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February 25th, 2009 by PetGuru

Most dogs, by nature, are pretty tough and seldom complain about much of anything. But this same behavior can also be a detriment sometimes. You know that Old Roy won't tell you that he tossed and turned all night in his worn out dog bed. You can tell, however, if you look for the signs, and then you can do something to help your faithful old friend get the rest he needs. With older dogs it is even more important that they have a quality dog bed due to the onset of ailments like hip dyslpasia that can cause him a lot of pain. The best way to help him sleep and to assuage his aches and pains is by purchasing an orthopedic dog bed for him that will allow him to sleep well all night every night.

Why Is a Orthopedic Dog Bed Any Better?

Most dog beds consist of nothing but a large pillow. Puppies might be all right with a bed like this, but older dogs need more support for their limbs and joints. Orthopedic dog beds are more like the mattress that you might sleep on. These mattresses offer firm support, are easy to clean, and retain their shape far longer than pillow-like beds do.

If you’ve ever slept on a bad mattress yourself, you already know what it can feel like. A mattress that is hard or unsupportive keeps you from getting the rest you need, so you can be at your best. It also won’t give you the support you need, and you’ll wake up feeling achy and tired. The main reason for these problems is that without getting the support you need from your mattress, your spine must do the work to support your body while you’re sleeping. Dogs, like people, feel the effects of poor mattresses and will benefit just as much as people do from having an orthopedic dog bed.

Can’t a Dog Just Sleep on the Floor?

Undoubtedly you’ve seen your dog flop down somewhere on the floor to take a short afternoon snooze. This is fine for a nap, but sleeping on the floor just isn’t adequate to provide the kind of sleep he needs at night, especially if he has arthritis or other mobility issues. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the floor will give your dog the firm sleeping surface he needs, even if the floor is carpeted. He won’t complain, but you’ll be able to tell that he’s feeling the negative effects.

To start with, floors are too cold and drafty for sound, cozy sleep. Try napping on one sometime, and you’ll soon get the point. In addition, they are far too firm, put too much pressure on various parts of the dog’s body, and don’t give him the comfort he needs to sleep soundly.

Is It Worth The Price?

Some dog owners are reluctant to spend the kind of money it takes to buy the right orthopedic dog bed for their pet. Many of us are quick to spend foolishly on ourselves when our dogs are sleeping on the hard, cold ground or worse, a concrete pad? When you adopt a dog, you become his caretaker, and you take on the responsibility for his well being. He gives you a lot of companionship and joy. Don’t you think you at least owe him a great night’s sleep?