Full Bolster Beds – Pros for You
Portable: This style bed is very portable and depending on the filling, it can be folded like a taco and carried just about anywhere.
Appearance: the look of some bolstered dog beds can rival your best sofas. Companies are doing a great job with fabrics fit for the finest of living rooms. A trend toward modern fabrics is fast replacing the “cutesy” dog bone, paw print fabrics of yesterday and your dog’s bed could turn out to be the trendiest looking item in the room!
Full Bolster Beds – Cons for your Dog
Trapped Drafts: If your dog’s fully bolstered bed is positioned right under a draft, this could cause a very cold sleeping environment. The bolsters are great for keeping drafts out, but they can also keep them in.
To avoid a chilly bed, make sure you never position a full bolster bed under a window, near a door or beside a drafty chimney. Test location temperature with a laser thermometer (product link) and test for drafts with something like a feather duster or a strand of long hair.
Trip Hazard: Dogs who have trouble lifting their paws off of the ground may have a harder time getting into a fully bolstered bed. If your dog would have trouble getting into a fully bolstered bed, but you think it’s the right style, they make a bed with that in mind. The bolsters go almost all the way around, but leave room for your dog to enter without tripping – like this dog bed: Nearly Fully Bolstered Dog Bed (product link)
Limited Sleeping Positions: If your dog is just as likely to sprawl out sleeping as she is to curl into a ball, then a full bolstered bed may be the wrong choice. To allow more room for stretching out, consider a bigger size or look into beds with partial bolsters.
Size Restrictive: Most of the full surround bolster dog beds simply are not large enough to accommodate a giant breed. Most manufacturers top out at 80 lbs. which leaves out our giant babies, like mine. If you have a really large dog, best skip to partially bolstered options.
Full Bolster Beds – Cons for You
Wash Intensive: I suppose wash intensive is relative and based on your individual opinion on laundry. I own all different kinds of dog beds and have a stash ready to go for my senior dog. The full bolster dog bed definitely requires the most work when it comes to washing. While most feature a removable cover (a must), removing all the stuffing and subsequently fishing the bolsters back into the sleeves requires work.
Prone to Shape Loss: Resist the urge to buy your older dog a cheapo bolster dog bed without a removable cover. Dog beds without removable covers will not hold up well in the washing machine. In a lot of cases, the stuffing will bunch and the bolsters will separate, turning your dog bed into a lumpy mess that does nothing for support.
Overcoming the People Cons of a Full Bolster Bed
If a full bolster style dog bed is absolutely perfect for your dog but you’re concerned about wash ability and shape loss (which has to do with washing) there are a couple of tips for overcoming the cons:
- If you think you can get by with a 90% bolster, this bed on amazon is not only washable but allows tumble dry and it’s practically a full surround. Look at the 90% bolster bed: HERE
- You can also cut down on washing by draping your dog’s bed in a very easy to wash pee proof blanket. Pee proof blankets are not like they used to be (crinkly and uncomfortably hot). Today’s pee proof blankets come in lots of styles and colors and you’ll wonder where they’ve been all your life. If your dog has an accident, toss it in the wash, dry and reuse. Check them out here: Pee proof blanket (product link & info).
- Have a 2nd dog bed ready to go or in rotation. You can either have another full bolster or even a simpler, full bolster rollup mat might suffice for a night or two. This way, if you come home to a soiled dog bed, you don’t have to spend the night cleaning, drying and re-stuffing a bolstered dog bed in order for your older dog to have a bed to sleep on. Here are samples of full bolster mats: Full Bolster Mat Style Dog Beds. – (product link)ideal for temporary or occasional use.
Which Full Bolster Dog Beds are Pack Leaders
Since prices vary and you’ll have to click the upcoming links to check for current information, but the manufacturers are: Friends Forever, Pet Fusion and Sealy. These dog bed makers are often friendly on the budget and they are still easy to wash, unlike some full bolster dog beds.
Partial Bolster Dog Beds
These beds are kind of like the perfect compromise for a dog who sleeps in multiple positions but who also might have difficulty stepping into a fully surround bolstered bed. And if you have a really large or giant breed dog, you’ll have a much bigger selection if you stick with partial bolster beds over full.
