What are calming cushions for our pets used for?
Relieving anxiety in dogs is a long process. It's a puzzle that requires patience and a combination of positive exercises and appropriate tools, including a calming pet cushion .
But how is the calming dog and cat cushion different from other cushions for our furry friends? Is the dog cushion the same as the cat cushion ? And are they really effective in helping our four-legged companions calm down?
Below you will find a detailed guide to finding the best bedding to soothe your pet during your absence and relieve your faithful companion's anxiety and stress.
What is a calming cushion for dogs and cats?
Calming cushions for dogs and cats are specially designed to reduce stress in our furry friends. They are even more effective when used in conjunction with training (and calming medication or supplements if necessary); ask your veterinarian for advice.
"A calming bed would be helpful for pets suffering from very mild separation anxiety and showing minimal signs intermittently," explains Dr. Jennifer Frione of Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation, Florida.
These soothing and comfortable beds help relieve stressful situations by providing our dogs and cats with a feeling of security, similar to that of a weighted vest.
These anti-stress cushions are not new to the pet product market, explains Céline Pivot, a member of the team at Muttropolis, a pet store in Saint-Cloud, in the Hauts-de-Seine department. The calming beds for dogs and cats come in various shapes, styles, colors, and materials to meet the needs of animals of all ages and sizes. These sleep sanctuaries offer a variety of useful features, such as orthopedic padding, padded edges, hiding places, and self-heating properties.
Céline explains that dogs that exhibit fearful behavior, that cower, whine or tremble when not held, pant due to nervousness and/or jump excessively can benefit from a special bed.
But Céline also explains that a calming dog cushion isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for eliminating anxiety in our canine companions, and that it's best used in conjunction with behavior modification training and/or medication. "Canine anxiety, unfortunately, doesn't have an easy solution," 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 calming beds for dogs and cats work?
Soothing 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 animals, and others also offer self-heating capabilities.
But most calming cat and dog beds have raised edges or create a cozy, borrowable experience. "Raised edges and cave-like structures give your puppy or kitten a sense of security, which calms their overstimulated sensory behaviors," explains Shelly. Raised edges also offer other health benefits. "Raised edges support the neck and spine during sleep, which helps reduce muscle and joint pain."
These new soothing beds in the form of dog cushions or cat baskets replace the garden kennel with unparalleled comfort and hygiene!
Types of calming beds for dogs and cats
Here is a list of the different types of calming dog and cat beds :
Orthopedic beds for dogs:
Orthopedic memory foam dog beds relieve pressure on painful joints, especially for older dogs who may suffer from arthritis or muscle problems, by providing a comfortable place to rest. Pain can cause anxiety in dogs, so finding a bed that helps alleviate pain can help your dog relax.
Self-heating dog beds:
During the winter, the simple warmth of a fireplace can instantly soothe you. Similarly, the heat generated by a self-heating bed can offer your dog an environment conducive to relaxation and squirrel-like dreams.
Céline explains that these heated beds are ideal for dogs who naturally seek warmth and are stressed when they are cold.
Donut-shaped dog and cat beds:
Small breed dogs and cats seem to adore these round, donut-shaped beds. The soft material gently envelops them as they curl up, reminding them of the time they snuggled with their mothers and littermates. The raised circle of the donut-shaped cat or dog bed provides head support in all directions.
This soothing dog bed, shaped like a donut basket, is now available in a larger size of over 100cm. Some models of this calming cushion are also anti-mite and breathable.
Bolster beds for dogs and cats:
Bolster dog beds with raised edges on three sides allow dogs and cats to lean against a soft surface and rest their heads, making them feel safer and more secure. These beds are ideal for large dogs.
Céline says they are perfect for dogs who "feel safer when curled up or leaning against something while they sleep".
In addition, this type of soothing rectangular bed in the shape of a mat can be placed on your bed or sofa, allowing your pet to stay close to you while avoiding soiling your furniture and textiles.
Some models on sale also have removable covers so that your washable dog bed stays clean all year round.
Cave-style cat and dog beds:
We've all been there, snuggled under a thick blanket, seeking comfort in stressful situations. So why not give your feline friend the same opportunity with a reassuring cat cave- style bed that offers a cozy hideaway? Now you know why cats hide to sleep . A cave is definitely the best type of cat bed .
These beds are popular in homes with cats or small dogs, but they are just as reassuring for large breeds suffering from anxiety.
"Some look like sleeping bags or have a blanket, others unfold like a tent," explains Céline. "The inside is made of soft fabrics like Sherpa, the outside is a more durable fabric."
What to look for in a calming dog and cat bed
When purchasing a calming bed for dogs and cats, pet owners should keep a few key things in mind. Below is a list of helpful information to consider.
Odor resistant:
Look for antibacterial faux fur bedspreads, as they help resist odors. Faux fur also provides dogs with a texture similar to their mother's fluffy coat, promoting a more soothing experience.
Machine washable:
Céline recommends a bed with a soft, machine-washable fabric lining. If the dog bed 's lining isn't machine washable, complement the bed with a matching blanket in an attractive fabric, without sacrificing style. Cats are generally cleaner than dogs, so you probably won't need to wash their cozy little nest as often.
Waterproof lining:
For senior dogs, invest in a bed with a waterproof lining to make cleanup easier after any accidents and provide your older dog with a comfortable, dry place to rest. Cats tend to return to the litter box, although they may occasionally mark their territory like felines.
Non-slip:
Make sure the bottom of the dog bed doesn't slip. There's no need to add extra stress for your dog. Cats, being 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 turn around in, but not so big that it loses its cozy feel," explains Céline. For flat and orthopedic models, the bed should be large enough for the dog to stretch out completely without hanging off the sides.
Does your pet need a calming bed?
If your pet tends to feel anxious when you are not at home or when confronted with loud noises, there is a good chance that it could benefit from the comfort of a calming bed , in addition to proper training and other calming products in more severe cases.
Keep in mind that while a calming dog bed 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-relieving bed may not be enough, but it can be effective when used in combination with behavior modification training and/or medication," according to the SPCA .
To calm your pet before bedtime, promote relaxation by making light movements along its face or body, stroking its chest in a circular motion, and massaging its ears.
With the right calming bed and other measures, you can be sure that your four-legged companion is on its 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 deserve respect. A good calming cushion or a comfortable anti-stress bed will save you unnecessary trips to the vet.
You are now experts on the latest types of dog and cat kennels . Our lifestyles have changed and our stress levels have increased. Let's avoid passing that on to the people we love.
Also discover in another article how Apple's AirTag can save your pet.