Short description: The average dog or cat sleeps 11-13 hours a day, so along with exercise, proper nutrition, and socialization, a comfortable, high-quality dog or cat bed is one of the key factors in your dog’s or cat’s quality of life. We recommend regularly checking your bed for any signs of an approaching expiration date.
The average dog or cat sleeps 11-13 hours a day, so along with exercise, proper nutrition, and socialization, a comfortable, high-quality dog or cat bed is one of the key factors in your dog’s or cat’s quality of life. We recommend regularly checking your bed for any signs of an approaching expiration date.
1. It sounds obvious, but start by inspecting your bed. Even if your dog or cat’s bed doesn’t look like it’s on its last legs, check it for visible signs of mold, which can form on the underside of the bed due to the cold floor beneath it, even in well-heated rooms. Carefully inspect your bed both with and without the cover on so you can inspect the inner mattress and any other cushions or fillings. If you see any signs of mold, remove it from service immediately and replace it. Inhaling mold spores is definitely not good for your dog or cat or the people in the room.
Always inspect your dog or cat’s bed regularly, both inside and out. In this photo, Alexander is removing the outer cover of a stuffing pillow to check for mold during cold or damp weather, even though her house is well heated.
Most people can tell when their dog or cat’s bed is ready to go just by looking at it. If the bed looks shabby and limp, and airing it out, beating it, or washing it doesn’t help, it’s time to replace your bed. Don’t delay—your dog is almost certainly not as cozy and comfortable as your dog or cat deserves!
2. Dull Knock Test — Does the Filler Provide Enough Support for Your Pet?
The fill for your dog’s bed should be uniform in thickness along its entire length, with no obvious deformations or irregularities, and should be dense—it should keep your dog or cat off the floor, support their body weight, and keep them warm.
Run your hand over the filler and, pressing firmly, check for lumps, bumps, or hollows. Ideally, the filling should support your dog or cat evenly in their active sleep zone, without any significant lumps or thin areas. Does the filling hold up to the constant pressure you put on it? Try changing the shape. If you can’t get it to the right shape, it’s unlikely to provide your dog or cat with the support they need.
Our ALFAPETS fillings have high-quality filling to provide long-lasting support. Replacement fillings and bed covers are available across our entire line, so you never have to replace your entire dog or cat bed!
3. Smell the Bed Test.
We all know that dog beds can be a bit of a nuisance when it comes to odor. If your dog or cat’s bed smells, wash it (both the outer cover and the inner filling) and let it dry thoroughly.
Then do a smell test. If you’ve washed your bed and you can smell even the slightest odor, it’s time to replace it. The odor is caused by bacteria and other germs that are part of your dog’s frequently used bed. If you can’t get the smell out, chances are those germs aren’t washing out either, and it’s time to say goodbye to the bed.
A dog bed that is fully machine washable will usually last longer than a bed that isn’t machine washable. To keep your dog bed clean, wash the outer covers, fillings and cushions regularly to combat both visible surface dirt and mites, bacteria and other invisible pests. All of our dog and cat beds are machine washable.
4. Check the size and shape of your dog or cat bed.
As our dogs grow and age, their sleeping preferences can change. Observe your dog and see how they prefer to sleep. Make sure the style and size of the bed is still a good and optimal option for them. Our guide to choosing the best dog or cat bed is full of useful and up-to-date information.
Our mini cushions are designed to provide extra comfort and support on your dog or cat bed. They are perfect for snuggling up and giving older dogs a little support when aching joints mean they are not as mobile as they used to be.
We often hear from our customers that their dogs or cats like to sleep curled up, so they feel they can order a bed that others might think is too small for their size. We don’t recommend this and always recommend that your dog’s bed be large and comfortable enough to allow for both rolling up and down, allowing for changing sleeping preferences. To learn how to measure your dog for a bed, check out our guide to dog bed sizes.
5. Changing weather.
Seasonal changes in the temperature of the country affect your dog’s bedding and its comfort level. In damp weather, you need moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics, in hot weather, breathable, non-absorbent and heat-retaining fabrics. As the seasons change, check your dog’s bedding and adapt it accordingly.
6. “Listen” to your dog or cat.
Does your dog sleep in your bed? On the sofa? Avoids his bed like the plague? Maybe it’s because he wants to be with you all the time… or maybe his bed just doesn’t meet the standards! Buy your dog or cat a cool ALFAPETS bed.
Dogs are little creatures who love comfort. Why would they sleep in an uncomfortable dog bed if the most comfortable place in the room is the sofa? But give them a nice dog bed, and everything will soon change.
Many customers contact us to tell us how ALFAPETS has changed their lives and the lives of their dogs and cats!
We specialize in producing incredibly comfortable, long-lasting dog and cat beds, but did you know that we have also helped many of our customers sleep better at night? Find out what our customers are saying in our real reviews.
For over ten years, we have helped literally thousands of customers in over thirty countries around the world put together the perfect bed for their pet.
If you need advice or have any questions about choosing a dog bed, please write to us at inbox@alfapets.com.ua or call +38(063) 287 10 44