When it comes to choosing a bed for your large breed dog, there are many things to consider. Not all beds are created equal, and not every bed will be the right fit for your pup. In this blog post, we will discuss what makes a good bed for a large breed dog and provide some tips on how to choose the right one!
What makes a dog a 'large breed dog'?
In general, a large breed dog is typically considered to be any dog that weighs more than 50 pounds. Some of the most common large breed dogs include the German Shepherd Dog, the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever, the Mastiff, and the Rottweiler. Great Danes are also large breed dogs. Large breeds often have different needs when it comes to bedding and furniture, as they can be prone to joint problems and other health issues.
When getting a large or giant dog as your family member, it is important to note that their needs may be unique from those of smaller breeds. For example, large breed dogs can weigh more than twice as much as a small breed dog, so they need a lot more food! They also need plenty of space to move around and exercise.
When it comes to bedding, large breed dogs require a different type of bed than their smaller counterparts.
What are the most popular large breed dogs?
Some popular large or giant breed dogs are the German Shepherd Dog, the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever, the Mastiff, Dobermans, Great Danes and the Rottweiler. If your dog is over 50 lbs, they are likely carrying more weight than a small breed dog and may have different needs when it comes to diet, activity level, exercise and even bedding.
What are the benefits of a good bed for a large breed dog?
A good bed for a large breed dog can provide many benefits, including:
- Increased comfort and support - Dogs with joint problems or other health issues can benefit greatly from sleeping on a soft, supportive bed.
- Reduced stress and anxiety - A good bed can provide a sense of security and comfort for dogs who are anxious or afraid. This can help them to feel more relaxed and at ease when resting.
- Prevention of joint problems - A quality dog bed will help to distribute the dog's weight evenly, which can help to prevent or reduce joint problems.
- Increased lifespan - A well-rested dog is a healthy dog, and a good bed can help your pup to get the most out of their sleep.
What are some common health issues for large breed dogs?
Some common health issues for large breed dogs include hip dysplasia, arthritis, bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus ), and elbow dysplasia. Consider your dog's health history and any potential health risks when choosing a dog to ensure that they can be as healthy as possible.
Do Veterinarians Agree that Large Dogs Have Unique Needs?
We spoke with Dr. Hannah Capon and asked her what some considerations were for appropriate bedding for large breed dogs.
"It's gotta be big. They've gotta be able to stretch out and get comfortable. They can crawl up in to a little ball, or they can elongate through their spine and full on stretch out", she said.
"You need to make sure that they're cushioned from the ground. So the bed needs to have really good quality foam so that they don't sink down and have their bony prominences hitting the floor. The bed needs to be predictable. So it's gotta be firm enough that when they actually lay on it, that they don't wobble off. We want the dog to be able to stand, turn around, get comfortable and lay down without getting the wobble on and potentially tripping, stumbling, or falling. We don't want that!"
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"We wanna make sure that their dog bed has defined edges so that when they go to stand on it, they know what they're gonna stand on. A bed for large dogs should have nice, sharp informed edges and a place for their neck. Rest is always a good thing. Now all of those things fit into a Big Barker bed. So I would suggest that you go and have a look at the Big Bark beds! In my mind, they are brilliant beds! High five to Big Barker beds for great quality beds for your large breed dogs."
Thank you so much, Dr. Capon, for your insights!
When choosing a bed for your large breed dog, it is important to consider their size, health history, and exercise needs. A good bed will provide increased comfort and support, reduce stress and anxiety, and help to prevent joint problems. We hope that this helped you in guiding you to making the best choice for your large or giant breed dog!
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