| Dog Bed | Material | Sizes Available | Waterproof | Dog Size | Chew Resistant | Portable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furhaven Orthopedic CertiPUR-US Certified Foam Pet Bed | Suede with Faux Fur Lining | 5 | Yes | Small to Jumbo | No | No |
| Bedsure Elevated Dog Bed | Teslin Mesh | 3 | Yes | Small to Large | Yes | Yes |
| Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed | Suede | 4 | Yes | Small to Jumbo | NA | Yes |
| Majestic Pet Dog Bagel Bed | Polyester Suede | 4 | Yes | Small to Large | Yes | No |
| Serta Cuddler Dog Bed | Polyester Suede | 2 | Yes | Large | NA | No |
| Casper Dog Bed | Nylon, Polyester, and Olefin | 1 | Yes | Small | Yes | Yes |
| K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Elevated Dog Bed | Ballistic Fabric in Aluminum Frame | 3 | Yes | S, L, XL | Yes | Yes |
| Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Dog Bed | Shag/Lux Fur | 4 | No | Small to Extra Large | No | Yes |
| K&H Heated Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Pet Bed | Polyester felt | 2 | No | Medium to Large | NA | NA |
| Furhaven Orthopedic CertiPUR-US Certified Foam Bed | Faux Fur with Microsuede | 5 | Yes | Small to Jumbo Plus | No | No |
There are things to consider when buying a dog bed. As Orhan Pamuk rightly said, “Dogs do speak but only to those who know how to listen.” Have a conversation with your dog to figure out what it really needs. Involve the vet if you will.
Every dog is unique and therefore needs a bed that serves them the best. You’ll be spoiled for choice, but keep the following factors in mind when selecting a bed for your beloved pet:
By now you’re aware of the amazing variety of dog beds available in the market. What is the best bed for a dog to sleep on? It depends on your dog.
Older dogs with bulky and painful joints definitely need beds made of memory foam. A little extra orthopedic support goes a long way in relieving them of pain and discomfort.
Younger dogs do well with beds that mimic the furry body of their mothers. So soft and warm lining works well for pups. Beds that have a cocooning effect are a hit with puppies too!
Active dogs that tend to sweat a lot or live in warmer climates need elevated beds with breathable fabric that can cool them off.
The answer to how to choose the best dog bed lies in your dog’s habits. If your dog is calm and likes lazing around, a plush bed in luxurious fabric would be ideal for it. But if your dog is a mischief monger that loves chewing on anything that catches its fancy, go for a chew resistant bed.
Remember to steer clear of beds with extra frills that have no functionality. If it doesn’t make your dog feel good, it doesn’t belong to the bed. Tearable decorations can also pose choking hazards for your dog – that’s the last thing you want!
Does your dog like to curl up into a donut when it sleeps? Or maybe it prefers the Superman position – lying flat on its belly with its limbs stretched out. Depending on their personality and mood, dogs can sleep in as many as ten different positions!
Select a bed that best suits your dog’s most preferred sleeping position. Donut beds work wonders for dogs that like to borrow, cuddle, or curl up. Elevated beds are great for pets that love to sprawl on all fours.
Watch your dog sleep for a few days before taking your pick. There’s no point in buying the wrong bed that your canine will not use.
Material is another defining factor when it comes to buying the best type of dog bed for your pet. Dog beds come in all kinds of fabrics – from faux fur and felt to polyester, suede, microfiber, vinyl, and others.
The fabric you choose should be suitable for the climate of the region you stay in, your dog’s fur coat, and its habits.
Faux fur, felt, and suede are good for cold climates whereas washable polyester is the ideal choice for indoor-outdoor beds. Choose a breathable fabric if you stay in a hot and humid area. If your dog has a scanty fur coat, make sure the fabric of its bed keeps your canine warm.
What size should a dog bed be? A size that comfortably fits your dog when it’s relaxing is the one you should go for. But do check the weight your chosen dog bed can carry – not all dogs that are the same size weigh the same.
As a dog parent, keeping your pet’s bed spic and span is your responsibility. But at the same time, it shouldn’t add to your chores! Go for beds that have removable and washable covers. Most dog bed covers can be cleaned in the washing machine.
