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Dogs are not just our best friends, they’re members of the family. And they sleep a lot — between 12 and 14 hours a day. So, they should have a proper place to sleep. You might be used to your pooch snoozing through the night in bed with you, but research says you’ll get a better night’s sleep with Fido off the bed in the same room. But with so many different dog beds on the market, which one is best? Our experts are here to help you choose the best dog bed for your needs.
Dr. Sara Ochoa, veterinarian and co-founder of How To Pets, holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine and has over seven years of professional pet experience. She breaks down everything you should think about when buying the best dog bed.
After you’re done looking for your furry friend’s favorite dry dog food, look for a bed that provides adequate cushioning and support for your dog's joints, especially if they’re older or have health issues like arthritis. Memory foam or orthopedic beds are great for older dogs or those with joint issues.
Ensure that the bed is made from pet-safe materials and does not contain chemicals or toxins that could be harmful to your dog's health. Also, place the bed in a quiet, draft-free area away from high-traffic zones.
Consider your dog's sleeping habits. Some dogs may prefer elevated beds, while others might enjoy snuggling in a donut-shaped or cave-style bed for added security. If your dog likes to burrow, a bed with a blanket-like cover can provide the security it needs.
Larger breeds may require beds with more support and space to stretch out, while smaller dogs may prefer the cozier, cave-style options. If your dog likes to curl up, a round or donut-shaped bed may be ideal, whereas a flat bed may be better for a dog that sprawls out.
Opt for a durable and easy-to-clean bed. Removable, machine-washable covers can make maintenance a breeze. Dogs with incontinence issues may need a waterproof bed for easy cleanup.
The old adage “you get what you pay for” holds true here. Set a budget for the bed, but also consider the quality and durability of the product. Investing in a higher-quality bed can provide long-term comfort for your furry friend.
This bed is a favorite for crate compatibility and comfort. It’s designed to fit snugly into a range of crate sizes, and the plush poly-fiber cushion provides a soft landing for your dog. The material may be synthetic, but it’s ultra-soft, tufted and well-stuffed so that your dog will be encouraged to love being in its crate.
Ultra plush with a good price but durability may not last long.
Get it here: MidWest Homes for Pets Super Plush Bed
For the big pooches who love to sprawl out, this extra-large bed with an orthopedic foam base is a match made in heaven. You can choose between five different foams for the most suitable comfort, including one with gel-infused cooling beads that reduce the bed’s surface temperature by one to two degrees. The plush faux fur cover is a bonus your dog will thank you for.
A great bed with attractive materials and features, albeit at a higher price point.
Get it here: Furhaven Sofa-Style Jumbo Plus Bed
Stylish and incredibly comfy, this bed doesn't just look luxurious, it feels luxurious. With a solid memory foam base, it supports better sleep and joint health for your dog. It also boasts recycled, polyfill bolsters and a durable cotton and polyester cover for extra support and comfort. This bed is definitely a posh pick where your pet will enjoy being pampered.
A deluxe, ultra soft and durable bed for a great price.
Get it here: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Lounge
This cooling mat can be added on top of the bed and is engineered to absorb and regulate your dog's body temperature, offering immediate relief on hot days. The pressure-activated gel technology doesn’t need water or refrigeration, making it simple and effective to use. It’s an ideal solution if your dog struggles to stay cool on hot days.
This is a convenient and portable way to let your dog cool off during the hot summer months.
Get it here: The Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat
Designed by the sleep experts at Casper, this bed has two layers of memory foam. This feature not only cradles your dog's body perfectly, but it also holds up to the digging and pawing pre-sleep ritual some dogs enjoy. The fortified construction won’t sink or sag over time, making this memory foam bed a good investment at a great cost. This is also our pick for the best dog bed for medium dogs.
A decent, springy memory foam bed at a higher price point, but comfortably worth it for your dog.
Get it here: Casper Dog Bed
Functionality meets comfort with this bed. The waterproof base and machine-washable slipcover make clean-ups a breeze while keeping your dog’s sleep area fresh and clean. The high-loft polyester filling, Sherpa sleep center and seven-ounce poly-cotton bolster provide your pet with extra comfort that will make it love naps and bedtime.
A fully washable, fully affordable functional bed for any size dog.
Get it here: Majestic Pet Poly-Cotton Sherpa Bagel Bed
Ideal for older dogs or those with joint issues, this therapeutic bed is clinically proven to improve your pet’s quality of sleep life. The high-density foam keeps its shape over time, and the fabric is designed to withstand digging and scratching, so it’s an investment in long-term health as well as the life of the bed.
This is a real bed made for dogs with arthritis or joint problems. It comes at a high price, but with great therapeutic value.
