The Best Dog Beds in 2022

Best Dog Beds: Buying Guide & FAQs

With so many pet beds on the market, finding the right one for your pup can be difficult. We’ve put together this comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Here, we talk about all things pet beds, including why you may want to buy one in the first place, as well as how to find the right model for your furry friend (as well as your budget!).

Why Do Dogs Want to Sleep on Dog Beds?

You might be inclined to think that dogs don’t necessarily need beds for them to sleep on. After all, there are no mattresses and similar stuff in the wild, right? However, besides mere comfort, there are several reasons your pooch should sleep on its bed.

They Keep Them Warm

Wild canids often seek shelter in caves and other similar geological features. While you won’t see them gathering sticks and bushes to create a nest, like birds, they will gather together to keep their bodies warm. Unfortunately, domesticated canids don’t have the luxury of caves or the number of fellow canids they can snuggle up to keep them warm.

They may have kennels and crates to serve as their caves, but there won’t be anything to protect them from the cold floor. This is where doggie mattresses and heated beds are helpful, especially those with built-in heaters.

Some beds have high wall panels, effectively shielding them from the cold draft. They can easily curl up in these manmade nests to keep them warm and comfy. 

They Provide Privacy and Security

While doggie mattresses are hardly the kind of shelter you have in mind that will give your pooch privacy and security, they nevertheless can provide them with something they can call their spot in your home. This is their private space, and as such, it’s a place they can turn to when they feel like being alone or when they need proper rest.

They Cushion Painful Joints

Articular problems are a common concern among senior doggies and some adult dogs. Some breeds are more predisposed to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other problems of the joints and bones. The issue is not so much in the existence of these health conditions but rather in the degree of discomfort or pain that these problems bring.

Sleeping or lying down on hard surfaces, such as floors, can compress your pup’s bones and organs, leading to serious pain. Cushioning your pet’s bones can help lessen the effect of pressure and, as a result, pain.

They Prevent Injuries

Many doggies really love sleeping on the bed of their human masters or even on the sofa or couch. Large canine breeds should have no problems jumping in and out of these pieces of furniture, as their relatively longer legs will help cushion the impact of jumping.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for smaller canine breeds. Jumping in and out of high beds can lead to injuries, especially if the dog is already old or ill. Because pet mattresses are at most 5 to 6 inches thick, it is low enough for doggies to safely get on them and out.

At any rate, the risk for injuries will be very minimal compared to staying on a human bed. Check out our guide on dog stairs for beds.

They Manage Shedding and Pet Dander

All dogs shed hair and release dander into the air. Now, where do you think you will find this dander and loose hair if you don’t get a pet mattress? You’ll often see these on your carpet, on your couch or sofa, and maybe even on your bed.

The point is that if you give your pooch its bed, at least it will concentrate its loose hair and pet dander on its furniture. Of course, some hair will still be in other parts of the house, but most of it will be on its mattress. This makes it easier to clean and vacuum. 

What to Consider When Buying a Dog Bed

Now that you have a fairly good idea of why your doggie would love to have its own sleeping pad, it’s time to get to the real stuff. Choosing the perfect dog bed should not be that difficult, especially if you have a good idea of what you’re looking for. To help you make the right decision, here are a few things you might want to spend some time considering.

How Your Pet Sleeps

This is one of the most fundamental considerations when buying a canine bed. How your doggie sleep can be a significant factor in the type of mattress you will need. For example, if your pooch is a curler, meaning it loves to curl up like a shrimp or a fetus, it would be a good idea to get something like a nesting couch.

However, if your doggie loves to stretch its body and legs as far as possible, then you will need a mattress that has an unusually larger space for your doggie to do so. If your Fido is quite active in bed, meaning it likes changing its position now and then, then an appropriately sized mattress should be on top of your list.

Doggie Health Concerns and Age 

Choosing a canine mattress is pretty straightforward if you have a pooch that doesn’t have any health issues. However, if your Fido has a health condition such as obesity, joint problems, and musculoskeletal issues, you’ll need to consider getting a more appropriate bed.

Similarly, seniors and puppies often require significantly different types of mattresses. Pregnant or lactating dogs may also have different preferences, including a larger sleeping surface.

