The Best Beds for Boxer Dogs

So, should you bother getting a bed for your Boxer? Let's take a look. 

It offers a feeling of security, keeps a young pup warm and most importantly, if you get the right one, a bed will provide optimal support for a rapidly growing body. 

There's a lot going on during the first two years and particularly year one. Breeds of this size have rapid growth phases.

What happens is this: Cartilage growth happens first, ahead of the bone growth. The cartilage forms and becomes calcified. Then, bone marrow vessels work their way in. Some of the cartilage that has been calcified is reabsobred and some becomes the framework for the bone itself. 

During this time, a puppy can experience discomfort (referred to a 'growing pains' and is very real). A growing pup can experience a throbbing discomfort in his limbs. While it comes and wanes, it tends to generally appear in the late afternoon into the evening. And cramping pain at night can wake up a puppy. 

Lying on the floor can be just brutal on a pup, exasperating issues, whether or not he looks comfortable. However, an orthopedic bed or mattress can ease his sore body.

So, to recap: A bed for your Boxer puppy will help him feel comfortable when he's home alone and will offer an appropriate sleeping surface to support his growing body. He can still snuggle up with you on the couch when you're watching TV and can take over your recliner (whether you want him to or not), but giving him his own bed to retreat to when he wishes and for being able to lie down on the right surface is recommended. 

What to look for in a bed for a Boxer puppy: Look for quality materials that are washable and offer thick, firm support. Most pups like to have a bolstered bed, as it offers the feeling of a 'den'. And of course, you want it to be appropriately sized, keeping in mind that your pup's size will always be increasing. 

As a method to help avoid senior issues. A Boxer transitions into a senior around the 8 to 9 year mark. While life span is 9-12 years, quite a few Boxers do live longer into their teens. One of the biggest mistakes owners can make is not planning for their Boxer's senior years. Everything you do in regard to his care now culminates to his quality of life when he's older.

One major issue that this breed has as they mature and grow older is hip and back issues. By the mid adult stage (6 to 8), 20% of dogs have osteoarthritis. The Boxer that used to be able to dash up a hill now can only handle a slower walk though the neighborhood. The dog that used to jump up with lightening speed, now shows signs of discomfort when rising.

Resting and/or sleeping on the floor puts so much stress on joints and bones. It's very wearing to the body. And while an adult Boxer may seem perfectly comfortable, his older senior self will be faring much better with proper bed support during the adult years. 

Even if your Boxer sleeps in your bed at night, for all other times, do not allow him to lie on the floor; instead give him a large, super supportive mattress. 

Qualities of the best beds for adult Boxers: Adult Boxer dogs tend to like flat mattress. Since this breed is the a ultimate 'stretcher', a 'giant' or XL size often works best. Look for one that is constructed with memory foam. This will form to his body for proper support. 

To help ease senior discomfort. Studies show that about 90% of senior dogs have osteoarthritis in at least one joint. And with the Boxer breed, it is often in several areas.

Even with the best of care, most senior Boxer dogs are feeling some level of discomfort in their hips, back and limbs. Seniors will have trouble rising up from a down position and will not have the strength and endurance to go as far or as fast as their younger counterparts.

In addition, as a Boxer ages into his senior years, there is a gradual loss of muscle mass. This means less support around joints and bones and more pressure and stress onto the skeletal frame.  And being on the floor or on other inferior surfaces can be exceedingly rough on the elbows.

Do speak to your vet about supplements and medications for arthritis. And one thing you should do at home is make sure that your Boxer is resting and sleeping on the right bed. Older dogs should never be on the floor, even if it seems that they prefer it. A low mattress will both keep the Boxer happy and provide what he needs for his body to rest on.

What to look for: Like adult Boxers, most seniors will want a low, flat mattress. And this is especially true since it is not uncommon for there to be some hearing and vision loss, so they like to rest without 3-sided barriers.

Being a brachycephalic breed, some Boxers like to be able to have one pillowed edge to rest their head on. This can cut down on snoring and other breathing issues by allowing the neck to stretch out. 

If you are not sure if your Boxer would like the pillowed edge, you may want to opt for a flat mattress and use a king size or body pillow for him to rest his head on. 

Seniors with balance issues may find a low-rise bumper bed offers a bit of security (2nd row, first bed | 5th bed on mobile view). 

Clothing for Boxer Dogs - The 3 reasons why clothing may be necessary and some great options for Boxers that accompany you on outdoor adventures.