It's said that to truly understand someone you need to walk around in their shoes for a day. Well, if you could sleep in your dog's bed for a night, which might be quite an eye opener too! "But I wouldn't fit in there!" you cry. Well, does your dog really fit into his or her bed comfortably? If your dog is one of the larger breeds, like a Great Dane or Rottweiler, the chances are that hey may be squeezing themselves into a sleeping position that is not good for them. That is because there are not that many extra large dog beds on the market.

Why is the size of the dog bed so important?

Very big dogs are more prone to joint problems, particularly in their spines and hips. That is a sad fact of the extra length of the limb and the extra weight that they have to carry. That is why it is very important that you get your dog the right size of bed, so it can relax properly yet have all its joints and muscles supported. It is also necessary to get a bed that has extra strong padding, which will not sag under the extra weight of the dog. In addition, large dogs have stronger bites and they are tougher on their beds, chewing them and pummeling the sides, so you need something that is stronger than the average dog bed. Extra large dog beds give your dog all these benefits.

Types available

Extra large dog beds can be found in any shape in which a regular dog bed can be bought. In order to decide which type would be best for your dog you need to look at how your dog lies in sleep or at rest. You can find beds expansive enough for even very large dogs to stretch out in, if that is what they like to do. In this case, a rectangular dog bed would be best. This will allow the dog to stretch out fully and yet still have full body support. This is particularly important if your dog has hip or back issues. Also, one of these rectangular extra large dog beds can be good to accommodate two or three dogs who like to snuggle up together, and can be great for a nursing mother and her pups.

However, if your dog prefers to sleep curled up, legs tucked in, a donut shape would be the best type to buy. This will support your dog's spine well as a dog that sleeps curled up needs increased back support, especially if it is a large dog. The built up sides of the donut bed will prevent your curled up dog from rolling off the bed and potentially hurting themselves.

Added extras

Extra large dog beds can also be bought with memory foam functions. A memory foam dog bed can be particularly good for elderly dogs and those with joint and muscular problems. The heat helps to loosen the joints and prevent the stiffness that they may get from lying down for a period of time. Extra padding is a requirement in the dog bed and helpful for reducing inflammation, such as that caused by hip dysplasia.

So, extra large dog beds can be found with all the features of any size of dog bed, but they are the best way to ensure the health and sound sleeping of your large dog.