Best bed for Golden Retriever?

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Choosing the Best Bed for Golden Retriever is a significant decision, as these loving and energetic companions spend a substantial amount of their day sleeping, often up to 16 to 18 hours. A well-chosen bed provides a crucial safe space for them to relax, feel protected, and wake up well-rested, contributing to their overall health and happiness.

best bed for golden retriever

Key Considerations When Choosing a Dog Bed

When selecting a dog bed, it’s important to consider both your dog’s specific needs and your practical requirements as an owner.

Dog’s Needs and Preferences:

  • Comfort and Support
    • Filling and Firmness: Many cheaper dog beds are filled with fibres that lose shape and deteriorate over time, becoming lumpy and uncomfortable. Quality beds, particularly those with orthopaedic memory foam, are designed to mould to the dog’s body, providing superior support for pressure points like shoulders and hips and preventing sinking, which can put extra pressure on joints. For example, The Red Dog Company’s beds use foam with a density of 24kg/m3 and hardness of 90N to ensure it retains its shape.
    • Luxurious Feel: Some beds incorporate soft and plush materials, such as velvety fabric or wool fleece, which offer a comfortable and inviting space.
  • Sleeping Position
    • Observe how your Golden Retriever sleeps to determine the ideal bed style.
    • Curlers (dogs who sleep curled up in a ball) often prefer circular nest beds, donut beds, or cocoon beds. The raised rims or bolsters of these beds provide a sense of security and a comfortable headrest.
    • Sprawlers (dogs who stretch out) typically prefer a larger mattress or pillow-style bed, which offers ample space for them to extend fully.
    • Burrowers (dogs who love to hide under blankets) would benefit from cave beds or snuggle sacks, which provide an enclosed, den-like feel for warmth and security.
  • Age-Specific Requirements
    • Puppies: For new puppies, a cheaper, washable bed or a dedicated puppy bed that fits one half of a larger crate is recommended until they are fully grown and toilet trained. Donut beds are also great for puppies as their raised rim provides support and a sense of safety. It’s important for puppies to have their own bed from the start to support joint health and memory.
    • Older Dogs/Joint Issues: Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis. For senior dogs or those with joint pain, orthopaedic mattress beds with memory foam or high-density support are crucial to ease pressure on joints and improve mobility and restorative sleep. Look for low-line designs or beds with a lower front edge for easier entry and exit.
  • Temperature Regulation
    • Golden Retrievers have double coats that can trap hot air. If your dog runs hot, consider beds that allow for air circulation.
    • Elevated dog beds with breathable mesh bases are excellent for keeping dogs cool in summer and warm in winter by allowing air to circulate underneath and reducing dampness and odours.
    • Some beds also feature thermal properties to keep dogs warm and snuggly in winter.
  • Anxiety and Security
    • For anxious dogs, calming nest beds, donut beds, cocoon beds, or cave beds can create a sense of security and provide a cosy, safe environment. The high walls or enclosed nature mimics a den, offering comfort during stressful situations.

Owner’s Practical Considerations:

  • Cleaning and Hygiene
    • Washability: Given that dogs, especially Golden Retrievers with their double coats, can impart a “dog smell” due to perspiration, skin oils, and ear glands, removable and machine-washable covers are essential. Some smaller dog bed designs are even entirely machine washable.
    • Waterproof Features: For puppies still potty training or older dogs prone to accidents, beds with water-resistant linings or waterproof liners are highly beneficial to protect the foam core and inner filling from moisture and odours.
    • Odour Resistance: Certain materials, like the wool used in The Red Dog Company beds, have keratin properties that help break down bad-smelling bacteria, contributing to odour resistance between washes. Synthetic leather beds can also be wiped clean and don’t retain pet smells.
  • Durability and Longevity
    • Golden Retrievers, weighing between 25 and 35 kg, require sturdy beds that can withstand their weight over time without becoming thin, lumpy, or indented.
    • Look for beds made from tough upholstery fabrics that resist determined chewing, though no bed is entirely chew-proof. Brands like Big Barker offer 10-year guarantees against flattening. Kuranda beds offer a one-year chew-proof warranty.
    • High-quality materials, such as ballistic nylon and YKK zippers found in Timberdog RuffRest beds, contribute to exceptional durability. Some beds feature hard-wearing tweeds from prestigious mills.
  • Size and Fit
    • The bed needs to be slightly larger than your dog, allowing enough room for them to stretch out comfortably (measure from nose to tail and add 15-20cm for comfort).
    • Consider the available space in your home where the bed will be placed.
    • For puppies, it’s often more economical to buy a larger size that they can grow into, avoiding the need for future upgrades.
  • Budget
    • Dog beds come in a wide price range, from great value options to luxurious picks. While expensive beds like Big Barker, Orvis, Ralph & Co., or Timberdog RuffRest are often highlighted for their quality and longevity, there are also more budget-friendly brands like Bedsure, Costco’s Kirkland, and Furhaven that offer good value. Some owners opt for DIY solutions like toddler or crib mattresses as an affordable and comfortable alternative.

