For centuries, dogs have been the beloved companions of humans. As times have changed, so have the sleeping arrangements for our furry friends. Dog beds now come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. One of the most popular types is the human-sized dog bed, which offers many advantages both to pet owners as well as their animals. Let’s take a look at the history of dog beds, the potential benefits of opting for a human-sized one, and which materials and accessories may make your pup feel most at home.

Variety of Styles and Sizes

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Dog beds come in an array of shapes, sizes, and materials and are designed to not only be comfortable for your animal but also look good in your home. Among the most popular choices are human-sized beds that can accommodate both large breeds and small breeds alike. Although these beds may look like oversized pillows for humans, dogs love them because they provide ample space to spread out and enjoy some quality snooze time.

Advantages of Human-Sized Dog Beds

Comfort

The primary benefit of investing in a human-sized bed is comfort. Your pup will be able to stretch out, roll around, nestle into crevices, or curl up in a ball — whatever suits their sleeping style best. The extra room allows your animal to create their own little den where it can relax while feeling secure and contented. Furthermore, if you live in a small space or apartment with limited room options, these beds are ideal since they are available in smaller sizes as well as larger ones.

Support

A well-crafted human-sized bed provides your pup with significant support since it is specifically designed to contour to the shape of their body — similar to mattresses made for humans. Most of these beds feature orthopedic foam, which can help prevent joint pain related to aging or arthritis due to its cushioning properties that do not flatten over time like traditional stuffing often does.

Cleanliness

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An important factor that pet owners have to consider when purchasing any type of bedding is cleanliness — both odors and hygienic conditions must be taken into account, along with comfort and support levels. Human-sized dog beds typically feature removable covers with zippers for spot cleaning or machine washing that can help you keep your four-legged family member's lair fresh smelling and free from allergens that accumulate over time in traditional stuffing-filled models.

Dog Bed Materials

A number of different materials are used to construct human-sized dog beds, depending on the desired level of comfort and budget considerations. The three most common are memory foam, orthopedic foam, and cotton/polyester blend covers:

Memory Foam

This type of foam conforms to the shape of your dog’s body for optimal support without depressing over time like regular stuffing does when weight is applied over long periods of time; plus, it retains heat better than other types of material, which can provide extra warmth on cold winter nights

Orthopedic Foam

This material can also offer superior cushioning while supporting your pup’s joints -- plus it is antimicrobial, which means it helps prevent mold buildup due to moisture that may accumulate from drool or urine

Cotton/Polyester Blends

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The majority of these types of beds feature removable covers made from woven cotton/polyester blends that are machine washable, making them easy to maintain.

Ways To Accessorize for Extra Coziness

Wanting your pup’s bedding area to look great doesn't mean you have to sacrifice comfort - there are plenty of ways you can add accessories for extra coziness, like bolsters, blankets, and pillows:

Blankets

Whether you make your own patchwork blanket with your favorite t-shirts or purchase one from a pet specialty store, throwing an old quilt or blanket over your pup’s bed makes them feel more secure while creating a cozy home away from home

Pillows

These days, you can buy cute little pillows shaped like bones or donuts that match your chosen bedding theme, perfect for lounging as well as headrests during napping sessions

Bolsters

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Bolsters provide added edge support, so if you purchase a human-sized foam model, make sure it comes with edge bolsters already built in, or purchase bolsters separately that fit inside the cover casing