Ah, the old “dog beds versus dog crates” question.
Dogs can sleep in a dog bed or crate. If your dog is comfortable sleeping on a cozy dog bed throughout the night, this will be the best option.
However, if your dog has biting on things and walking around the house during the night, then a crate may be better choice for them.
By Praisethedogs.com
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To help you make this decision a little easier for you, we have highlighted what you need to know about dog crates vs. dog beds in this article.
That’s including which one is the better option and whether a dog crate should have a dog bed.
So you will have all the information you need to choose what is best for your best friend.
Is it better for dogs to sleep in a crate or bed?
A dog will be able to sleep in both a crate and on its dog bed.
However, figuring out which is the better option depends on your preference, your dog’s personality, your dog’s age, and how big your dog is.
Here is what you should consider to help you decide which is the best option for your best friend.
Dog beds
Dog beds are a better choice for dogs who sleep through the night, are well trained, and are bigger.
When your dog has a bed, it will give them a spot where they feel most comfortable.
Dogs tend to become attached to their beds so that you can move the bed into different locations, and your dog will sleep wherever their bed is.
What’s excellent about dog beds is that it gives your dog a bit more freedom and space to move around at night.
Dog beds are also a bit more comfortable for your go because they are incredibly soft. Also, your dog won’t be confined to one space and will have plenty of room to stretch out.
There is a wide range of dog beds to choose from.
This includes your standard plushy dog beds, which are pretty affordable.
There are also orthopedic dog beds which can be a bit expensive.
While it might surprise some people that dogs have the option of orthopedic beds.
Yet, this is an excellent option if you have a senior dog who might have arthritis and needs a bit more comfort.
Even if you just feel you want to treat your dog with a bit of a comfier bed, that is fine as well.
Dog crates
Even though dog beds are a great choice, dog crates can be better for certain dogs.
Usually, dog crates are a much better sleeping place for puppies or dogs that are not yet house trained and dogs who are stressed or suffer from separation anxiety.
Crates usually become the spot that dogs seek for comfort.
Whenever your dog feels a bit anxious, they can go into their crate for comfort.
Dog crates are great for puppies and dogs who have not yet been house trained to hold them until you take them out.
Dogs have an instinct to keep the area where they sleep clean and will never mess up on purpose.
They will learn to wait for you to go out and relieve themselves.
Puppies will not be able to hold the entire night, so you will have to take them out at least once in the middle of the night.
The only thing that matters when it comes to choosing a crate for your furry best friend is making sure they will have enough – and not too much – room.
A dog crate should be big enough to let your furry best friend stand up, lie down, and even turn around.
Ensuring your dog has enough room in their crate is very important, especially if it is their place to sleep. In a larger crate they’ll most likely pick out their favorite corner to feel safe.
Should a dog have a bed and a crate?
The simple answer is yes. Why not. Your dog could have a bed and crate, or even a dog bed and a crate with a bed in it.
As a dog parent, you want to make sure your dog is comfortable.
When choosing the dog bed to put inside your dog’s crate, it is essential to ensure that no chewable or tearable items are attached to the bed. That will include anything that your dog can chew or choke on.
Your dog should still have sufficient room to move around in the crate, even with the bed in there.
So make sure that you don’t buy a bed that will be too big and limits the room your dog has to move inside their crate.
Is It cruel to crate a dog at night?
It is completely fine to crate your dog during the night.
However, your dog should not be in a crate for more than nine hours.
There are also a few factors that you need to do to make sure your dog will be comfortable in their crate at night.
Firstly, you must crate train your dog before you leave them in there overnight.
You should also make sure that your dog has enough room to move in their crate during the night because putting a dog in a too-small crate is cruel.
You will also need to be prepared to take your dog out at night to relieve themselves; this is especially the case for puppies and older dogs.
Final thoughts
While dog beds and crates are both great options when it comes to places for your dog to sleep, the best place for your dog to sleep will depend on their personality, age, size, and personal preference.
Dog beds are better suited for dogs who sleep through the night.
At the same time, dog crates are better for puppies or dogs who have not been house trained and tend to wander around during the night.
Photo by Tirppala.