Dog Beds, Cushions & Transport Carriers
- Frequently asked questions
- Which dog bed is suitable for large dogs?
- Which dog bed is right for my dog?
- How big should the dog bed be?
- How can I transport my dog safely in the car?
Which dog bed is suitable for large dogs?
A thickly padded dog bed that is at least 10cm wider and 3cm longer than the dog will suit large dogs. This gives the dog plenty of space to stretch out. Whether your dog prefers a large mat or a dog bed with a raised edge depends on your four-legged friend's personal preferences. Bear in mind that, for dog beds with raised edges, the above measurements should be adhered to so that the dog is not restricted when lying on its side.
Large, heavy dog breeds often suffer from joint problems. When buying a suitable dog bed or cushion, make sure it has sufficient padding as well as a low entry point. This will help protect your dog's joints from an early age.
Which dog bed is right for my dog?
The dog bed that suits your dog best depends on its individual sleeping habits. There are various dog beds to choose from:
- Dog bed with a raised edge
- Round dog bed
- Dog cushion
- Dog mat
- Orthopaedic dog bed
- Dog blanket
- Dog basket
- Cave-style dog basket, or alternatively: a kennel
Dogs that like to curl up and snuggle, or who are even a little anxious, tend to prefer a round dog bed or cushion, which gives them a sense of security. A rectangular dog bed, on the other hand, offers more length and therefore more space for dogs that sleep on their sides. A raised edge isn't essential for every bed, but some dogs like to rest their heads on it or snuggle into the corner for a greater sense of security.
Other dogs, however, prefer a simple mat that offers plenty of space to stretch out and doesn't retain too much heat. Particularly large dogs with a thick undercoat from cooler climates might prefer a mat to a fluffy dog bed.
A dog blanket can serve as a place to rest whilst out and about or as extra padding in the car; you'll also find boot and rear seat protectors for dogs in the sugar dog range.
Special attention should be paid to dog beds for puppies. Not only do they grow out of them quickly, but they also like to pick things up in their mouths. The material of the dog bed should be hard-wearing and durable. For puppies, dog beds made of synthetic leather and polyester, and hard plastic baskets with soft cushions, are recommended.
How big should the dog bed be?
The dog bed should be large enough for the dog to lie comfortably with its legs stretched out. Even if the dog likes to sleep curled up, it will need to stretch its joints at some point. If the dog bed is too small, dogs will end up lying next to it, as they cannot find a comfortable position in the long run. It is better to choose a dog bed that is too big rather than too small.
The dog's weight is also crucial to ensure the dog bed retains its cushioning properties and isn't too hard. For medium-sized dogs weighing around 20kg, the bed should be at least 10cm thick and for large dogs, at least 20cm.
At Kramer Equestrian, you can buy various dog beds and dog cushions in different sizes. You also have a wide choice of different types of dog bed, so you can find the right one for your four-legged friend.
How can I transport my dog safely in the car?
The safest way to transport your dog in the car is using a seatbelt tether and a safety harness, or in a dog transport carrier.
Some dogs love travelling by car, whilst others would rather walk the whole way. For all dogs, however, the risk of injury in the car remains the same: braking or sudden manoeuvres can cause the dog to be thrown dangerously from side to side and injure them. It is therefore essential to secure your dog properly and to slowly accustom them to travelling by car beforehand.
Although there is no legal requirement for dogs to wear a seatbelt tether, as dogs are legally classified as cargo, they must be adequately secured. Your dog must never be allowed on the front passenger seat or left unrestrained in the vehicle!
You can transport your dog in the back seat, the footwell or the boot of your car, but they must be adequately secured in any of these places. According to Rule 57 of the Highway Code, you must ensure that your dog is suitably restrained in a vehicle so that it cannot distract you while you are driving or injure itself or you if you stop quickly. Failing to restrain your dog can result in fines and penalties, and may also affect your insurance.
Smaller dogs can be secured on the back seat using a seatbelt tether and a car harness designed for this purpose. To protect the upholstery, you can buy a back seat cover from sugar dog.
But be careful: never secure your dog by its collar! Even standard dog harnesses are not ideal, as they could injure the dog. Instead, a dog seatbelt tether and a special car safety harness are best.
Another way to transport your dog in the car is to use a transport carrier. These come in various sizes, shapes and materials. Plastic transport carriers for dogs can be bought at a low price; however, these are less sturdy and durable than aluminium mesh carriers. The latter are suitable for medium to large dogs.
Bear in mind that transport carriers must also be wedged in place or secured with straps to prevent them from flying around dangerously inside the vehicle.
At Kramer Equestrian, alongside bedding and cushions, you'll also find accessories for transporting dogs in the car, such as (foldable) transport carriers, seat belts tether, and rear seat and boot protectors.