If you’re a dog parent and you have a social media account, chances are that you’ve seen advertisements for calming dog beds – but what are these products, and can they really soothe your dog’s separation anxiety?
Yes – a quality dog bed can offer psychological and physical support to your pup by simulating the sensory experiences that once made them feel safe as a newborn. Still, not all beds are created equal, and choosing the right one is important for your dog.
Explore the science behind the calming dog bed, and gain insight into the best beds available on today’s market.
What Are Calming Dog Beds?
The design of a calming dog bed supports stress relief in pups and can be helpful for dogs who experience mild separation anxiety. These beds work in a similar way to a weighted vest, providing a sense of comfort and security to dogs who may be experiencing stress or anxiety. They often work best with training (and calming supplements where necessary).
As the pet market continues to grow, so does the science-backed research supporting new and innovative designs for your pup. Some high-quality dog beds can encompass as much as 12 months of trial and research before the final design is released for purchase.
Do Calming Dog Beds Work?
Calming dog beds have science-backed evidence to support their effectiveness, and here’s why:
Puppies are born blind and deaf, so they are highly vulnerable and rely on smell and touch to decipher their surroundings. These first few moments of life can be understandably frightening for a pup whose primary aim will be to find its mother’s milk and seek comfort from her presence.
Imagine the relief when these vulnerable pups nestle into the warm surroundings of their mother and littermates. It is the first time they experience comfort and love in the world, and this moment sticks with them throughout their lives. Like humans, dogs associate sense with feelings.
For these reasons, the scent of fur and a warm cosy feeling are sensory experiences that your dog associates with comfort. In this way, a calming dog bed helps to recreate your dog’s initial experience of love and relaxation.
How Do Calming Dog Beds Work?
The primary purpose of a calming dog bed is to provide your pup with a relaxing space where they can feel a sense of comfort and security. Most of these beds have raised sides to simulate the burrowing experience and create a “cave-like” environment where your dog can feel safe. Quality manufacturers, such as SASH or pupnaps, understand the importance of a “burrow” design and ensure high sides to comfort and support your dog.
A calming dog bed limits sensory overload to help your pup relax. And providing your dog with a place to rest its head helps them to feel safer when they sleep. Part of the reason for this is that it mimics the sleep they would have experienced as a puppy when they had their mother there to protect them.
Calming dog beds don’t only provide psychological benefits; their structure also supports good health practices. Many brands, including SASH, pupnaps, and Snooza, design their beds with raised rims that support your dog’s neck and spinal alignment while they sleep. This design can also help to reduce muscle and joint pain, making calming dog beds popular for those who have arthritis, orthopaedic issues, and other similar ailments.
How Do I Know If a Calming Dog Bed is Suitable for My Pup?
Calming dog beds are ideal for providing any pup with a comfortable retreat. Still, they are particularly beneficial for dogs who display anxiety symptoms such as:
- Hiding
- Burrowing
- Whining
- Shivering (when not being held)
- Panting (due to nerves)
- Excessive jumping
If your dog is susceptible to nervousness, anxiety, or stress, there’s a good chance that a calming bed could help them feel more relaxed. These beds are ideal ways to combat a range of stress sources, including separation anxiety or a fear of loud noises. Providing a safe space for them to retreat is an excellent step toward providing an environment where they feel safe.
In severe cases, a calming dog bed will work best with training or calming supplements. If the bed alone is not enough to calm your pup, book a consultation with your vet, who can advise which supplement is best.
To help promote your pup’s relaxation, combine their plush bed with some calming practices. For example, gently stroke their face or body, rub their chest in circular movements or massage their ears.
What Are The Benefits Of A Calming Dog Bed?
As the name suggests, calming beds are a great way to help support relaxation in your pup. Still, it has several other benefits that make your investment worthwhile.
- It uses high-side walls to replicate a dog burrow.
- It can reduce joint pain, which is especially beneficial for older dogs.
- The comfort of the bed allows your dog to sleep for longer.
- Washable covers make it easy to clean up accidents and keep your pup’s bed fresh and clean.
- Durable and long-lasting designs make quality dog beds an investment rather than a regular purchase – opt for a trusted brand, such as SASH, who guarantees quality, designs backed by thousands of happy customers.
Which Calming Dog Bed Is Best?
Generally speaking, a calming dog bed needs to provide two key things – raised sides for comfort and support, plus a soft fur lining for warmth and scent. Many manufacturers use faux fur, which they scent accordingly. As your pup uses the bed more and more, they will transfer their scent to the fur, making the bed even more comforting.
If you want a quality product for your pup, keep an eye out for some additional features, including:
- Machine washable components for quick and easy care.
- Durable undersides that increase the lifespan of the bed.
- Extra soft plush feelings to increase your dog’s comfort.
- Deep walls that make your dog feel protected.
The SASH calming dog bed is Australia’s number one product on the market, offering a soothing haven for your dog. The team at SASH knows just how important your pup is to you, and every product is designed with love and care to create a truly relaxing environment for your furry friend.
Key benefits of a SASH bed include the weighted design and 3x internal padding to help create a safe and calming place of rest to help reduce anxiety. An eye for detail and extra plush filling means this bed offers the optimum comfort for your dog. And SASH’s handy sizing guide allows you to purchase the perfect fit for your pup.
