Dog bed: comfort and support for aging dog

[shepherdmom]

Originally Posted by Kaiser2012

What kind of dog bed do you get...for a dog who doesn't like dog beds?

Dakota will lay on a blanket or in her crate (on the pan, no bedding), however she has never really taken to the idea of laying on a dog bed. She rarely uses the cedar/stuffing filled bed I got for Kaiser a few months ago (it has a "bolster" on two sides and is HUGE), and she wouldn't even touch the cedar/stuffing flat bed I tried when she was 2 or 3 years old, she MIGHT lay on the air mattress I have to sleep on when visiting my parents (however she only does that when she is VERY sore), and she doesn't lay on my memory foam bed for long because it retains heat (and she is very hot-natured). As a spin off from my last thread (about joint supplements for a 7 year old) I'm trying to find a dog bed that will help ease some of her discomfort while also providing her with something she will actually use.

Any ideas?

My old guy won't use a dog bed either. I gave him an old huge comfortor folded over another blanket to make a soft bed. He also loved the kids bean bag chairs so we gave him those as well.

He still prefers the cool tile most of the time but the others are there if he wants them.

[Magwart]

I just got an email that Dr. Fosters & Smith has some nice-looking ones with poly-fill on sale right now. I've never bought one of their beds, so I can't comment on how the dogs like it--I'm just passing on the sale notice. I also spotted some advertised on Entirely Pets as designed to stay cooler than room temperature. Again, no experience, I'm just passing on what I saw in case it's helpful.

[TimberGSD2]

Kya does not like beds either. She will not sleep in our bed and has dismissed all dog beds we have bought her in the past. With her age and her arthritis I tried one more time. She LOVES this bed (actually I have 2 together). She has had no issues with it and is a "hot" dog like Dakoda. It is easy to wash as well.

Slumber Pet Memory Foam Rectangular Dog Beds | PetEdge.com

[arycrest]

The Hooligans, regardless of age, have always had el cheapo dog beds with a folded blanket on top (the last four I bought cost $9 each on sale at Tractor Supply). Years ago I used to make beds from those "egg crate" foam matress covers with a cover and blanket ... these were warm in the winter, too hot in the summer even without the blankets.

[huntergreen]

kyra has ripped up a few beds in her day. lol now in her old age she spends lots of time on her heated bed. i just make sure she has access to plenty of water.

[Marnie]

A vet told me once, some dogs don't like the smell of cedar. I know beds are too expensive to just test out different theories. Good luck.

[4TheDawgies]

What about the Kuranda dog beds. My shepherds get quite hot in the summer and they still greatly enjoy laying on their kuranda cots.

They are also near impossible to destroy. My dogs are VERY destructive to beds. They absolutely love shredding out the inside stuffing if I am not supervising them on it. The kuranda beds have been amazing for that

[Kaiser2012]

I did check out the Drs F&S (since Kaiser's bed is from them and I really like it). I'm trying not to shop like a person though...in other words, what sounds really great to ME may not be great to Dakota. I've actually considered the "water" beds (which I think are more like "mats") for her in the summertime, but again I just don't know what she will or won't use. As far as the Kuranda Beds go, I would be surprised if she used them. Kaiser, yes, but Dakota would probably get up on them only if I asked her to. Hmm...So the "egg" mattress is not as warm as the orthopedic (memory) foam? That might be an option...

[RocketDog]

I'm sorry I haven't read all the responses, but here's what I did with my aged lab:

We had a nice cover, from a bed we bought at Costco for about $25. He was a 90lb dog, so it was a big bed. We went to our local fabric supply store, Jo Ann Fabrics, where they sell all sorts of stuff, including really nice high-quality orthopedic memory foam. We had a 50% off coupon, so we got some really good stuff for about $50. DH cut it to fit, in two layers. It was thick--I can't remember exactly, but at least 2". One side we did the egg crate-y side, the other the flat, incase he had a preference. I still have it, now Rocket uses it. (Not for long though, I think it's too hot for him, LOL) I should add, it might not be the bed that is too hot, he likes to sleep on the cold tile by the draft front door. Sigh.

[M&J]

I've heard baby crib mattresses on the floor work well.

I have some loose egg crate and memory foam piled on top of each other. I cover with a top sheet for easy washing. Looks like ****, but my dog will leave the room to go lay in it.