Best Dog Beds For Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus might have originally been bred as lap dogs for Chinese royalty, but today they spend most of their time lounging on their owner’s carpets and couches (and laps, of course). While your pup may seem perfectly content with his spot on the floor, the truth is that he really should have a bed of his own. The perfect bed gives your Shih Tzu the support he needs while also providing the space, comfort, and security he deserves. Here we’ve compiled a guide to finding the best bed possible for your furry friend.

Why a Dog Bed?

Even the sociable Shih Tzu needs a space to call his own. All dogs are territorial by nature, and Shih Tzus are no exception–a bed gives your pup his own tiny corner of the home, somewhere he can feel comfortable and secure. If your house is drafty a bed can keep him warm, and when the summer heats up, a bed can even cool him down. The right bed will maximize both body support and comfort, ensuring that your Shih Tzu is getting the quality sleep he needs. Well-rested pups tend to be more energetic and more well-behaved than their sleep-deprived pals, meaning that the right bed can significantly improve your pet’s life.

Best Dog Beds For Shih Tzu

Things to Consider

So what goes into picking the perfect bed for your four-legged friend? Shopping for your pooch isn’t much different than shopping for yourself–after all, dogs like to be comfortable just like us! Due to their small stature and adorably flat faces, shopping for a Shih Tzu requires some extra consideration. Like other toy breeds, Shih Tzus are susceptible to a range of orthopedic issues, including hip dysplasia and back pain. As a Brachycephalic, or “short-headed” breed, they can have trouble breathing due to their compressed head, face, and airways. When shopping for your Shih Tzu, it’s important to look for a bed that will alleviate joint pain and allow for proper breathing while your pup snoozes. After making sure that your Shih Tzu’s health is taken care of, it’s time to think about comfort, durability, and style.

Size

Size is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a bed. A bed that is too small will give your pup sore joints from a lack of support, sore muscles from being cramped, and definitely not enough quality sleep. The best way to avoid these problems is to measure your Shih Tzu from the tip of his nose to his tail, and then from shoulder to shoulder at the widest point to find the minimum length and width that his bed should be. Ideally, you should add 6-12 inches to those measurements so that he can stretch out.

Filling

The inside of your pup’s bed should be firm enough to cushion achy joints, but soft enough to be cozy! Fillings range from orthopedic memory to cotton and polyester–the options are seemingly endless. The best filling will hold up over time, without shifting, flattening, or shrinking. As filling deteriorates sleeping space becomes smaller and much less comfortable.

Fabric

Suede, shag, microsuede, shearling, fleece, nylon canvas…like fillings, the options are endless when it comes to the fabric for your Shih Tzu’s bed. Ideally, the fabric will be easy to wash and durable enough to withstand little teeth–some also resist mold, mildew, and water. The right fabric can even help out with temperature regulation, cooling down dogs with thicker fur and vice versa.

Cover

Removable bed covers make washing incredibly easy, which comes in handy when your furry friend has too much fun playing in the mud. Even if your pup is a neat freak, all dogs inevitably shed and salivate, which causes bacteria to build up. To keep your home clean and your Shih Tzu healthy, you’ll want to choose a bed that’s easy to take care of.

Style

Your Shih Tzu’s bed should suit his personality–is he shy and anxious, burrowing under blankets when he sleeps? Does he roll and kick, dreaming of the squirrels he chases in the backyard? Here are some of the best beds on the market, in all different styles to suit all different pups.

Walled

Long Rich Reversible Pet Bed – Dog Bed with Dog Paw Embroidery, Medium size, by Happycare Textiles

Walled beds with raised sides, or “bolsters,” let anxious Shih Tzu’s feel extra safe and secure, while also providing head support that can help open constricted airways while pups lounge and snooze. This bed by Happycare Textiles is offered in Coffee, Blue, Brown, Grey, and Turquoise, and is built to accommodate an orthopedic insert. It features a reversible cover with one side made of faux suede to cool pups down and another made of knitted corduroy for cold winter months; even with two different materials the whole bed is machine washable. The bed’s rectangular shape makes it a perfect, cozy space for the corner of a room, and because it’s lightweight, it can be moved with ease. The best part? At under $20, it’s one of the most options out there!

