When the first cold weather arrives, choose a dog bed by observing how your dog sleeps and measuring them both stretched out and curled up. At the store, ask about the interior dimensions, a removable, washable cover, and a non-slip base; then set the bed up in a quiet spot, away from drafts and direct heat sources. You can make three checks before leaving home: how your dog sleeps, how much space is in your washing machine, and where the cold air is coming from.
Observe how your dog sleeps and take measurements
For a few evenings, watch how your dog settles down: curled up, stretched out on their side, or leaning against an edge or wall. Then measure them with a tape measure while they are resting, both curled up and stretched out, and note their weight and age too: this information is useful to share with the store assistant.
Focus on the usable interior space, not the bed’s outside dimensions: a model may look large on the outside but leave little room inside. Your dog should have room to turn around and stretch out. Compare your measurements with the manufacturer’s stated interior dimensions, together with the store assistant.
Questions to ask at the store
Before choosing, ask:
- What are the usable interior dimensions?
- Is the bed cover removable? Can it be machine-washed, and under what conditions according to the care label? Check that it will fit in your washing machine.
- Can the filling be washed, or does it need to be protected?
- Does it have a non-slip base, useful on smooth floors?
- How high are the sides? Is the entrance easy to use for a small dog or one that moves slowly?
- What does the manufacturer recommend if the dog digs or chews?
- Is a replacement cover available?
- What does the label say about materials and warnings?
Bring your measurements, a photo of your dog sleeping, and, if you like, the blanket they use: these can help the store assistant advise you. If they cannot answer a question, ask to read the label together before buying.
Where to put your dog’s bed when cold weather arrives
Look for a quiet spot that is still close to family life, away from busy walkways. If your dog already has a favorite spot, start there.
To find out where cold air is coming from, run your hand along the floor near doors, windows, and the spot you have chosen: don’t put the bed where you feel a draft.
Keep it away from radiators, heaters, and fireplaces: your dog must always be able to move away if they get too warm.
If the floor stays cold, you can ask at the store about models with a raised base or put a non-slip rug under the bed: these are comfort measures, not a health remedy.
Getting your dog used to a new bed
Put a blanket with their scent inside and let them explore the bed in their own time. Reward them when they sniff it, get in, or lie down, and never force them to stay there. Keep the old bed until they choose the new one on their own.
If they ignore it for a few days, don’t insist: check again that the spot is quiet and draft-free.
Cleaning during muddy season
Shake out the bed and regularly vacuum up hair and dirt. Wash the cover according to the care label, using gentle products and rinsing it thoroughly, and let it dry completely before putting it back on. Check the seams and filling, and remove any chewed parts your dog could swallow. There is no one-size-fits-all cleaning schedule: it depends on how dirty the bed gets.
To keep track of washes, you can create an activity in the PawsPet app called “Wash dog bed cover”: from the “Activities” tab in the bottom bar, tap the yellow “+”, choose a type from the list (for example, “Hygiene and care” in the “Hygiene” category), set “Repeat” to “Every N weeks” at your preferred interval, and add a reminder using the bell and “Set”. After each wash, tap the circle next to that day’s activity to mark it as done.
Older dogs, puppies, and situations to consider
If your dog is older or has trouble getting up and lying down, talk to your veterinarian before choosing a specific model, without expecting orthopedic benefits from a particular material or shape.
For a puppy that chews, choose covers that the manufacturer describes as chew-resistant and supervise them for the first few nights.
Heated mats and outdoor dog beds require different considerations and are outside the scope of this guide.
Tonight, watch and measure your dog while they sleep, check the washing machine drum, and feel for drafts with your hand: then you’ll go to the store knowing what to look for.
