Your dog will spend roughly half of their life sleeping, so the bed they sleep on matters far more than most of us realise. A bed that is too small, too thin, or placed in a noisy corner can leave your dog restless or reluctant to settle at all. The right bed, on the other hand, gives them a cosy, safe spot of their own.
This guide covers how to measure your dog, which bed shape suits their sleeping style, what materials are easiest to live with, and how to pick the right option for puppies, seniors, and enthusiastic chewers.
Start by Measuring Your Dog
The single most common mistake people make is guessing the size. A bed that looks generous in the shop can turn out to be far too small once your dog stretches out on it. Take a few minutes to measure properly before you buy.
First, measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail while they are lying in their usual sleeping position. Then measure their height from the floor to the top of their shoulders. Add roughly 15 to 20 centimetres to the length measurement so your dog has room to stretch, turn around, and sprawl comfortably.
Watch how your dog actually sleeps, too. Dogs that curl up into a tight ball need less length but benefit from raised edges to lean against. Dogs that sleep stretched out on their side need a longer, flatter surface. Dogs that sprawl on their backs with all four legs in the air need plenty of width. The best bed is the one that matches your dog’s real sleeping habits, not just their breed size on a chart.
If your dog is still growing, choose a bed that fits them now but has a little room to grow into — or be prepared to size up in a few months. A puppy squeezed into a tiny bed will quickly outgrow it, and an oversized bed can feel exposed and draughty for a very small puppy. A good middle ground is a bed with a removable bolster or cushion that can be adjusted as they grow.
Bed Shapes Explained: Donut, Bolster, Flat Mat, and Orthopedic
Donut beds
Donut beds are round with thick, raised edges all the way around and a soft, sunken centre. They are ideal for dogs that love to curl up and nest, because the raised rim gives them something to rest their head and paws against. Many anxious dogs find the enclosed feeling comforting. The main drawback is that they are not great for dogs that like to stretch out fully.
Bolster beds
Bolster beds are usually rectangular or oval with raised edges on three or four sides and a flat sleeping surface in the middle. They offer the best of both worlds: a dog can curl against the bolster or stretch out across the centre. The raised sides double as a pillow, which many dogs love. Bolster beds suit most sleeping styles and are a safe first choice if you are unsure what your dog prefers.
Flat mats and crate pads
Flat mats are simple, low-profile pads with no raised edges. They are lightweight, easy to wash, and perfect for crates, travel, or warm weather. They also suit dogs that sleep stretched out and do not like feeling enclosed. The downside is less cushioning, so a flat mat on a hard floor may not give enough support for older dogs or dogs with stiff joints.
Orthopedic beds
Orthopedic beds use thick memory foam or high-density foam to support your dog’s weight evenly and ease pressure on their joints. They are especially helpful for senior dogs, large breeds, and dogs recovering from injury or surgery. A good orthopedic bed should be at least 10 centimetres thick and should not flatten completely under your dog’s weight. Look for a removable, washable cover, because foam itself cannot go in the washing machine.
Materials: What to Look For (and What to Avoid)
The outer fabric matters more than you might think. Canvas and heavy-duty polyester are durable and resist claws and digging, making them good choices for active dogs. Cotton and fleece feel softer and cosier but may wear out faster. If your dog is a chewer, look for tightly woven, chew-resistant fabrics and strong stitching — though no bed is truly indestructible.
For the filling, polyester fibre is soft, light, and affordable, but it tends to flatten over time. Memory foam holds its shape better and gives real joint support. Whatever you choose, make sure the filling is evenly distributed so your dog does not end up sleeping on a lumpy surface with all the stuffing pushed to one side.
Think about temperature, too. Dogs that run hot will be more comfortable on a breathable cotton cover or a cooling gel layer in summer, while dogs that feel the cold will appreciate fleece or faux fur in winter. Some beds come with a reversible cover — cool on one side, warm on the other.
Water resistance is worth considering, especially for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs that come home muddy from walks. A waterproof liner under the cover protects the foam or filling from accidents and spills, and it can make the bed last much longer.
Washability: The Feature You Will Thank Yourself For
Let us be honest: dog beds get dirty. Fur, mud, drool, and the occasional accident are all part of life with a dog. A bed that cannot be washed will start to smell and harbour dirt and allergens, no matter how nice it looked when new.
Before buying, check exactly what can be washed. The ideal setup is a fully removable cover that goes in the washing machine, plus a washable inner liner.
Wash the cover every two to four weeks, or more often if your dog sheds heavily or spends a lot of time outdoors. Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent, since strong scents can irritate your dog’s sensitive nose and skin. Always dry the cover fully before putting it back — a damp bed can develop a musty smell and may irritate your dog’s skin.
