Shih Tzu Bed; What are my Options?

Bringing home a Shih Tzu as a new member of the family is an exciting time for a family. Making sure your Shih Tzu has a warm welcome and a safe place to sleep is worth putting some thought into. Read on for what to look for in a Shih Tzu bed.

Introduction – Shih Tzu Bed Options

Shih Tzus make a great pet, with a personality that lets them get along with children and other pets. After playing fetch, having walkies and enjoying lots of pats, Shih Tzus like to spend their time catching some zzzzz’s. Even without a full workout at the dog park, Shih Tzus like to sleep. A lot.

Shih Tzus are a breed of dog that may suffer from allergies, respiratory problems and loud snoring due to its short snout. They are a pack animal and like to sleep with company, either you or another dog. To keep them off your bed at sleep time, it’s worth getting your Shih Tzu the right bed, to help you both get a good night’s rest.  

Things to look for in a Shih Tzu bed:

·        Easy to clean

·        Raised sides so your Shih Tzu can position their head for sleeping and assist with breathing

·        Non-slip bottom for getting in and out easily

·        Low rise entry so a short dog can get in and out easily

·        Orthopedic foam to protect your older Shih Tzu’s joints and bones

Things to avoid:

·        Beds that are too high off the ground

·        Beds that can’t be washed

What do Shih Tzus like to sleep on?

Given a choice, your Shih Tzu would happily sleep on human beds. If that doesn’t fly with you or your partner, another option is to get your Shih Tzu their own bed.

The type of bedding your Shih Tzu needs depends on age. One factor that stands the test of time is security. Shih Tzus love the sense of security a dedicated sleeping space provides. Shih Tzus are also prone to allergies, so bedding that’s easy to clean is important. Shih Tzus have relatively short legs, so low bedding is important for easy access. The right dimensions of the bed is important, so the Shih Tzu is not too scrunched up in the bed. Finally, side supports help the Shih Tzu with neck support, so they can get in a good position and not snore.

Shih Tzus also need bedding to protect them from the cold floor, cushion their bones and joints as they age and have a non-slip base, so they can get in easily. Shih Tzus may also like to “burrow” into the bedding, to snuggle down, creating their own little puppy fort.

The Shih Tzu bed should ideally be waterproof, washable and withstand being used as a rusk for teething puppies.

Shih Tzus come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but their hearts are just the same.. full of love.”

SERENE SHIH TZU

Options for a Shih Tzu Bed

JoeJoy Rectangle Dog Bed

Pros:

·        Comes in different sizes

·        Can be machine washed

·        Low-rise entry for getting in and out easily

·        Raised sides to help with head positioning and breathing when asleep

·        Non-slip bottom for getting in and out easily

·        Orthopaedic, to cushion your shih tzu’s joints and bones

Con:

·        Doesn’t have a cover, so the whole bed needs to be washed and dried if you put it in the machine (can be hand washed)

·        Soft fabric, so may not hold up to be chewed during that puppy phase

Petabby Orthopedic Dog Bed

Pros:

·        Comes in different sizes

·        Bolster for small to medium dogs

·        Raised sides to assist with head positioning and breathing

·        Waterproof

·        Machine washable cover

·        Slip-resistant bottom for getting in and out

·        Orthopedic memory foam bed to protect aging joints and bones

Cons:

·        Pricey

·        Cloth cover may not stand up to teething Shih Tzus

 

HappyCare Textiles Rectangle Pet Bed

Pros:

·        Reversible fabric, one side is cooler in summer and the other is warmer in winter

·        Machine washable

·        Raised sides to help with head positioning and breathing

·        Low-rise entry to help with short dogs getting in and out

Cons:

·        One size

·        Does not have a non-slip bottom, making it tricky to get in and out

·        Cushioned filling may compact with use, making it less comfortable over time

Long Rich Rectangle Pet Bed

Pros:

·        Side bolster to help with head positioning and breathing

·        Low rise entry to help short dogs getting in and out

·        Easy to clean

Cons:

·        One size

·        Filling may compact over time, making it less comfortable

·        Does not have a non-slip bottom, making it harder to get in and out

Do Shih Tzu puppies need blankets?

While a blanket may not be essential, Shih Tzu puppies like to snuggle into their bedding and a blanket can help them do this. A Shih Tzu owner needs to ensure their dog has a comfortable, warm bed so that their puppy can get the rest they need.

Do Shih Tzus sleep a lot?

The Shih Tzu breed like to sleep more than other dogs. A Shih Tzu puppy may sleep up to 22 hours a day. An active Shih Tzu adult dog may sleep up to 14 hours a day. An inactive Shih Tzu may sleep less than that.

Shih Tzus tend to sleep through the night and have a number of naps during the day.

What is the best dog Bed for a Shih Tzu?

So which bed is best for a little Shih Tzu? Well, the JoeJoy dog bed ticks a lot of boxes. It’s a comfy, durable design, looks good, is machine washable, at a reasonable price and will suit the décor of many lounge rooms.  JOEJOY Rectangle Dog Bed for Large Medium Small Dogs Machine...

Summary – Shih Tzu Bed Options

Shih Tzus can be a great addition to the family. Giving your Shih Tzu a comfy place to sleep can help your Shih Tzu settle in and help them feel safe and secure in their new home.

Choosing the right Shih Tzu bed can help prevent many health problems such as issues with joints, allergies and breathing.

Raised dog beds can help limit respiratory problems and loud snoring caused by the breed’s short snout. They are pack animals and like to sleep with company, which can be you or another dog. To keep them off your bed at sleep time, it’s worth ensuring your Shih Tzu’s bed is appropriate and comfy, to help you both get a good night’s sleep. If you want further advice regarding your individual dog’s needs, it’s best to consult your vet.

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