Let’s review again the types of beds that are partially bolstered and review their pros & cons. They are actually designed for specific reasons and knowing the thought behind the design will help you in choosing the right bed for your older dog.
One Bolster Dog Beds
1 Bolster Along the back: Why choose a dog bed with just one bolster along the back? A dog bed with a back bolster only is great for dogs who like to lay sprawled out, but would benefit from a back bolster to hold them steady.
Also, if you want to place the bed against a wall or hard piece of furniture, a bed with a back bolster will offer your dog some protection against the hard surface. And if your dog hates pillows, a back bolster bed is probably the right design.
Dogs suffering from arthritis in the neck or who are suffering with a neck injury or sleeping in a cone might benefit from a bed that keeps the head and body aligned (no pillow/bolster).
1 Bolster Along a Side: Why choose a dog bed with just a side bolster. These beds are easy for older dogs to get in and out of and they can be turned with a purpose in mind. A one bolster dog bed will make a dog lay down the way you need her to.
For example: If there is a reason your dog shouldn’t be laying down on his right side, maybe he’s arthritic, or recovering from a surgery, you can place the bed down so the head bolster is on the right (as you face it). This will make your dog lie down on his left side as he will naturally place his head at the bolstered end.
One bolster beds are extremely helpful for when you need to facilitate a dog’s sleeping position. The most durable and popular makers are Big Barker and Bully.
If you have a huge or giant breed, check out Big Barker first. You can find current price and owner reviews them by clicking these pictures:
Two Bolster Dog Beds
Marketed as a “right angle” dog bed, these beds contain both a back bolster plus one side bolster. These style dog beds also help facilitate the way a dog sleeps but you have to be sure to buy the right version because you cannot flip them like you can the one bolster beds.
These are ideal when a dog’s sleep position restrictions are permanent. For instance, your dog has a bad left hip or perhaps your dog has weak muscles on her right side. You pick the style accordingly and it will help facilitate the side she sleeps on.
2 Bolster – Back and RIGHT (as you face the bed) this type of bed would be ideal for a dog who is directed to stay off of his right side. These beds with the back bolster and side bolster along the right (as you face the bed) will help facilitate the dog to sleep on his left side, leaving his right side in the air.
2 Bolster – Back and LEFT (as you face the bed) If you absolutely have to keep your dog from lying on her left side, go for a 2 bolster bed that has a back bolster and a side bolster that’s on the left (as you’re facing it). Your dog is more likely to instinctively lay her head on the bolster which means she’ll lay down properly with her left side in the air.
Three Bolster Dog Beds
These again are marketed or referred to as “couch style” dog beds. Not because they are high off the ground (though some are), but because they have a back bolster and a bolster on each side, giving them the appearance of a couch.
3 Bolster Beds: This bed probably offers the most flexibility and is great for just about any dog without restrictions. Since there is no bolster along the front, it’s easy for most dogs to get in and out of.
Whether your dog likes to sprawl out or curl up or both, the 3 bolster, couch style dog bed is most versatile and your dog can choose her position based on however she’s feeling that day. This picture is clickable and links to product pricing.
Let’s summarize this section by taking a look at the pros and cons of choosing a bed with partial bolsters.
Partial Bolster Beds – Pros for Your Dog
Unlimited Stretch: Perfect for dogs who like to mix up the way they sleep. They can easily curl up or they can get their best dreams on while all sprawled out.
Head Support: Not every dog likes head cushion, but most dogs prefer it as much as humans do.
Better Support: Not in all cases, but in most cases a partially bolstered dog bed usually equates to a bed that offers better support overall, which certainly lends itself to better quality of sleep for your older dog.
Air Flow: If your older dog prefers a cooler temperature or has a nice thick coat, she might appreciate the better air flow of a bed that’s bolstered on one or two sides.
Partial Bolster Beds – Pros for You
Many Options: Things can get fun when picking out a partially bolstered dog bed. Manufacturers are going the extra mile to make sure the dog bed looks trendy and fits into your décor while still being durable and comfortable.
