Do calming dog beds really work, and can they relieve anxiety in dogs? This is one of the several questions dog owners have about dog beds and their four-legged friends. According to a study conducted by Frontiers in Veterinary Science, separation anxiety affects 14 to 20 percent of the pet dog population. This explains the need to find the best methods of treating this disorder.
A man’s best friend like humans also experiences emotional stress. Calming a distressed dog is difficult. Calming measures need patience, medication, and training. And many owners have taken a step further. They are using calming dog beds, but is it worth investing in?
In this article, you will learn how the calming dog beds can be used to relax and eliminate anxiety in your furry friend through the FAQs.
Do calming dog beds really work? To answer this question appropriately, let’s find out what are calming dog beds are and how they function.
Calming Dog Bed: what is it?
A relaxing dog bed is a special bed purposely designed to reduce anxiety in a dog. It works best when combined with other calming measures including training, calming supplements, or medications. The calming dog beds provide relief to a stressed dog by providing it with a sense of security and warmth.
If your dog has nervousness, it will exhibit the following behavior,
- Too much Panting
- Excessive jumping
- Shivering
- Whining
- burrowing
Many dog owners have used an anxiety bed for a long time. To meet the needs of different pets and preferences of parents, these special beds are available in different colors, shapes, styles, and materials.
In addition, these calming pet beds have unique features which include:
- Self-heating properties
- Orthopedic
- Bolstered edges
- hiding/burrowing places
- padding
What do experts say?
According to Dr. J. Frione, a vet in Florida, “a calming bed assists nervous pets with mild separation anxiety. However, it is not a magical drug for treating anxiety in our furry friend. The bed is effective if combined with medication and/or behavioral change training. Fixing anxiety is not simple. It is a complex process which needs patience, time, and consistency.”
Calming Beds Works This Way
While being comfortable, a calming pet bed for dogs provides security and warmth. Some are orthopedic and help to ease painful joints and arthritis in old dogs. Several types of soothing dog beds are available, each with a special function.
An anxiety dog bed has raised edges and provides a cozy experience akin to burrowing. This makes your dog feel protected, loved, and helps to calm raw nerves. Besides, the raised edges in a calming pet bed help to support the spine and neck during sleep, thus reducing aching joints and muscle pains.
What Are The Different Types Of Calming Bed?
Calming dog beds are available in five different types and be sure to find one that will soothe your pet. Here are the different types.
1. Bolster Pet Bed
Bolster beds have raised edges on three sides just to make your dog feel safe while curled inside. The raised edges provide a position for a nervous dog to lean on and rest its head. This type of puppy bed is suitable for larger dogs.
2. Hollow Type Puppy Beds
This type of puppy bed provides a pocket for an anxious dog to burrow into. While the hollow type puppy bed is suitable for small dogs, it also helps to soothe larger canine suffering from anxiety.
Also known as cave style dog bed, it is available in different varieties. Some have a cover, others similar are to sleeping bags, and the fancy type resembles a tent.
3. Circular Style Dog Bed
It comprises a raised circular edge to provide a headrest all round for the canine. Small dogs love this type of soothing dog bed designed with a cozy material. The circular material envelopes a puppy, creating a feeling similar to a small dog snuggled against a mom and siblings.
4. Self Warming Dog Beds
We all know how warmth helps to cool anxiety, and this also happens to the man’s best friend. A self-warming bed inevitably helps a dog to relax and have a peaceful sleep. This type of bed is suitable for a dog that gets stressed with cold temperatures.
5. Special Bed For Old Dogs
Old dogs suffer from arthritis or muscle issues, so a bed that helps relieve the pains and get them to relax is essential. This special bed comprises orthopedic dog beds designed to ease aching joints while providing a comfortable bed to sleep in.
Selecting A Calming Dog Bed
When choosing a calming bed for a pet there are few things you have to look to consider. Here is a checklist to assist you when shopping for a soothing dog bed.
1. Avoid Foul Smell
A strong smell, particularly from a dog, can be repulsive. So when shopping, look for antibacterial faux fur materials that help to resist the smell. Besides, a puppy will love the faux fur as it is like a mother’s fuzzy coat which helps to calm a nervous dog.
2. Choose Pet Beds That Are Easy To Clean
Hygiene is important, and Vets recommend calming dog beds that have machine washable cuddly fabric on the inside. However, if the inner part can’t be washed by a machine, it’s best to add a blanket.
3. Choose A Suitable Size
Size is essential therefore settle for the size that will be enough for your dog to curdle in but should not be too large. A larger cover will lose its cuddling effect. In case you are buying the orthopedic type, it should be large enough for the dog to stretch in comfortably without hanging over the edges.
