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A dog bed needs to be more than just soft to the touch in the shop. It will have to cope with fur, damp paws, claws and daily use. The wrong size, a cover that is difficult to clean properly or a base that slides across the floor can quickly lead to frustration and extra expense.
That is why it is wise to look beyond colour and plush fabric. Pay particular attention to the construction, dimensions, support and maintenance. This buying guide will help you choose a dog bed for a small dog, large dog or cat.
Thick filling feels comfortable when you first unpack it, but it can compress over time. Older animals, and pets that like to stretch out, benefit particularly from a stable base layer. An orthopaedic dog bed with, for example, egg-crate foam or a firm supportive cushion may be a more practical choice than a bed focused solely on softness.
Please note: terms such as “orthopaedic” or “neck and joint support” often come from the brand’s product description. According to the manufacturer’s own information, these models refer to the shape and materials used; they do not provide a medical effect or treatment.
Check exactly which parts can go in the washing machine. With some beds, only the cover is washable, while the inner cushion may only be aired or spot-cleaned. A dog bed with a removable cover is generally more convenient for everyday care. Also check whether the cover can be removed using a zip and which temperature or drying method is stated on the care label.
A diameter of 60 or 70 cm may sound spacious, but raised edges take up some of the available room. Measure your dog while it is lying fully stretched out, then add extra space for turning and stretching. When choosing a dog bed for large dogs, look not only at the external dimensions but also at the usable sleeping area.
Use this practical approach:
For a dog bed for small dogs or a cat, a round doughnut shape can be comfortable if the animal likes to sleep curled up. A medium-sized or large dog will usually benefit more from a rectangular bed or a model with a larger open sleeping area. Always check the stated dimensions, as a cat bed may be suitable for a small dog but is not automatically suitable for every dog.
Egg-crate foam has a rippled structure. The product description refers to this type of foam as a supportive layer. A raised headrest can provide somewhere to rest the head, while an edge running around the bed creates a sheltered place to sleep.
A doughnut dog bed with PP filling is mainly designed to provide a soft, enclosed sleeping area. This suits animals that like to burrow or lie against an edge. For an animal that moves around a lot or sleeps stretched out, a model with a flatter cushion may be more practical.
A plush pet bed feels warm and soft, but it can trap fur and dirt. According to the product description, a smoother, water-repellent Oxford material is easier to wipe clean and may be better suited to dogs that often come indoors with wet paws.
A dog bed with a non-slip base stays more stable on a smooth floor. However, check that the underside makes full contact with the floor and that the bed is placed on a flat, dry surface. Non-slip material will not prevent a bed from moving on every type of surface.
Why it suits this profile: The round size is intended for small to medium-sized dogs. The product description lists plush fabric, PP filling, a removable central cushion and rubber non-slip details.
The size and sleeping style are clearly specified. The central cushion can be removed using the zip, so you do not have to wash the entire bed.
70 cm diameter, PP filling, removable cushion and rubber non-slip points.
Why it suits this profile: This model combines plush and Sherpa with egg-crate foam, a raised headrest and a removable cover. According to the product information, it is suitable for dogs and cats.
The construction offers more than just soft filling: the description mentions foam, a headrest and a non-slip layer. According to the stated care advice, the cover can be machine washed.
Egg-crate foam, raised headrest, machine-washable cover and non-slip fabric.
Why it suits this profile: The water-repellent Oxford fabric and surrounding edge are practical for large dogs and intensive daily use. The product description mentions a fully washable design.
The outer fabric is not focused solely on plushness and can be wiped clean according to the product information. The cover and inner cushion can be removed for cleaning.
Water-repellent Oxford fabric, scratch-resistant construction and raised edges all around.
Why it suits this profile: The high round edge and soft fleece lining create an enclosed sleeping area for small to medium-sized dogs and cats that like to sleep against an edge.
The product details list the diameter and height separately. The cover and inner cushion can be removed; the inside of the core should be aired according to the instructions.
80 cm diameter, 20 cm height, plush fleece and a non-slip base.
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.
A washable dog bed will stay usable for longer when you care for the cover according to the instructions on the care label. Use a mild detergent where possible and allow all parts to dry completely before using the bed again. Damp filling can start to smell unpleasant and lose its shape.
Also check regularly:
Dogs that like chewing fabric should be introduced to the bed under supervision at first. Place every model on a flat, stable surface, away from radiators, naked flames and other direct sources of heat.
Measure your dog from nose to the base of its tail while it is lying fully stretched out, then add 15 to 25 cm. With round models, also check the actual sleeping area inside the raised edge. A bed should provide enough room for your dog to turn around and stretch, but it does not need to be so large that your dog no longer feels sheltered.
This depends on how it is used. Remove fur regularly with a vacuum cleaner or lint roller, and wash the removable cover when it is visibly dirty or starts to smell unpleasant. Accidents or frequent outdoor use mean it will need cleaning more often. Always follow the manufacturer’s care label.
Its lifespan depends on the animal’s weight, the quality of the seams and filling, washing and chewing behaviour. Inspect the bed regularly. Replace it when the filling is visible, the base is no longer stable or the sleeping area has permanently collapsed.
