Dog Beds for Dog Crates: Providing Comfort For Your Beloved Pet

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably had your dog in a crate at some point. Some dogs are crate-trained and look to it for comfort, others spend their nights in them for safety, and others still are confined for transportation purposes. No matter the reason, if your dog is crated for any amount of time, you may want to consider providing something more than a hard plastic floor for them to rest upon.

Not all dog beds fit well inside a crate, however, and you will need to consider both material and design to provide the most comfortable option for your pet. The best dog beds for crates will provide a snug fit that allows your dog to rest easily upon it without worry of bunching or folding to expose the hard floor below.

Top Dog Beds for Crates

Aren’t all Dog Beds Made the Same?

As mentioned, not all beds fit well inside a crate, and if you already have a dog bed you don’t want to assume it will fit well inside an enclosed area. Some beds have gusseted sides, others have rolled bumpers, and others still are rounded, while a crate is rectangular in nature.

The goal is to cover the crate bottom without creating uncomfortable gaps or folds that take up your pet’s resting area. You also do not want to choose something that flattens out, negating the cushioning you are trying to provide. Because of this, you need to take into account a few details before committing to a purchase. Hint: have a tape measure handy!

Dogs and Dog Crate Sizes

First off, you need to consider your dog crate size. Many people mistakenly believe that the larger the crate, the better. This cannot be further from the truth, especially for dogs you are crating for potty training and as a safe retreat. Large cages allow dogs the space to defecate within without having to be too close to their mess- essentially teaching them that they have the space to go in their crate.

You want a crate that allows your dog to turn around comfortably in and relax without being curled up in a ball. Essentially, their whole body should take up the length of the crate without being cramped. And their dog bed should cover this space.

What Makes a Good Crate Bed?

Obviously, the best crate bed is one that fits. Rolled upsides and folds are a target for chewing, and may also stimulate digging as the dog tries to create a more comfortable spot. The following tips can help you find a bed that works for your crate, and the comfort of your beloved pet.

— Size

Match your bed dimensions with your crate dimensions as closely as possible. They may sound difficult but truly is not as crates come in a few standard sizes that are pretty similar in nature from one company brand to the next. Because of this, there is a market for crate beds, and many of these are made to more or less fit these general crate dimensions.

— Fill Material

You also need to take into account the materials used in dog beds. Many less expensive beds use a thin foam or polyfill that eventually flattens over time, providing little to no support. Overstuffed fillings may create lumpiness and too high a profile for comfortable crate use.

You wouldn’t want to lay on a bed full of pressure points all night, so neither does your dog. Just like you look for a quality mattress for comfort; look for thicker, supportive materials for your dog- such as a padded foam. This is especially important for older dogs who may be suffering from arthritis– something that may not be obvious. Plus, these do not fold and flop over, making them an ideal choice to stay put in a crate.

— Durability

The outer casing should also be considered as thin materials wear faster, and may even tear and rip – especially if your dog likes to paw or dig. Some mats use a thick, durable cloth that is resistant to shredding and can withstand rough use. Others provide a good outer case for washability- an important consideration for all pet beds.

What to Consider When Buying a Dog Bed for a Crate

It can get overwhelming when narrowing down a decision, especially when you have found a few products that seem preferable. Consider the following when deciding on your final choice:

Will your dog grow?
If you are looking for a mat for a growing dog, you may want to consider less expensive options as you will most likely be replacing it every few months to fit the growing crate size you are accommodating.

How old is your dog?
Remember, the old rule of thumb is 7 dog years to every 1 human year. But this may vary from dog breed to dog breed with large breed dogs having a lifespan of only 8 years or less. If your dog is getting up there in years, it may be suffering from aches and pains just like us humans do. Consider orthopedic options for additional joint support.

Is your dog destructive?
Does your dog like to dig, bite, or chew? Then make sure find a well-fitted mat that lays flat to avoid tempting these habits. Also look for tough, anti-chew type materials and lay flat seams to avoid providing a surface that is easy to snag and destroy.

Are you on a budget?
Quality dog mats for crates are surprisingly affordable, and you shouldn’t avoid providing this comfort simply due to a budget constraint. Do a little research in advance to see what is affordable, and look over what options are available. You will probably be surprised at what you can find that works for your dog’s comfort and your bank account.

The following top picks are highly recommended by consumers due to price point, quality, and crate fit. These dog bed for crates reviews provides an overview of what each offer and the details you should consider.

You may be interested in: The Best Dog Beds for Large Breeds

Conclusion

Providing the best comfort possible for your dog, especially when in a crate, should be an important consideration for all but the most destructive of animals. These suggestions provide a wide range of designs and comforts for various uses and are made specifically to fit within standard sized crates. Although you should always measure carefully for fit, providing any of these choices is sure to make your hound happy.