Updated: Jan. 8, 2023
Dogs sleep on average 12 – 14 hours a day. That is a lot of time sleeping, so it is important they have a comfortable and supportive bed to sleep in. Searching for and choosing the perfect dog bed can be a daunting experience. With so many beds to choose from with memory foam, egg crate, bolster beds, elevated beds, and couches, which is the right choice for you and your dog? This post will give you suggestions to find the best dog bed to meet you and your dog’s needs.
When choosing a dog bed, you want to look at the sleeping behavior of your dog. Does your dog like to curl up in a ball,
lay on their side,
or stretch out?
Do they like to lean up against objects or put their head down on a pillow? Do they like warm or cool surfaces? Does your dog have any special needs, i.e. difficulty getting up from a low surface or lifting their legs to get up and over a bolster? You should also look for a bed that is washable or has a removable/washable cover for easy cleaning.
Beds According to Dog Size
There are dog beds made especially for large and small dogs. It is important to get a bed that is made for the size of your dog so they are able to get the comfort and support they need. If you get a dog bed made for large dogs for your small dog, the sleeping component may be too hard for them. If you buy a bed made for small dogs for your large dog, in addition to them not fitting on it, the sleep area will not be able to support their weight or joints.
If you have a large breed dog, the Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed for Large and Extra Large Dog Breeds – Headrest Edition is a good choice. In a study done from the University of Pennsylvania, it was determined that dogs experienced less pain and more mobility after using Big Barker dog beds. These beds are specifically made for large and extra large dogs. Big Barker beds are engineered not to flatten and offer a 10 year guarantee. This bed contains an “open cell” American made 7 inch foam to allow air flow that keeps your dog from getting too hot. The cover comes off and can be cleaned in the wash machine and air or machine dried. Made in the USA.
Another bed that is made specifically for large dogs is the Laifug Orthopedic Memory Foam Extra Large Dog Bed. This is made for dogs up to 200lbs and includes a built in large and small “pillow” for your dog’s comfort. The cover is made of microfiber, is water and tear resistant and is machine washable.
For small dogs, the Bedsure Calming Dog Bed for Small Dogs may suit your needs. This is designed for small dogs under 25 lbs who like to curl up into a ball when they sleep. It is made with micro fiber to retain heat and give a warm place to sleep. It contains a no slip bottom and the entire bed can be machine washed and dried.
Another good choice is the Bedsure Small Dog Bed. This bed is also designed for small dogs that like to curl up to sleep. It has 6 inch high sides to curl up against and a removable and reversible inside pillow made of microfiber to keep your dog feeling warm when they sleep. It has a no slip bottom and the entire bed is machine washable.
Warming Beds
Warming beds are good for puppies, dogs with less hair, or those that like to curl up when they sleep. Some of these beds contain materials that reflect body heat back to the dog to keep them warm and others are made of a fake fur material to mimic the warmth of another dog, i.e. its mother, which can help to calm those dogs prone to anxiety. Some look like your idea of a traditional dog bed and others are a round or “donut” shape.
The Amazon Basics Warming Pet Bed comes in a variety of sizes and is made to reflect and absorb your dog’s body heat to keep them warm while they sleep. It is recommended to spot clean, but reviewers stated they machine washed and dried the bed without issue.
The SavFox Long Plush Comfy Calming and Self Warming Bed is a donut bed made of a synthetic fur to give your dog a plush and warm place to sleep. The raised rim gives your dog a sense of calm and safety and is good for dogs that like to curl up to sleep.
Cooling Beds
Cooling beds are for those pups that prefer a cooler surface to sleep on and usually have some type of cooling foam to get this effect.
Barkbox Tufted Soft Foam Dog Bed comes in 3 sizes and allows air to flow and reduces heat retention. The cover is water resistant, has a no slip bottom, and is machine washable.
Another good choice is the Furhaven Pet Dog Bed. This comes with a cooling gel foam that provides a surface that is 1-2 degrees cooler and wicks away heat. There is also a memory foam layer that gives your dog orthopedic support. This is a bolster bed that provides areas for your dog to snuggle up to or lay their head on. The cover is machine washable.
Dog Beds For Heavy Chewers or Diggers
If your dog is a heavy chewer or they like to dig before sleeping, finding a good bed that won’t rip or be destroyed by your dog is hard to find. Dog beds made for heavy chewers and diggers tend to be made of a thicker material than a traditional dog bed and some may even be more like a cot and elevated off the ground. Not all beds are completely chew and dig proof, but these beds certainly do a decent job.
This K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Elevated Dog Bed is designed to withstand chewing, digging, biting and scratching and has a 180 day chew proof warranty. The cover has a “waterproof membrane” that keeps liquid from seeping through to the floor in case of accidents. This bed is also designed to fit into most crates and can be cleaned with soap and water or rinsed with a hose.
