Dog Cushions & Pillows
Dog cushions – The wellness area for canines
A comfy dog cushion helps rest and relaxation. There are a few things to consider so that a dog cushion can fulfil its purpose as a cosy and hygienic well-being spot for our canine friends. Here you can find important information on this subject. You can order a wide range of dog cushions, blankets and pillows at our bitiba online shop.
Dog cushion or basket – Advantages and disadvantages
Dog cushions have the advantage of being softer and cosier than a dog basket. In turn, a dog basket offers better protection from draughts with its raised edge and creates a feeling of shelter, which shy and fragile dogs particularly value. However, these advantages don't always apply exclusively. For instance, there are dog cushions that also have a raised edge, whilst you can put a soft blanket inside a dog basket. Nor is there anything stopping you from placing a flat cushion in the basket and thereby making one unit out of the two elements.
What should be considered when buying a dog cushion?
Hygiene, comfort, safety and consideration for health are aspects that you need to take into account when choosing a dog cushion. The following questions can help you decide when making a purchase:
- Is the dog cushion washable? At what temperature?
- Can the cushion cover be removed?
- Is the cushion cover water-resistant?
- Is the cushion big enough for the dog?
- Does the cushion have anti-slip nubs?
- Is the upper material robust?
- Does the filling take the weight of the dog's body?
- Does the cushion have a raised edge to combat draughts?
- Does the cushion design fit with the furniture style?
Which material is best suited to dog cushions?
If cleaning is a priority, cushions with a pure cotton cover are a good option, as they are washable at 60°C and sometimes even at 95°C. Cotton fabrics such as Oxford impress with their robustness too. Cotton-blend or synthetic cushion covers can be washed either cold or at 30 to 40°C. Real and synthetic leather upper materials aren't washable, but do stand out thanks to their elegant appearance and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Memory foam is a popular filling. It adapts to the contours of a dog's body and can thus help to relieve pressure on the joints and spine. Hence, cushions with memory foam are also recommended as orthopaedic dog cushions.
How big should dog cushions be?
For undisturbed comfort, a dog has to be able to stretch out lengthways without its paws reaching the edge of the cushion. If the cushion is too small, a dog will feel like a human in a bed that is too short. If a dog cushion is round, the minimum size is equivalent to the diameter of the cushion. For rectangular cushions, the shorter side should be wider than the outstretched dog is long.
How often should a dog cushion be washed?
There are three levels when it comes to cleaning dog cushions:
- Brushing or vacuuming
- Washing the cover
- Washing the lining
It's worth brushing or vacuuming a dog cushion every two to five days, whilst it makes sense to wash the cover every two weeks. You can wash the inside as needed as soon as you detect stronger odours or stains. However, many linings cannot be machine washed because they clump together. Always use fragrance-free washing detergent, because what may be a gentle and pleasant smell for humans can be irritating and invasive to dogs.
