Choosing the Right Dog Bed: Sizes, Sleep Styles and Materials That Hold Up
Choosing the Right Dog Bed: Sizes, Sleep Styles and Materials That Hold Up
Dogs spend a huge part of their lives asleep. Healthy adult dogs often sleep 12 to 14 hours a day, and puppies and senior dogs can sleep even more. That means the bed you choose is one of the most used things your dog will ever own.
Yet many dogs end up with a bed that is too small, too flat, too hard to wash or simply in the wrong spot. The result is a dog who ignores the expensive new bed and sleeps on the couch, the floor or your pillow instead.
This guide covers everything you need to choose a bed your dog will actually use: measuring for size, matching bed styles to sleep positions, support for seniors and large breeds, materials for chewers and hot sleepers, washing and care and where to put it.
Why does a good dog bed matter?
A good bed gives your dog a comfortable, supportive place to rest that is all their own. Sleep helps dogs recover from exercise, process what they learned during the day and stay healthy. Poor quality sleep can make dogs cranky, restless or stiff.
Beds also protect joints and pressure points. Hard floors put pressure on hips, elbows and shoulders, especially for large, thin or older dogs. Over time, a supportive surface can make a real difference in comfort and mobility.
A bed gives your dog a safe space to retreat to when they are tired, overwhelmed or just want a break. For anxious dogs, a familiar, cozy bed can be an important part of feeling secure at home and when traveling.
Finally, a dog bed keeps fur, dirt and odors off your furniture. A washable bed your dog loves can save your couch and make cleaning much easier.
What size dog bed do I need?
Measure your dog while they are lying in their usual sleeping position. Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, then add about 6 to 12 inches. Larger breeds and dogs who love to stretch out may need even more room.
For width, measure across the widest part of your dog while they are lying down and add a few inches. Always check the inside sleeping area, not just the outside dimensions. Bolster beds can lose several inches of usable space to their raised sides.
If your dog is between sizes, go bigger. A bed that is too small forces your dog to curl up tightly, hang off the edge or give up and sleep elsewhere. If you have a growing puppy, consider a bed sized for their expected adult size, or use an inexpensive bed until they finish growing.
Weight guides on product pages are helpful, but body shape matters too. A long, lean dog and a stocky dog of the same weight may need different bed sizes. Measuring is always the most reliable method.
Which dog bed is best for my dog’s sleep style?
Curlers sleep in a tight ball with their nose tucked near their tail. They often love round, donut or bolster beds with raised sides that let them snuggle in and feel secure. This position also helps conserve body heat, so curlers may enjoy plush, warm fabrics.
Sprawlers stretch out on their sides or bellies with their legs extended. They need flat mattress style or rectangular beds with plenty of room. Raised sides can get in the way, so choose a bed with little or no bolster on at least one side.
Leaners love to rest their heads on something. A bolster bed with a raised edge gives them a built in pillow. Many dogs who lean against furniture or your legs while sleeping will love a bed with a supportive rim.
Burrowers like to dig under blankets and tuck themselves in. Covered or cave style beds, or a regular bed with a soft blanket on top, give them the cozy, enclosed feeling they are looking for. Watch your dog for a few nights to see which style fits them best.
What are the main types of dog beds?
Bolster beds have raised sides on three or four edges. They are great for curlers and leaners and give anxious dogs a secure, enclosed feel. Donut or round beds are deep and plush, often with a soft raised rim all the way around.
Mattress or pillow beds are flat and roomy, ideal for sprawlers and large dogs. Orthopedic beds use thick, supportive foam to reduce pressure on joints. Elevated or cot beds lift your dog off the ground on a frame, letting air flow underneath, which can be cooler in warm weather and easy to clean outdoors.
Covered or cave beds have a hood or flap for burrowers. Crate pads are sized to fit inside a crate and are usually thinner and easy to wash. Travel beds fold or roll up for trips, camping and visits to family.
Some homes benefit from more than one bed: a supportive bed in the main living area and a lighter mat in the bedroom or car. Having options lets your dog choose where they feel most comfortable.
Does my dog need an orthopedic bed?
Orthopedic beds are especially helpful for senior dogs, large and giant breeds, dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia and dogs recovering from surgery or injury. Thick memory foam or high density foam spreads out body weight and reduces pressure on joints.
Look for solid foam at least a few inches thick, with more thickness for heavier dogs. Avoid beds filled only with loose polyester fiber, which flattens quickly and can leave your dog lying on the hard floor. Press down firmly on the center of the bed with your hand. If you can easily feel the floor, it is not supportive enough.
For older dogs, a low entry point makes a big difference. Choose a bed that is easy to step onto without climbing. Some orthopedic beds have one low side for easy access while keeping bolsters on the other sides for head support.
