Health Benefits for Dogs of a Raised Dog Bed

Have you ever wondered why the majority of us who live in the civilised world sleep off the floor though our dogs are not afforded such luxury?

Simply raising the dog's resting area off the floor makes for a much more comfortable sleep away from draughts and damp, which in turn brings immeasurable health benefits. We know that simply getting a good night's sleep is critical for maintaining good health both physically and mentally.

Bedding on a cold floor rapidly builds up condensation leaving the dog lying on a cold damp bed, unpleasant for any dog but particularly for those suffering with arthritis and circulatory problems. Can you imagine how long we would manage with our mattresses on the kitchen floor every night? Do you think we might wake feeling cold and stiff and slightly bad tempered?

Even with carpet beneath the mattress the dog may well be exposed to draughts that occur at floor level so a raised bed provides comfort and a more even temperature. Conversely while under floor heating may keep the bed dry it is often too warm for our dogs who can't then cool down indoors save jumping on the sofa! Have you seen the dog that gets on and off his bed all evening trying to balance his temperature? It doesn’t say much for a good night’s rest let alone putting unnecessary stress on joints.

We often hear the argument when buying our own beds that we should research carefully and invest well as we spend a third of our lives in bed. A relaxed well exercised dog may spend as much as 80% of its life chilling out on his bed so why do we make him sleep on the floor? Compromising on a comfortable bed for your dog could well mean you are compromising his long-term health.

Just as sleeping off the floor provides protection from the elements so it also is a cleaner fresher place to be. The mould and mildew that builds up under a damp bed attracts moulted hair and dust particles, which in a matter of day’s results in a smelly crust that only washing and thorough airing will cure. A raised bed allows the air to circulate around the bedding so its stays fresher and cleaner.

We all know how the flea and common dust mite are responsible for a number of skin allergies in humans and dogs and here is yet another health advantage of the raised dog bed. Because the mattress is well aired the dust doesn’t build up in the bedding; hair and particles fall to the floor where they can be easily vacuumed or swept away. Insects and fleas cannot find the warm moist conditions between bedding and carpet in which to thrive. The elevation also limits the likelihood of infestation from a jumping flea.

Providing a safe, warm, dry, clean and comfortable place of his own will allow your dog to rest properly. When your dog is relaxed, he is getting the sleep that every healthy dog needs. When you limit your dog’s opportunity of a good night’s sleep, you could be limiting his chances for optimum health too.

Brought to you by thedogbedcompany.co.uk Copyright: The Dog Bed Company 2012