Recommended Best Bed for Golden Retriever.

Golden Retrievers, known for their versatility, can benefit from several bed types depending on their individual habits:

  • Mattress Beds: These flat, supportive beds are ideal for Golden Retrievers who love to sprawl out or sleep on their sides and backs. They provide even weight distribution and are excellent for orthopaedic support, which is vital for a breed prone to joint issues. George Barclay offers a wide range of orthopaedic dog mattresses.
  • Donut Beds: If your Golden Retriever enjoys curling up, a donut bed with a raised bolster edge offers excellent head and neck support, while providing a comforting and secure space. Many large or extra-large donut beds are available for bigger dogs. Silentnight offers popular calming donut beds.
  • Sofa/Bolster Beds: These beds feature raised edges around some or all sides, acting as a pillow for your dog’s head and providing a sense of enclosure. Bedsure’s Dog Bed Sofa features firm bolsters and an egg crate foam base for orthopaedic support. Orvis also offers memory foam couch beds with high bolsters.
  • Orthopaedic/Memory Foam Beds: Given Golden Retrievers’ susceptibility to hip dysplasia and arthritis, orthopaedic beds with memory foam are highly recommended. These beds prevent sinking and provide the necessary cushioning for joints. Brands like Baker & Bray, Kong, VetRelieve, George Barclay, and The Red Dog Company specifically offer orthopaedic and memory foam options.
  • Elevated/Raised Beds: These beds lift your dog off the floor, promoting air circulation, which is particularly beneficial for Golden Retrievers to stay cool, and keeping them off cold, draughty surfaces. Brands like Veehoo and Kuranda offer durable, chew-resistant elevated beds that are easy to clean.
  • Calming/Anti-Anxiety Beds: Often featuring soft, plush materials and an enclosed or nesting design, these beds (like donut or high-sided styles) are excellent for providing a sense of security and reducing anxiety in dogs. Lords & Labradors offer calming anti-anxiety box beds.
  • Crate Beds/Mats: If your Golden Retriever uses a crate, a comfortable crate mat or cushion with washable and ideally waterproof features is essential. Lords & Labradors provide full crate sets that include cushions, bumpers, and covers designed to fit various crate sizes for adult dogs.
  • Sustainability Features: Some products, such as the WESTERN HOME Dog Bed and JOEJOY Extra Large Dog Bed, are certified by OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, meaning they are made with chemicals safer for human health and the environment. This certification requires testing against over 1,000 harmful chemicals. Baker & Bray also uses eco-materials like repurposed memory foam and recycled ocean-bound plastic bottles.

Specific Brands and Products Recommended

Many brands offer suitable beds for Golden Retrievers, ranging from luxury to budget-friendly options:

