Like many pet parents, I can say without a doubt that my dog is spoiled. She has a bed in my office, another in the bedroom, two in the living room, and another bed in the bathroom because she likes the humidity of the shower. And, of course, all those options are for when she’s not sharing my bed with me.
My goal in giving her all these beds was comfort. I never once thought about whether they were appropriate places to put a dog bed. So, after speaking with vets, I was shocked to find out that, apparently, I should have left the decision up to my pup instead.
Where to put your dog’s bed
Carly Fox, D.V.M., lives in “a multi-dog-bed household with only one dog,” but says that your dog will ultimately choose where they want to curl up.
“All dogs are different and have their own preferences regarding sleeping arrangements, just like people,” says the senior veterinarian at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York. Their preferred spot is often in an area where your pup feels safe but still included in the daily life of your family, she explains. “Ideally, the bed should be in a corner of the room where people hang out the most, like the living room or bedroom,” says Dr. Fox. “The dog should have easy access to get into and out of the bed and never feel cornered or trapped.”
You can also place a pet bed in your dog’s crate, if you use one. Just make sure to leave the door open, as this promotes both privacy and a predictable space to rest, suggests Fox.
“Over the years I’ve seen many owners buy beautiful, expensive dog beds, put them where they think the dog should sleep and then wonder why the dog ignores them completely,” says Karen Halligan, D.V.M., a veterinarian and veterinary surgeon at California’s Marina Veterinary Center. “Move that same bed a few feet into the dog’s favorite corner, next to the owner’s side of the bed or somewhere the dog naturally naps, and suddenly it’s the best bed in the world. Dogs vote with their paws. If your dog repeatedly sleeps next to the bed instead of in it, try moving the bed to where your dog is choosing to sleep.”
Steer clear of these spots
While you can try to cater to your dog’s preferences to some extent, when it comes to safety, you still need to maintain some restrictions. You should avoid placing a pet bed in high-traffic areas, such as at the foot of the stairs, or anywhere high where they could fall or have to jump off, as this can put unnecessary pressure on their joints and contribute to pain in some older dogs with existing joint issues.
“Avoid placing your dog’s bed in busy, noisy areas such as hallways, near front doors, or along frequently used walkways,” says Dr. Halligan. “These locations can keep dogs on constant alert because of foot traffic, noise, and repeated disturbances.”
Also take temperature into consideration. Drafty windows, vents, and heat sources including radiators, fireplaces, and intense direct sunlight can lead to poor-quality rest, says Dr. Fox.
And a final word for multi-pet households: If you have a cat at home who likes to steal your dog’s bed, and that causes either pet to become territorial about the space, be sure to place both beds out of reach for the other to keep the peace.
