The Anatomy of an Indestructible Dog Bed
Does it seem like whatever your dog or puppy gets a hold of, they eventually destroy it? Has your pet ever torn their dog bed apart? If you need something strong – consider the anatomy of an indestructible dog bed. Sometimes it seems that a dog or puppy can ruin just about anything that they can get into or on top of! You’re probably finding yourself having to replace your dog’s bed more frequently than you ever thought or wanted to. If you’re like me, you’re probably thinking it’s worth the extra cost to invest in an indestructible dog bed (aka chew proof dog bed), rather than just another ordinary bed that will sooner or later need to be replaced – again!
Anatomy of an Indestructible Dog Bed
To find the right indestructible dog bed, you’ll want to find the one that is made with durable bed components, is easy to maintain, and comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.
Dog beds come in many styles and shapes. The majority of dog beds are a pillow-like cushion covered with some sort of fabric wrapped around it. These ordinary, cheaply made dog beds were not built to withstand use and abuse from a dog who has bad habits. Some beds have extra features like raised edges, or a hood to allow your dog to lean against or hide inside of. Other dog beds are more about being cute and fancy, with decorative fabric and hardware attached to the bed. While fancy, these beds are also not meant to stand up to a dog’s bad behaviors.
Dog Bed Components
Before we begin to guide you through the anatomy of an indestructible dog bed – consider what kind of bed you think your Fido needs. Is your pooch more likely to prefer a cushion style or an elevated/cot style? Choosing between the two styles will lead you through two different paths on selecting a dog bed that will last. The main differences between cot and cushion beds are that cots elevate your pet above the ground, keeping them dry and cool with extra air flow circulating underneath. Cushion dog beds will be more comfortable, and allow your pet to sleep soundly through the night. Let’s first start with cushion style dog beds.
Cushion Style Dog Beds
The first thing you probably notice about a dog bed is the outer cover. The cover of the bed is one of the most important factors to consider. It can literally make or break an indestructible dog bed. Determine what material(s) the outer cover is made of. Is it made from a certain type of material that will endure your pet’s abuse? The materials that you’ll want to consider include:
- Heavy duty vinyl
- Ballistic nylon
- Cordura
- Heavy denim
Regarding the cover, can it be removed for cleaning? Most likely your pooch will have some sort of accident and the cushion will get soiled, and you’ll want to be able to remove it without a struggle. Check that the cover’s material is machine washable so that you can clean it easily when you need to. Look for beds with a cover that comes with a zipper or Velcro enclosure with reinforced seams.
You’ll also want a dog bed cover that has built-in resistance. Not only will your dog want to sleep in its dog bed, but so will pests! Fleas and mites that are attracted to your pooch will gladly attach themselves to the cover. Moisture is another factor to consider. Covers that are waterproof and resistant to fleas, mites, liquids, mildew, mold, odors, etc. are needed for a bed to be indestructible.
The cushion of a dog bed is what gives your dog the support he or she needs for quality rest. Cheap dog beds have cushions that go flat over time and gets out of shape. Would you want to lay your head on a flat pillow that gives no support? Look for cushions that are of high quality and thickness (density) to give long lasting support and comfort. Memory foam is a popular option as it provides great support, especially if your hound needs an orthopedic bed. Beds with memory foam come in varying thickness and density.
Certain beds are built with layers of memory foam of varying thickness to allow for airflow in addition to comfort and support. Other beds that help provide quality rest may have “channels” built into the cushion. The channels prevent the bed from becoming flat and clumping.
Elevated Dog Beds
The great benefit of elevated or cot style dog beds is that they elevate your pet from the ground, keeping them off of what may be cold and wet. Therefore, most of these types of beds can be used indoors and out. When looking at tan elevated, focus on the cot’s fabric and frame.
The cot fabric for an indestructible dog bed should be something that is made to endure chewing, biting and digging. The fabric should also be breathable to allow cooling air-flow. Finally, the look for the cot’s fabric to be resistant to mildew mold, fleas and ticks. You will find that Cordura, ballistic nylon, and heavy duty vinyl are typically used in beds built to last.
Next, look at what the frame is made of. Dogs and pups love to chew on the leg of any inanimate object! Some of the best frame materials we’ve noted include aluminum, PVC pipe, and steel.
Dog Bed Maintenance
In order to help make your dog’s bed last, you’ll want to keep it clean. Check that whichever style of bed you choose, there is an easy yet effective way to get rid of stains, odors and grime.
If the bed is a cushion style, check that the cushion cover is both removable and machine-washable. As mentioned above, the cover should be easily removable with a Velcro or zipper enclosure. If it is a cot style, it should be able to be scrubbed with a sponge or brush and then rinsed off with a garden hose.
Dog Bed Warranty
Another important feature of an indestructible dog bed is the warranty. Manufacturers that include a warranty stand behind the workmanship of their product. Hopefully the bed you’re looking at has an included warranty. If it does come with a warranty, understand the terms and conditions of redeeming the warranty if the bed fails in some way. Various manufacturers provide warranties from anywhere from 90 days to 3 years.
No matter the reason for your dog destroying their bed – you can find the right indestructible dog bed for your favorite pooch. Whether your canine needs a large dog bed, a small dog bed , orthopedic dog bed, or a fancy dog bed, take the time to find the right dog bed – it will pay off in the long run for both you and your pet. A bed made of quality, indestructible materials will last a long time, provide great comfort and save you money! Also, be sure to check the size of your pet before making your final selection.
Check out our Top Indestructible Dog Beds Guide for a easy summary review on great durable dog beds.