  • High-End/Luxury Brands:
    • Big Barker (or Barker Beds): Highly recommended by Golden Retriever owners for their quality, comfort, and 10-year guarantee against flattening.
    • Orvis: Known for high-quality, long-lasting memory foam beds, often with high bolsters and water-resistant, durable covers.
    • Ralph & Co.: Offers luxury dog beds designed in the UK and handmade in Italy, featuring premium upholstery fabrics, reversible washable cushions, and a 1-year warranty.
    • George Barclay: Specialises in extensive ranges of luxury orthopaedic memory foam dog beds in various styles like mattresses, sofa beds, and high-sided beds, all with water-resistant linings and machine-washable covers.
    • Timberdog RuffRest Ultimate Dog Bed: Described as high-end with dual-layer foam, ballistic nylon, YKK zippers, Sherpa fleece, and unique features like a hidden sleeping bag and removable organiser.
    • The Red Dog Company: Focuses on comfort, support, durability, and cleanliness for active dogs like Golden Retrievers. Their beds feature high-density orthopaedic foam, British-sourced tweed and wool (for thermal and odour-resistant properties), waterproof liners, and durable, washable covers.
  • Mid-Range Brands:
    • Baker & Bray: Their Ultimate orthopaedic dog bed is highly praised for its quality, comfort, eco-friendly materials, and machine-washable covers, despite being pricier than some alternatives.
    • Omlet: Offers a wide collection of dog beds in various styles (Bolster, Nest, Topology) with tough, chew-resistant upholstery fabrics and removable, machine-washable covers.
    • Kong: Known for spacious, durable dog beds, including orthopaedic loungers and comfort mats/beds, often with waterproof exteriors and washable covers. Their XL Orthopaedic Lounger is particularly large.
    • Silentnight: Provides popular calming donut beds and high-sided options made with soft materials that retain loft and are fully machine washable.
    • VetRelieve Ortholuxe: Designed by a vet, these beds feature patent-pending orthopaedic foam technology and are available in very large sizes, with removable, washable outer covers and waterproof inner liners.
    • Lords & Labradors: Offer various types of dog beds, including box beds and puppy crate beds, with removable and washable covers. They use luxurious fabrics like velvet, tweed, and faux leather, and many include waterproof liners.
  • Budget-Friendly/Value Options:
    • Bedsure: Their Orthopedic Dog Bed Sofa is noted for being affordable yet well-designed, with memory egg crate foam, bolsters, and removable, waterproof, machine-washable covers.
    • Costco’s Kirkland Beds: Considered a decent, fan-favourite option that can be comfortable for both dogs and humans.
    • Furhaven Cooling Gel Dog Beds: Available with removable bolsters and washable covers, offering a plush and luxurious feel. Furhaven also sells separate waterproof liners.
  • Specialty/DIY Options:
    • Kuranda Dog Beds: Known for their elevated, cot-like design with a one-year chew-proof warranty, offering orthopaedic support and easy cleaning. They do not hold dog smells.
    • Coolaroo Elevated Dog Beds: Another elevated option that promotes airflow, often preferred by dogs who run hot.
    • Toddler/Crib Mattresses: Some owners suggest using these with waterproof crib mattress covers and crib sheets as a comfortable and more affordable alternative to traditional dog beds, making washing easier.
    • Serta beds have also been mentioned.
    • Synthetic Leather Beds: Can be easily wiped with a wet sponge and do not retain pet smells.

Tips for Golden Retriever Owners

  • Address Shedding: Golden Retrievers shed throughout the year, with two phases of heavy shedding. Regular grooming, including brushing with a slicker brush or undercoat rake, is essential to minimise shedding and keep their long coats in good condition.
  • Provide Chew Toys: Golden Retrievers naturally like to chew, especially as teething puppies. Providing premium quality chew toys, such as a KONG Classic, can help soothe their gums and prevent them from chewing on their bed or home furnishings.
  • Consider Cool Surfaces: Many Golden Retrievers prefer cool, hard surfaces like tile or cement floors. If this is the case for your dog, an elevated bed might be a good compromise to provide comfort while still allowing for cooling airflow.
  • Combat Boredom: A bored dog can exhibit destructive behaviours like chewing furniture, excessive barking, or restlessness. Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation through interactive toys, treat-dispensing puzzles, varied walking routes, and training sessions to keep them engaged and happy.
  • Establish Grooming from a Young Age: Get your Golden Retriever puppy accustomed to being brushed from an early age to make regular grooming easier as they grow.

Conclusion Best Bed for Golden Retriever

A high-quality dog bed is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an investment in your Golden Retriever’s comfort, health, and emotional well-being. By carefully considering your dog’s unique needs, such as their sleeping style, age, and any health predispositions like hip dysplasia, and balancing these with practical considerations like washability and durability, you can choose a bed that truly becomes their cherished sanctuary. Whether you opt for a luxurious orthopaedic memory foam bed, a cooling elevated cot, or a cosy calming donut, ensuring it provides ample support, is easy to clean, and is the right size will contribute significantly to your Golden Retriever living a happy, relaxed, and healthy life.

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