Activity Level and Strength 

We simply couldn’t leave this one out. The activity level and strength of your pooch will come in handy in the choice of material for the canine bed. For strong and heavy mutts, you will need a mattress that can stand their weight and possible scratching and nipping behavior. The bed must be chew-proof and scratch-resistant if you want it to last many years. Any material will do if you’ve got a rather sedentary doggie.

Dog Bed Location

Before buying a pet bed, ensure you have a clear idea of where to place it. Will it be in the living room or the family room? How about the kitchen or perhaps the bedroom? You need to consider the primary purpose of the canine mattress.

A quiet corner in the living room will be sufficient if it is only for resting and not sleeping. But if the intention is for the bed to be used as a sleeping pad, then consider putting it in an area with less traffic and no distractions. After all, this is going to be their bed in your home.

Style of Dog Bed 

There are many styles of canine sleeping furniture. Some look pretty much like the mattress you have in your bedroom, others resemble the sofa bed or couch in your living room. Some are loungers or mini bean bags.

There are also elevated or raised dog beds that allow for more efficient air movement for greater comfort. Some beds come with different materials, especially cushioning. Canine beds that keep your pup warm can also come with built-in thermal insulators. It is critical to consider the type of bed your pup can benefit from.

The Comfort of the Dog Bed

Not all canine mattresses will give your pooch the kind of comfort it needs. Some may be soft and cushiony, but they don’t provide protection against a draft. Others may have superior padding yet don’t have any water-resisting capabilities. Some will also allow for the air to circulate freely, yet its level of softness will be nowhere near padded mattresses. There are also those with bolsters or mini pillows to maintain the alignment of the canine spine. You may want to invest in several covers or even heating pads. You should look at your pet’s individual needs so you can buy the best possible bed for them.

9 Types of Dog Beds Explained

Classic Dog Beds

Classic dog beds are usually filled using polyfill stuffing to keep dogs comfortable. Furthermore, a classic bed will ordinarily be open on one side for your dog to access it more easily, but will likely have bolsters around it to have somewhere to rest their bed. Larger dogs can sometimes struggle to fit comfortably in the classic style, especially if they like to stretch out. So you may need to upside the bed you choose or go for something with a more open design.

Plastic Tub Dog Beds

Tub beds (aka dog cots) are often preferred because of the rigid sides, making them easy to transport and position within the house. There is significantly less chance of your canine companion dragging their bed around if it’s made of solid plastic. Though you may need additional bedding to make it a comfy place for your dog to rest. A supportive foam dog mattress or dog bed pillow is recommended for the best result.

Donut Dog Bed

Donut dog beds are one of the more fun dog beds for young puppies. This is because they are designed to mimic the puppy-pile feel they will be familiar with from being with their littermates. You will usually find that a donut bed is a fuzzy or furry dog bed to better imitate that puppy-pile feel. Additionally, donut dog beds surround your pup, helping them to stay warm in colder conditions. This is especially helpful for senior dogs that may struggle to maintain their temperature.

Orthopedic Dog Bed

An orthopedic bed usually comes with a dense foam mattress – preferably memory foam is possible. This supportive foam structure is ideal for dogs that struggle with joint pain or discomfort, as it can help them to settle more easily and not be as stiff when they get back up. Much like a human bed, dog beds need support to help dogs with their spines, necks, hips, and knees. Especially as they’re getting older.

Furthermore, they should come with sturdy bolster and dog bed designs that include a densely packed bolster, provide ample support for spinal alignment and help to reduce stiffness and back pain.

Crate Dog Bed

The best dog beds for crates will be completely flat or very low-profile. Ideally, there shouldn’t be a bolster that your pet would have to step over, which would take up space inside the crate. It will look more like a simple mattress and padded cushion, providing your pup with some well-earned comfort at the end of a long day.

Raised Dog Bed

These are the best dog beds for outdoor use. This is because raised dog beds are ordinarily made from durable mesh material with metal legs, which can withstand the harsher environment of the outdoors.

Raised dog beds are built to keep your canine companion off the ground, which in cold or particularly hot conditions makes them the best dog bed design for temperature regulation for both fluffy and short-haired breeds.

Heated or Cooling Dog Bed

Heated and cooling dog beds are perfectly designed to assist dogs that may struggle with temperature regulation. For senior dogs that get cold easier, or for particularly thin dog breeds (like the greyhound), a heated dog bed makes it easy for them to maintain their body temperature.

