dog beds -- advice

[ilovemydogandMrObama]

Darling dog is practically lame on one side and is going to need surgery. Thank goodness we are insured as it's going to be about £3500 .

Anyway, am looking for a bed, preferably that I can put in the washing machine.

He's a golden retriever, so will need a big bed.

I have a Zippy bed and it is fab. Very thick, soft padding, I have the fully washable version (can hose it down) which I find better as it is easy to hoover hairs from. I bought the zippy as it had rave reviews from a dog forum as being the most comfortable, chew proof bed and I am very pleased with it. It isn't cheap but I think it is good value.

I have a large show lab (about 45kg and lean - he is all legs) and he has the large version. My 10yr old ds (severe ASD) also loves the bed and curls up in it given half a chance

Not a cheap option but you could consider a Tuffie, totally waterproof, so never needs washing, but can be hosed down or pressured washed as need, you can get a nice soft cover for it too.

I originally baulked at the price, but it is the best dog bed I have ever owned and I have owned lots.

Your OP has put the fear of God into me as we have a Golden, have had him for 18m, and I've not got round to sorting out insurance for him. Sorry to go off topic but do you mind telling me who you insure with and how much it is per month? Also, how old is your Golden?

Sorry, have nothing to add re beds!

he's 9 years old and has Cranial Cruciate Ligament Failure (CCL). We are with Tesco Pet Insurance who have been brilliant. If you are insuring from a young age, check not just the limit, but whether the treatment will finish at the end of the limit. For instance, we are lucky in that our dog's condition just needs surgery, and then hopefully will rectify the problem as our policy has a monetary limit. But there are some conditions that are on going, so you will need a policy for a condition and not an amount.

Thank you tibni and wherethewildthingsare. Great suggestions.

Think I'll have to Google CCCF. Obviously I'm worrying about the hip and joint problems that Retrievers are prone to, been actually checking out loads of policies but never got round to putting one in place. Our boy is 6yrs so need to get it sorted.

Thanks for answering and hope all goes well for your dog's op.

CCL rather.

Our collie seems pretty happy on her vet bed. On their own they don't provide loads of bounce but could stack a couple. They're what the vets use, and can be bunged straight in the machine. (In fact, you need to do this a couple of times when you first get them, to get them sorted.)

reviews.ebay.co.uk/All-about-Vet-Bed-vetbed-pro-fleece-dry-bed_W0QQugidZ10000000004133079
More info here.
(Note: this is not me!)

our oldie sleeps on an orvis orthopaedic memory dog bed. they are very very expensive new (think about £200) but we found one at an outlet shopping place

a friend has the same one for her 14yr old lab who has considerable mobility problems. i was not convinced that any dog bed could be that good until we went on holiday and i slept on it as more comfy than the bed

i like the waterproof ones but they can be harder for dogs to get up from when they are frail

Dog beds? What are then? Our lab thinks the sofa is her bed

Weve tried most sorts and still not sure whats best but definitely wouldnt go for a cheap (as in £50) memory foam one ever again as it ended up no thicker than a crisp after a while.

As for insurance, we are over £11,000 down now, so I'd say yes yes yes get it! Oh and the dog is now nicknamed 'Maldives'.

£11000!!!

If our dog slept on the sofa there'd be no room for anyone else, he's huuuge.