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When it comes to dog beds, there is no one size fits all solution: Great Danes and Chihuahuas have different needs, as do puppies and seniors. To find the best bed for your dog, you need basic information such as the puppy’s age and weight. But you also want more specific details, such as their sleep patterns, whether they have a fever, whether they chew, whether they urinate when stressed, or whether they tend to bring dirt into the house. Just like choosing a mattress for yourself, you need to evaluate which one your puppy will be most comfortable in, especially considering when he will sleep. According to Dr. Lisa Lippman, a home-based veterinarian and founder of Vets in the City, “It can be up to 80 percent of the day.”
Dr. Rachel Barack, veterinarian and founder of Acupuncture for Animals, recommends starting your search for a bed based on your dog’s size. “Measure from nose to tail,” she says. To be on the safe side, add a few inches to this measurement and choose a bed that is slightly larger, as this will give your dog more room to stretch out. However, with so many styles and brands of dog beds available, you may need some help narrowing down your choices. Not least because, as Tazz Latifi, certified pet nutritionist and retail consultant, puts it, “Too many dog beds are just old junk.”
So we asked Lippman, Barack, Latifi and 14 other dog experts (including a trainer, a veterinarian, a strategic dog owner and a parent of an early dog breeder) to recommend the best dog bed. Their favorite products include something for every breed (and dog parent), from beds for the smallest puppies and the biggest large dogs to beds for dogs that love to burrow and chew. And, as always, don’t forget about aesthetics, because if you buy a bed that matches your decor, you’ll most likely have it front and center – it will (hopefully) be your dog’s favorite place to curl up.
Most dog beds are made with foam or polyester filling. Hard memory foam beds are more comfortable and come in different levels of firmness. Polyester-filled beds are fluffier and softer, but they only provide support for small, light dogs if they are heavily padded. Ideally, you should buy something firm enough to support your dog’s spine and joints, yet soft enough to put him into a deep sleep. Large, heavy dogs such as Rottweilers and Great Danes need very dense foam pads to keep them from sinking to the floor. But thinner dogs lack the natural cushioning of fuller hips and thighs and need extra support—polyester padding or softer foam. If you can’t get a feel for the bed before you buy, certain keywords like “orthopedic” and “soft” can help point you in the right direction. Customer reviews can also give you an idea of the density and overall quality of the foam.
Some dogs sleep curled up, some prefer the sensation of sleeping in a cave or den, while others (usually giant breeds or double-coated dogs) prefer to sleep on something cool and ventilated. Regardless of their preferences, the bed you purchase should promote relaxation, a sense of security, and restful sleep. Details like plush blankets, soft throw pillows, breathable fabrics, and even nooks and crannies to dig or hide treats can encourage dogs to prefer their own bed over a couch or pile of clean clothes. If you’re not sure what kind of bed your dog likes, try observing his behavior. Do they like to hide under your blanket? Try using a cavernous bed. Do they nap on the coolest part of a hardwood floor or kitchen tile? Find a cold bed. Or are they always trying to create the perfect concave nest by hovering and digging? Choose a bed with pillows or a donut shaped bed. Jena Kim, owner of two Shiba Inu named Bodhi (also known as “Male Dog”) and Luke, recommends focusing on what’s unique about your dog before buying a new bed. “When you give your dog a treat and she goes to bed with it, you’ll know you’re making the right choice,” explains Kim. Finally, since dogs come in all shapes and sizes, the best beds come in many different sizes, and we favor those that are larger.
Jessica Gore, a Los Angeles-based Certified Professional Animal Behavior Specialist, emphasizes that longevity is an important factor to consider. “I hope your dog’s bed will fit,” she says. “There can be hanging, digging, scraping, tugging and a lot of repetitive slapping that can cause a lot of wear and tear right away.” prone to snagging, tearing, or staining of coating materials such as nylon, canvas, and microfiber. For older dogs and puppies that are accident-prone, look for a bed with a waterproof cover to protect the interior lining from stains and odors.
