Joybuy Insights

Choosing a dog bed: how to find a soft and practical place to rest

A dog bed needs to do more than look soft. In a Dutch household, it often has to cope with muddy paws, hair, moisture and regular washing. Its location also matters: a bed placed on the floor, in a crate or on the sofa requires a different design. If you focus only on colour or a low price, you can quickly end up with a bed that slides around, goes flat or is difficult to clean.

Common pitfalls when choosing a dog bed

1. Confusing a soft exterior with good support

A fluffy dog bed feels appealing in the shop or in product photos. However, a long plush pile says little about the filling or how well the bed holds its shape. Pay attention to the filling material, thickness and the way the bed maintains its form. PP cotton is used in various models as a soft, resilient filling, but the inner filling still needs to be fluffed up or aired regularly.

A raised edge can be comfortable for dogs that like to rest their heads against a soft boundary. This is a comfort feature, not a medical solution.

2. “Washable” does not always mean fully washable

With a washable dog bed, it is important to check which parts can go in the washing machine. On some models, only the cover or central cushion can be removed. The inner filling may then only be suitable for spot cleaning. Also check:

  • whether a delicate wash programme is required;
  • whether a laundry bag is recommended;
  • whether the product must be air-dried;
  • whether the non-slip base must not be put in the tumble dryer.

A product with only a removable cover can still be practical, as long as you are aware of this limitation beforehand.

3. Treating a non-slip base as complete protection

A dog bed with a non-slip base can reduce movement on a smooth floor. However, rubber dots or silicone studs are no substitute for a stable surface. Place the bed flat and dry, away from heat sources. Also check the seams, zips and loose fibres regularly. If your dog likes to chew, supervision during the first few uses is advisable.

Which specifications are important?

Dimensions: measure your dog and the space where it will be used

Measure your dog from its nose to the base of its tail, then add extra room for its preferred sleeping position. A dog that likes to curl up needs less sleeping space than one that sleeps stretched out. For a dog bed for medium-sized dogs, the internal dimensions are more important than the external measurements, because high edges take up some of the available surface area.

A round donut dog bed measuring approximately 90 cm in diameter and 20 cm high provides plenty of space for medium-sized dogs, but it will not automatically fit in every crate. Measure the crate opening, the floor and the space around the bed before ordering.

Material and filling

Plush, cotton and faux fur feel soft, while PP cotton or foam can provide volume. A soft pet bed with a raised edge is particularly suitable for pets that like to lie against a boundary. For warmer rooms, a breathable dog mat may be more practical than a very thick, long-pile model.

Look for specific product information rather than general marketing language:

  • Plush or faux fur: a soft surface, but more prone to dirt and loose fibres.
  • Cotton fabric: often suitable for a shorter-pile finish.
  • PP cotton filling: light and voluminous; regular fluffing may be necessary.
  • Foam: can provide a firmer feel, but check the care instructions.

Cat beds and dog beds may use similar materials. The main differences are size, edge height and the way your pet sleeps.

Care and placement

Choose a model with a cover, cushion or mat that can be removed without complicated steps. With intensive daily use, regular washing is more important than a decorative detail. Always follow the care label and allow all parts to dry completely before using them again.

For the sofa, combining a dog bed with a dog sofa cover can be useful. According to the product description, the FUNNYFUZZY models below have a silicone underside designed to sit on the sofa. The three soft side edges create a defined resting area and help protect the sofa from hair and light dirt.

Our recommendations for different uses

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
FUNNYFUZZY Cream Square Plaid Cozy Dog Cat Pet Mat Furniture Protector Cover Size S Coffee

FUNNYFUZZY Cream Square Plaid Cozy Dog Cat Pet Mat Furniture Protector Cover Size S Coffee

Why it suits this profile: This model combines a resting place with sofa protection and is available in several sizes. That makes it a practical choice for a smaller dog or cat that likes lying on the sofa.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description mentions a silicone underside and washing on a delicate programme in a laundry bag. The care limitation is therefore clear: do not tumble-dry.

Key benefit & advantages

Cotton fabric, PP cotton filling, three soft side edges and a dual-use design for the sofa and your pet.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
FUNNYFUZZY Warm & Comforting Support Cat & Dog Bed

FUNNYFUZZY Warm & Comforting Support Cat & Dog Bed, Size S, Blue

Why it suits this profile: The compact design is intended for smaller spaces and features a soft edge. This makes it suitable for small pets that like to rest in a dedicated spot.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies the materials, foam and fabric components, and instructs you to place the bed on a flat, stable surface.

Key benefit & advantages

Plush faux fur, a raised edge and a protective cushion layer. The product description also states that it is removable and machine washable.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Ochama Plush Donut Dog Crate Bed Gray 90 x 20 cm

Ochama Plush Donut Dog Crate Bed, Gray, 90 x 20 cm

Why it suits this profile: The round shape and high edge are designed for dogs that like to curl up or rest against a soft boundary. The diameter makes this model suitable for a spacious resting area on the floor.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The central cushion cover is removable and washable. The inner filling is not machine washable, so you should take this into account when planning care.

Key benefit & advantages

Plush upholstery, PP cotton filling, a zip for removing the central cushion and rubber non-slip dots. Dimensions: approximately 90 × 20 cm.

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

What size dog bed do I need?

Measure your dog while it is lying down and add enough space for turning and stretching. Also check the internal dimensions of the bed, not just the external measurements. For medium-sized dogs, a 90 cm model may be spacious, but a high edge reduces the flat sleeping area.

How do I clean a dog bed hygienically?

First remove hair and dirt according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wash a removable cover on the recommended programme and do not use harsh cleaning products. Allow all parts to dry completely. For models with non-washable inner filling, treat stains locally and air the filling regularly.

How long does a dog bed last?

Its lifespan depends on your dog’s weight, scratching, chewing, washing and daily use. Check the seams, zips, non-slip layer and filling regularly. Replace the bed when the fabric tears, the filling becomes visible or the surface remains permanently misshapen. This is particularly important for a dog bed used in a crate, as a damaged component leaves less room to move away.