Therefore creating a much more comfortable sleeping environment. Cooling designs make the best dog beds for particularly fluffy breeds living in warm climates, as they can struggle to cool down.

Designer Dog Bed

This could include a dog couch bed, which is supposed to imitate the same comfort they would experience when lying on the couch with their owner. Or a covered dog bed made to look like a little house, which can help nervous dogs feel safe and protected while resting, as they won’t feel so exposed. The only thing to remember with the designer style is that it usually comes as a small dog bed because smaller dogs take up less space. Designer beds for big dogs exist, but they are usually very expensive and large.

What Materials are Best in Dog Beds?

The material used to construct the dog bed is an important consideration before purchasing. Unfortunately, the choice of material depends on a host of factors, including the activity level of your pooch, its general temperament, and style of sleeping, as well as its tendency or predisposition to chew or scratch.

Additionally, you might want to factor in the ease of cleaning and the level of comfort it provides your pup. Here we’ll present some of the more common materials used to manufacture canine beds. We will look at the cover first.

• Fleece: Inexpensive material yet can retain body heat, making it an exceptional choice for dogs in colder climates.
• Flannel: Known for its superb absorption capabilities, flannel is preferred for its more versatile thermoregulatory properties. It can keep your pup warm in winter and cool in the summer.
• Faux suede: While it may be tough to clean, faux suede is revered for its durability and strength, although not as much as true suede.
• Microfiber: This type of cover material is well-regarded for its antimicrobial properties and can be a great material if you’re more concerned about your pooch’s health.
• Vinyl: These are exceptionally sturdy and durable and are perfect for persistent diggers, scratchers, and nibblers. Vinyl covers are also great for folks who like to keep things super clean.
• Nylon: Nylon materials are abrasion-resistant and provide a great option for canines with skin allergies or even sensitive skin in general.

Types of Fill Used in Canine Furnishing

• Foam: These support your pet’s body, especially memory foam. However, there are also foam chips and pellets that allow for great softness and comfort for your pet pooch.
• Fiberfill: Also known as polyester fill, fiberfill is often used in stuffed toys and pillows. It provides a certain level of softness that you won’t see in any other type of fill. Fiberfill is a great option if you’re after your doggie’s comfort.
• Wood chips: Yes, doggie beds still use wood chips. Aromatic chips are especially noted for repelling fleas while absorbing pet odor. The problem is that they’re not that comfy and soft to lie on.
• Recycled bedding and/or fabric: These are inexpensive materials used for dog bed fill. These may not be as comfy or soft as fiberfill, but they provide ample support, just not as efficient as memory foam.

How to Introduce a Dog to New Bed?

If you take all these things into consideration and consult our list of the best ones in the market, we’re confident you’ll find the coziest, most comfortable sleeping mattress for your canine friend. Once you’ve selected the best dog bed for your pup, you can look to introduce them to their new sleeping space. Fortunately, dogs generally take well to a new bed – who wouldn’t like a comfortable place to settle down at the end of a long day? But there are a few tricks you can use to provide gentle encouragement if you’re finding they’ve not immediately warmed to it:

• Security blankets or cushions – older dogs tend to be more set in their ways when it comes to their territory. And for that reason, it’s a good idea to put something into the bed that is familiar to them. When the bed is available, try laying down an old cushion or security blanket taken from their previous bed to show your dog that it’s a safe space for them to enjoy.
• Verbal positive reinforcement – A tried and tested method for training dogs to do pretty much anything is positive reinforcement. If you see your dog showing interest in their new bed, gently reward them with a kind tone and a fuss. The more confidence they show, the more you should react.
• Treats – If simple verbal positive reinforcement isn’t doing the tricks, you might want to up the ante with some treats to sweeten the deal. If you notice your dog climbing into the bed, reward their bravery with a treat. Try not to give them a treat unless they’re actually in bed. Much like with crate training, you need to ensure they understand that being ON the bed is the best place to be.

Sources:

1. Gina Spadafori, How to Choose the Perfect Bed for Your Dog, Vetstreet
2. Lynn Buzhardt, DVM, Should My Dog Sleep in My Bed?, VCA