Different sleep requirements of puppies and senior dogs
Dogs have very different requirements for their sleeping place depending on their stage of life. Puppies are true sleep masters and need up to 20 hours of rest per day. During this time, their bodies are working hard: their skeletons are growing and their nervous systems are processing the countless new stimuli of the day. A stable sleeping place also helps puppies develop a sense of their own bodies (proprioception). Senior dogs, on the other hand, often sleep more deeply and for longer because cellular regeneration is slower and chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis cause the body to tire more quickly. While puppies need support to develop, senior dogs need relief to maintain their mobility.
Source: Watters, J. V., et al. (2003). Sleep patterns in puppies and adult dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Why precise pressure relief is so important for puppies and senior dogs
Precise pressure relief is not a luxury, but active health care. In puppies, the growth plates of the bones are not yet closed and the skeleton is very soft. An unsuitable, too soft or worn-out bedding can lead to incorrect loading, which only becomes apparent years later as joint problems. For senior dogs, pressure relief ensures that inflammatory processes in the joints are not aggravated by hard pressure. What we often hear: Both puppies and senior dogs sleep much more peacefully in an orthopedic bed, as they need to change position less often to find a pain-free position.
We put our KUDDE dog bed through a rigorous test. Take a look at the results and thermal images in our pressure test comparison here.
Source: Fischer, M. S., & Lilje, K. E. (2011). Dogs in motion. VDH Service GmbH. (Scientific study on biomechanics and skeletal development).
Orthopedic dog beds: comfort and health combined
The KUDDE dog bed offers a solution that grows with your dog. The orthopedic foam core prevents your dog from "sinking" into the hard floor. The choice is yours:
- Cold foam: Offers high stability and makes it easier for seniors in particular to get up, as they do not "sink" into the bed.
- Memory foam (visco): Responds to body heat and is ideal for dogs with existing pain, as it molds itself like a second skin.
Used preventively, the KUDDE protects the joints of young dogs right from the start and offers older dogs a pain-free place to retreat to.
To ensure that the orthopedic effect is fully effective, the size of the bed must be suitable for your dog. Read here to find out how to determine the right size of dog bed.
Everyday tips for seniors and puppies
It's not just seniors who benefit from aids. While ramps make it easier for older dogs to get into the car, they also prevent puppies from jumping from high places, which can be harmful. Non-slip floors are important for both: puppies need support for their still uncoordinated movements, while seniors need security to prevent them from slipping as their muscle strength declines. Heat-providing items such as our VÄRME dog blanket also help the muscles to relax.
Source: Case, L. P. (2013). The Dog: Its Behavior, Nutrition, and Health. Wiley-Blackwell.
Hygiene and care: Tips for minor mishaps
A clean place to sleep is important, especially when everyday life gets hectic. Our faux leather covers can simply be wiped clean with a damp cloth, and additional fabric covers are washable at 40°C.
Important to know: Our beds are generally easy to care for, but are not specifically designed for permanent incontinence. For puppies that are not yet fully house-trained or for seniors with bladder weakness, we therefore recommend protecting the bed with an additional incontinence pad. This will keep the high-quality foam core dry and ensure that the bed remains a hygienic place of comfort for years to come.
You can find more helpful tips on caring for your KUDDE in our blog post on cleaning dog beds.
Conclusion
Whether in a period of rapid growth or well-deserved retirement, the quality of your dog's sleeping area has a significant impact on their quality of life. An orthopedic bed such as the KUDDE provides the necessary support and pressure relief to prevent or alleviate joint problems. Invest in your dog's sleep, and they will thank you with vitality and joie de vivre.
Frequently asked questions about healthy sleep for dogs
Why is an orthopedic bed beneficial for puppies?
Puppies have a very malleable skeleton. An orthopedic bed ensures even weight distribution and prevents selective overload of the sensitive growth zones of the bones. This promotes healthy physical development right from the start.
How do I deal with incontinence when it comes to my dog's bed?
Our covers are very grateful for minor mishaps and easy to clean. However, if you are aware of incontinence, you should use a special incontinence pad to protect the orthopedic core from moisture, as the bed itself is not liquid-proof.
Why do seniors sleep better in orthopedic beds?
The pressure relief minimizes pain points on the hips and elbows. Since the body is optimally supported, the dog does not have to constantly change position to avoid pain. The result is deeper and more restful sleep.