Choosing for Puppies, Seniors, and Chewers
Puppies
Puppies need a bed that is cosy but not so big that it feels overwhelming. A bed with raised sides can help them feel secure, which is especially useful during the early weeks of settling in. Choose a washable cover, because house training accidents are almost inevitable. It also helps to give your puppy a consistent sleeping spot from the start — if you are working on helping your puppy sleep through the night, a comfortable, familiar bed makes the routine much easier to establish.
Senior dogs
Older dogs often sleep more and may struggle with stiff joints, so comfort and support become the top priorities. An orthopedic memory foam bed can make a real difference to how easily they get up in the morning. Choose a bed with a low entry point so they do not have to step up high or climb over a tall bolster. A non-slip base also helps, since it stops the bed sliding when a wobbly senior dog steps onto it. If your older dog’s sleep patterns have changed suddenly, it is worth reading up on why dogs get the zoomies after a bath and discussing any worries with your vet.
Chewers and diggers
Some dogs treat a new bed as a toy to be shredded within hours. For these dogs, choose a bed with minimal loose parts, no zips they can chew, and tough, tightly woven fabric. Elevated cot-style beds with a taut fabric surface are harder to chew and also stay cooler in warm weather. Even so, supervise at first: give the bed during calm times, reward your dog for settling on it, and remove it if they start chewing destructively.
Where to Place the Bed
Placement matters almost as much as the bed itself. Choose a quiet corner of a room your family uses often, so your dog feels included but not in the middle of foot traffic. Avoid draughty hallways, spots right next to radiators, and noisy areas near the front door.
Many dogs like to sleep near their people at night, and some families let their dog share the bed. If you are weighing that decision, it helps to think through the pros and cons of letting your dog sleep in your bed — a comfortable dog bed of their own can be a great compromise, giving them a cosy spot right beside your bed without the midnight wriggling.
If you use a crate, place the bed inside it so the crate feels like a den rather than a cage. Keep a second bed or mat in the living area if your dog likes to nap near you during the day. And wherever you put it, try to keep the bed in the same spot — dogs find comfort in routine.
What NOT to Do
- Do not buy on looks alone. A stylish bed that is too small or impossible to wash will frustrate you both.
- Do not skip measuring. Guessing the size is the fastest way to end up returning a bed.
- Do not choose a bed with small buttons, loose zips, or dangling parts that a chewer could swallow.
- Do not place the bed somewhere noisy, draughty, or isolated. Your dog will simply refuse to use it.
- Do not ignore the smell test. If a bed smells strongly of chemicals when new, air it out fully before letting your dog sleep on it.
- Do not keep a flattened, lumpy bed. Once the filling has collapsed, it no longer supports your dog properly and should be replaced.
- Do not punish your dog for not using the bed. Instead, make it inviting with a familiar blanket or a treat placed on it, and let them choose it in their own time.
When to See a Vet
Sleep problems are not always about the bed. Sometimes restlessness or a sudden change in sleeping habits can be a sign of something worth checking with your vet. Possible causes range from pain and stiffness to anxiety or age-related changes, and only a vet can properly assess what is going on.
Book a vet visit if you notice any of these signs:
- Your dog circles endlessly, whines, or cannot seem to get comfortable despite having a good bed.
- They suddenly start sleeping far more or far less than usual.
- They seem stiff, limp, or reluctant to lie down or get up.
- They wake frequently during the night, pant, or pace.
- Their sleep changes come with other symptoms, such as loss of appetite, weight change, or unusual behaviour.
This is not a diagnosis — it is simply a prompt to get professional advice. A vet can check for pain, joint problems, or other health issues and advise whether a different type of bed, such as an orthopedic one, would help alongside any treatment.
FAQ
How often should I replace my dog’s bed?
Most beds need replacing every one to two years, depending on quality and use. Replace sooner if the filling has gone flat, the cover is torn, or the bed smells even after washing.
What size bed does my dog need?
Measure your dog lying down from nose to tail base, then add 15 to 20 centimetres. That gives enough room to stretch and turn. If your dog sleeps curled up, you can size slightly smaller; if they sprawl out, go larger.
Are orthopedic beds worth the extra cost?
For senior dogs, large breeds, and dogs with joint stiffness, yes — a good memory foam bed gives support that a thin fibre-filled bed cannot. For young, healthy dogs, a well-made standard bed is usually enough.
Can my dog sleep on the floor instead of a bed?
Dogs can sleep on the floor, but a bed offers cushioning, warmth, and insulation from cold or hard surfaces. Even a simple flat mat is better than bare floor, especially for older dogs or dogs with thin coats.
How do I get my dog to actually use their new bed?
Place it in a spot they already like to rest, add a blanket that smells familiar, and reward them with praise or a treat when they settle on it. Be patient — some dogs take a few days to trust a new bed, and forcing them onto it usually backfires.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog bed does not have to be complicated. Measure your dog, match the shape to how they sleep, pick a durable and washable material, and think about their age and habits. A well-chosen bed is one of the simplest ways to improve your dog’s comfort and rest — and a well-rested dog is a happier, healthier companion.