. We will definitely be adding more faves as we spot them. If you have a favorite large dog bed, please share it! We welcome any questions and comments too. Happy scouting!

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