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Grandma in a sage quilted vest tucks a plaid blanket around a black Labrador lying in a round dog bed in a lamp-lit room. 9 / 22

Every Night Before Bed, Dot Has One Last Thing She Has to Do

AI imagelabrador retrieverbedtimedog bed

The lamp is on low, her slippers are waiting by the couch, and Dot has one last job before bed. She kneels beside a big round dog bed and carefully tucks a soft plaid blanket around Moose's shoulders, smoothing it over his back the way you'd tuck in a child. She's still in her sage quilted vest and cream sweater, her white hair piled into a bun, her face soft with concentration. Moose lies with his head up, gazing straight ahead with heavy-lidded brown eyes, perfectly content to be fussed over. A potted plant and a cozy armchair fill the quiet room behind them.

A good bed matters for dogs, especially larger breeds like Labradors. Big dogs put more weight on their joints when lying on hard floors, and Labs can be prone to hip and elbow issues as they age. A thick, supportive bed, such as one with memory foam or firm bolsters, can make resting more comfortable. Placing the bed away from drafts and in a quiet corner helps dogs settle. Blankets are a nice touch in cooler weather, but choose washable ones and watch for any chewing, since swallowed fabric can cause problems. If your older dog seems stiff getting up, it's worth mentioning to your vet.

Moose may not need to be tucked in, but he certainly isn't complaining. Some bedtime routines are as much for the person as the dog, and this one is clearly for both.

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