3 Best Dog Beds for Crates

Choosing the right dog bed for your crate can make a big difference to your pet’s comfort and health. A crate provides your dog with a safe, enclosed space, and adding a quality bed to it provides warmth, support, comfort and added safety.

This guide will showcase the best options on the market, taking into account factors such as size, material, durability and ease of cleaning, to help you make the best choice for your beloved pet.

Crate dog bed

Are crate beds good for dogs?

In fact, a dog bed for your dog’s crate isn’t just nice — it’s essential for your dog’s comfort and health: it acts as a soft, cozy hideaway within the crate, replicating the warmth of your dog’s natural habitat: the den.

These beds also provide essential support to a dog’s skeletal system, especially for older dogs and those suffering from arthritis. The quality of the bed in the crate can have a huge impact on a dog’s quality of sleep and overall health. Therefore, investing in a quality dog ​​bed for the crate is a wise decision for any pet owner.

Can I use a dog bed instead of a crate?

Choosing between a dog bed and a crate primarily depends on your pet’s needs and your particular situation. A dog bed provides a comfortable space for your pet to relax and sleep, but it doesn’t provide the same sense of closure and security that a crate provides, which many dogs naturally seek out due to their denning instincts.

That being said, a crate without a comfortable dog bed can be hard and uncomfortable for your pet. Ideally, a combination of both — a crate with a dog bed inside — will best serve your dog’s needs. This setup provides a comfortable, supportive, and safe enclosed space.

Remember, the main goal is not to choose one or the other, but to create a relaxing, safe and comfortable environment for your beloved pet.

Should I put a blanket in my dog’s cage?

Just as a dog bed for your crate provides a nice, cozy space for your pet, adding blankets inside the crate can give your dog extra warmth and a sense of security, but it’s important to keep in mind your pet’s safety and breathability within the crate.

Although blankets can create a cozy environment, they should not cover the entire crate as they can restrict airflow and lead to overheating. Instead, either partially cover the entire crate or use a breathable blanket designed for pet crates.

Always observe your dog’s behavior and comfort level to determine what works best for him. If your dog enjoys the coziness of a blanket in addition to a dog bed in his crate, then this can be a great way to increase his sense of comfort and security.

7 mistakes to avoid when crate training

Crate training is a common method used by pet owners to provide a safe space for their dogs. However, mistakes made during training can make it less effective and stressful for your pet. Here are 7 mistakes to avoid while crate training:

Not choosing the right size crate and dog bed: The size of the crate and dog bed is very important: if the crate or dog bed is too small, your pet will feel cramped and uncomfortable, and if it’s too big, your pet may use part of the space to relieve itself.

Skip the introduction phase: It is important to get your pet used to its crate slowly and calmly – throwing your pet in the crate without proper acclimation can cause stress and fear, leading to a dislike of the crate and the dog bed inside it.

Crate overuse: Crates with dog beds are not suitable for long-term confinement. Dogs need regular exercise and interaction. Limit the time your dog spends in the crate to avoid anxiety and depression.

Using a Crate as Punishment: A crate should never be used as a place of punishment. Your pet should associate its crate and dog bed with positive experiences, comfort, and a sense of security.

Not cleaning the crate and bed regularly: It’s important to clean the cage and dog bed regularly, as dirty or smelly cages and beds can make your pet uncomfortable and may cause health problems.

Ignoring signs of distress: If your dog is whining, barking excessively or showing signs of distress when in his crate, it’s important to identify and address the problem — it could be that his dog bed isn’t comfortable or that he feels the crate is too small.

Skip the bed: One of the biggest mistakes people make is not including a quality dog ​​bed for the crate in their preparations. A comfortable bed makes a big difference in your pet’s comfort and willingness to use the crate. The bed provides warmth and support that mimics a natural den-like environment.

Also see: Pros and Cons of Crate Training – 7 Tips for Crate Training

Does your dog like pillows in their cage?

Many dogs prefer having a pillow in their crate because it adds comfort, just like having a dog bed in their crate. The pillow acts as a soft, plush place for your dog to rest their head, similar to how humans use pillows. Dogs often appreciate the comfort of having a soft pillow in their crate because it recreates the soft, relaxing environment of their natural den.

However, when adding pillows to a dog bed for a crate, it’s important to consider durability, ease of cleaning, and your pet’s preferences, as well as monitoring your pet to make sure they don’t chew or ingest the pillow material destructively, which could pose health risks.

After all, your dog’s comfort should always come first, and if a pillow in the crate helps achieve that, it’s a great addition to a dog bed for the crate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right dog bed for your dog’s cage can greatly improve your pet’s comfort and health. It’s not just a luxury, it’s a key element that mimics the warmth and support of a dog’s natural den-like environment.

Whether you decide to add a blanket or pillow, or just leave it on its bed inside the crate, it’s important to consider your dog’s specific needs, preferences, and overall safety.

Regular cleaning, ensuring a snug fit and monitoring for signs of distress are also important parts of providing a comfortable crate environment.

Remember: a happy, comfortable dog is more likely to be well-behaved, healthy, and content, so investing in a quality dog ​​bed for its crate is truly an investment in your pet’s happiness.