Dog Bed Buying Guide

The best dog bed depends on how your dog sleeps, their age, size, and health needs. Anxious dogs do best in a donut calming bed; senior or arthritic dogs need an orthopedic memory foam bed; puppies need a waterproof washable bed; hot sleepers need a cooling elevated bed. Size up by 15-25cm from nose to tail, and always choose a machine-washable cover.

Dogs sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day. That makes their bed the single most-used piece of furniture in your home, and one of the most important purchases you'll make for their health and comfort.

A 2021 peer-reviewed paper published in Topics in Companion Animal Medicine (Mondino et al.) confirms that sleep is a fundamental physiological process in domestic dogs, with disturbances affecting cognitive performance, immune response, and pain sensation.

The paper notes that sleep deprivation increases anxiety-like behaviors and decreases cognitive performance in dogs. Where and how comfortably your dog sleeps directly influences the quality of rest they get.

The right dog bed supports joints, reduces anxiety, and gives your dog a secure place to call their own. The wrong one gets ignored or abandoned within a week. This dog bed buying guide covers every factor that actually matters, from sleeping style and size to health conditions and materials.

HOMMEY designer dog beds

Quick Answer: What Dog Bed Should You Choose?

Start here. Find your dog's situation in the left column, then go straight to the recommended bed type.

Indie Boho Noosa Nights Outdoor Bed

Match the Bed to Your Dog's Sleeping Style

Watch your dog sleep for a few nights before buying. Their natural resting position tells you almost everything you need to know about what bed style will actually work.

Dog Bed Size Guide

Size is the most common buying mistake. A bed that's too small forces your dog into awkward positions that cause stiffness; a bed that's too large can feel unsecure for smaller dogs.

How to Measure Your Dog for a Bed

• Step 1 — Measure length: With your dog lying in their natural sleeping position, measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail (not including the tail itself).
• Step 2 — Measure width: Measure across the widest part of your dog as they sleep, whether that's shoulder to shoulder or hip to hip.
• Step 3 — Add 15–25cm (6–10"): This is the dog bed size formula. Add at least 15cm to each measurement to give them room to move and stretch without hanging off the edge.
• Step 4 — When in doubt, go bigger: A slightly oversized bed is always better than one that's too small. You can make a large bed feel cozier with blankets.

Dog Bed Size Chart

Formula: dog's nose-to-tail length + 20cm = minimum bed length. Dog's shoulder width + 20cm = minimum bed width.

Dog Bed Types Explained

Orthopedic Dog Bed

An orthopedic dog bed uses high-density memory foam or orthopedic foam to distribute your dog's weight evenly and relieve pressure on joints. Unlike soft polyester fill beds that compress quickly, orthopedic foam holds its shape and prevents your dog from sinking to the floor.

This is the best dog bed for large dogs, senior dogs, and any dog with joint issues. Look for at least 4 inches (10cm) of foam depth for medium breeds, and 5-6 inches for large breeds.

• Best for: Senior dogs, large breeds, dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia
• Key feature: High-density memory foam or orthopedic foam base, non-slip bottom
• Avoid: Beds labelled 'orthopedic' with only thin polyester fill — check for actual foam

Calming Dog Bed

Calming dog beds use a donut or bolster shape with raised edges that your dog can rest their head and chin on. The enclosed shape mimics the security of being curled against their mother or littermates, which research shows reduces cortisol and promotes faster sleep onset in anxious dogs.

The best bed for anxious dogs is typically a calming donut bed with a high surrounding bolster. The center fill should be soft but supportive, not so plush that the dog sinks through to the floor.

• Best for: Anxious dogs, nervous dogs, dogs who curl up to sleep
• Key feature: High raised bolster edge, soft plush interior, non-slip base
• Look for: Machine-washable cover — calming beds get used heavily and need frequent washing

Waterproof Dog Bed

A waterproof dog bed has an inner liner that prevents moisture from reaching the foam or fill. This is non-negotiable for puppies still in house training, and very useful for senior dogs with incontinence or dogs who like to sleep outside.

