Puppy Crate Comfort: Bed or Cushion?

If you’re a new puppy owner, you may be wondering what to put in your puppy’s crate. One of the most common questions is whether or not to include a bed or cushion. While it may seem like a simple decision, there are a few factors to consider before making a choice.

The answer to whether or not you should put a bed or cushion in your puppy’s crate ultimately depends on your individual puppy’s needs. Bedding should be present to help keep your puppy warm and comfortable. However, this bedding needs to be both waterproof and chew-proof to prevent accidents and ingestion of toxic materials.

So, should you put a bed or cushion in your puppy’s crate? The short answer is yes, but make sure it is the right type of bedding and appropriate for your puppy’s size and behavior. Read on to learn more about what to consider when choosing to bed for your puppy’s crate.

Benefits of a Bed or Cushion in a Puppy Crate

Provides Comfort and Support

Placing a bed or cushion in your puppy’s crate can provide them with a comfortable and supportive place to rest. The soft surface can help prevent pressure sores and provide cushioning for their joints. This is especially important for puppies, who need extra support as their bodies are still developing.

Providing your puppy with a comfortable place to rest can help them feel safe and secure in their crate, which is important for crate training.

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Helps with Temperature Regulation

A bed or cushion can also help regulate your puppy’s body temperature while they rest in its crate. This is especially important for puppies, who may have trouble regulating their body temperature on their own.

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According to Preventive Vet, “A crate with a bed or cushion can help your pup stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The bed or cushion can also help absorb any moisture, keeping your puppy dry and comfortable.”

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A small white chihuahua dog stands in a large gray plastic shipping box and looks at the camera. The dog is ready to travel.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Having a comfortable and supportive place to rest can help reduce your puppy’s stress and anxiety levels. This is especially important if your puppy is still adjusting to their new home or if they suffers from separation anxiety.

According to Orvis News, “A soft bed or cushion can help your puppy feel more secure and comfortable in their crate, reducing anxiety and helping them relax.”

Overall, providing your puppy with a bed or cushion in their crate can have numerous benefits for their physical and mental health. Just be sure to choose a bed or cushion that is waterproof and chew-proof to prevent any accidents or injuries.

Potential Risks of a Bed or Cushion in a Puppy Crate

Chewing and Destruction

Putting a bed or cushion in your puppy’s crate may seem like a good idea, but it can also pose a risk. Puppies like to chew on things, and a bed or cushion can easily become a target. Chewing on bedding can lead to the ingestion of stuffing or other materials, which can cause intestinal blockage or other health issues. 

Accidents and Soiling

Another concern with putting a bed or cushion in your puppy’s crate is the potential for accidents and soiling. Puppies have small bladders and may not be fully potty trained yet. Accidents can happen, and if they do, it can be difficult to clean the bedding thoroughly. This can lead to unpleasant odors and the potential for bacteria growth. It is important to choose bedding that is easy to clean and won’t hold onto odors.

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French Bulldog puppy in crate wants out.

Overheating

A bed or cushion in your puppy’s crate can also lead to overheating. Puppies regulate their body temperature differently than adult dogs and may become too hot if they are surrounded by too much bedding. This can lead to dehydration, heat stroke, and other health issues. It is important to choose bedding that is breathable and won’t trap heat. Overall, there are potential risks to putting a bed or cushion in your puppy’s crate. It is important to choose the right type of bedding and monitor your puppy’s behavior closely to ensure its safety.

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Factors to Consider

Puppy’s Age and Size

When deciding whether to put a bed or cushion in your puppy’s crate, you should consider your puppy’s age and size. Young puppies may need more warmth and comfort than older dogs, so a bed or cushion may be more appropriate for them.

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However, if your puppy is still in the chewing stage, it’s important to choose a bed or cushion that is chew-proof and won’t pose a choking hazard. Additionally, make sure the bed or cushion is the appropriate size for your puppy’s crate. A bed or cushion that is too small will be uncomfortable, while one that is too large may not fit properly in the crate.

Puppy’s Behavior and Personality

Your puppy’s behavior and personality should also be taken into consideration when deciding whether to put a bed or cushion in their crate. If your puppy is prone to chewing or digging, it may be best to avoid putting anything in the crate that could be destroyed or ingested. On the other hand, if your puppy is calm and relaxed, a bed or cushion may provide them with extra comfort and security.

Crate Size and Type

The size and type of crate you have will also affect whether or not you should put a bed or cushion in it. If you have a wire crate, a bed or cushion may not be necessary as the wire provides enough support for your puppy. However, if you have a plastic or soft-sided crate, a bed or cushion can provide extra comfort and insulation. Additionally, make sure that the bed or cushion you choose fits properly in the crate and doesn’t take up too much space.

Conclusion

When it comes to deciding whether to put a bed or cushion in your puppy’s crate, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, you want to prioritize your puppy’s safety and comfort. This means choosing a bed or cushion that is waterproof and chew-proof, and that fits properly in the crate.

While some experts recommend leaving the crate bare for easier cleanup, adding a bed or cushion can make the crate more inviting and comfortable for your puppy. This can be especially important at night, when your puppy may feel anxious or scared in a new environment.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to put a bed or cushion in your puppy’s crate is up to you. Consider your puppy’s individual needs and preferences, as well as any recommendations from your veterinarian or dog trainer. With the right bedding and a little patience, your puppy can learn to love their crate and feel safe and secure while resting inside.

Sources: FiveBarks, Orvis News

FAQ

What should I put in my puppy’s crate at night?

You will want to put some comfortable, chew-proof bedding inside for your puppy to sleep on, and toys are also a good idea. Puppies often wake up in the middle of the night and this will help to keep them occupied if they are waking from boredom, rather than the need to go outside.

Should I put a pillow in my dog’s crate?

Pillows and blankets seem perfect but they are not a great fit. Puppies like to chew and they can easily ingest bits of blanket or pillow and this might lead to intestinal blockage. There are some specialized bedding options, however, such as Vetbed, which are specifically designed to be a better fit for teething puppies.

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Where should a puppy sleep the first night?

It is best to prepare a crate for your puppy which you can put in the bedroom so that your dog knows that you are close.

Inside you should put some waterproof and chew-proof bedding, which you can find at most commercial pet stores, and get a toy or two to keep your little one occupied if they get bored at the night.