No matter what you do, your dog’s bed will get dirty. While you can remove dirty paw prints, urine stains that aren’t properly removed can cause your pet to urinate again in the same spot. If it’s not easy to wash, it’s not a good buy. Make sure the bed you buy has a removable, machine-washable duvet, or the entire duvet can be tossed into the washing machine.
Support: Memory foam base | Comfort: four raised side pads | Washable: Removable, washable microfiber cover
Of all the dog beds our experts have mentioned, this is the one we heard the most about from Casper. It is recommended by Lippman, Barak and Kim, as well as Bond Vet co-founder and chief veterinarian Dr. Zai Satchu, and Logan Michli, partner at the Manhattan off-leash dog cafe Boris and Horton. Michli likes that it is “durable and easy to clean.” Barak’s customers are thrilled with their Casper dog bed, adding, “Because it’s designed by Casper, it’s basically a human mattress.” Satchu prefers Casper for its aesthetics, ease of cleaning, and “older dog orthotics for joint pain.” Kim tells us that she and Bodhi have “tried a lot of dog beds, currently using Casper” because “its memory foam base provides full soft support.”
Due to the high overall score, junior strategy writer Brenley Herzen tested the brand’s medium-sized bed with her Australian shea hybrid and said it still looks and feels like new after about four months. Gertzen says it’s especially good for furry pets because it doesn’t snag on fur, and the side supports provide enough support for her puppy to sleep in all positions. In addition to the sizes that Goertzen has, it is also available in small and large sizes and three colors.
Base: polyester padding | Comfort: warm faux fur outer with flexible raised edges | Durability: Water and dirt repellent outsole | Washable: Removable cover is machine washable for sizes M-XL
Gore recommends this donut-shaped bed for small dogs who sleep curled up and need support and extra warmth. “It’s perfect for warm hugs and provides enough support and security for little figures,” she explains. Carolyn Chen, founder of the Dandylion dog grooming line, is another fan. She bought a bed for her 11-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Mocha, who is “more relaxed in this bed than in any other bed we’ve ever slept in.” Chen loves the bed because it can be adapted to all of her puppy’s favorite sleeping positions: curled up, leaning her head and neck against the edge of the bed, or lying upright. After buying a bed for her pit bull/boxer combo, former Strategist Senior Editor Cathy Lewis assured us that the bed (in its larger size) would work for larger dogs as well.
My own dog, Uli, naps for hours every day on his Best Friends by Sheri donut bed. She also uses the bed as a toy of sorts, burying it and throwing it over her ball to find the ball and turn the bed over again. It puffs up a bit at the bottom (where you think the donut hole should be), softening Uli’s joints and creating a deep crevice where she likes to hide her mung bean snacks. Mia Leimcooler, former senior audience development manager at The Strategist, said her miniature schnauzer dog, Reggie, also uses the bed as a toy. “He tosses it around like a giant fluffy flying saucer and then gets tired and flops around,” she says, noting that he uses it most often in cold weather because the bed acts as a fluffy insulator. In fact, long-haired faux fur is designed to mimic the fur of a female dog. The large bed has a removable machine washable duvet that comes in eight colors, while the small size bed (which I have) does not have a removable duvet, but technically the entire bed is machine washable. However, when I washed and dried it, the fur never returned to its original fluffy state. I recommend drying it on low heat with a few tennis balls to avoid this.
Support: memory foam pads | Comfort: four side pads | Washable: Removable, washable microfiber cover
You are probably best known for the amazingly soft and celebrity-approved Barefoot Dreams duvets and bathrobes. But did you know that the brand also makes equally comfortable plush dog beds? Gordon, beauty director Caitlin Kiernan’s French bulldog, is so enamored with his Barefoot Dreams CozyChic bed that he bought two more for the rest of the house. “We wanted a dog bed that was structured yet comfortable,” she says, adding that this dog bed meets both criteria. “The shape gives him enough room to stretch out and relax, while the memory foam makes it supportive and comfortable.” (Golden Retrievers, for example), but the four throw pillows, plush texture, and memory foam padding make it ideal for small dogs who prefer a warm, huggable bed.