Another option for those that do not want an elevated bed is the Carhartt Durable Canvas Dog Bed. This is made of the same duck canvas that is used to make their jackets and has a polyester fill. The cover is water resistant and can be removed and washed.
Orthopedic Dog Beds
Most people like to get an orthopedic bed for their dog, but did you know there are different types of orthopedic dog beds? Some beds are made of memory foam and some are made with an egg crate. What’s the difference and which is better for your dog? Memory foam creates a supportive surface for your dog to sleep on, which contours to their shape and relieves pressure on bony surfaces. This is especially good for older dogs, those with hip dysplasia or dogs that have had surgery. Dog beds that have an egg crate are less supportive, but provide increased airflow to allow for a cooler night’s sleep.
A good memory foam orthopedic bed is the Bedsure Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed and is a good choice. This bed comes in three sizes, with the larges size holding dogs up to 100 lbs. The sleep area is made of a micro Sherpa material and is machine washable.
Petfusion Ultimate Dog Bed is another good memory foam option. This is a 4 inch memory foam orthopedic dog bed with bolsters that are made of a polyfill material. The cover is water resistant, has a no slip bottom, and is machine washable.
A good egg crate option is the Furhaven Chaise Dog Bed. This is a chaise shaped dog bed with bolsters on two sides for your dog to rest his head on. The bed comes in 5 different sizes to fit your dog and has a faux fur cover and an egg crate foam base to give your dog support. The cover of the bed is removable and machine washable.
Another good option for an egg crate bed is the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed. It contains a high density egg crate foam with a Sherpa lining on one side to keep your dog warm in the winter and an Oxford covering on the other side to keep your dog cool in the summer. The cover is removable and washable.
Travel Dog Beds
For those of you that like to travel with their dog and don’t want to lug around a large bed, there are dog beds that fold or roll up to allow for easy portability. They may not be as luxurious as your home dog bed, but add a plush blanket on top and I’m sure your dog will be happy.
The Chuck It! Travel Bed is made of soft and breathable material which provides comfort for your dog to lay on. This bed is able to be rolled up and comes with a rucksack to store it in, which makes it convenient to carry around when camping or RVing with your pup.
If you prefer more of a cot type of bed for your dog, the YEP HHO Large Elevated Folding Pet Bed is for you. The cot is made of a mesh material to keep your pet cool while he sleeps. This comes with non skid rubber feet and is able to be folded up and carried in an included case to make it more portable.
Outdoor Dog Beds
Looking for a bed to keep outside in all weather conditions? Dog cots are a good buy. These are elevated off the floor, which offers various benefits when outside. They can keep your dog cool in the summer by having a mesh-like material to allow for air flow above and below your dog. It can also help to keep your dog warm in colder weather by allowing your pup to stay off the cold surface of the ground. Having an elevated bed outdoors also keeps your dog from laying on the ground and therefore, being exposed to more dirt, bugs, or other critters.
The Coolaroo Original Elevated Pet Bed is made of a breathable fabric to help keep your dog comfortable in all weather conditions. This is flea, mite, mold and mildew resistant and has a steel frame that will last for years. This comes in three sizes and a variety of colors.
If you prefer a little extra shade for your dog, Best Choice Elevated Cooling Dog Bed provides a canopy that attaches to its cot. This is also made of a mesh fabric and steel frame to keep your dog cool and supported.
Luxury Dog Beds
If you are looking to splurge a little bit on your dog, there are dog beds out there that are made to resemble human furniture.
Petmate’s Newton Sofa is made from La-Z-Boy for dogs up to 75lbs. This dog bed is made with furniture grade materials with a wood base and feet and a textured chenille upholstery to conceal pet hair. The cover is machine washable.
Additionally, the TOV Furniture Yorkshire Collection Pet Bed is also made of a wood base and legs and has an upholstered velvet cushion which is waterproof and washable.
Best Overall Dog Bed
If all of these choices are just a little too much for you, there are some good all around dog beds that are a good choice.
The Barkbox Memory Foam Platform Dog Bed comes in multiple sizes that can support small dogs all the way up to extra large dogs and contains a 3 inch cooling gel memory foam. The cover is water resistant and machine washable. It also has a no slip bottom.
Another all around good choice is the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed. This is made of a high density egg crate foam and contains a waterproof liner and a no slip bottom. The cover is made of a plush flannel and oxford liner made to withstand digging, scratching and light to moderate chewing. It has a no slip bottom and the cover comes off and is machine washable.
As you can see, there are lots of dog beds to choose from and it can be overwhelming for some. This is just a sample of what is out there. The most important thing when selecting the right bed for your dog is to pay attention to their sleep habits and their health and support needs. Choosing the right bed will give you and your dog a good night’s sleep.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.