A woman has shared her hack for getting what she believes is the cheapest and comfiest dog bed available to our four-legged friends.
In a video posted to TikTok under the handle b_heather90, a pet owner with five dogs detailed the solution she has hit upon to ensure they get the best rest possible.
Dogs need a lot of sleep. Amy Stone, a clinical associate professor at the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine, told Newsweek, "Dogs should sleep anywhere from 10 to 14 hours during the day on average."
That's substantially more than the seven to nine hours most of their human companions are getting at night. Canines often prefer to nap throughout the day. "Dogs listen to their bodies more than humans do," Stone said. "When the signals to the brain tell them to sleep, they do."
Given that some dogs can sleep more than half the day away, it's important to give them the best possible space for sleeping.
For some, this might mean splurging on a particularly fancy dog's bed. However, as the video posted by b_heather90 shows there's another way.
In the clip, captioned "DIY dog bed," the woman tells viewers that rather than spending more money on a dog bed that will "rip and tear" and likely last just a "few months," owners would be better off going to the "baby section" and purchasing a mattress from there.
Not only is a mattress likely cheaper, she said, but they come with a protective covering over it. That means it's "easy to wipe clean" and, when fitted with a sheet, makes for a "more durable" dog bed.
The video has been watched over 1.8 million times, with viewers in the comments section offering their thoughts on the dog owner's neat workaround.
"This is so brilliant. I'm embarrassed I didn't think of this," one wrote. Another commented: "The amount of money I've spent on dog beds for my babies is ridiculous...doing this ASAP."
Some were skeptical and even said they had tried it already but with little success. "My dogs LOATHE the mattress crib! Waste of money," one wrote.
Another said: "Same. My dog hated the crib bed, tore it the next day." A third added: "My dog was scared of the sound it made because of the plastic and refused to lay on it."
Others were already doing it and had much success.
"I actually use a crib mattress in my dog's crate," said one. Another wrote: "No one realizes that our pets are giant toddlers and should be treated like one, all my minions have toddler beds."
Some users said they have found ways to improve on the TikToker's idea.
"Just a tip! But try to get the quilted waterproof covers to add some more protection otherwise their nails rip the plastic cover on the mattress over time... this helps cushion their nails against it," one said.
Another commented: "I did a twin mattress... Fitted sheets for easy cleaning. I have a 200 lb Great Dane. He loves it!"
Newsweek reached out to b_heather90 for comment via TikTok.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Jack Beresford is a Newsweek Senior Internet Culture & Trends Reporter, based in London, UK. His focus is reporting on ... Read more
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