Look for beds with a waterproof liner between the outer cover and the fill, not just a water-resistant surface. The outer cover should be separately washable on a warm cycle.

• Best for: Puppies, senior dogs with incontinence, dogs who spend time outdoors
• Key feature: Waterproof inner liner, removable machine-washable cover
• Avoid: Beds described as 'water-resistant' only — this is not the same as waterproof

Memory Foam Dog Bed

Memory foam dog beds contour to the shape of your dog's body, distributing weight evenly across the surface rather than concentrating pressure on bony prominences like elbows and hips. For large dogs and senior dogs in particular, this can significantly reduce stiffness after long periods of rest.

The quality of memory foam varies significantly. A bed with 4-5lb density foam will hold its shape through years of use; a bed with 1-2lb foam will compress into a pancake within months.

• Best for: Large breeds, dogs with joint pain, senior dogs
• Check: Foam density (4lb+ is good), total foam depth (minimum 4" for medium dogs)

Cooling Dog Bed

A cooling dog bed for dogs who run hot uses one of two approaches: a raised mesh design that allows air to circulate underneath, or a gel-infused foam top that absorbs body heat. Both are effective in different contexts. For a curated list of cooling elevated options, see our separate guide to the best elevated dog beds.

Raised cot-style beds work best outdoors or in warm rooms. Gel-foam beds work better in climate-controlled homes where air circulation is less of a factor.

• Best for: Brachycephalic breeds, thick-coated dogs, dogs in warm climates
• Key feature: Elevated mesh cot design or gel-infused cooling foam
• Bonus: Elevated beds also keep dogs off cold floors in winter, making them more versatile year-round

Washable Dog Bed

Every dog bed should be washable, but this term specifically refers to beds where the entire structure — cover and insert — can go through a standard washing machine. This matters most for puppies, muddy dogs, and heavy shedders.

Check the care label before buying. Some beds have washable covers but foam inserts that cannot be machine-washed and must be spot-cleaned only. A fully washable dog bed with a removable insert is the most practical option for everyday life.

FUNNY FUZZY Plush Dog Crate Mat

Dog Bed Materials Explained

Bedsure ComfyFleece

Dog Bed Guide by Health Condition

Your dog's health should drive the bed decision more than any other factor. Here's what to choose for the most common conditions:

Choosing a Dog Bed by Breed and Body Type

Choosing a Bed for Large Dogs

Large dogs need beds with substantially more foam depth than standard options. A Lab or Husky sitting on a 2-inch foam bed will compress it flat within weeks. Look for orthopedic memory foam beds with at least 5-6 inches of foam depth, an XL or XXL footprint (minimum 100 x 75cm), and a durable chew-resistant cover.

The best dog bed for large dogs also needs a non-slip base. A large dog flopping down onto a sliding bed can damage joints over time.

Choosing a Dog Bed for Puppies

A dog bed for puppies has two non-negotiable features: a waterproof liner and a machine-washable cover. House training accidents are inevitable, and a bed that can't be properly cleaned becomes unhygienic fast.

Buy for your dog's expected adult size, not their current puppy size. Fill the extra space with a rolled blanket to make it feel secure. Avoid expensive orthopedic foam for very young puppies, as they're unlikely to stay in one spot for long anyway.

Durability, Covers, and Washability

• Removable cover is non-negotiable: A bed you can't wash properly becomes a hygiene problem within weeks. The cover must unzip and go straight into the washing machine.
• Wash at 40°C or higher: Lower temperatures don't kill bacteria and allergens effectively. Check the care label before buying.
• Chew-resistant fabrics for destructive dogs: Canvas, ballistic nylon, and ripstop fabrics hold up far better than plush or velvet under persistent chewing or scratching. No fabric is truly indestructible, but these come closest.
• Check fill quality: Cheap polyester fill compresses into a flat mat within months. Quality beds use high-density foam inserts or vacuum-compressed fill that bounces back after washing.
• Have a spare: A second cover or a backup bed means your dog isn't left without their sleeping spot on wash day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Dog Bed

