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When your beloved pet isn’t busy being cute (or crazy), they need a comfy and safe space to rest. There are a wide variety of pet beds out there to choose from; we’re sharing tips on how to select the best one for your pet.
Consider your pet’s individual needs, starting with size. Many pet bed brands have a helpful breed guide, so you can work out what size will best suit your dog (especially if they’re still growing). For optimum comfort, make sure you note the inner measurements of the bed and not just the main/outer space, advises Bunnings pets buyer Ashlee Tanner.
Your animal's sleep style is also important. Look at how your dog likes to sleep and take this into consideration. “Do they like to spread out flat, or burrow and snuggle?” says Ashlee. She suggests a mat style for the former and a bolster or shell style for the latter. If they sleep in a dog crate, size their mat to fit.
Most dogs aren’t overly fastidious, and an elegant white bed is unlikely to stay that way for long. Many pet beds have removable, washable covers or inner cushions, or feature water-resistant fabric, which is great for all-weather dogs who like to romp in the rain. Wash any parts that you can regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and air out the inners.
Depending on where you live, you might need different dog beds for winter and summer. Ashlee suggests a flat mat for the warmer months and a plush doughnut style when the temperature drops. When it’s hot, your dog might appreciate an elevated mesh bed or a gel cooling mat. For the sake of your pet’s health and comfort, as well as bedding that will last, go for a quality product – look for dense foam or a high volume of filling.
Tip: Blankets are an excellent accessory for promoting warmth; they also protect your pet bed.
Some pups will sleep anywhere, but others need special consideration. For arthritic or elderly dogs, Ashlee says there are good options to keep them comfortable come nap or bedtime. “Choose lower and easy-to-get-into shapes, such as shell styles with a lower front opening, or mat styles with a dense foam inner,” she advises.
An uneasy or anxious pet, on the other hand, will benefit from some extra comfort in their bedding – soft faux fur in a plush, deep-sided doughnut bed or pet cube can help them feel safe and secure.
Cats write their own rules about where they sleep, but it’s good to give them a safe and comfy space of their own. “Many cats enjoy a quiet place to sleep, as offered in hideaway-style options such as deep dome shapes and pet cubes,” says Ashlee. Alternatively, cushiony doughnut or shell beds are great for snuggling and may be comforting for anxious cats.
Check out our range of pet enclosures and dog beds.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