A portable dog bed that you can mantle and dismantle per your requirement is a good investment to make. You don’t have to worry about it when the bed is not in use. Remember, maintenance directly affects the pet bed’s durability too. Go for ones that are not very effort intensive yet long lasting.
Like I mentioned above, choose a bed that can comfortably fit your dog. But also designate a place in your house where you would like the bed to go. Finding the perfect spot can help you decide on the shape of the dog bed and its size!
For everything else, here’s a chart for you to refer to:
| Sl No. | Weight (in lbs) | Size of Bed (in inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 – 10 (XS) | 18″L x 13″W |
| 2 | 11 – 25 (S) | 24″Lx18″W |
| 3 | 26 – 40 (M) | 30″Lx20″W |
| 4 | 41 – 70 (L) | 36″Lx23″W |
| 5 | 71 – 90 (XL) | 42″Lx28″W |
| 6 | 91 – 110 (XXL) | 48″Lx30″W |
Note: Dog bed sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Refer to their sizing chart to get the best fit for your dog.
Extra small beds are a good nesting place for small and sassy canines like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Papillons, the Maltese, etc.
Slightly bigger dogs like Pugs, Dachshunds, Frenchies, Pekingese, Havanese, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus can rest snugly in small sized beds.
If you have a Beagle, close your eyes and go for a medium sized bed. The same rings true for Shetland Sheepdogs, Schnauzers, Cavalier King Charles, and terriers of Scottish descent.
Big boys like Australian Shepherds, Bulldogs, Boxers, Basset Hounds, Bull Terriers, and the likes need a large bed to enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep or midday snooze.
Keep the extra large beds for your Labrador Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, etc. They need all the space you can give them to relax and get comfortable.
By now you have a fair idea of the different types of dog beds that are available in the market. But let’s take a detailed look at these options below:
If you have ever slept on a memory foam mattress, you’d be no stranger to the comfort it offers. Usually made from viscoelastic, memory foam distributes your dog’s body weight evenly while it sleeps. The foam “understands” your pet’s body weight, sleeping posture, and heat loss to shape itself into what’s most comfortable for them.
Because memory foam is heat sensitive, it is capable of adjusting its shape to your dog’s body contours. So a memory foam bed helps your dog sleep as comfortably as possible, while supporting its body in all the right places.
If you choose a memory foam bed for your dog, be rest assured that it will wake up feeling more energetic than ever. Such beds are tailor-made for senior dogs who suffer from body and joint pain.
The next type of bed on this list is a close cousin of the memory foam bed. In fact, a lot of orthopedic dog beds comprise a dual layering of memory foam with other supportive materials. Orthopedic dog beds wholly support your dog’s body, relieving any kind of pain or discomfort.
As you might have guessed, orthopedic beds are great for aging dogs or those suffering from injury-related ailments. That said, every dog can benefit from a good orthopedic mattress.
Orthopedic dog beds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but for added comfort, go for the ones with bolsters. Also choose the ones that are made from premium quality materials that are CertiPUR certified.
Just as the name suggests, heated dog beds come with heating pads. Some even have additional orthopedic support!
These beds can be broadly categorized into two types – those that work without electricity and those that work without. Self warming dog beds usually come with thermal reflectors. These reflectors absorb your dog’s natural body heat and reflect it back to keep your pet warm.
Yet another variation comes with heating pads. You can simply plug these in and let your dog enjoy the toasty warmth of its bed. You can also buy heating pads separately and fortify self-warming beds with them.
Heated dog beds work very well in cooler climates. If you happen to have a dog with a short hair coat, purchasing a heated dog bed is one of the best investments you’ll make.
This one needs no explanation. Cooling dog beds and mattresses help dogs cool itselves down. Heat can cause a lot of undue stress in your pet. A cooling bed lets your dog relax during summers and extreme weather conditions.
Usually, cooling dog beds work by absorbing excess body heat from your pet’s body. Some come with cooling gel pads layered between the bed’s outer covering. Elevated beds, or those with valleys and ridges design also help your canine keep their body cool.
