What to look for when buying a dog bed

The difference between a bed that lasts two seasons and one that lasts five years often lies in details you cannot see in a photograph.

1. A removable cover The zip should run around the entire bed. If the cover cannot be removed, you will never be able to wash the bed properly.

2. Core thickness and type For a dog weighing over 25 kg, look for a foam core at least 8 cm thick. With fibre filling, check the filling weight.

3. Seam quality Look for double stitching at the corners, as this is where seams tend to split first.

4. A non-slip base On laminate flooring, this determines whether the bed stays in place or your dog pushes it around the room.

5. Washable at 30 °C Higher temperatures can damage the water-repellent finish, while lower temperatures may not remove hair and odours effectively.

6. Availability of spare covers If the manufacturer sells replacement covers separately, you can double the lifespan of the bed.

7. Actual dimensions Compare the internal dimensions of the sleeping area, not the external dimensions including the bolsters.