Get it here: Big Barker Microsuede Elevated Bed
Small dogs often love to burrow and cuddle when they sleep, and this donut bed is perfect for that. The faux fur is super soft and the raised rim provides head and neck support to help reduce anxiety so your dog sleeps more comfortably. Also, the entire bed is machine washable and dryer safe, making it easy to keep clean and fresh for your pooch.
A plush, aesthetically pleasing bed at a great price, but may lack value in sleep area filling and durability.
Get it here: Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Bed
Large dogs can often be big on chewing. With its nylon and aluminum materials, this elevated bed is nearly indestructible and keeps pups cool and comfortable. Larger dogs often like to sprawl while they sleep, though, so the harder materials on this bed might require an additional pillow top for your pet's ultimate comfort.
A bed your dog might or might not love on its own, but a cushy pillow-top add-on may very well make this one a hit.
Get it here: Kuranda Chewproof Bed
We know how destructive our dogs can be when it comes to chewing up various household items, including their own beds. This choice is built to be tough and cozy at the same time. Its chew-resistant fabric cover and comfort-fill eco-cushion make it a snug, virtually indestructible spot for even the most chew-loving dog.
A good bed that stands up to the most persistent chewers.
Get it here: Orvis ToughChew Platform Bed
Just like dog food for sensitive stomachs, this bed will make your pooch feel great inside and out. The orthopedic quilted foam is designed to relieve pressure on joints, which can be a huge relief for canine seniors. It also features a layer of cooling gel so your dog can stay comfortable on those hot summer days and nights.
From top brand Serta, this is a quality bed made for your geriatric canine at a great price.
Get it here: Serta Quilted Orthopedic Couch Bed
Puppies love warmth, and this self-warming bed reflects their body heat back to them, no electricity required. The bed’s surface consists of plush lambswool for comfort, while the overstuffed bolsters provide extra support for your puppy's head, neck and back. The non-skid bottom also helps to keep it in place.
This bed is perfect for your puppy, thanks to its self-warming technology, plush interior and reasonable price.
Get it here: Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bed
With their bigger bones and heavier weight, larger dogs often need beds with more support. This orthopedic sleeper is an ideal choice: It has a human-grade mattress with memory foam that offers deep cushioning, which is perfect for easing the stress on their joints. It’s also easy to clean, with a removable cover that’s machine washable.
With its cushioned, plush bolster, water resistant liner and human-grade orthopedic mattress, this is a great bed with good value.
Get it here: Friends Forever Chester Pet Couch
We made our choices with the advice of our very knowledgeable industry experts: veterinarian Sara Ochoa, veterinarian Nicole Savageau of The Vets and pet expert Anne Kline-LaRochelle at Pet Supplies Plus. We also conducted extensive research on the latest dog bed trends and technology and various categories of beds. Customer reviews were also heavily considered in our selections.
First and foremost, experts say dog beds should be cleaned every one to two weeks. Be aware of the manufacturer’s care instructions when maintaining your dog’s bed. Whether you toss the cover or the entire bed in the washer or wash it by hand, be sure to use a mild detergent that is fragrance-free and pet-safe, so as not to trigger sensitivities in your pet. Also, vacuum cleaners for pet hair are great for removing hair and dander, which can build up easily when your dog sheds. So, vacuum as frequently as needed.
Kline-LaRochelle says finding the proper one requires a delicate balance. “The right orthopedic dog bed should have both support and a little bit of ‘give’ or pliability,” she says. “When dogs prepare for sleep, they must be able to mold and shape the cushion to their own body. That's why memory foam, which ‘remembers’ your furry friend's sleep posture, is the ideal material for well-cushioned orthopedic beds.”
“Replace your dog's bed as needed, depending on wear and tear,” Savageau says. “Signs that it's time for a new bed include flattened padding, visible damage or unpleasant odors that can't be removed.”
If your pet required special dog food for allergies, would you put peanut butter in it? Heck no. In the same vein, Savageau says your dog needs a canine-designed mattress. “While human mattresses can technically be used for dogs, they may not provide the necessary support and comfort designed specifically for your dog,” she says. “Additionally, they may not be as durable or easy to clean as dog beds.”
Naturally, Kline-LaRochelle instructs that you consider your dog’s size. “The cushioning must provide enough support to prevent serious health problems, such as joint pain or hip dysplasia, while simultaneously promoting the dog's sleeping habits,” she says. “Small dogs have different needs from larger dogs, so it’s important to find a bed suitable to their size.”
“The best materials for bolster dog beds include high-density foam for support, soft and durable fabrics like canvas or microfiber for the outer cover and hypoallergenic materials to prevent allergies,” says Savageau. “Look for beds with removable and machine-washable covers for easy cleaning.”
Walker Dog Harness AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.