As seasonal changes arrive - whether they be the frigid colds of winter or the merciless heat of summer - we find a lot of fur mamas ask themselves the same question: "Is my dog's bed appropriate for this weather or is it time to upgrade my pup's bed?"

The truth is, picking a dog bed is just as, if not more important than picking walking accessories (and that's really, really important). After all, your dog is going to be spending a lot more time in their bed than in their harness!

When we started making our Cuddle Bud, Snuggle Bud and Cosy Cloud beds, we did so with the goal of making sure our two fur babies, Yogi and Lilo, were happier and comfier in them than any bed they'd had before. That's why we believe we know what makes the pawfect dog bed, and what you should know when choosing one for your pup.

So how can I make sure my dog is safe, secure and comfortable?

Great question! There are three features to look for in a dog bed to make sure your pup is safe, secure and comfy:

1. A soft cover made from material that provides year-round comfort

This is especially important in Australia, because we want our pups to enjoy being in their bed in summer, instead of turning into a pancake on the tiles in an attempt to keep cool!

2. Firm or raised edges that allow them to rest their head

For many dogs to relax in bed, they need to be able to see around the room. By elevating their head using firm or raised edges, a good bed keeps pups aware of their surroundings, even as they snooze away.

3. Supportive inner material that adjusts to make the dog feel like they're getting a big hug!

Dogs love the feeling of being held. It reminds them of what it was like to be a puppy, surrounded by their mother and siblings. As with most animals (including humans), those early experiences shape what it means to feel safe for the dog’s entire life.

Should I pick a Cuddle Bud, Snuggle Bud or Cosy Cloud bed?

Our Cuddle Bud (round), Snuggle Bud (rectangular) and Cosy Cloud beds were designed to tick all three boxes. However, they also have unique features that may make them a better pick for your pup. Let's take a look at them now.

Cuddle Bud (round) beds

Available in our Cuddle Bud Dog Bed range, round dog beds are ideal for dogs that like having full view of the room while still enjoying the calming feeling of being hugged. On a round bed with flexible inner material, your dog can shift positions as much as they like while still having a spot to rest their head.

Round dog beds are great in hot environments, as the large surface makes it easy for your pup to keep cool without leaving the bed. Of course, the best beds will be made from a material suitable for every season. Ours are made of velvet, which keeps dogs cool in summer and warm in winter. Perfect for our Aussie pups!

Snuggle Bud (rectangular) beds

Our rectangular Snuggle Bud Dog Bed range features lifted edges for puppies that prefers a firmer surface to place their head. The cushioning is snuggling and supportive to keep your dog protected from the cold floor or a chilly draft.

One of the best features of our rectangular beds is a reversible cushion featuring a faux-fur underside to give your dog an even closer experience to the good old days of snuggling up with mum!

Cosy Cloud beds

Cosy Cloud beds are a recent addition to our bed range. You can think of them almost like the cushion of our Snuggle Bud beds: ultra comfy with a double-sided velvet / faux-fur base, paired with the softer sides of the Cuddle Bud for them to rest their heads.

Cosy Clouds are easy to move around the house, so if you have a pup who likes to follow you from room to room, they're a great way to make sure your dog has somewhere comfy to chill.

What else should I consider when picking a dog bed?

Year-long comfort, style and support may be the three key features of a good dog bed, however they’re not the only ones. Here are a few more we recommend you keep in mind:

A washable cover. Mess happens! It's a fact of life. Our bed covers are machine washable, so you can put them in the wash, and have the bed looking and smelling fresh again in no time. Our latest range of beds is also waterproof, which fur mamas of puppies will be happy about.

Quality interior material. It doesn’t matter how cute a dog bed looks if it doesn’t provide proper comfort. At Pawfect Pals, we use worsted yarn – a material so cosy it’s used in knitted garments.

Tear resistance. If your dog decides to go digging in their bed, it’s always good to know they won’t rip it apart. Low quality material and poor design can result in a bed being reduced to fluff in no time! In our new bed designs, we hide the zip, so cheeky dogs can't get their teeth on them.

Size. Measuring your dog is a critical step in picking the right bed, and so is considering how your dog likes to sleep. Some big dogs really love to snuggle up even on a warm night, while some little dogs like to stretch out from end to end! Pick a size appropriately.

Follow this guide, and we’re sure your dog will be happily snoozing the day away in no time!