What are the soothing cushions for our pets used for?
Relieving dog anxiety is a long process. It's a puzzle that requires patience and a combination of positive exercises and the right tools, of which the Pet Calming Pillow is one.
But how is the dog and cat soothing pillow different from other pillows for our hairballs? Is the dog cushion the same as the cat cushion ? And are they really effective in helping our four-legged friends calm down?
Below is a step-by-step guide to finding the best bedding to soothe your pet while you're away and relieve your faithful companion's anxiety and stress.
What is the Calming Pillow for Dogs and Cats?
Calming dog and cat cushions are specially designed to ease the stress of our furry friends. They are most effective when used in conjunction with training (and medication or calming supplements if needed) ask your veterinarian for advice.
"A calming bed would be helpful for pets with very mild separation anxiety who show intermittent minimal signs," says Dr. Jennifer Frione of Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation, Florida.
These soothing and comfortable beds provide relief from stressful situations by providing our dogs and cats with a sense of security, similar to that of a weighted vest.
These anti-stress cushions are not new to the pet products market, explains Céline Pivot, a member of the Muttropolis team, a pet store in Saint Cloud, in the Hauts de Seine. The dog and cat calming bed comes in different shapes, styles, colors and materials to meet the needs of pets of all ages and sizes. These sleep sanctuaries feature a variety of useful features, such as orthopedic padding, padded edges, hiding places for camouflage, and self-heating properties.
Céline explains that dogs that exhibit fearful behavior, burrow, whine or shake when unhandled, gasp from nervousness, and/or jump excessively can benefit from a special bed.
But Celine also tells us that a dog calming pillow isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to ridding our canine companions of anxiety and is best used in conjunction with behavior modification training and /or medication. "Canine anxiety, unfortunately, doesn't have an easy fix," she says. "It's complex and requires time, patience and consistency to help your furry friend overcome it."
We can see nowadays with our modern lifestyles which are not really adapted to our pets that we stress them without realizing it living ourselves in an increasingly stressful society.
How Do Dog and Cat Calming Beds Work?
Calming or anxiolytic beds for dogs and cats are designed to provide puppies and kittens with comfort and a sense of security.
As we mentioned earlier, some calming beds are orthopedic to help relieve joint pain in older pets and others also offer self-heating capabilities.
But, the majority of calming beds for cats and dogs have raised edges or create a cozy experience for borrowing. "The raised edges and cave-like structures make your pup or kitten feel protected, calming their overloaded sensory behaviors," says Shelly. Raised edges have other health benefits as well. “Raised edges support the neck and spine while sleeping, helping to reduce muscle and joint pain.”
These new soothing beds in the form of a dog cushion or a cat basket replace the garden doghouse with incomparable comfort and hygiene!
Types of calming beds for dogs and cats
Here is a list of the different types of soothing dog and cat beds :
Orthopedic dog beds:
The orthopedic memory foam dog bed relieves pressure on sore joints, especially for older dogs who may have arthritis or muscle issues, by providing a comfortable place to rest. Pain can cause anxiety in dogs, so finding a bedding that helps relieve pain can help the dog relax.
Self-heating dog beds:
During the winter the simple warmth of a fireplace can calm you down instantly. Likewise, the heat generated by a self-heating bed can provide your dog with an environment that invites relaxation and squirrel dreams.
Céline points out that these heated beds are ideal for dogs that naturally seek warmth and are stressed when they are cold.
Donut shaped dog and cat beds:
Small dog breeds and cats seem to love these round, donut-shaped beds whose cozy material gently envelops them as they curl up, taking them back to the days of snuggling up to their mothers and littermates. The raised circle of the cat or dog donut basket bed provides head support in all directions.
Now this soothing bed in the shape of a donut dog basket is available in a large size of more than 100cm. Some soothing cushion models are also anti dust mites and anti perspirant.
Bolster dog and cat beds:
Bolster dog beds with raised edges on three sides allow dogs and cat to lean against a soft surface and rest their head, making them feel safer and more protected. These beds are ideal for large dogs.
Celine says they're great for dogs who "feel safer when curled up or leaning against something while they sleep."
In addition, this type of rectangular soothing bed in the shape of a carpet can be placed on your bed or your sofa and thus allow your pet to stay close to you while avoiding dirtying your furniture and textiles.
Some models on sale are also removable so that your washable dog bed stays clean all year round.
Cave type cat and dog beds:
We've all been there, huddled under a thick blanket, to find comfort in stressful situations. So why not give your four-legged friend the same opportunity with a reassuring cat cave -type bed that gives them a pocket to hide in? Now you know why a cat hides to sleep . The cave is definitely the best type of cat bed .
These beds are popular in homes with cats or small dogs, but are equally reassuring for large breeds with anxiety.
"Some look like sleeping bags or have a blanket, others unfold like a tent," says Céline. "The interior is made of cuddly fabrics like Sherpa, the exterior is a more resistant fabric".
What to Look for in a Calming Dog and Cat Bed
When shopping for a dog and cat calming bed , pet owners have a few essentials to keep in mind. Below is a list of useful information to keep in mind.
Odor resistant:
Look for anti-bacterial faux fur bedspreads, as they help resist odors. Faux fur also offers dogs a material similar to their mother's fluffy coat, which promotes a more soothing experience.
Machine washable:
Céline recommends a bed with a soft , machine-washable fabric interior. If the inside of the dog bed can't be machine washed, complete the bed with a matching blanket in an attractive fabric, without sacrificing style. Cats are generally cleaner than dogs so it will probably not be necessary to wash their cozy little nest as often.
Waterproof lining:
For senior dogs, invest in a bed that has a waterproof liner to make cleanup easier after a possible accident and give your senior dog a comfortable, dry place to rest. Cats are used to returning to the litter even if sometimes they manage to mark their territory like a feline.
Non-slip:
Make sure the bottom of the dog bed does not slip. There is no need to add extra means for your dog to be stressed. Cats that are lighter and more acrobatic than dogs will always land on their feet.
The size :
"Make sure the bed is big enough for your dog to roll over, but not too big that it loses its cocooning effect," says Céline. For flat and orthopedic models, the bed should be large enough for the dog to fully stretch out without overhanging the edges.
Does your pet need a soothing bed?
If your pet tends to feel anxious when you're away from home or when faced with loud noises, chances are they could benefit from the comfort of a calming bed , in addition. appropriate training and other calming products in the most severe cases.
Keep in mind that while a dog calming pillow is designed to reduce anxiety, it is not a solution to the problem on its own. "If your pet is showing signs of separation anxiety, a stress pillow may not be enough, but if used in combination with behavior modification training and/or medication," according to the SPA .
To calm your pet before going to bed, promote relaxation by gently moving along its face or body, stroking its chest in a circular motion, and massaging its ears.
With the right soothing bed and other measures, you can be sure that your four-legged friend is on the way to living a better and more relaxed life.
According to a German scientific study, stressed animals tend to gain more weight and develop more psychosomatic illnesses. Our pets are living beings that we must take the time to respect. A good soothing cushion or a comfortable anti- stress bed will save you unnecessary appointments with the vet.
You are now unbeatable about the new types of contemporary dog and cat kennels. Our lifestyles have evolved and our stress has increased. Let's avoid passing it on to the people we love.
Also check out our article about the truth about cat herbs .