Support: Memory foam backing | Comfort: One raised side padding | Washable: washable microfiber cover
Two of our experts recommend the Big Barker Dog Pad for large dogs and older large dogs with joint pain due to its durable and supportive foam construction. Erin Askeland, certified dog behaviorist and training manager at Camp Bow Wow, says this heavy-duty bed (which Big Barker guarantees will keep its shape for ten years) is perfect for “dogs who like to lie down, resting your head. Another fan of this bed is Devin Stagg of Pupford, a company that specializes in dog training and healthy dog food. Two of his labs sleep on Big Barker beds, and he notes that the covers are machine washable and available in three sizes and four colors. “Even if your dog is potty trained, stains and spills can compromise the integrity of the dog bed, so make sure you buy the bed with a cover that can be removed and cleaned,” he explains.
Support: Memory foam base | Comfort: three raised side cushions | Washable: the cover is washable and waterproof
Four of the Askland dogs sleep in separate beds, including this 3-sided memory foam mattress with waterproof coverage. According to her, this is a “premium crib with a durable removable cover and very thick, dense foam that does not immediately straighten out.” very good quality and will not lose shape. If you have a dog that likes to chew or dig, you can buy replacement blankets in three colors to extend the life of your bed, adds Richardson. PetFusion also offers four bed sizes.
Support: High Density Furniture Orthopedic Sponge | Comfort: round cushion | Washable: the cover is removable and washable
Giant dogs such as mastiffs and sled dogs need more space to stretch out as well as good support to keep them comfortable. According to Associate Strategist Writer Brenley Herzen, Mammoth’s huge dog bed is the only dog bed big enough for his dog Benny to take a nap with his legs outstretched, and it’s so comfortable that it even keeps him away from beds and sofas. Houses. . “I think it can comfortably sleep one person,” she said, noting that she could comfortably fit in a six-by-four-foot-wide bed. This is still a good choice if you have several large dogs. “My Aussie actually pairs well with our Great Dane in this bed,” Gelsen says. Notably, Mammoth has 17 cover styles to choose from.
Support: Orthopedic foam base | Comfort: Fleece top | Washable: removable cover, machine washable
Goertzen also uses this inexpensive dog bed, which is available in three sizes and a variety of colors because it’s lightweight, compact, and easy to roll up and stow away for road trips. The plush cover keeps her dog Benny comfortable on hard surfaces, and it’s also machine washable to make it easy to clean up after any accident. While the simple construction of the mattress means no supportive sides for burrowing, Gotzen says the bed is perfect for dogs who prefer the floor of the bed. She notes that Benny often chooses this bed in the summer when he is prone to overheating.
Ready-made stuffing from hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly fibrous filler | Comfort: raised sides | Washable: removable cover, machine washable
Older dogs and dogs with less flesh on their bones may not be comfortable in thick foam mattresses because they don’t have enough weight to sink into them. Instead, they will prefer something soft and pliable, which our experts say will make their joints more comfortable and lighter. When Barack’s dog, a 4.5-pound Chihuahua named Eloise (also known as Lil Weezy), isn’t snuggle up against the human bed next to her, she sleeps in a Jax & Bones dog bed. “It’s a soft, fluffy bed that’s gentle on her old joints,” says Barak. “Also, it comes in a small size for my small dog” (and three more sizes for larger dogs). Askeland also recommends the bed, telling us that its pillows are soft yet firm and the duvet can be removed for washing. Latifi is also a fan and recommends the Jax & Bones drawer mat, which she says is “durable and washes and dries well.” The brand also offers a choice of nine fabrics, nine colors and four patterns.