4. Senior Dogs: Choose Waterproof Lining
Older dogs often wet their beds accidentally therefore buy a bed with a waterproof lining. Also, it should be easy to clean and dry. The primary focus is to provide your senior dog with a dry and comfortable place to sleep in.
5. The Calming Bed Should Not Be Slippery
Do not add more stress to the dog by getting a slippery cover so select a bed with a good grip.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the first signs of stress in a dog?
Like human beings, dogs also undergo strain or pressure on some occasions in their lives. The following are the first signs of stress.
- Shaking
- Whining or barking
- Growling
- Pacing
- The dog might widen the eyes showing more sclera
- Pinned back ears
- Showing of the gums
2. Are calming dog beds hot?
Yes. Most calming dog beds are made with soft material that traps the dog’s body heat to keep the furry warm.
3. What really works to calm dogs?
Calming dog beds’ material and design are made to calm the dog. For instance, the bed features super-soft faux-fur and raised bolstered edges. These features make the pup feel enclosed and protected.
Other proven ways to calm dogs are exercise, physical contact, music therapy, and literally avoiding triggers. Some dog owners also use natural supplements and medication.
4. What do vets recommend for calming dogs?
The best way to calm the furry friend is to avoid the triggers that cause anxiety in dogs, regular exercise and have good nutrition, and offer the dogs a suitable environment such as calming dog beds. However, if the anxiety worsens, vets recommend medication or offer natural therapies. Common medications recommended are SSRIs and antidepressants such as fluoxetine and clomipramine.
5. What is the best for dog anxiety?
The choice of what you will offer for your anxious dog depends on the level of anxiety. If they begin showing anxiety signs provide music therapy, physical contact or massage, calming coats, and an excellent calming bed. For severe anxiety disorder, medication and natural treatment are required. You may consider giving them L-theanine, thiamine, Benadryl, and trazodone.
6. Does Benadryl help dogs with anxiety?
Yes. Benadryl, also called diphenhydramine, is primarily meant to treat travel anxiety, allergies, and motion sickness. Its common side effect is drowsiness which is beneficial to dogs in calming their anxiety.
7. Can calming treats make dogs sick?
Calming treats given in the right quantities is helpful for dogs. However, the treats might have side effects such as drowsiness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Sickness has been reported in a few cases. This sickness might be caused by overfeeding, poor quality treats, and offering the treats to sensitive dogs or those having allergies.
8. What is a natural sedative for a dog?
This is a supplement made from flower extracts and herb extracts used for soothing anxious dogs. Examples of natural sedatives are chamomile and lavender.
9. Do dogs like memory foam beds?
Yes. Unlike other bed types, memory foam beds can mold around the dog, conforming to its body and returning to its original shape when the dog leaves. These conformations offer great support, excellent temperature regulation, alleviation of aches and pains, as well as providing premium comfort.
10. Can calming beds be washed?
Yes. You can use slightly warm water and mild soap to wash the bed. You can also vacuum the cushion. Check the bed manufacturer washing instructions as some may have different instructions. Washing and vacuuming are crucial for calming dog beds in getting rid of dirt, dust, odors, and flea eggs.
11. Why do dogs like calming beds?
The trick behind this calming dog bed can be traced back to the early age of puppies. The first feeling of safety is felt when these pups snuggled up next to each other with their mummy. It is said that the features of a calming dog bed are designed to offer this comfort and a feeling of protection. For this reason, dogs always find =s their best moments on the calming beds.
12. How can I get my dog to relax to sleep?
Sometimes anxiety in a dog can disturb the dog owner too. To relax your furry friend to sleep, ensure you create a calm environment which includes finding a quiet and dark place. Daytime exercise, stuffed toys, and soothing noises are also crucial. Above all, get the dog an excellent calming dog bed. Then gently stroke the sides of the face and body, massage their ears, and gently rub their chest.
13. What are anti-anxiety dog beds?
Anti–anxiety dog beds are specially designed to offer comfort and a sense of security while alleviating stress in dogs.
Final Thought: Is It Really Necessary?
Besides all the above sayings, an important question arises – does a dog need the calming bed?According to dog experts, it is evident that calming dog beds are crucial for the dogs’ relaxation. Dr. Jennifer Frione, Lakeside Animal Hospital, noted, “A calming bed would be useful for pets with very mild separation anxiety that show minimal signs intermittently”.
If your canine friend suffers from anxiety for whatever reason, an anxiety dog bed will greatly help. However, it will be best to incorporate other means with the calming dog bed for the best results.
With appropriate calming dog beds, and in combination with other calming measures, your puppy should have a relaxed life.
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