If you want to indulge your dog with the ultimate cooling experience, go for water filled beds. If your dog spends time outdoors, a waterbed is a great choice to explore. Cooling beds can also help aging dogs by relieving their aching joints. Most such beds come with pressure control points.
Dogs are territorial creatures – that’s why some of them want an extra layer of security when they doze off. That’s when covered dog beds come in handy. If your dog has a habit of burrowing before sleep, definitely consider a covered dog bed.
Covered dog beds can range from tent-like structures to cave beds. The option you choose should be one that your dog likes the most. But make sure to take note of the height the covered bed offers before buying one. Under no circumstances should your dog feel stifled inside its covered bed.
Donut-shaped beds, also known as bagel beds, provide a secure and comforting place for your dog to sleep. Most of these beds have high edges or bolsters. This provides ample support to your dog to rest its head or neck.
Donut beds can easily fit small to large dogs and they’re great for light sleepers. Because the shape of the bed aligns with every dog’s habit of going round and round before sleeping, most dogs love these beds.
These beds come in a variety of materials and sizes. Some even have hoods that can turn a donut bed into a covered donut bed.
Simple but effective, elevated dog beds usually have a breathable mesh stretched over a rectangular frame. The legs of the bed keep your dog off the floor. This means your pet’s fur remains clean and its body cool.
Most elevated dog beds have aluminum or steel frames with a microfiber mesh. You can use these beds both inside your house and outside. If you want a dog bed when you go hiking with your dog, buy an elevated dog bed. You can dismantle and stow it away when not in use.
Is your dog the master of destruction? Then a chewproof, indestructible dog bed is what you should opt for. Chew proof beds are made from materials like PVC or vinyl. No matter how hard your pup scratches, chews, or wrestles with the bed – it’ll remain as is.
If you have a hyperactive puppy that needs bed training, start it off with a chew proof bed. The same rings true for dogs that are on the naughtier side of the scale.
Remember, chew proof and indestructible beds are very durable. You can keep using them for future pets if your dog outgrows its habits.
Outdoor dog beds are a combination of several other beds discussed above. Designed to keep your pet off the grass or hot concrete, outdoor dog beds are almost always elevated, come with washable covers, and are sturdy.
Some variation of outdoor dog beds can resemble kennels. The idea behind an outdoor dog bed is to keep your pet clean, cool, and relaxed. Most elevated beds double up as outdoor beds.
Pro Tip: The kind of bed you buy entirely depends on your dog’s preference. But do consult a vet to understand what kind of bedding will be the best for your dog. If you’re unsure, invest in a less expensive bed first. Once your dog gets acclimatized to the bed, you can upgrade it to a better one.
Changing your dog bed depends entirely on the durability of the product you’ve purchased and your dog’s habits. Some dog beds can last up to 5 years, while others might need to be replaced after a year, or even six months!
No matter how often you replace your dog’s bed, make sure to clean it regularly and maintain good hygiene.
Yes, even if your dog enjoys an occasional snooze on your bed or the sofa. Dog beds can help your pet have a place that is exclusively theirs while improving their health.
That depends entirely on your dog. But keep in mind that most pets prefer places where they can snuggle and keep warm/cool depending on the weather.
Putting a bed in your dog’s crate makes it more inviting and comfortable for them to use. You should put a bed in your dog’s crate to help them relax.
They might, because it accumulates your dog’s fur, drool, and sweat. But if you stick to a regular cleaning schedule, your dog’s bed should not smell even after prolonged use.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to a fault when cleaning your dog bed. The cleaning process depends on the bed’s material and make. Make sure to use a non-toxic detergent that does not leave harmful residues behind.
Interrupted sleep can lead to sleep disorders, adversely affect a dog’s immunity, and deteriorate its health. As a responsible pet parent, you should invest in a good dog bed.
My top pick would be the Majestic Pet Dog Bagel Bed – it strikes the perfect balance between comfort, affordability, adaptability, and functionality. There’s a reason why this particular dog bed tops my list – it is well-loved by dogs of all ages, shapes, and sizes. If you’re buying a bed for your dog for the first time, go for this one.
Otherwise, take a pick from the remaining nine options. This year, surprise your dog with a bed it’ll fall in love with. Cheers!
