A dog bed needs to do more than look soft. It should suit your dog’s length and sleeping style, as well as the place where you plan to use it. Cleaning, movement and wear and tear matter too. If you only consider the colour or a low price, you could soon end up with a dog bed that’s too small, goes flat quickly or is difficult to wash.
In this buying guide, the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer covers the key things to consider. You’ll learn how to compare a donut dog bed, an orthopaedic dog bed, a dog basket or a dog bed for a crate by looking at verifiable features rather than marketing claims.
A dog bed with a high bolster may look spacious, even though the sleeping area is smaller than the stated diameter. Measure your dog from nose to the base of the tail, then add around 15 to 30 cm. Dogs that like to stretch out need more room than those that curl up.
Pay attention to the height of the bolster too. A high bolster is useful for dogs that like to rest their head on something, but may be impractical for an older or less mobile dog.
Terms such as orthopaedic, calming and supportive don’t always describe the same construction. Check the materials, filling and design instead. A bed with egg-crate foam has a different structure from a dog basket filled only with PP filling.
According to FUNNYFUZZY’s product description, egg-crate foam is designed to provide support and promote spinal alignment. This is a claim made by the brand, not a medical guarantee. If your dog has joint problems or is in pain, you should still seek advice from a vet.
Some models have only a removable cover. Others also let you remove the inner cushion. Check the washing instructions before you buy. A washable dog bed is especially practical if your dog often goes outside, sheds or brings mud indoors.
A dog bed with a removable cover is generally easier to maintain than a fully filled bed that can only be spot cleaned.
Measure the space where you plan to put the dog bed and compare it with the internal dimensions. A 60 or 70 cm diameter may be enough for a small dog bed. A large dog bed needs a much bigger sleeping area; some models in the range are 100, 120 or even 140 cm wide.
Also consider how your dog sleeps:
Look at the combination of filling and cover material. Egg-crate foam can refer to a structured foam layer. PP cotton or PP filling usually feels soft and springy, but may shift with use. Shake out a vacuum-packed bed after unpacking it and give it time to regain its shape.
For an older pet, a firm bed with a low entry may be more practical than one with a very deep bolster. A fully enclosed orthopaedic dog bed may suit dogs that like to lie against a bolster. However, the product description doesn’t claim that this type of bed treats a medical condition.
An anti-slip dog bed often has rubber dots or anti-slip fabric on the underside. This helps limit movement on a smooth floor, but always place the bed on a flat, stable surface.
A water-resistant dog bed is practical for use by a wet back door or in a crate. According to FUNNYFUZZY’s product description, Oxford fabric offers water resistance and is easy to clean. Check whether only the outside is water-resistant, though; the filling may still absorb moisture. Let washed parts dry completely before using the bed again.
Why it suits this profile: A straightforward option for small dogs and cats that like to curl up. With a diameter of 60 cm, it’s suitable for a compact spot in the living room.
The central filling can be removed using a zip, so you don’t have to wash the whole bed. The underside has rubber anti-slip dots.
60 cm diameter, soft plush cover, removable cover and anti-slip base.
Why it suits this profile: A sofa-style bed for small dogs or cats that like a soft place to lie and enjoy resting their head on a raised bolster.
The specifications list egg-crate foam, a raised headrest, a removable machine-washable cover and anti-slip fabric on the underside.
Plush faux fur, egg-crate foam, neck bolster and machine-washable cover.
Why it suits this profile: Designed for large dogs and situations where dirt, moisture or frequent use are a factor, such as in a crate or hallway.
The product description mentions water-resistant Oxford fabric, a bolster running all the way round and a removable inner cushion. Clean the cover and filling separately, following the instructions.
Water-resistant outer fabric, scratch-resistant construction and a full-surround design for large dogs.
Why it suits this profile: The large, round shape gives medium to large dogs, several small pets or cats that like to feel cosy plenty of room.
The cover can be removed using a concealed zip and is machine washable according to the product information. The stated diameter of 100 cm makes the available space clear.
100 cm diameter, raised bolster, PP cotton filling and removable cover.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.
Wash the cover according to its care label and don’t use bleach or harsh cleaners. Let all parts dry completely before putting them back together. If the bed is vacuum-packed, shake out the filling and give it time to regain its shape.
Check regularly for:
An anti-slip base won’t prevent all movement. Place the dog bed on a flat floor, away from heat sources and open flames. If your dog tends to chew, keep an eye on them; damaged fabric can pose a safety risk.
Measure your dog while they’re lying down, from nose to the base of the tail, and add around 15 to 30 cm. For round models, also allow for the space taken up by the raised bolster. When choosing a large dog bed, the actual sleeping area matters more than the overall outside dimensions.
It depends on the entry height, the height of the bolster and how your dog sleeps. A soft bolster can be comfortable to rest their head on. If your dog struggles to get up, a low entry may be more practical. Claims about joint support or anxiety relief should be treated as information from the brand, not as a medical benefit.
Its lifespan depends on the materials, your dog’s weight, how often it’s washed and whether they chew it. A removable cover can make care easier, but check the seams and zips regularly. Replace the bed if the filling stays flat, the underside comes loose or your pet can reach parts of the fabric.