Does a Chew-Proof Dog Bed Exist?

2 min read • Leena Chitnis, Founder, Timberdog

Does a truly chew-proof dog bed exist? There are some incredibly durable pet beds out there, some which even come close, but the answer is no. A truly chew-proof dog bed remains an elusive goal within the pet industry for several reasons. First, dogs possess a natural instinct to chew, which is inherent to their nature. This behavior serves various purposes, including exploration, alleviating boredom, and relieving anxiety. Designing a bed entirely impervious to their gnawing tendencies proves challenging.

Second, the diverse range of dog breeds with varying sizes, jaw strengths, and chewing styles further complicates the task. A dog bed capable of withstanding the persistent chewing of a powerful breed like a Mastiff would not necessarily guarantee resistance against a smaller breed with different chewing patterns.

Moreover, the market demand for chew-proof dog beds has prompted manufacturers to innovate and introduce nylon and other textiles advertised as "indestructible." Some pet bed makers even use extremely hard and inflexible materials to prevent chewing, which might compromise the bed's comfort and pose potential health risks to dogs, such as dental issues or discomfort during rest. However, determined dogs may still find weak points or develop new tactics to dismantle these seemingly robust designs over time. Indeed, dogs have been known to chew through Kevlar!

Maintaining a balance between durability and comfort is a significant challenge. Dogs require a cozy and inviting resting space, and excessively tough materials may compromise their overall comfort, leading to reluctance in using the bed altogether.

Lastly, dogs' chewing behaviors can evolve over time due to changing physical and emotional factors. A bed that initially appears chew-proof may eventually succumb to a dog's persistent chewing as it grows older or encounters new stressors.

In conclusion, the absence of a truly chew-proof dog bed can be attributed to the intricate interplay between dogs' natural instincts, their diverse physical traits, the limitations of materials, and the need to strike a delicate balance between durability and comfort. While advancements in pet product design continue, it remains essential for pet owners to choose beds that suit their dog's size, breed, and chewing behavior, while also providing appropriate outlets for their natural chewing instincts.

At Timberdog, we've designed the RuffRest as best as we could to deter dogs from chewing on it. We did this by hiding zippers under zipper "garages" or hoods, hiding most of the seams, and using military-grade, ballistic nylon, which has greater tensile and tear strength than any other nylon (even better than Cordura, which tends to have better abrasion resistance). We know that we're not going to be able to stop a dog whose heart is set on destroying his pet bed, so, after designing the bed to be as chew-resistant as possible, we looked even further down the road...into ensuring that our pet bed lasts for years.

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So what do you do if your dog is into destroying everything, including their own beds? Read on here: How do I get my dog to stop chewing up and destroying everything?