Choosing the right bed for your dog

While your beloved pup may love to curl up on the couch or your bed with you, it’s important for both of you that they have a bed to call their own. Not only does this give them added comfort and security, but it also reduces the number of allergens and dirt on your furniture, and may even allow you to get a full night’s sleep for once! 

There are a plethora of pet beds out there to choose from, so how do you know which bed is best for your dog? Here’s what to consider before buying.

Start with sizing

Your dog’s bed size is best determined by their length, not their weight. Measure your pup from their nose to the base of their tail -- this is the minimum length their bed should be so they have enough room to stretch and snooze comfortably.

Which dog bed shape will my pup prefer?

The most suitable bed shape for your particular dog depends on how they prefer to rest.

In general, we find that circular dog beds are best for those that like to curl up in a ball, while rectangular beds are better suited to pups that like to sprawl out on their side or back.

Bolster nesting beds & bolster orthopedic dog beds are a popular option, as they offer raised sides for those dogs that like to prop their heads up while resting. These beds also provide extra comfort and security but still have the convenience of an opening in the front to allow your pup easy access when hopping on or off.

Den beds are similar to standard bolster beds in that they have raised sides -- however, the sides go all the way around with no opening in the front. Small or anxious dogs tend to love this design as it makes them feel extra secure and retains body heat, keeping them warm and cozy while they nap.

Tip: When ordering a bolster or den bed, be sure to select the proper size according to the sleeping dimension measurements (rather than the outer dimension measurements) to accommodate your dog’s length.

Choose the right mattress for your pup’s comfort.

The best type of mattress for your dog will depend on their individual needs. Consider their behavior, habits, and any health conditions before making a purchase.

If your dog is arthritic or has painful joints:

Any pooch with joint or other painful conditions, and most large breed dogs, require the extra support of a firm, orthopedic mattress to remain comfortable for long periods of time. Orthopedic mattresses provide even weight distribution to protect your dog’s spine and joints and allow for better circulation and pain relief. Our orthopedic mattresses are designed to provide superior support and cushioning for dogs weighing up to 350 pounds, so even the largest breeds can stay comfy. Best of all, the 5” solid CertiPUR-USA® foam won’t flatten out after repeated use, so you can rest assured knowing your pooch will be cozy for years to come.

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If your dog likes to “nest”

Some pups need their beds to be just right before lying down and will spend a considerable amount of time circling and pawing at the stuffing before settling in for a snooze. Our nesting mattress was designed specifically for those dogs; The fill is made of shredded CertiPUR-USA® certified foam that allows your pup to rearrange stuffing and nestle right into the cushioning. Own a smaller breed? This is likely what they’ll prefer. Because of their tiny size, small dogs weighing under 20 pounds typically enjoy the nesting mattresses more than the firm, orthopedic style.

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If your dog loves to destroy their bed

Many pooches view their beds as giant chew toys and may do best with a cot rather than a mattress. For those pups that find great joy in shredding their dog bed, we recommend the world’s #1 dog bed for power chewers, our K9 Ballistic Chew Proof Elevated Dog Cot™. While no dog bed is completely indestructible, this one comes pretty darn close. This cot performs even better than a Kevlar dog bed (which dogs can still chew through, resulting in long strands that can be very harmful if swallowed!) The cots are elevated off of the ground to provide support and comfort and can be used indoors or outdoors in all seasons. They’re also extremely easy to clean, which makes life easier if your pup tends to be messy.

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Consider Washability

Dogs of all breeds and sizes will get their beds messy eventually; for your sanity, you’ll want to make sure you have the option of washing it when necessary. We know from experience that snagging a dog bed with a removable cover will make your life infinitely easier -- Many dog beds, especially larger ones, won’t fit inside your washing machine. With this in mind, we’ve designed a number of mattress options with easily removable covers to make life on laundry day as painless as possible. Even better, all cover options are designed with fabric that can be quickly spot-cleaned.

Which cover option is best for my dog?

Designer dog bed covers: Best for incontinent or messy pups

If your dog suffers from incontinence, is extra drooly, or just loves to spend their days at the beach, our designer dog bed covers may be your best bet. These elegant covers boast a triple-layer, water-absorbent sleep layer to protect the underlying mattress. Not only that, our designs are created by some of the best designers in the business and are made to complement your home decor.

Tough dog bed covers: Best for dogs that are extra rough on their beds

Some dogs just love to beat up their beds. Our tough covers are extra durable and made from our proprietary K9 Ballistic Rip-Stop Proprietary Fabric™ designed to last for many years despite daily digging and chewing. If you’ve got a pup that’s rough on his or her bed, these covers are likely your best bet.

Whatever your dog’s needs, we’ve got the bed to keep them well-rested, comfortable, and healthy for the long haul.