If you want to give your dog the best life possible, then knowing the differences between dog beds and dog mattresses—and which one is best for them—is crucial.
Written by Becca Choi, a passionate dog person and proud plant mom living in sunny Los Angeles.
Her first ever pet was a lovable Husky-Shepard mix named Marley, but her favorite breed will always be Dachshunds!
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Dog Beds vs. Mattresses: What’s the Difference?
So what’s the difference between a dog bed and a dog mattress, anyway?
A dog mattress is a type of dog bed.
As the name suggests, a dog mattress is similar to the mattresses that we humans sleep on – except dog mattresses never have old school springs.
The key difference between dog beds and mattresses is that dog mattresses are always flat, although they may have raised edges to help your dog feel more secure.
Mattresses also tend to be made of higher-quality materials, offering orthopedic solutions to elderly dogs or dogs prone to bone and joint issues.
Dog Beds: Why Having a Dog Bed is a Good Idea?
Even if you prefer to let Fido sleep in bed with you, it’s a good idea to invest in a dog bed (or a few).
There are many different types of dog beds, from elevated beds (which are great for the outdoors) to donut beds (which are perfect for dogs who like to curl up into a ball).
The Pros of Dog Beds
There are plenty of pros to having a dog bed in your home, including:
- Dog beds keep your dog warm in cold weather.
- It’s better for your dog’s joints when they lay on a bed instead of a hard floor.
- Dog beds can prevent callouses.
- Dog beds provide spaces that your dog can have all to themselves (unlike a couch).
- A comfortable dog bed can help your dog get better rest and improve their mood.
No matter what type of dog bed you choose, your dog can enjoy these benefits.
The Cons of Dog Beds
If we’re talking about the cons of dog beds vs. the floor, then there really are none.
And before you say the floor is easier to clean, check out these easy-to-clean dog beds with removable covers.
However, if we’re comparing dog beds vs. mattresses, there are some cons:
- Many dog beds are developed with your pup’s comfort in mind, not their overall health.
- Some dog beds are difficult for dogs to into and out of.
- Some overly plush dog beds could worsen bone and joint problems, like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and osteoporosis.
Who Should Buy a Dog Bed?
If you own a dog, then you should have a dog bed in the house. Read on to discover if a dog mattress is the right type of dog bed for you.
Dog Mattresses: Why Dog Mattresses are One of the Best Types of Dog Beds
Dog mattresses are a sub-category of dog beds, and they boast many benefits that you won’t get from traditional dog beds like donuts and raised beds.
The Pros of Dog Mattresses
There are lots of affordable, high-quality dog mattresses out there, and most of them are top-rated as the best dog beds of all time, like the Casper Bolster Dog Bed.
Most dog mattresses are orthopedic dog beds that rest on the floor of your home.
That means they’re easy to get into and out of, and they provide even support for your dog’s whole body.
You can even get a covered dog mattress to keep your snuggly puppy feeling safe and secure.
Here’s a summary of the best benefits of owning a dog mattress as opposed to a traditional dog bed:
- Dog mattresses are usually designed for orthopedic comfort
- They’re easier for dogs to get into and out of since they rest flat on the floor.
- Dog mattresses are the ideal size and shape to put inside a crate.
- You can get removable, washable covers for most dog beds.
- There are tons of options to choose from.
The Cons of Dog Mattresses
What are the cons of choosing a dog mattress instead of a traditional dog bed? There really aren’t any!
Who Should Buy a Dog Mattress?
Dog mattresses are better for:
- Dogs prone to orthopedic issues, especially large or giant breed dogs
- Dogs and puppies at risk of developing bone and joint problems
- Pets who like to stretch out when laying down
- Elderly dogs who may struggle to get in and out of bed
However, even puppies can benefit from the comfort of a dog mattress.
Getting an orthopedic dog mattress is a great idea to prevent bone and joint issues from developing.
If you’re curious about how else you can improve your dog’s sleep, check out Allison’s article to find out the best place to put your dog’s bed!
Photo by Lisa F.