If your dog has arthritis or mobility problems, talk to your vet about pain management alongside bed choice. A supportive bed is one part of keeping senior dogs comfortable.
What materials make the best dog bed?
Covers come in many fabrics. Microfiber and microsuede are soft, resist fur buildup and are easy to wipe. Canvas and heavy duty nylon are tough and good for chewers and diggers. Plush fleece and faux fur are cozy for curlers and cold sleepers but can hold more hair and odors.
Fillings make a big difference in comfort and lifespan. Memory foam and high density foam provide the most support and hold their shape. Polyester fiberfill is soft and inexpensive but compresses over time. Shredded foam offers a mix of softness and support but can clump.
Water resistant liners between the cover and the filling protect the foam from accidents, drool and spills. They are especially useful for puppies, senior dogs and dogs who love to come in from the rain and flop straight onto their beds.
Check for non slip bottoms, particularly on hard floors. A bed that slides around is less comfortable and can make older dogs nervous about getting in and out.
What is the best bed for a dog that chews?
If your dog destroys every bed within days, look for heavy duty fabrics like ballistic nylon or tough canvas, hidden or reinforced zippers and tight, double stitched seams. Elevated cot style beds with metal or tough plastic frames are often the hardest to destroy.
No bed is truly indestructible, so pair a tougher bed with training and enrichment. Bed chewing is often a sign of boredom, teething, excess energy or anxiety. More exercise, sniffing walks, chew toys and puzzle feeders can reduce the urge to shred.
For puppies, consider starting with an inexpensive bed or a folded blanket until you know whether your puppy is a chewer. Swallowed foam and stuffing can cause dangerous blockages, so remove a damaged bed right away.
If your dog digs at their bed before lying down, that is usually normal nesting behavior. Choose a bed with a durable top layer and a removable cover that can handle a little scratching. Learn more in our guide Why Does My Dog Do That?.
What bed is best for dogs who run hot or cold?
Dogs who run hot, including thick coated breeds, flat faced breeds and dogs living in warm climates, may prefer elevated cot beds, cooling gel beds or beds with breathable mesh or cotton covers. You might notice hot sleepers leaving their bed to lie on tile or hardwood.
Dogs who run cold, such as small breeds, short haired dogs, senior dogs and thin breeds like Greyhounds and Whippets, usually love plush, enclosed beds with fleece or faux fur. A cozy blanket on top adds extra warmth they can burrow into.
Seasons matter too. You might swap a plush bed for a cooler one in summer, or add a blanket in winter. Keeping a lightweight blanket on hand makes it easy to adjust without buying a new bed. Read about keeping your dog safe in summer heat for more warm weather tips.
Never use electric heating pads made for people on a dog bed. If your dog needs extra warmth, look for pet specific heated beds with safety features, and check with your vet for dogs who cannot move easily.
How often should you wash a dog bed?
A good rule of thumb is to wash your dog’s bed cover about once a week to once every two weeks, and more often if your dog has allergies, skin problems, fleas or accidents. Regular washing removes fur, dander, dust mites, dirt and odors.
Choose a bed with a removable, machine washable cover. Check that it fits in your washing machine before you buy, especially for large beds. Some foam inserts can be spot cleaned or hand washed, but many should not go in the machine, so follow the care label.
Use a gentle, unscented or pet safe detergent and rinse thoroughly. Dry the cover completely before putting it back on the bed to prevent mildew. Vacuum the bed between washes to keep fur under control.
Having a spare cover or a washable blanket on top makes life easier. You can swap in a fresh one while the other is in the wash, so your dog always has a clean place to sleep. For more tips, see our guide to seasonal allergies in dogs.
Where should you put a dog bed?
Most dogs like to sleep where their people are. A bed in the living room, near your desk or in your bedroom often gets far more use than one tucked away in a far corner. Dogs are social sleepers and like to keep an eye on their family.
Choose a quiet, low traffic spot where your dog will not be stepped over or disturbed constantly. Avoid drafty areas near doors, spots in direct sun for hours, and places next to heaters, radiators or air vents.
Many homes benefit from two beds, one in the main living area for daytime naps and one in the bedroom for nighttime. If your dog uses a crate, a crate pad makes it comfortable and inviting.
If your dog ignores their bed, try moving it to the place where they already like to nap. Sometimes the bed is fine and the location is the problem.
How do you get your dog to use their new bed?
Some dogs jump right into a new bed. Others need a little encouragement. Make the bed a happy place by tossing treats onto it, feeding a chew there or rewarding your dog for stepping in and lying down.
Add something that smells familiar, like a blanket from their old bed or a worn t shirt of yours. New beds can smell unfamiliar, and a known scent helps your dog feel at home.
