Every pet owner always wants their dog to have the best life ever. And while we know our dogs would love to have an infinite supply of dog beds, is that really what’s best for them? Is one dog bed enough? And, is there added value from having an additional option?
In this article, we’re going to dig deep into this question and get you a definitive answer. We’re going to look at both sides of the question, as well as things you should look at to get to the bottom of things.
The Bottom Line Up Front
There is no definitive answer that works across the board to the question of how many dog beds your dog should have. Why? It’s because it depends on a lot of factors like the size of your house, your budget, your dog’s behavior, and several other things.
The one definitive thing we can say is that your dog should have AT LEAST one dog bed. Dogs need an area they can call their own. They need a comfortable place that they can relax, feel safe, and that’s easy on their joints.
That being said, there are a lot of instances where having multiple dog beds may be a good idea. Let’s look at a few of the factors that weigh on this decision.
The Number of Rooms You Both Spend Time In
If your dog is the kind that likes to follow you around the house and you spend time in multiple rooms, there may be some merit to getting more than one dog bed. For example, if you spend a lot of time every day in your living room as well as your home office (and your dog likes to hang out with you), it might be a good idea to get a dog bed for each area. That way, your pup can be comfortable with you no matter which room you’re in.
Inside vs. Outside
Does your dog spend a lot of time inside and outside? If so, you may want to consider giving them a place to relax in both areas. Now, when we say outside, we’re more talking about somewhere like a patio or covered area where the bed would be protected from the elements. Many of the best dog beds can be easily cleaned. But there’s no reason to let a nice bed get completely soaked and start to smell completely out in the elements.
Your Dogs Health
A big question you need to look at is the health of your dog—specifically their joints. If your dog is older or suffers from some joint issues, you’ll want them to be as comfortable and supported as possible at all times. The more dog bed options you can give them around the house, the better. That way they can enjoy spending time with you while still taking care of their body.
Budget
Dogs can be expensive. You have to get them food, toys, medicine, and yes—dog beds. If budget is tight, one bed is going to be okay. This is especially true if purchasing a second bed might have an impact on your ability to fulfill the other financial obligations for your dog.
But if it is in your budget to afford more than one dog bed, it could be a good idea based on the other criteria outlined on this page.
So, How Many Dog Beds is Ideal?
If you still aren’t sure, here’s what we recommend. We recommend getting your dog two dog beds. If they are inside and outside a lot, get one for each area. If they spend most of their time inside, put one where they sleep at night and the other in a spot where they like to hang out and relax.
And, if you need some help picking out another option, we highly recommend you check out our dog beds buying guide now. It includes some incredible suggestions to help you in your search.