The Best Beds for Shih Tzu
Overview
In this Section:
The 4 Benefits of a Shih Tzu Having Their Own Bed - The ways that a proper bed can promote health, hygiene and well-being.
Recommended Beds for a Shih Tzu - Includes specialty beds, raised cot and cooling mats.
Bed-Related Behaviors - Wanting to sleep on the floor and wanting to sleep on your bed.
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The 4 Benefits of a Shih Tzu Having Their Own Bed
#1 Proper Support
Support is crucial when selecting a bed for breeds like the Shih Tzu, which are susceptible to hip dysplasia and patella luxation. Despite their small size, the sleeping surface's ability to support, distribute pressure, and conform to the body is vital for both sleep quality and nighttime rejuvenation.
During sleep, a Shih Tzu's breathing slows, blood pressure drops, muscles receive more blood flow, and tissue repairs from daily wear and tear. The quality of the sleeping surface directly influences the effectiveness of this bodily 'reset'.
A superior bed ensures optimal rest and recovery for a Shih Tzu, while an inferior one may lead to persistent muscle fatigue, sore pressure points, and inadequate joint repair, especially in the knees and hips. These factors significantly affect a Shih Tzu's current mobility and future risk of conditions like osteoarthritis.
This handsome little guy is really enjoying his supportive bed
Leo Biga, photo courtesy of Monica Hernandez
#2 Proper Positioning
It's essential for a bed to be appropriately sized and provide side support for the neck, enabling comfortable positions for obstruction-free breathing. This is particularly crucial for Shih Tzu dogs, a brachycephalic breed with compact faces and compressed breathing passages. Many have an elongated palate or stenotic nares, leading to nighttime rattling noises or loud snoring noises, and their almost square body shape limits leg extension.
The bed should offer sufficient space for stretching out, yet still maintain a sense of security. Raised bumpers are beneficial as they act like a pillow, supporting the neck and helping to open breathing passages.
#3 Security
Just about all dogs appreciate having their own designated area and a Shih Tzu's bed can be one of their few prized personal possessions; no one else can sit there, no one can invade this little piece of their territory, and it is each dog's own little recluse to retreat to.
Whether the bed is in the corner of your bedroom, in a cozy corner of the family room, or within a gated off area or canine playpen, it is your Shih Tzu's one area that is 'all theirs'. This allows a dog to have a dependable area that offers warmth and comfort any time they seek it.
#4 Hygiene
Providing a dedicated dog bed for your Shih Tzu is not only a matter of comfort but also a significant step towards maintaining good hygiene. Shih Tzu dogs naturally shed loose hairs and dead skin. Having a specific area for them to rest, like a dog bed, helps contain this debris in a controlled space. This containment is crucial for easy cleaning, as most dog beds come with removable covers that can be regularly laundered.
This routine cleaning is also important for controlling dust mites. These tiny creatures, known to burrow into fabrics, can cause allergic reactions in both dogs and humans. Regularly washing the dog bed cover significantly reduces the presence of dust mites, thereby creating a healthier and more hygienic environment for your canine companion and your home.
Top Recommended Beds for Shih Tzu Puppies and Dogs
.We recommend the 'small' size for puppies and small adult Shih Tzu dogs up to 15 pounds (6.8 kg) and 'medium' for those over 15 pounds.
This bed stands out for its 2" solid orthopedic memory foam base, providing optimal support, and cotton-padded bolsters for 360-degree neck support. It features a water-proof interior liner and a hidden zipper for easy cover removal and washing. Additional features include a sturdy no-skid bottom to prevent sliding and flame-retardant outer material for safety. Overall, it's an excellent choice for Shih Tzus of all ages.
This is a great bed for adult Shih Tzu dogs. It has short bolstered sides and is firm, so it's ideal for allowing a Shih Tzu to rest their head and elongate their breathing passages for a good night's sleep. And for providing proper support, it's hard to beat this one. There are two layers of memory foam: A dense bamboo charcoal-infused layer and a top cooling layer. There's also a water proof liner and the overall material is a soft, with a quilted cushion. The outer cover is removable for washing and it has a secure no-skid bottom.
