Joybuy Insights

Choosing a dog bed: how to find a soft, stable and easy-to-maintain place to sleep

A dog bed needs to do more than look soft. It should suit your dog's body length, stay put on a smooth floor and be easy to keep clean. Yet many Dutch pet owners choose a bed based solely on its colour or a promising description.

The following pitfalls are common:

  • Choosing a bed that is too small: your dog cannot stretch out fully or keeps turning around outside the bed.
  • Filling that quickly flattens: a thick rim or fluffy exterior says little about the support it provides after daily use.
  • A design that is difficult to clean: when the cover cannot be removed, hair, dirt and odours linger for longer.
  • No grip on the floor: a dog bed without an anti-slip base can move when your dog gets in or out, especially on laminate or tiles.

With a few checks, you can make a more informed choice. Below, we compare different options for small, medium-sized and large dogs, as well as for cats and multi-pet households.

The most important specifications of a dog bed

1. Measure the sleeping area, not just the external dimensions

Let your dog lie down in its usual sleeping position and measure from nose to the base of the tail. Add enough extra space for your pet to turn around and stretch out. With a donut dog bed, pay particular attention to the inner space: the raised rim takes up part of the surface area.

A bed measuring 60 x 60 x 20 cm is intended for cats and small dogs according to the product information. A dog bed with an 80 cm diameter is more suitable for small to medium-sized dogs. According to the product specifications, the round bed measuring 120 x 20 cm is designed for large dogs and multi-pet households.

Also check whether the size shown on the product page refers to the total external dimensions or the usable internal dimensions. With a dog basket with thick sides, the difference can be considerable.

2. Look at the material and filling

A plush dog bed feels comfortable, but softness alone does not determine whether the bed is right for your dog. Look out for:

  • Plush, fleece or faux fur: suitable for pets that like to sleep somewhere warm and enclosed.
  • PP filling or PP cotton: check whether the filling is evenly distributed and needs regular fluffing.
  • Egg-crate foam: mentioned for some sofa-style beds and intended to provide a more contoured sleeping surface.
  • Raised sides: can provide somewhere for your dog to rest its head and neck, but are not essential for every pet.

For older dogs or animals that find it harder to get up, a low entrance is practical. An orthopaedic dog bed is not a medical device, so focus mainly on the construction, thickness, size and material. According to FUNNYFUZZY's own product information, one of the models contains egg-crate foam and has a raised headrest. These are product specifications, not a guarantee of any medical benefit.

3. Check washability and stability

A washable dog bed is easier to maintain as part of your household routine when the cover can be removed with a zip. Always check which part can go in the washing machine. With some models, only the cover can be washed, while the inner filling needs to be aired or spot-cleaned.

A dog bed with an anti-slip base is useful on smooth floors. Rubber dots or an anti-slip fabric can help limit movement, but you should still place the bed on a flat, dry surface. After unpacking, also check the seams, zips and any loose parts. If a new bed has been vacuum-packed, the filling needs to be shaken out and fluffed up first. Some product information states that it can take up to 48 hours for the bed to regain its full shape.

Recommended dog beds for different uses

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Ochama donut pet bed for dogs and cats

Ochama Donut Pet Bed for Dogs and Cats, 60 cm

Why it suits this profile: This round model is compact and intended for cats and small dogs that like to sleep curled up.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists a removable centre section, washable cover and rubber dots on the underside. This makes the maintenance and stability features clear from the outset.

Key benefit & highlights

60 cm diameter, long plush fabric and PP filling; suitable for small pets.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
FUNNYFUZZY Warm and Cosy Supportive Cat and Dog Bed

FUNNYFUZZY Warm & Cozy Supportive Cat & Dog Bed, size M

Why it suits this profile: A medium-sized sofa-style model suits pets that like lying on a soft mat with a raised edge.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications mention a removable, machine-washable cover and an anti-slip base. This means you do not have to judge the bed solely by its soft exterior.

Key benefit & highlights

Plush faux fur, egg-crate foam, raised headrest and size M; cover can be machine-washed.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive use
JOYFURNOS Soft Plush Calming Dog Crate Bed 120 cm

JOYFURNOS Soft Plush Calming Dog Crate Bed, 120 x 20 cm

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, the 120 cm round size is intended for large dogs and multi-pet households.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size, removable cover and anti-slip base are clearly specified. The instructions also state that the inner filling should not be machine-washed.

Key benefit & highlights

120 cm diameter, 20 cm height, PP cotton filling and rubber dots to prevent movement.

Dog bed or cat bed?

A cat bed is usually smaller and may have a more compact, enclosed shape. A soft cat bed or donut model suits cats that like to sleep curled up. For a dog, the most important factors are the available sleeping length and the load-bearing capacity of the filling.

In a household with both a dog and a cat, a pet bed suitable for both species can be useful, provided the dimensions are right. A large cat tower, such as a scratching post with resting areas, is not a substitute for a stable dog bed. The 168 cm scratching post mentioned has several resting platforms, caves and scratching posts, but is intended for cats and must be secured to the wall with the included anti-tip fixture according to the product information.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about dog beds

How big should a dog bed be?

Measure your dog from nose to the base of the tail and add enough space for it to turn around and stretch out. With a basket or donut bed, check the internal dimensions, as the sides reduce the usable surface area.

How often should you wash a dog bed?

This depends on how often it is used, shedding and accidents. Remove hair regularly and wash the cover according to the care label. Preferably choose a model with a zip, so you do not have to wash the entire bed.

How long does a dog bed last?

The lifespan depends on your dog's weight, scratching, biting, washing and the quality of the seams and filling. Check the bed regularly for tears, loose parts and areas that have collapsed. Replace it when the cover or filling becomes damaged, or when the bed is no longer stable.