Which type of bed is best for an elderly labrador?

[Wallace]

My 11 year old lab has always had a bog-standard plastic dog bed with a blanket to lie on.

For her birthday I bought her a cushion bed. She doesn't look vey comfy. I thnk she maybe liked to be all curled up.

Is it better for her to have a bit more room and be able to change postion more. Or should I put the cushion bed in her plastic bed so she can get herself all curled in?

Thanks - she is my PFB

[bella21]

Different dogs like to sleep in different positions, ime. Some like to sprawl, some like to curl up.

I've recently got into Kudos beds (recommended by another MNetter) and they are really good. Very durable, can just be hosed down if needed and in all shapes/sizes/types of filling. They have orthopaedic ones for elederly dogs too.

British Dog sell them online and give you 10% off your next order too.

Worth a look.

[bella21]

Sorry - too many rose wines! Yes, I'd try the cushion in her plastic bed first. Some dogs like having sides around them.

Sorry for blethering on

[Wallace]

Thanks. We go away for the weekend today, but will see how she is whne we get back.

I should have asked for advice here before I bought her a cheap cushion bed from ebay....

[bella21]

Cheap cushion beds can be fine - just depends on the dog

[beautifulgirls]

One thought - if she is a bit stiff she may find it harder to get up from a softer cushion as it moves underneath her. If she is still not happy with it in the plastic bed then it may be that it just doesn't suit her. If so it is a shame as you have obviously given it to her to help keep her comfortable but she will not see it that way. Maybe you could just pad out under her old blanket a bit more with an old duvet or something so that she can still get out easily but is padded out for lying down.

[MitchyInge]

orthopaedic beds are probably best, although I know an elderly lab x collie who loves a saggy beanbag (a dog one) and finds it easier to manoeuvre herself on and off that than any other bed

[MitchyInge]

is that how you spell manoeuvre? worries

[Wallace]

Thanks. I fshe doesn't get on with it in the bed, I might shell out for a different one