How to Choose the Best Dog Bed: A Complete Buying Guide

Dogs spend a remarkable amount of their lives asleep, often 12 to 14 hours a day for adults and even more for puppies and seniors. A good bed is not a luxury. It supports joints, keeps your dog warm and comfortable, gives them a place of their own, and can even protect your furniture. Yet walk into any pet store or browse online, and you will find hundreds of options: bolster beds, orthopedic mattresses, donuts, elevated cots, heated pads and more.

This buying guide explains how to choose the right bed for your dog based on their size, sleeping style, age, health and habits. We cover materials, sizing, washability and durability, plus tips to help your dog actually use their new bed. This is an independent guide; we do not recommend specific brands, so you can apply these principles to any product you are considering.

Why the Right Bed Matters

• Joint support: A supportive bed spreads weight evenly and cushions pressure points such as hips, elbows and shoulders. This is especially important for large breeds, seniors and dogs with arthritis.
• Temperature control: Beds insulate dogs from cold floors in winter, and cooling or raised beds help in hot weather.
• Security: A dedicated bed gives your dog a predictable, safe place to retreat to, which is helpful for anxious dogs and training routines like “go to your bed.”
• Hygiene: A washable bed collects hair and dander in one place, keeping your home cleaner.
• Preventing calluses: Large, heavy dogs that sleep on hard floors often develop elbow calluses and hygromas. Proper padding helps prevent them.

Step 1: Observe How Your Dog Sleeps

Your dog’s favorite sleeping position is the best clue to the ideal bed style.

• Curlers: Dogs who curl up in a ball often love round donut beds or bolster beds with raised sides they can snuggle into.
• Sprawlers: Dogs who stretch out on their sides need a large, flat, rectangular mattress-style bed with plenty of length.
• Leaners: Dogs who like to rest their head on something enjoy bolster beds with a raised edge to use as a pillow.
• Burrowers: Dogs who dig under blankets may prefer cave or hooded beds that let them tuck themselves in.
• Belly-up sleepers: Often very relaxed dogs who like large, open beds and may overheat easily, so cooler materials can help.

Step 2: Get the Size Right

A bed that is too small is one of the most common buying mistakes. To find the right size:

1. Measure your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while they are lying stretched out.
2. Add around 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches) to that length for room to move.
3. Measure width from shoulder to shoulder or across the body while lying on the side, and add a similar margin.
4. For bolster beds, check the inner sleeping area rather than the outer dimensions, since bolsters take up space.

When choosing for a puppy, remember they will grow. You can buy an adult-sized bed and use a folded blanket or a crate divider to make it cozier, or budget for a bigger bed later. Puppies are also more likely to chew, so a durable, inexpensive bed may be wise at first.

Step 3: Choose the Right Type of Bed

Orthopedic Beds

Orthopedic beds use supportive foam, often memory foam or high-density foam, to distribute weight and relieve pressure on joints. They are ideal for large breeds, senior dogs, dogs recovering from surgery and those with arthritis or hip and elbow dysplasia. Look for foam that is thick enough that your dog does not “bottom out” and feel the floor, generally at least 7 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches) for medium to large dogs, and more for giant breeds.

Bolster Beds

These have raised, pillow-like sides on one to four edges. They offer a sense of security and a place to rest the head. Many combine a foam base with bolsters, offering support and comfort.

Donut and Calming Beds

Round, plush beds with high, soft rims that dogs sink into. Many dogs love them for curling up. They are often marketed as calming beds; while they can feel cozy and secure, they are not a treatment for anxiety on their own.

Pillow and Mattress Beds

Simple flat cushions filled with fiber or foam. They suit sprawlers and are easy to place in crates or cars. Fiber-filled pillows can flatten over time, so they offer less long-term support.

Elevated (Cot) Beds

Raised frames with taut fabric stretched across. They keep dogs off hot or cold ground, allow air to circulate for cooling, and are easy to clean. They are great for outdoor use, hot climates and dogs that overheat. Some dogs need time to get used to the feel.

Cooling Beds

Made with gel-infused foam, breathable mesh or pressure-activated cooling pads. Helpful for thick-coated breeds, flat-faced dogs and hot climates. Always supervise chewers, as gel layers should not be ingested.

Heated and Self-Warming Beds

Self-warming beds use reflective layers to retain your dog’s body heat, while electric heated beds provide gentle warmth. They can be comforting for small dogs, short-coated breeds and seniors. Choose pet-specific electric products with chew-resistant cords and low temperature settings, and never leave dogs unsupervised with electrical products if they chew.

Cave and Hooded Beds

Beds with a fabric cover or hood create a den-like space for dogs that love to burrow, such as Dachshunds and Chihuahuas.

Step 4: Look Closely at Materials

Fill

• Memory foam: Contours to the body and relieves pressure points. Quality varies; low-density foam can flatten quickly.
• High-density or egg-crate foam: Supportive and often more affordable, though egg-crate profiles can compress over time.
• Polyester fiberfill: Soft and cozy, but tends to clump and flatten, offering less support.
• Shredded foam: Moldable and soft, good for dogs who like to nest, but can shift and clump.

Cover Fabric

• Canvas, denim or ballistic nylon: Durable, good for chewers and scratchers.
• Microfiber and microsuede: Soft, easy to wipe and resists hair to some degree.
• Faux fur and plush fleece: Warm and cozy, but hold hair and may be too warm for some dogs.
• Breathable mesh: Good for cooling and outdoor use.

