What mistakes should you avoid when choosing the size of a dog bed?
What mistakes should you avoid when choosing dog bed dimensions?
Choosing the right bed size for your dog affects comfort, joint health, and behavior. Here you will find the five most common mistakes to avoid, practical instructions for measuring your dog in centimeters, how to adapt your choice to its sleeping style, and a quick checklist to review before buying online.
How to measure your dog correctly before choosing a size
The most useful reference measurement is body length, measured from the muzzle to the base of the tail. Measure the dog in the position in which it sleeps most often: this ensures maximum accuracy. Many guides recommend taking the measurement with the dog standing or lying down as it normally does, then adding extra space for comfort. For further details on the measuring method, see the instructions from Wayfair Canada and PawBench.
Quick measuring procedure (tools and steps)
- Tools: soft measuring tape, someone to help if the dog is restless, paper and pen for taking notes.
- Position: observe where the dog sleeps most often (curled up, stretched out, on its side) and measure it in that position.
- Reference point: measure from the muzzle to the base of the tail for the total usable length; if the dog curls up, measure the diameter of its sleeping position.
- Write down the length in centimeters and add the recommended extra space (see the section on extra space).
Authoritative sources emphasize that body length is more useful than the breed name alone when choosing a bed size, because sleeping style and individual build vary considerably. For more details, see SizeMyPet.
Five common mistakes to avoid before buying
Below are the five mistakes that lead to the worst choices, with practical explanations of how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: buying a bed that is too small
This is the most frequent mistake. A bed that is too small prevents the dog from stretching out comfortably and may force it into awkward positions. Industry guides recommend that the dog be able to lie on its side with its legs extended without any part of its body extending beyond the edge; for this reason, it is best to avoid overly snug sizes. See a practical comparison on Mattress Miracle.
Mistake 2: using only the breed name
Many owners order based on breed, but two dogs of the same breed can have different builds. Rely on your dog's actual body measurements and sleeping style, not just the breed name (SizeMyPet).
Mistake 3: ignoring sleeping style
Dogs that curl up take up less space than those that stretch out. Consider whether your dog likes to curl up, rest its head on the edge, or stretch out completely. Measure your dog in its predominant sleeping position and add extra space to allow movement during sleep (PawBench).
Mistake 4: failing to calculate the extra space needed for different types of beds
The amount of additional space needed depends on the type of bed. In general, guides recommend adding 4 to 12 inches, or approximately 10–30 centimeters, to the dog's length. Flat beds require less extra room; beds with raised edges and dogs that stretch out require more. Useful sources: Best Pet Stuff and Wayfair Canada.
Mistake 5: ignoring the usable surface of a bed with a raised edge or cushion
Many products list the overall external dimensions, but the actual usable surface—the flat space where the dog can truly lie down—may be much smaller because of bolsters, seams, or padding. Always check the internal dimensions or the size of the flat area when choosing a bed with a raised edge (Best Pet Stuff, SizeMyPet).
If your dog is between two sizes, which one should you choose?
When a dog falls between two sizes, the practical rule is to choose the larger size if the bed will be used frequently or if the dog tends to stretch out. Also consider age and mobility: older dogs or dogs with joint problems benefit from wider beds with more support. If you are unsure, choose a model with a removable cushion or washable cover, so you can adjust the space with blankets without reducing the usable surface area (PawBench).
Quick checks to make before buying online
Before finalizing your purchase, check these essential points:
- Actual dimensions: confirm the product’s external length and usable interior surface.
- Return policy: check the return period and conditions. Glabora offers a 30-day return policy, useful for testing the size at home (Glabora).
- Shipping and costs: check delivery times, tracking, and any fees. Glabora states that it offers free shipping on all orders and tracking through 17TRACK (Glabora).
- Customer support: make sure the seller provides prompt contact options in case of questions or returns. Glabora promotes dedicated support before and after purchase (Glabora).
- Material and care: choose a removable, washable cover if your dog often soils the bed.
These checks reduce the risk of receiving an unsuitable product and simplify the return process if necessary.
Reference table and simple cm/inch conversion method
Here is a reference table based on industry recommendations that use the dog’s stretched-out length as a reference. Use the indicated conversion method to convert from inches to centimeters when necessary.
| Body length (stretched out) | Recommended bed size (usable area) | Suggested additional margin |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 40 cm | Small | +10 cm |
| 40–60 cm | Medium | +10–20 cm |
| 60–80 cm | Large | +15–25 cm |
| Over 80 cm | Extra large | +20–30 cm |
This table summarizes recommended margins: many guides suggest adding 4 to 12 inches to the dog’s stretched-out length, or approximately 10–30 centimeters, depending on sleeping style and bed type (Best Pet Stuff, Wayfair Canada, Mattress Miracle).
Conversion method: 1 inch = 2.54 cm. To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the inches by 2.54. Example: 8 inches × 2.54 = 20.32 cm.
Quick FAQ
How do I measure my dog if it frequently changes position while sleeping?
Measure your dog in the position it occupies most frequently. If there is no dominant position, measure its length while lying stretched out and add an average allowance of 10–20 cm. This ensures sufficient space for changing positions (PawBench).
If my dog is between two sizes, should I always choose the larger size?
Not always, but the larger size is often preferable, especially for dogs that stretch out or older animals that need room to move. The larger size reduces the risk of a bed being too narrow.
How can I verify that the size indicated by the seller corresponds to the bed's usable surface area?
Check the product specifications for the internal dimensions or the "flat area." If the listing is unclear, contact customer support to ask whether the stated measurement is external or internal before buying.
What checks should I make regarding the return policy before buying online?
Check the length of the return period, who covers return shipping costs, and the refund conditions. A generous return policy and trackable shipping make it easier to test the size at home; for example, Glabora offers 30-day returns and free shipping (Glabora).
Do orthopedic beds require a different size than traditional beds?
The basic logic remains the same: body length plus some extra space. However, pay attention to the depth and density of the support. Orthopedic beds have firmer surfaces and require the usable area to be large enough to keep the spine aligned.
Brief call to action
Now that you know how to measure and which mistakes to avoid, always check the product specifications and return policy before buying. To explore orthopedic beds and options with bolsters, visit the Glabora catalog and take advantage of free shipping and a 30-day return guarantee.
Final question: have you already measured your dog in its usual resting position and checked the bed's usable surface area before adding it to your cart?