. The K&H bed, a slight upgrade from the JOYELF, ranks second mainly due to its slightly higher price. However, it offers a more luxurious experience for your Shih Tzu, balancing the cost. It's particularly recommended for senior dogs or those with joint issues. The bed features a 3" medical-grade memory foam base, suitable for adult Shih Tzus (30" medium size recommended). It has a 3-sided curved bolster for neck support and easy bed access.
An eco-friendly aspect is the bolster's premium polyfil, made from recycled bottles. The sleeping surface boasts quilted fleece and a micro-suede cover, which is removable and washable (line-dry recommended).
. A bolstered bed, offering neck support for easier breathing, is ideal for most Shih Tzu puppies and dogs, but some may prefer a flat surface, especially if they're used to sleeping on the floor. A flat mattress like the BRINDLE brand's memory foam bed is a great alternative. It features a 3-inch orthopedic memory foam base, providing support without side bolsters, suitable for daily rejuvenation.
This bed comes with a removable micro suede cover, which is machine washable and tumble-dry compatible. The 28 x 20" size is typically perfect for most adult Shih Tzu dogs.
. Elevated cots, while not a replacement for regular beds, offer a cool, secondary resting spot for dogs, especially in summer or for outdoor use (with supervision). They keep dogs cool by allowing air to circulate underneath and through their typically mesh or weaved fabric.
Our top pick is the K&H cot. It's durable, waterproof (ideal for outdoor use), features a mesh center for airflow, has non-skid feet, and is portable (the medium size weighs just over 3 pounds). Cooling mats are another option for keeping dogs cool, which we'll discuss next.
.Cooling mats, while not traditional beds, are a valuable sleeping and resting surface for Shih Tzus, particularly effective in hot weather and even more so than elevated cots. Given the Shih Tzu's brachycephalic profile, which can impede breathing and make it harder to cool off by panting, these mats can be essential in hot, oppressive conditions.
The self-activating design features a gel that cools when a dog lies on it, remaining cool for 2-3 hours and automatically resetting after 15-20 minutes of non-use (no refrigeration needed). We recommend this brand for its durability and portability, allowing easy transport from room to room or outdoors.
These mats are versatile, suitable for indoor floors, decks, patios, grass, or even atop a regular bed.
Bed-Related Behaviors
A Shih Tzu prefers to sleep on the floor and not in their bed.
If your Shih Tzu prefers the floor over her bed, try these strategies:
- Flat Mattress: Dogs fond of the floor may prefer a flat mattress instead of a bolstered bed.
- Cooling Mat: If your Shih Tzu likes the coolness of the floor, place a cooling mat (see previous) on her bed. This can make the bed more appealing, especially during warmer months.
- Familiar Spot: Position the bed where she usually rests on the floor, ensuring it's not a tripping hazard.
- Gradual Transition: If she resists, start with a blanket or towel, then gradually move to something denser like a folded comforter, and finally to a dog bed, using praise and treats for encouragement.
A Shih Tzu wants to sleep in your bed.
In some cases this will be just fine but it is wise to give this some thought beforehand because there are a few downsides to this.
- Housebreaking Issues: Puppies not fully housebroken may urinate on your mattress, causing persistent odors and staining. Immediate cleaning with an enzyme cleaner like the TriNova Enzyme Cleaner is crucial, but urine can seep deep into the mattress.
- Separation Anxiety: If accustomed to your bed, your Shih Tzu might struggle to relax alone in a dog bed, especially for extended periods.
- Safety Risks: Young puppies risk being rolled over or falling off the bed, depending on your sleeping habits.
- Habit Formation: Once a Shih Tzu sleeps in your bed, transitioning to a dog bed can be challenging.
- Consider the benefits of a separate dog bed (support, proper positioning, security, and hygiene) before deciding.
More Articles:
Shih Tzu Summer Care - When temperatures start to rise and summer's on the way, it's time to prepare your Shih Tzu. See our top tips for keeping your little guy or gal cool, comfortable and happy all summer long.
Shih Tzu Winter Care - When the daylight hours start to get short and temperatures are dropping, it's time to winterize your Shih Tzu. See our top tips for helping your little guy or gal stay warm, safe and happy all winter long.
Shih Tzu Eye Care - A helpful guide for keeping your Shih Tzu's eye area clean and free of eye 'sleep', debris and other irritants that can lead to more serious eye issues. Cleaning also helps prevent tear stains.