If your poor pup is recovering from an injury or diagnosed with arthritis, hip dysplasia, degenerative joint disease or other musculoskeletal condition, magnetic dog beds can provide relief. When looking for a dog bed, the size of your dog and the size of the bed’s magnetic field are important.
Step 1
Measure the height of your dog while he is lying down. This determines how high the magnetic field must be in the bed to provide the best potential benefits for your dog.
Step 2
Look for beds with magnets that have a Br rating -- the internal magnetic field -- of 3,950 gauss and a surface rating of 800 to 900 gauss. The gauss number measures the intensity of the magnetic field.
Step 3
Check the label of the dog bed to determine the depth location of the magnets. The magnetic field rises upward on the bed and the amount of material between the magnets and your dog will reduce the field.
Step 4
Check the label for a listing of the magnetic field height. This is when you need your dog’s measurement. If the field is shorter than the height of your dog, the bed will not provide an optimal field. If the bed does not list a magnetic field height, determine this with your small magnet. Place your magnet over the surface of the dog bed until you feel the pull of the magnetic field. This is the height of the magnetic field. The best bed for your dog will have a field greater than his height.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
References
Tips
- Magnetic therapy is not a guarantee and not all dogs receive benefits. According to veterinarian Allen Schoen, various studies show magnets provide some biologic effect. However, no double-blind studies have documented effects on living tissue.
- In addition, not all dogs will like the dog bed. Dogs have a more acute sense of the magnetic field and many do not like it. You may find your dog sniffs the bed and walks away, wanting nothing to do with it.
Warnings
- Talk to your veterinarian before trying a magnetic dog bed. VCA Animal Hospitals recommend magnetic therapy not be used on fresh injuries, in pregnant animals or in patients with pacemakers. Cancer is another condition where exposure to magnetic fields is questionable.
Writer Bio
Deborah Lundin is a professional writer with more than 20 years of experience in the medical field and as a small business owner. She studied medical science and sociology at Northern Illinois University. Her passions and interests include fitness, health, healthy eating, children and pets.