• Buying too small: This is the most common mistake. Always measure your dog in their natural sleeping position and add at least 15-20cm. A dog that hangs off the edge isn't sleeping well.
• Choosing style over support: A beautiful designer bed that flattens in two weeks is money wasted. Support and washability should come first; aesthetics second.
• Ignoring sleeping style: A curler given a flat mattress often won't use it. A sprawler crammed into a bolster bed hangs off the sides. Match the shape to the dog.
• Skipping waterproof for puppies: A non-waterproof bed during house training will need replacing within months. Always start with a waterproof washable dog bed for puppies.
• Trusting 'orthopedic' labelling: This term is unregulated. Check that the bed actually contains high-density foam, not just polyester fill with the word 'orthopedic' on the label.
• Not checking the washing instructions: Some beds have removable covers but inserts that are hand-wash or spot-clean only. For a dog bed, this is impractical for everyday use.
• Buying for your aesthetic, not their needs: A velvet-trimmed bed looks beautiful, but if your dog is an outdoor-muddy type who needs hosing down, canvas or microfibre is a much smarter choice.

Dog Bed Buying Checklist

Before you buy, tick these off:

✅ Measured my dog in their sleeping position and added 15-20cm

✅ Matched the bed shape to my dog's sleeping style

✅ Checked foam depth (4"+ for medium, 5-6"+ for large breeds)

✅ Verified removable, machine-washable cover

✅ Confirmed waterproof liner if buying for a puppy or senior dog

✅ Chosen support level to match health needs

✅ Checked hardware and fill quality (not just the label)

✅ Non-slip base for larger or older dogs

FAQ

What type of dog bed is best?

There's no single best dog bed type: it depends on your dog's sleeping style, size, age, and health. For most healthy adult dogs, an orthopedic memory foam bed with a bolster or raised edge suits the widest range of sleeping positions. For anxious dogs, a calming donut bed is the strongest choice. For puppies and seniors, prioritize a waterproof washable bed above all else.

How often should you replace a dog bed?

A quality dog bed should last 2-5 years with regular washing. Replace it sooner if the foam has compressed significantly (your dog sits closer to the floor than they used to), the cover is worn or stained beyond cleaning, or your dog's health needs have changed and require different support. Cheap polyester fill beds may need replacing every 6-12 months.

Do dogs prefer soft or firm beds?

It depends on the dog. Healthy young dogs often prefer softer, plusher beds. Senior dogs, large breeds, and dogs with joint pain do better on firmer orthopedic foam that supports their weight without compressing. Watch where your dog naturally chooses to rest: dogs that sleep on hard floors often prefer firmer support, while dogs that gravitate toward sofas prefer something softer.

Should puppies have waterproof beds?

Yes, always. House training accidents are part of puppyhood, and a non-waterproof bed that absorbs urine cannot be fully cleaned, which encourages repeat accidents in the same spot. A waterproof dog bed with a removable machine-washable cover is the only practical choice for a puppy. Buy it in the size they'll need as an adult and fill the extra space with blankets.

Are orthopedic dog beds worth it?

For large dogs, senior dogs, and dogs with joint pain or arthritis, an orthopedic dog bed is genuinely worth the extra cost. High-density foam provides meaningful support that prevents pressure sores and can reduce stiffness after long periods of rest. For young, healthy, small dogs, a quality non-orthopedic bed with good fill is often sufficient. The key is checking actual foam content, not just the label.

How do I get my dog to use their new bed?

Place the bed where your dog already likes to rest, not where you think they should sleep. Add a worn t-shirt or their existing blanket to transfer familiar scent. Reward them with treats and praise when they interact with the bed. Most dogs adapt within a week. If they continue to avoid it, the style or location may be wrong: try moving it or switching to a different bed type.

Ready to Find the Right Bed?

The right dog bed comes down to three things: the right size, the right shape for how your dog sleeps, and the right support level for their age and health. Get those three right and your dog will use it every single day.

For product recommendations, see our best dog beds roundup for top-rated picks across all styles, the best luxury dog beds guide for premium options, and the best elevated dog beds guide for cooling and cot-style picks. For travel, the dog blanket guide covers everything you need on the road.

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