Pros

Reversible sides with cozy knitted corduroy for the cold and cooling suede for warmer weather
Can accommodate an orthopedic insert if necessary
Easy to clean–the whole thing can be machine washed!
Raised sides for head and breathing support
More affordable than most beds on the market

Cons

Some reviews report loose seams that lead to rips
Easy to move, but might slide on hardwood or tile floors

Orthopedic

PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed

Pros

Four-inch memory foam base to alleviate joint discomfort
Bolsters included for added head and breathing support
Water- and tear-resistant, removable and machine-washable cover (with replacements available for purchase)
Cover fabric certified as “Skin Contact Safe” according to European REACH safety standards

Cons

More expensive ($100+)
Some reviews report zipper-snagging and breakage when used
Urine may soak through cover and into foam, not waterproof
Can be difficult to reassemble if foam is removed for washing

Elevated

K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot Elevated Pet Bed

Elevated beds serve a variety of purposes–they can cool your pup down during hot summer months, suit those that don’t enjoy sleeping on the floor, and are convenient both indoors and out. This option from K&H Pet Products is designed with a breathable mesh center that allows air to circulate and that is easy to wipe clean (it’s also waterproof as well as bacteria, mold, and mildew resistant). Both easy to assemble and take apart, this bed comes in three sizes and features bolsters for additional head and breathing support. A major bonus–the frame is sturdy enough to hold over 150 pounds so you can be assured that it’ll hold up for your Shih Tzu. Planning on traveling with your pup? This bed can be easily disassembled to store in the car and then easily set back up so your buddy can join you around the campfire.

Pros

Cools pups down and offers joint-relief by lifting them off the hard floor
Bolsters for head support and better breathing
Sturdy frame that’s easy assembly and easy to clean
Breathable mesh center that repels moisture, mold, mildew, bacteria, and odors

Cons

Center may begin to sink and stretch over time
Lacks additional cushioning (but blankets and pillows can be put on top)

Tent

Best Pet Supplies Coral Fleece Tent for Pets

For Shih Tzus who like to dig and burrow, or just a little extra privacy, a tent-style bed can be an excellent option. This soft, durable model by Best Pet Supplies comes in Brown Linen, Corduroy Beige, Gray Lattice, Linen Beige, Dark Brown, Tan, and Plaid Linen color options and is made with a polyfoam lining. Timeless and stylish, this subtle hideaway blends right in with any decor. With dimensions of 19”x19”x19”, this bed can give your pup a little extra security if he’s the anxious type, and is also easy to travel with. It’s machine washable and can be used as a soft crate in the back of your car, so your furry friend can travel comfy AND in style.

Pros

Machine washable and designed not to lose shape
Anti-skid base to keep everything in place on hardwood floors
Easy assembly and easy to travel with
Cozy and secure, perfect for extra privacy and comfort

Cons

Pup may be unable to stretch out–depending on what size you get, there might not be too much wiggle room
Shape may change over time or after washing, depending on your machine
According to some reviews, base may be thinner than expected–a larger size may be needed to accommodate extra padding

Heated

K&H Pet Products Thermo Snuggly Sleeper Dog Bed

Warming beds are perfect for Shih Tzus that get cold at night–chilly nights can lead to achy bones, for pups of any age. The energy efficient heater included in the K&H Thermo Snuggly Sleeper Dog Bed is designed for 24/7 operation and has been rigorously tested to surpass US and Canadian electrical safety standards. With a 5-inch tall bolster and plush heated pillow, Shih Tzus get extra head and neck support plus the added security of bolsters. Available in two sizes and featuring a removable cushion, this bed is convenient, easy to clean, and guaranteed to keep your pet comfortable at any temperature. Skeptical about a bed that needs to be plugged in? This product comes with a limited warranty so you and your pup can test it out before committing.

Pros

Safe heating provides warmth and comfort
Medium is the perfect size for most Shih Tzus (26”x20”x5”)
Removable cushion and heater for easy cleaning–the cover and pillow can be thrown in the washing machine and line-dried
Bolsters offer extra head and breathing support, PLUS extra sense of security

Cons

Needs to be plugged in, so the bed will need to be near an outlet
Reviewers report thin padding and variable heat results
No anti-skid bottom, so the bed might slide on hardwood or tile floors

Picking the right bed for your Shih Tzu is just as important as choosing the right food, or taking your pup to a skilled vet–the right bed will provide extra support for a Shih Tzu’s joints and ensure that he is breathing properly while he sleeps. Depending on your pet’s size, age, and preferences, specialty beds can provide extra orthopedic support and temperature regulation. By choosing the right bed you are promoting good health and giving your Shih Tzu his own space for sweet dreams!

Why a Dog Bed?

Things to Consider

Size

Filling

Fabric

Cover

Style

Walled

Pros

Cons

Orthopedic

See Also:

Pros

Cons

Elevated

Pros

Cons

Tent

Pros

Cons

Heated

Pros

Cons

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