Did you know that some dogs can spend nearly half of their lives asleep? That being the case it is obviously important for them to have comfortable places to snooze away the hours.
My spaniels have a collection of dog beds, some of which they like more than others but now there is a clear winner – The Hampton Nest Bed from Ralph & Co, arguably the most comfortable dog bed on the market, judging by how much time Lucia spends napping in it anyway. From a human perspective I think this is the most stunning dog bed that the girls have ever had, I am very tempted to save it for ‘best’ but I don’t think Maya and Lucia will allow that!
The nest bed is meticulously crafted from top-tier upholstery-grade fabric in a gorgeous turquoise shade, and would look amazing in any room in the house – it is definitely not a dog bed to hide away! I think it is the soft faux fur inner cushion that makes this particular dog bed so attractive to my dogs. The Hampton Nest Bed ensures excellent orthopaedic comfort whilst also having that calming effect that soft nest beds provide.
Ralph & Co show a commitment to sustainability too as each is bed filled with recycled polyester fibre, with the inner cushion being stuffed with recycled ocean plastics. Handmade leather handles add a dash of refinement and comfort, reflecting the quality your home deserves. The inner cushion is reversible, one side being cosy white fleece and the other, the same fabric as the bed. The bed and cushion have removable covers and are machine washable, a real plus!
I really love this luxury dog bed which is new to Ralph & Co’s range, and couldn’t resist a peek on their website to peruse their other products, I wasn’t disappointed, as I suspected the brand has a plethora of beautiful dog beds to choose from. It’s also worth mentioning that their beds come with one years guarantee.
Now I bet you’re thinking that this bed is super expensive, and for the quality it maybe should be, but a size Large that my spaniels are modelling has an RRP of just £119.99 and it is even cheaper than that at the moment in the sale on Ralph & Co’s website!
Anyway lets look at some of the reasons that our dogs are expert nappers!
- Natural Instincts: First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that dogs, like their ancestors, are natural hunters. Even though most dogs now live in comfortable homes rather than roaming the wild, their instincts remain largely unchanged. In the wild, hunting and scavenging for food was physically demanding, requiring bursts of energy followed by periods of rest. This pattern has been passed down through generations, leading to dogs having a similar sleep-wake cycle.
- Energy Conservation: Dogs are generally crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. During these times, they may be more alert and engaged in activities such as playing, walking, or training. However, outside of these peak periods, dogs tend to conserve energy by sleeping. This is especially true for breeds bred for specific tasks, like working or herding breeds, which have historically needed to conserve energy for their demanding jobs.
- Growth and Development: Puppies, in particular, seem to be in a perpetual state of sleepiness. This is because puppies, like human babies, undergo rapid growth and development. Sleep plays a crucial role in this process, allowing their bodies to rest and repair tissues, as well as facilitating brain development. It’s not uncommon for puppies to sleep up to 18 to 20 hours a day! Mind you, try telling that to someone who has a new puppy!!
- Temperature Regulation: Dogs don’t sweat like humans do; instead, they regulate their body temperature primarily through panting and by seeking out cooler spots. Since dogs have a higher body temperature than humans, they may feel more lethargic during warmer weather. To combat overheating, dogs often seek out shady areas or cool tiles to lay on, where they can rest and cool down.
- Comfort and Security: Lastly, dogs, like us, enjoy sleeping because it’s comfortable and provides a sense of security. Providing a soft, cosy bed for your dog, such as the Ralph & Co Hampton Nest Bed can encourage them to rest peacefully. Additionally, sleeping can be a form of relaxation and stress relief for dogs, especially after engaging in stimulating activities or encountering stressful situations.
So the next time you catch your furry friend catching some Z’s, remember, they’re just doing what comes naturally to them—resting up for their next adventure! And my suggestion is to treat them to a gorgeous Ralph & Co dog bed to ensure they have optimum comfort while doing so!
Love Sal, Lucia and Maya xxx
* This post has been sponsored by Ralph & Co Luxury Dog Beds but all views are my own.