Types & What To Consider – CanineJournal.com

Below are our top picks and reviews of the top chew-proof dog beds for your mouthy mutt.

If the top chew-proof dog beds above don’t fit what you’re searching for, consider one of the beds below. We think they’re still great options for you to consider.

Chew-Proof Dog Beds

A chew-proof dog bed is the most durable type of dog bed. They’re designed for aggressive chewers and are sturdy and “indestructible,” (although some master chewers can destroy any bed). These types of beds are typically made of metal frames and heavy-duty lining to keep chew-obsessed dogs from destroying their beds. The only downside is that they’re not very comfortable for your pup.

Raised Dog Beds

It’s essential to consider your dog or puppy’s needs when choosing a bed. Puppies love chewing, but this is a behavior that can be trained. Standard dog beds are usually enough for most dogs.

However, if you have a stubborn dog that’s an aggressive chewer and training isn’t working, buying a chew-proof or chew-resistant dog bed may be the best choice for you. Overweight dogs also need more durable beds, as the stuffing usually compresses when they lie down on it. This will wear out and deflate a standard dog bed faster.

Chewing Level Of Your Dog

Aggressive chewers will benefit from beds that have metal or other hard frames. Raised beds are great for this, mainly because the bed is just a piece of heavy-duty fabric or mesh, which cannot be chewed because it’s securely attached to the metal edges. The legs are also usually made of the same rigid material.

If your dog is a moderate chewer, then a bed that’s made of a more durable material like ballistic nylon or canvas is more appropriate. It’s strong enough to withstand moderate chewing but is still more comfortable than heavy-duty beds. For passive chewers, any standard dog bed will do. Design, comfort, and price will be your only essential considerations.

The Trainability Of Your Dog

Let’s face it: chewing is expected in all canines, especially with puppies. Most dogs can be trained out of bad chewing behavior. You must first address the chewing behavior and make genuine attempts to train your dog to stop him before giving up and entirely relying on chew-proof beds.

This is better and more affordable for you in the long run. Moreover, training out this behavior will also prevent your dog from chewing other furniture around your house. This will undoubtedly save you a ton of money.

A good tip is to ensure that your dog is well-exercised and that you give him toys to play with. A lot of dogs chew out of boredom or curiosity. Redirecting their attention to a more appropriate chewing toy can help keep them from destroying their bed.

It’s also essential for you to train your puppy to not chew his bed. Otherwise, he might grow up with this habit. It will be more challenging to correct this behavior when he’s an adult. However, if you have genuinely tried everything to train your pup and failed, then an indestructible dog bed may be the only answer to your problem.

Dog beds come with various features and finding the best one that fits your pet’s needs is vital in making the right choice.

Construction And Design

Durability and build are the most important considerations for choosing your best dog bed. The best dog bed you can get is a mattress with double-stitching at its seams. This gives improved durability and ensures it won’t easily come apart.

Consider the thickness and type of foam or stuffing of the bed too. Some are made of a thin or flimsy material that quickly decompresses. For raised pet beds, consider the joints’ construction, design, and material. This can be a weak point with this type of bed — it can be dangerous for your pet if it gives way while he’s on top of his bed.

The Material Of The Bed

The following are the three most common materials used for the sleeping panel or covering of dog beds.

• Ballistic nylon – This is the best material for a chew-proof dog bed. Dogs don’t like chewing on nylon due to its slippery surface. Even those that are okay with chewing nylon beds will find this material tough to destroy.
• Canvas – Like ballistic nylon, most dogs don’t like chewing on canvas. Though this isn’t as tough as the former, it’s usually durable enough that your dog will be unlikely to chew on this material.
• Denim – Imagine chewing on your jeans. It doesn’t seem very pleasant. Denim is well-known for being a very durable cloth material. Unless your dog has gotten used to chewing on denim toys or your jeans, he most likely won’t chew on a denim bed. This is the weakest material among these three, but it’s still more durable than standard cloth.

Size

Some dog beds come in multiple sizes, while others only come in a standard size. Dogs, on the other hand, can range in size from very small to extra big. It’s vital to get a bed that suits the size of your dog. Measure the length of their body from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail. This should give you a good idea of the size of the bed to look for. Your dog’s weight should also be a consideration.

This will affect your bed choice in two ways. First, you will have to consider the bed’s weight capacity if you have a heavy dog. Second, you have to see if it will provide your overweight dog enough support when lying down so that no unnecessary pressure is placed on his joints as this can lead to chronic pain or joint conditions.

Maintenance And Ease Of Cleaning

We know how messy and dirty our beloved dog can get. It’s typical for dogs to go straight to their bed just after playing outside in the dirt. Moreover, senior dogs who have severe incontinence can accidentally pee or poop on their bed, even if they’re trained not to do so. Puppies also have very limited bladder control the younger they are.

It’s also common for a dog bed made of a material that can absorb odors to end up smelling like a stinky dog. You need to consider how easy it is to clean your dog bed. Having a waterproof or water-resistant cover is a great bonus, as it doesn’t require as much regular cleaning, and it will not absorb any liquid or moisture.

The other advantage of this feature is that it makes it easy to spot clean certain areas without cleaning the entire bed. Consider whether it’s machine washable as well so that you can just throw it in the washing machine every time it gets dirty and air dry it under the sun.

Style

You must get a bed that best suits the needs of your pet. Each dog sleeps a particular way, with some curling up into a ball and others sprawling out. You should observe how your dog prefers to spend his time on his bed. Check what position(s) he chooses for sleeping.

Cost And Budget

The strongest and best dog beds come at a higher price. This will depend on your budget and how willing you are to spend several hundred bucks for your pup’s mattress. Set a ceiling for your budget and try to figure out if your ideal bed fits this. If it doesn’t, look for the next cheaper alternative. Paying a little higher for a chew-proof or chew-resistant dog bed that offers a one-year warranty or more is also a wise idea.