Support: Egg Crate Orthopedic Foam Base | Comfort: cozy sherpa lining | Washable: washable microfiber cover
This oversized bed from Furhaven is, according to Lippman, “the perfect bed for puppies who love to burrow under the covers and get super cozy before bed.” a blanket attached to the top of the bed so the dog can slide under it for cuddles.” breeds such as the Chihuahua because “a covered bed provides the security and warmth that these pets crave.”
Base: polyester filling | Comfort: Ripstop microfleece cover | Washable: The whole bed is machine washable
As veterinarian Dr. Shirley Zacharias points out, dog owners who love to nibble and chew on just about anything should prioritize materials when choosing a bed. “Any litter that your dog ingests is a very dangerous threat as a foreign object in the digestive tract,” she explains. The Orvis bed is chew-resistant, she says, which is a good option for those with dogs who think they enjoy chewing on the bed just as much as they sleep on it. The bed features a seamless construction with two layers of ripstop nylon bonded to a micro velvet top layer, available in three colours. In the unlikely event that Fido manages to destroy it, Orvis will refund your money in full. Available in four sizes.
Support: Memory foam base | Comfort: four side pads | Durability: Water-repellent lining and non-slip base | Washable: Removable, washable microfiber cover
The Barney Bed has a similar design to the Casper Dog Bed described above and was recommended by dog trainer and Quing Canine founder Roy Nunez. After using it with a furry client who is prone to accidents, Nunes said the bed caught her attention because she could easily spot the duvet or unzip it completely for machine washing. She also likes multiple foam segments wrapped in a moisture-resistant liner rather than shredded foam padding. If you have a particularly messy puppy or plan to use the bed outdoors, the brand offers waterproof liner kits that act as an inner mattress protector. Nunes also appreciates the variety of covers on offer, such as bouclé and teddy bears, which are available in five sizes.
Support: raised aluminum frame | Comfort: Ripstop ballistic fabric with good air circulation Washable: Wipe clean with a damp cloth or hose
“Some large dogs, like Bernese Mountain Dogs, may prefer a cooler place to rest, so a big fluffy bed might not be ideal,” says Gore, who recommends this crib-style bed from K9 Ballistics as a “cooler option.” because its design provides more airflow. Available in five sizes, the brand’s beds are “sturdy enough for the largest, heaviest dogs,” she says, and “easy to clean,” Weber agrees. A crib like this can be hosed down and requires less care, he says, as there is no need to worry about expensive memory foam. However, if you need extra cushioning for your dog’s crib, Weber recommends adding a soft, washable blanket.
• Erin Askeland, Certified Dog Behavior and Training Manager, Camp Bow Wow • Dr. Rachel Barrack, Veterinarian and Founder of Veterinary Acupuncture • Carolyn Chen, Founder of Dandylion • Brenley Herzen, Associate Strategy Writer • Jessica Gore, Certified Professional Behavior Center • Caitlin Kiernan , Director of Grooming, TalkShopLive • Jena Kim, owner of two Shiba Inu named Bodhi (also known as male dog) and Luke • Tazz Latifi, Certified Pet Nutritionist and Retail Consultant • Mia Leimkuler, Former Senior Product Manager Str`rategist audience development • Casey Lewis, former senior editor at Strategist • Lisa Lippman, PhD, veterinarian, founder of Vets in the City • Logan Michley, partner, Boris & Horton, Manhattan off-leash dog cafe • Roya Nunez, dog trainer and founder of Quing Canine • Dr. Roya Nunez, dog trainer and founder of Quing Canine. Jamie Richardson, Chief of Staff, Small Door Veterinary Clinic • Dr. Zai Satchu, Co-Founder and Chief Veterinarian, Bond Vet • Devin Stagg of Pupford, a dog training and healthy dog food company • Dr. Shelly Zacharias, Veterinarian
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Each product is independently chosen by (obsessed) editors. We may earn commissions on items you purchase through our links.
Post time: Jul-31-2023
