We put a lot of thought into buying a brand new bed for ourselves, including choosing the right mattress, finding a nice frame, and even choosing the perfect bedding to cover it.
It makes sense then that our dogs should get a bed worthy of sleeping in as well, and this is especially true when they have a condition like hip dysplasia.
Canine hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition to do with the hip joints, and it can have debilitating effects on our beloved dogs.
Things that were once easy for them to do now because painful and hard, even something as simple as laying down in their bed for a rest.
This is where the wonders of orthopedic dog beds come in, and they’ve been designed as a solution to this common condition and other muscular and joint issues that affect our pets.
We’re going to look at why they’re so helpful for dogs with hip dysplasia and how you can buy a bed that will suit your four-legged friend and ease some of the symptoms of this condition.
What is an Orthopedic Dog Bed?
An orthopedic dog bed is one that’s been designed to give additional joint support for your pet compared to regular styles of dog beds.
They’re made with a dense foam pillow inside, usually made of memory foam, and they keep your dog away from the hard ground that could be doing their joints and bones more damage.
These beds come in all shapes and sizes and are made out of different materials, but their main purpose is to provide support to your dog.
They’re usually designed for dogs with hip dysplasia but can be helpful with other conditions like canine arthritis, bone or soft tissue injuries, joint problems, senior dogs, or those who are recovering from surgery.
You can usually expect to pay more for an orthopedic dog bed compared to a regular one filled with cotton or polyester, but the benefits are worth it. Considering how much our dogs spend sleeping and resting, providing them with an orthopedic bed to do so will take a lot of pressure and pain from their joints.
How Can an Orthopedic Dog Bed Help?
If your dog has hip dysplasia, you’ll probably stop at nothing to try and relieve some of their discomfort.
Investing in an orthopedic dog bed is the best way to do this, and these special canine accessories will be able to help in the following ways:
Signs That Your Dog Could Benefit From an Orthopedic Bed
Any dog that’s been diagnosed with hip dysplasia should have their own orthopedic dog bed because of its many benefits.
However, there are other signs that pet owners should look out for that indicate they need an upgrade in their bedding to something more comfortable and supportive.
What to Look For When Choosing an Orthopedic Dog Bed
Finding the right dog orthopedic dog bed to match your pooch will ensure they reap all of the benefits.
The most important thing when choosing one of these beds is that it meets the physical needs your dog has.
Most are categorized by the weight range or breed of dog that they suit, and you want to be sure that they have enough room and support so the size has to be right.
Secondly, consider the materials used on the inside and outside. Memory foam is a popular choice for orthopedic dog beds but other dense foams are also ideal.
The cover should be removable so it can be cleaned regularly and made of something soft but durable to prevent your dog from digging through it.
There are extras you can choose, like a bolster to give more boost in the bed, or a built-in pillow for them to rest their head on. It will depend entirely on what your dog prefers and as their owner, you know better than anyone how to make them happy.
One Simple Accessory To Change Your Pet’s Life
There’s little we can do about canine hip dysplasia if it’s something our pets are genetically predisposed to, but what we can do is help to alleviate their symptoms.
Whether your dog is in the early stages of this skeletal condition or they’ve been suffering for years, you’re bound to notice an instant difference when you get them one of these beds.
Orthopedic beds aren’t just helpful for humans and considering our pets rely on us to make their lives as comfortable as possible, it’s one small thing we can do that will have a lot of impact.
Just be sure to choose a bed that meets their physical requirements, and you’ll be doing the best thing you can for them by providing them with this added support and comfort.