Teaching a go to bed or place cue is a great skill. Lure your dog onto the bed, reward them for lying down and slowly build the time they stay. This cue is useful at mealtimes, when guests arrive and anytime you need your dog to settle.
Be patient. It can take a few days for a dog to accept a new bed, especially if they are used to sleeping on the couch or your bed. Keep it positive and never force your dog onto it.
When should you replace a dog bed?
Replace your dog’s bed when it becomes flat, lumpy or no longer bounces back, when the foam or fill is breaking down, when odors remain after washing or when the cover is torn and cannot be repaired.
A useful test is to press down on the center of the bed. If you can feel the floor easily, it is no longer giving your dog enough support. This is especially important for senior and large dogs, who rely on good support for joint comfort.
Damaged beds can also be a safety risk. Exposed stuffing, foam pieces and broken zippers can be chewed and swallowed. Remove damaged beds promptly.
Many good quality beds last a few years with regular washing and care. Cheaper beds may need replacing more often. Investing in a supportive bed with a replaceable cover can save money over time.
What is the best bed for crates and travel?
Crate pads should fit the crate snugly so there are no gaps for paws to slip into. Choose a washable, water resistant pad for puppies who are still house training, and a thicker padded mat for adult dogs who spend longer stretches in their crate.
Travel beds are lightweight and fold or roll up for road trips, hotel stays and visits to friends. Bringing a familiar bed on trips helps your dog settle in new places, because it smells like home. Look for a carry bag and a cover that can be wiped or washed quickly.
Car beds and seat covers keep your car cleaner and give your dog a comfortable spot to ride. For safety, pair them with a crash tested crate or harness rather than letting your dog ride loose.
Outdoor and camping beds should be durable, water resistant and easy to shake out. Elevated cot beds are popular for patios and campsites because they keep dogs off damp, hot or cold ground.
Dog bed buying checklist
Size: measure nose to tail base while lying down, add 6 to 12 inches and check the inner sleeping area. Sleep style: round or bolster for curlers, flat mattress for sprawlers, raised edge for leaners, covered for burrowers.
Support: thick, supportive foam for seniors, large breeds and dogs with joint problems. Materials: durable cover, non slip bottom, water resistant liner, heavy duty fabric for chewers.
Temperature: elevated or breathable for hot sleepers, plush and enclosed for cold sleepers. Care: removable, machine washable cover and a spare blanket or cover for easy swaps.
Placement: quiet spot near the family, away from drafts and heaters. Training: treats, familiar scents and a go to bed cue. Add the bed to your daily routine and keep it clean.
- Measure your dog lying down, then add 6 to 12 inches for room to stretch.
- Match the bed to sleep style: curlers, sprawlers and leaners each have favorites.
- Support matters most for seniors and big dogs. Choose thick, supportive foam.
- A removable, washable cover keeps beds fresh and lasts longer.
- Placement counts. A quiet spot near the family helps dogs settle.
Sweet dreams, good dog
The right dog bed fits your dog’s size, sleep style and stage of life. It supports their body, keeps them at the right temperature and is easy for you to keep clean.
Measure carefully, watch how your dog likes to sleep and choose quality materials that will last. Put the bed somewhere your dog already feels safe, and make it a happy place to be.
Your dog spends half their life asleep. Giving them a bed they love is one of the simplest ways to make every day a little better.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know what size dog bed to buy?
Measure your dog from nose to the base of the tail while they are lying down, then add about 6 to 12 inches. Check the inner sleeping area of the bed, and size up if your dog is between sizes.
Are orthopedic dog beds worth it?
For senior dogs, large breeds and dogs with arthritis or joint problems, orthopedic beds with supportive foam can relieve pressure and make it easier to get comfortable. Many younger dogs enjoy them too.
How often should I wash my dog’s bed?
Wash the cover about once a week to once every two weeks, more often for dogs with allergies, skin issues, fleas or accidents. Follow the care label for the foam insert.
What kind of bed is best for a dog that chews?
Choose a bed with heavy duty fabric, hidden zippers and reinforced seams, or an elevated cot bed with a tough frame. Pair it with exercise, chew toys and enrichment, since no bed is truly indestructible.
Why won’t my dog sleep in their bed?
The bed may be too small, too hot, too firm, in the wrong spot or simply unfamiliar. Try moving it near the family, adding a familiar blanket and rewarding your dog for using it.
Should my dog sleep in my bed or their own?
Either can work for healthy dogs and people. If you prefer your dog to sleep in their own bed, place it close to yours and make it cozy and rewarding.
Do dogs need a bed in their crate?
Most dogs are more comfortable with a crate pad or soft bedding. Choose a washable, chew resistant pad, and remove it if your dog shreds or eats bedding.