Step 5: Prioritize Washability

Dog beds collect hair, dirt, saliva, odors and potentially fleas. A removable, machine-washable cover is essential for most households. Look for sturdy zippers, ideally hidden to discourage chewing, and a waterproof or water-resistant liner between the foam and cover. Liners protect foam from accidents, drool and spills, which is especially valuable for puppies, senior dogs and dogs with incontinence. Check the care label to confirm whether covers can be tumble dried.

Step 6: Consider Durability and Chewing

If your dog shreds everything, a plush donut bed may not survive the week. For chewers, consider:

• Elevated beds with chew-resistant frames
• Beds made from heavy-duty canvas or ballistic nylon
• Designs with hidden zippers and no loose trims
• Providing appropriate chew toys and exercise to reduce destructive chewing

No bed is truly indestructible. If your dog swallows pieces of stuffing or fabric, remove the bed and contact your vet, as it can cause intestinal blockages.

Beds for Specific Needs

Puppies

Choose affordable, washable beds with waterproof liners while house training and teething. A crate mat or simple cushion works well in a crate.

Senior Dogs

Thick orthopedic foam, a low entry, a non-slip base and a waterproof liner. Position the bed in a warm, draft-free spot close to the family.

Large and Giant Breeds

Extra-large orthopedic beds with thick, high-density foam that will not flatten under their weight.

Small Dogs

Many small dogs feel the cold and love bolster, donut or cave beds that let them snuggle in.

Anxious Dogs

Beds with raised sides or hoods can feel secure. Place them in a quiet area and pair them with calm routines. For significant anxiety, speak with your vet or a qualified behavior professional.

Travel and Outdoor Use

Lightweight elevated cots and roll-up travel mats are practical for camping, car trips and visits to friends.

How to Help Your Dog Love Their New Bed

• Place the bed where your dog already likes to rest, often near family activity.
• Add a blanket or old T-shirt that smells like you.
• Reward your dog with treats and praise for stepping onto or lying on the bed.
• Teach a “go to bed” cue using positive reinforcement.
• Give chews or food puzzles on the bed to build positive associations.
• Be patient. Some dogs take a few days to adopt a new bed.

Where to Put Your Dog’s Bed

Placement can make the difference between a bed your dog loves and one they ignore. Dogs are social animals, so most prefer to rest where they can see or hear their people. A corner of the living room or the foot of the bedroom are popular choices. Avoid drafty doorways, spots right next to radiators or heating vents, and busy walkways where people constantly step around the bed. For anxious or noise-sensitive dogs, a quieter corner away from windows and the front door can reduce reactivity to passing people and deliveries. On tiled or wooden floors, a non-slip base keeps the bed from sliding when your dog jumps in.

Cleaning and Caring for Your Dog’s Bed

Regular cleaning keeps your dog’s bed fresh, extends its life and reduces allergens in your home.

• Weekly: Vacuum or use a lint roller to remove hair and debris. Shake out blankets outdoors.
• Every one to two weeks: Wash removable covers and blankets in hot water with a mild, fragrance-free detergent. Strong scents and fabric softeners can irritate sensitive skin.
• Monthly: Spot-clean foam inserts according to the manufacturer’s instructions and let them air dry completely in a well-ventilated area, ideally in sunlight. Never put memory foam in a tumble dryer unless the label allows it.
• During flea treatment: Wash all bedding on a hot cycle and vacuum the surrounding area thoroughly, as flea eggs and larvae collect in bedding.
• After illness: Wash bedding promptly to reduce the spread of infection to other pets.

Owning two covers makes laundry day easier, because your dog always has a clean bed while the other cover is drying.

How Often Should You Replace a Dog Bed?

Replace a bed when the foam no longer springs back, the fill has flattened or clumped, there are persistent odors despite washing, or the cover is torn. For many beds, that is every one to three years, although high-quality orthopedic foam can last longer. Senior dogs benefit from beds that still provide proper support.

Buying Checklist

• Matches your dog’s sleeping style
• Sized for your dog stretched out, plus extra room
• Supportive fill appropriate to weight and age
• Removable, machine-washable cover
• Waterproof liner if needed
• Durable fabric for chewers or diggers
• Non-slip base for hard floors
• Easy entry for seniors and dogs with mobility issues
• Suitable for your climate: cooling or warming features as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dogs really need a bed if they sleep on the sofa?

A dedicated bed gives your dog a predictable space of their own, supports their joints and helps with training. Even sofa-loving dogs benefit from having a comfortable alternative.

Should I put a bed in my dog’s crate?

Yes, a comfortable crate mat or pad makes the crate more inviting. For puppies or dogs who chew bedding, start with a durable mat or a towel and upgrade as they prove trustworthy.

How many beds does my dog need?

Many owners keep more than one: for example, one in the living room and one in the bedroom. This helps your dog relax wherever the family is.

Are orthopedic beds only for older dogs?

No. Large breeds and active dogs of any age benefit from supportive beds, and good joint support throughout life is a sensible investment.

The Bottom Line

The best dog bed is the one that suits your dog’s size, sleeping style, age and habits. Measure carefully, choose supportive fill for heavier or older dogs, insist on a washable cover, and pick materials that match your dog’s chewing and temperature needs. A thoughtfully chosen bed will give your dog years of restful sleep, and give you a cleaner, calmer home.