Why Do I Need A Dog Bed

Best Dog Beds For Every Breed & Need 

Finding a good dog bed is no easy task. Dogs, just like their owners, have different needs when it comes to a comfortable place to catch their zzz’s.The most obvious consideration is the right size, but you also should factor in their personality, agility, health issues and available space in your house.

We’ve narrowed down the options into different categories to make it easier for you to find just what you’re looking for, and we give you some of our best dog bed recommendations based on our dog bed reviews research.

Why Invest In A Dog Bed?

Even dog owners need their space. If your bed is your alone (or couple) time, it’s important to invest in a dog bed so your pup doesn’t get too cozy and accustomed to sharing yours every night. In fact, a Mayo Clinic sleep study found that a large number of pet owners who suffer from sleep problems have their pets sleep in their bed every night.

Best For Small & Medium Breeds

If you own a smaller or medium-sized breed, you have a wide variety of dog bed selections since they are more compact. Be sure to keep the bed in proportion with your dog’s size.

Buying a bed that’s too large for your dog can leave him or her feeling insecure, so look for a bed that’s just large enough for your dog to stretch out on. Smaller dogs are also much more likely to get chilly, so it’s important to find a bed that keeps drafts to a minimum.

Best For Hairless Or Cold-Natured Dogs

Is your dog always shivering? A concern for owners of hairless dogs or smaller breeds is their dog’s desire to stay warm. Simple padded beds just don’t cut it.

Consider a bed that allows for burrowing like the Cozy Cave, which gets excellent customer reviews. Nesting beds and slumber beds are also a good option for these dogs because dogs can sink in to the softer filling material of the bed. Some dogs love the feeling of “burying” themselves and feel more secure in these beds.

Best For Dogs With Long Or Thick Fur

Thick haired or long-haired dogs have an unfortunate tendency to overheat, and beds that emphasize “snuggling” only add to the amount of heat trapped by your dog while they are sleeping. If your dog tends to overheat while they sleep, the best bed choice for you would be a cot style bed.

A cot bed usually features a mesh material for the dog to lay on in addition to legs that elevate the bed off the ground. These two features allow for plenty of air circulation around your dog as they sleep.

These beds are also great for older dogs with incontinence issues because of the ease of cleaning. We recommend the Coolaroo for its excellent durability and excellent customer reviews. And it also makes a great outdoor dog bed!

Best Dog Bed For Dogs With Anxiety

For some anxious dogs, burrowing beds like the Cozy Cave (see above) are an excellent option. However, other dogs that suffer with anxiety may be afraid of the darkness or the concept of being hidden or covered.

Another good option for anxious dogs is a nest bed or bolster dog bed that features raised sides without the covering over the top. Bolster beds are generally more expensive than simple padded beds, because most are better made and filled with more durable stuffing.

Bolster beds also tend to be bulkier than other types of dog beds, so you need to make sure you have the space at home. We think your dog will love the additional support and feeling of having their own “couch”.

Best Dog Beds For Elderly, Arthritis Or Joint Pain

Elderly dogs and dogs that have arthritis and other joint concerns need beds that are supportive. This means that their beds should be thick and provide plenty of push back rather than simply sinking or relocating filling when the dog lies on the bed.

The most popular choice is the orthopedic memory foam bed, which conforms to your dog’s shape but provides support for aching joints. If your dog is elderly and more prone to bladder leakage, look for a waterproof orthopedic bed or a waterproof cover.

Memory foam holds in odor, so keep this in mind when searching for an orthopedic bed for your elderly pup.