Start with Your Dog's Sleeping Style
Before you pick a bed, watch how your dog sleeps. Does he stretch out fully or curl into a ball? The right bed supports his preferred position and helps him rest comfortably. For stretch-out sleepers, an open pillow bed gives them room to spread out. For dogs that like to curl, a cozier, cushioned mat might be enough.
Once you know the sleeping style, measure the kennel or crate interior. A bed that is too large can bunch up, while one that is too small defeats the purpose. Use the kennel's dimensions as your guide, not just the dog's weight.
Match the Bed to the Kennel Type
Kennels come in different styles: plastic, wire, or as a stand-alone space. The Petmate Kennel Mat is designed to fit plastic kennels, wire crates, carriers, or can be used as a stand-alone bed. It comes in multiple sizes, from XXSMALL to GIANT, so you can match it to your kennel's interior.
For a more open space, a pillow bed like the Ruffmaxx Mossy Oak Pillow Dog Bed or the Arm & Hammer Pillow Pet Bed offers a plush, cushioned surface that works both indoors and out. These are ideal if your dog likes to stretch out and you want a bed that can move between rooms or outdoor spaces.
Key Considerations for Kennel Bedding
Think about these factors when choosing between a kennel mat and a pillow bed.
- Size and Fit: Measure the inside of the kennel. The Petmate Kennel Mat has sizes from XXSMALL (for pets up to 10 lbs) to GIANT (for pets 90-125 lbs), so you can find a snug fit. Pillow beds like the Ruffmaxx and Arm & Hammer come in one size: 36" L x 27" W, which suits small to large dogs that like to stretch.
- Material and Durability: The Ruffmaxx bed features a camo 300 denier oxford water-resistant fabric, making it a good choice for outdoor use. The Arm & Hammer bed has a soft micro luxe plush top with antimicrobial fabric, which helps with odor control. The Petmate Kennel Mat uses soft woven plush with a non-skid bottom.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: The Arm & Hammer Pillow Pet Bed has a machine-washable exterior cover that unzips for easy cleaning. The Petmate Kennel Mat is also machine washable. The Ruffmaxx bed is water-resistant, but the catalog does not specify a cleaning method, so spot cleaning may be needed.
Product Facts to Help You Decide
- Petmate Kennel Mat: The Petmate Kennel Mat is sized to fit the most popular kennel sizes and has a non-skid bottom to keep it in place. This makes it a versatile choice for different kennel types and ensures your dog's bedding stays put.
Petmate Kennel Mat - Ruffmaxx Mossy Oak Pillow Dog Bed: The Ruffmaxx Mossy Oak Pillow Dog Bed measures 36" L x 27" W and is covered in water-resistant 300 denier oxford fabric. The water-resistant fabric and generous size make it a good option for dogs that like to stretch out, even in outdoor settings.
Ruffmaxx Mossy Oak Pillow Dog Bed - Arm & Hammer Pillow Pet Bed: The Arm & Hammer Pillow Pet Bed features antimicrobial fabric and a machine-washable, unzippable cover. Antimicrobial fabric helps control odors, and the removable cover makes cleaning easier, which is important for kennel use.
Practical Tips for Using Your Kennel Bed
Once you've chosen a bed, place it in the kennel and let your dog test it out. If the bed is too large, it may fold or bunch, so adjust accordingly. For the Petmate Kennel Mat, ensure the non-skid bottom is facing down to keep it in place.
Regular cleaning keeps the bed fresh. For the Arm & Hammer bed, unzip the cover and machine wash it. For the Petmate Kennel Mat, machine washing is also possible. For the Ruffmaxx bed, wipe down the water-resistant surface as needed, but avoid submerging it unless the care label allows.