Easy to Facilitate Sleep Position: If there is a reason your dog shouldn’t be laying down on his right side or let’s say his right side is arthritic, a right angle bolster comes in both right and left versions and each will subconsciously influence his sleeping position. In most cases, dogs will instinctively sleep with their head on the bolster, so you can help your dog stay off his bad side by choosing where the bolster is located.
Better Quality: For the most part, once removable bolsters become part of a dog bed, quality begins to improve. The bolster dog bed market is very competitive and with thousands of people leaving reviews, companies are spending more time and research on delivering better designs.
Partial Bolster Beds – Cons for You
Overwhelming Choices: Who thought choosing a dog bed would be so difficult? There are a lot of companies competing for your dollars. Overall, this is a good thing because the quality of dog beds has never been better. They are also nicer looking than dog beds of the past and can complement your décor.
Choose Wisely: A partially bolstered dog bed will make a dog lay predominately on one side (great if you need her to, not so great if it’s her bad side).
Overcoming the People Cons of Partial Bolster Dog Beds
- Make sure your partially bolstered dog bed ranks high when it comes to washability and has plenty of other good reviews for your type and size dog. Reviews that apply to you are far more helpful than reviews that are completely non- applicable. For instance if you have a Great Dane, you can filter reviews (search) that mention Great Dane.
- When in doubt, go with a couch style or one side bolster style dog bed. Reserve the 2 bolster style back and side (left or right) for when you absolutely have to keep your dog off of a certain side for health reasons.
Mat or Pad Style Dog Beds
Sprawl out sleepers and dogs that can’t lift paws far off the ground will appreciate these low lying dog beds. However, if your older dog needs support for her joints, these pads and mats will likely miss the mark. If that is the case, maybe consider a more orthopedic style dog bed and install a ramp or simple step.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of mat and pad style dog beds.
Mat or Pad Style Dog Beds – Pro’s for your Dog
Easy to Access: For highly immobile dogs or dogs who cannot step without tripping, this style of dog bed is the lowest to the ground.
Cool or Warm: Some are specifically designed to offer cooling relief (gel) or heat therapy. If your dog needs either of those treatments, they are available in the mats and pads.
Mat or Pad Style Dog Beds – Pro’s for your You
Highly portable: These are as portable as a yoga mat. Simply roll them up and go.
Highly washable: Most people will love the fact that they’re so washable. Many dog owners have several mat style dog beds in rotation and swap them out regularly.
Mat or Pad Style Dog Beds – Cons for your Dog
Least supportive: Sorry moms and dads but these are the least supportive for your older dog and will not provide optimal comfort. If that’s what you’re looking to accomplish, consider any other type of bed because the mats and pads are nice for short use, temporary crate traveling but not all day, all night sleeping or for providing relief to an older dog’s tired bones.
Slip hazard: Unless they come with the non-slip backing, these mats and pads can be slippery. Invest in the non-skid type for best results.
Overall, these mat and pad style beds should only be used as a bed when your dog is not able to access a higher bed on his own and you worry about his comfort through the day. Whenever possible dogs should be given more support that what is provided in these mats and pads.
They do however, have their place! These are great for travel, car rides, illness, emergency, stacking, and crate travel and of course they are better than no bed at all.
Final Thoughts on Best Dog Bed for Older Dogs
If you’ve stuck with me this long: Thank You! Choosing a dog bed is definitely not a one size fits all solution. I hope your dedication to research rewards you with good results in your quest for the right dog bed for your older dog.
Remember that each design has pros and cons but was designed for a specific reason in mind:
Elevated beds help hip dysplasia, full bolster beds provide security, partial bolster beds are flexible and can help an injured dog, and mat and pads are nice to have in rotation or when traveling.
There is nothing wrong with having more than one style of dog bed. For instance one of my dog’s beds is a left angle bed because he has arthritis on his left hip which flares up. When this happens, I make him use that bed because he will not sleep on his arthritic side (naturally). When he’s doing better, I offer both beds.
I hope this article has been a helpful guide for choosing the best bed for an older dog…yours!
If you need further information on orthopedic dog beds, you’ll want to read this article. This one is a complete deep dive into orthopedic dog beds. How do you know if they’re really orthopedic? And which US based companies are leading the pack.
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