A dog bed may seem like a simple purchase, but you might not notice you’ve made the wrong choice until a few weeks have passed. A cushion that quickly goes flat, a cover that can’t be removed or a base that slides across the floor can make the bed less useful and leave you needing to buy another one.
So don’t focus only on colour and fluffiness. The most important things to consider when choosing a suitable dog bed are its size, filling, ease of cleaning and stability. Read on to find out what to look for and which models suit different households.
A soft dog bed may feel comfortable, but a thick, plush exterior tells you little about the filling. Check whether the product description gives details about the filling material and how well it holds its shape. For an older dog, it’s worth paying particular attention to even support and a low edge that’s easy to step over.
The term orthopaedic dog bed doesn’t, in itself, guarantee any particular benefits. Look for verifiable details, such as the type of foam or fibre filling used, its thickness and the bed’s construction. Don’t expect medical benefits: a dog bed is no substitute for advice from a vet.
Measure your dog while they’re lying stretched out, then allow for some extra room. Your dog should be able to stretch out and turn around easily. Check the stated size of the sleeping area too. With a donut dog bed, the raised edge takes up some of the overall diameter.
An 80 cm bed may be suitable for a small or medium-sized pet, but always check your dog’s body length and sleeping position. Large dogs need a spacious dog bed, preferably with firm filling and plenty of floor space.
“Easy to clean” doesn’t always mean you can put the whole dog bed in the washing machine. Check whether it’s only the cover, the inner mat or the filling itself that can be washed. A zipped cover is handy for dealing with hair, mud and accidents. Some inner cushions should only be aired or spot-cleaned.
Choose the shape to suit your dog’s sleeping habits:
A dog bed for small and medium-sized dogs doesn’t need to be the same as one designed for a large breed. Check the height and usable central area as well as the external dimensions.
Plush, fleece and polyester feel soft, but they differ in how easy they are to care for and how well they retain their shape. According to the product description, a product with PP cotton filling may offer a soft, resilient structure. Regularly fluffing the filling helps distribute it evenly, but won’t prevent any bed from showing signs of wear after prolonged use.
For a bed used every day, a removable cover, strong seams and clear washing instructions matter more than an extra-thick appearance.
A dog bed with a non-slip base stays more stable on a smooth floor. This is particularly handy for older pets or dogs that bound into their bed. Check what type of non-slip feature is used. Rubber dots or a coated underside may help, but grip also depends on the floor, the fabric and how much hair is underneath.
Place the bed in a dry, level spot, away from radiators and other strong heat sources. Always follow the manufacturer’s specific care and safety instructions.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this donut-style bed is designed for small to medium-sized dogs and cats. It has a diameter of 80 cm and is 20 cm high, so it could be a good fit for a compact resting spot in the living room.
The size, material and care instructions are listed. The inner mat can be removed and, according to the description, washed on a gentle cycle or by hand.
Plush exterior, removable washable inner mat and a non-slip base. The bed is vacuum-packed, so it needs to be fluffed up and left to expand fully.
Why it suits this profile: With a diameter of 120 cm and stated suitability for large dogs, this model is a good option for spacious resting areas and households with multiple pets.
The cover can be removed using a zip. The product information also makes clear that the inner filling should not go in the washing machine, so you’ll know what you can and can’t wash in advance.
Plush material, PP cotton filling, rubber non-slip dots and a removable cover. The manufacturer recommends fluffing the bed up after delivery and letting it regain its shape.
Why it suits this profile: This combination of a raised dog crate and removable cushion is designed to provide a dedicated resting or sleeping spot for a large dog at home.
The stated dimensions of 94 × 60 × 71.5 cm make it easy to check in advance whether the crate will fit in your chosen spot. The cushion can be removed for easier care.
Steel construction, raised design and a removable cushion. Before buying, check that the internal dimensions are large enough for your dog’s body length and sleeping position.
We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety requirements.
Your dog bed will stay in good condition for longer if you care for it according to its construction:
Measure your dog from nose to the base of the tail, then allow extra room for them to stretch out. Check the actual sleeping area too, as a wide edge reduces the space available.
It depends on how often it’s used. Remove hair regularly and wash a removable cover as soon as it smells or looks dirty. More frequent cleaning is handy if there’s mud, accidents or more than one pet. Only wash parts that the manufacturer says are washable.
A soft exterior may feel comfortable, but also consider the height of the entrance, the level of support and how stable the bed is. Don’t interpret the word “orthopaedic” as a medical promise. If your dog has persistent pain or difficulty moving, it’s better to speak to a vet than simply buy another pet bed.