Basset Hounds are basically big dogs with short legs. They stand around 14 inches tall at the shoulder, and weigh 50 to 65 pounds. Like many dogs, Basset Hounds were bred to be pack dogs and they love companionship with humans and other animals.
You don’t want to leave them alone for too long, as they can become destructive and howl. When selecting the best dog bed for Basset Hounds, make sure it is chew-resistant or you may find the dog bed you bought torn to shreds (you’ll be lucky if that’s all that’s been destroyed).
Don’t let this description of the Basset Hound scare you; they are actually very laid-back and calm dogs when they are at home. Despite the skin folds on their face making them look sad, Basset Hounds are actually very happy pets, especially if you give them attention and treats.
Unfortunately, due to their laid-back and lazy temperament, owners who do not regularly exercise their Basset Hound are encouraging them to become obese. Basset Hounds already have back and joint problems due to their stubby legs, and being overweight doesn’t help them out. You will need to find an orthopedic dog bed that can support large dogs to soothe their aching joints.
Lastly, we recommend you find a bed that is water-resistant, odor-resistant, and hair-resistant. Basset Hounds have a tendency to drool and have flatulence. They also shed hair everyday, but this can be kept in check with weekly brushing. In order to make cleaning up the dog bed easier, you should look for dog beds with those qualities.
Best Dog Beds for Basset Hounds – What to Look For
Selecting a dog bed for a large dog is always a bit more difficult because larger dogs can wear down dog beds very quickly. If they get the urge to dig or chew, even a heavy duty dog bed will eventually be torn to shreds.
This destructive behavior is often due to neglect or lack of exercise, which leads to pets having an excess amount of energy that they have to use up. That is why you have to make sure your pet gets daily exercise and companionship to keep him happy.
Basset Hounds also have a tendency to gain weight since they are content with lazing around at home and eating food all day. Heavier dogs can flatten the foam base of cheap dog beds, so you want to look for a bed with a thick pad. We recommend you get a bed with these features:
- Water-Resistant: Basset Hounds tend to drool a lot, and in their old age may suffer from incontinence. Best to get a water-resistant bed to make your life easier.
- Thick Foam Base: We recommend getting a bed with a base that is at least 4” thick. Otherwise a heavy dog like the Basset Hound will not have enough cushion and feel uncomfortable.
- Orthopedic: Due to their short legs, Basset Hounds tend to suffer from back and joint aches. An orthopedic dog bed can alleviate some of the stress their body is experiencing and help them get a good night’s rest.
Best Dog Beds for Basset Hounds Review
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
Basset Hounds don’t seem to realize how big they are when they try to snuggle into your lap. Why not give them a comfy orthopedic dog bed to snuggle into instead? When your pet feels the supportive memory foam of the PetFusion Ultimate dog bed, he won’t ever go back. The neck bolsters provide additional head and neck support, and allows for nestling.
To deal with possible drooling from your Basset Hound, the Ultimate dog bed comes with a water-resistant, fully removable cover to slow the absorption of any fluids, as well as make it easier to clean. We recommend you get the extra large size, or even the jumbo size depending on if your pet likes to stretch out or not when sleeping. Overall, this is a premium product made with high-quality materials, and a fantastic choice for a dog bed.
Pros:
- Orthopedic memory foam base provides fantastic support for arthritic joints
- Bolsters for your pet to rest his head and neck, as well provide nestling opportunities
- Water-resistant, machine washable cover
Cons:
- The gray cover makes it easy to see slobber stains and hair
- Requires some assembly, which some users dislike
FurHaven Orthopedic Pet Dog Bed
The open bed design of the FurHaven orthopedic dog bed is a godsend for the short, stubby legs of the Basset Hound, since he may have trouble getting in taller dog beds without jumping. Jumping is really tough on your pet’s joints, especially due to his heavy body. With the medical-grade orthopedic foam base, your pet will experience a comforting, rejuvenating sleep that they’ve never had before.
According to users who have purchased this, you should aim to get an extra large bed which will also provide enough space even if your pet completely sprawls out. We recommend you purchase a separate waterproof cover or to put layers of blankets on top, since this product is not waterproof or water-resistant. However, for the extremely affordable price and orthopedic comfort it provides, it is still well worth the money.
Pros:
- Medical-grade orthopedic foam
- Removable machine washable cover
- Very spacious, easy for Basset Hounds to access
- Ergonomic contour provides excellent night’s rest
Cons:
- Not waterproof or resistant
Milliard Premium Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
The Milliard Orthopedic dog bed has a reputation for being one of the most comfortable dog beds on the market today. The base consists of two layers of dense, high-quality foam – 2 inches of memory foam, and 2 inches of polyurethane foam, both of which will not flatten over time. It is soft, yet firm enough that getting out of bed is easy.
It is an excellent choice for dogs that are susceptible to, or already suffering from, joint issues, arthritis, or hip dysplasia. Furthermore, the cover is water-resistant – great for the slobbering mess that Basset Hounds make. Users have reported that the cover is durable and easy to clean, since it is completely machine washable and dryable.
Pros:
- Thick double-layered foam strikes perfect balance between soft yet firm
- Ideal for dogs that have joint pain and arthritis
- Water-resistant cover, fully machine washable and dryable
Cons:
- The thickness of the bed can be an issue for arthritic dogs
- Users have reported that the bed is not waterproof as the product description claims, but water-resistant (you will have to spot and quickly clean up any spills otherwise it can still soak through)