Pretty much from the start, a puppy will seek out his bed to snuggle, snooze, or sleep through the night. That’s why every dog should have one. You might choose a bed based on color or material to match your dcor and room dimensions, but there’s more to it. Through the years, your dog’s bed needs will change along with his size and health, with the likely addition of features that work best for his breed, age, or medical issues. Here are some of the types of dog beds available with a couple of examples in each category. They all have features that work for a variety of dogs’ needs.
CAVE BED. Imagine a softer, more enclosed version of a crate and you have a cave bed — one with a soft, overhead hood that covers two-thirds to three-quarters of the top of the bed so that your dog can comfortably sandwich between the cushion and raised enclosure, offering the privacy of a crate with a cozier, more nestled feel. This bed can work well for gentle, somewhat less exuberant dogs who may feel the need for some extra cozy protection.
Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave Pet Bed has a cream-colored sherpa lining; cedar-poly fill (cedar is considered an insect repellant); and a removable microsuede cover that can be laundered in the washer and dryer. It comes in a wide variety of colors: butter, camel, olive, anthracite, black, brown, buckskin, coffee, dark chocolate, hot fudge, herringbone, leaf, navy, red, saddle, peat, pink, and gold. Available in small (25″ x 25″), large (35″ x 35″), and extra-large (45″ x 45″), and priced from $81.79 to $96.96.
Yosoo Shark Round House Puppy Bed with Pet Bed Mat is a fanciful gray canvas and velvet “shark” into which a small to medium size dog of up to 20 pounds can fit himself. The bed has a thick 100 percent poly fill and a pet mat insert that, along with the overall bed, can be machine washed (but should be air dried). Measures 20″ x 20″ x 15″ for young and other small dogs. Priced at $19.87.
CUDDLER. A raised plush rim encompasses nearly all of the bed, cradling your dog’s body but leaving room for a more level resting of paws or head.
Best Friends by Sheri Deep Dish Cuddler is a sherpa-covered bed with a 12-inch overstuffed rear “wall” that your dog can rest his body against and a 9-inch lower area that makes a better resting spot for your dog’s head and neck. The bed can be put in the washer and dryer and is suitable for pets up to 25 pounds. Available in beige, the bed measures 20″ x 20″ x 12″. Available for $28.99.
Halo’s Reversible Rectangular Cuddler Dog Bed has a taupe inside and a “chili,” “spice,” purple, or teal outside. The filling is covered in fully reversible “luxtouch” fabric that can be turned inside out to a durable unisuede, all with cozy side walls to rest against. Available in medium (21″ x 25″ x 6″) and large (24″ x 34″ x 6″). Priced from $29.99 to $47.99.
ORTHOPEDIC. For older dogs or those suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or similar muskulo-skeletal difficulties, thick foam orthopedic beds provide more support than most, relieving pressure on your dog’s frame and also making it easier for him to get up and shift position or leave the bed without struggling with the less stable pad that is intended for a dog to sink into.
Brentwood Home 4-Inch Quilted Gel Memory Foam Orthopedic Pet Bed has a 2-inch gel-infused memory foam and a 2-inch layer of therapeutic support foam. The gel memory foam provides coolness for your dog’s joint pain, arthritis, and hip dysplasia while the support foam relieves pressure on joints. The firmness also means an arthritic dog will have less trouble going from a lying to a standing position. The waterproof liner reduces bacteria, dust mites, and mold, protects against accidents, and can be hosed down for cleaning. The quilted microfiber cover can also be removed for machine washing. Comes in small (22″ x 18″), medium (34″ x 24″), large (46″ x 29″), and extra-large (54″ x 35″) sizes and is available in sand and blue fog. From $70 to $130, depending on size.
Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed comes with a built-in headrest at one end and seven inches of support foam sandwiched between two layers of comfort foam. The handmade bed comes with a machine washable microfiber cover and a 10-year warranty to maintain 90 percent of its buoyancy over time with minimal flattening. Intended for larger dogs, it comes in large (48″ x 30″ x 7″), extra-large (52″ x 36″ x 7″), and giant (60″ x 48″ x 7″) with color choices of burgundy, khaki, and chocolate. The extreme thickness, long warranty, and very big sizes make it comparatively expensive. Price varies according to size, ranging from $239.95 to $399.95.
TEMPERATURE MODULATING. Dogs who tend to leave their bed for a hard but cool floor may benefit from a cooling pad in their bed. Conversely, dogs who seem to shiver from the cold might benefit from an electric blanket placed in their bed or be given a bed designed to hold body heat.
Furimals Warming and Cooling Pet Mat can be used over your dog’s bed or alone. It’s a removable insert that can be cooled in the refrigerator or freezer or warmed in the microwave, depending on whether your dog needs to cool off or receive warmth for his arthritic limbs, and then be returned to its zippered fleece covering. Your dog will enjoy the immediate benefit of settling into something that provides instant temperature comfort. Available in small (13″ x 9″ x 1.8″) and large (22.2″ x 12″ x 1.5″) at $16.99 and $24.95.
K&H Manufacturing Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper has two layers that capture heat — and then transmit the warmth to your dog. The poly-cotton covering has a microfleece lining and is filled with material made of eco-friendly recycled plastic bottles. The surrounding bed bolster adds extra coziness. To clean, place the entire bed in the washer at cold temperature and then machine dry, low, or line dry. Available in small (16″ x 20″ x 6″) in grey-blue or mocha-green; and medium (24″ x 30″ x 9″) or large (32″ x 40″ x 10″) in brown/tan squares or black/gray squares. All have non-slip bottoms. Medium and large sizes have a microsuede exterior, while the small’s exterior is made of poly-cotton. From $24.87 to $92.39.
ELEVATED BEDS. Though not actually your couch, your dog will likely still enjoy a bed that doesn’t relegate him to the floor. Elevated beds have frames of wood, metal, or plastic and can resemble forts, sofas, or frames with mesh sheeting that provide a waterproof and breathable taut surface for your dog.
Gale Pacific Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed is a nice example of a bed that serves two needs for your dog — both preventing him from overheating and allowing him to enjoy a resting spot that feels more like the yearned-for couch than traditional beds. The breathable knit fabric allows air to get through the weave so your dog’s body heat isn’t held in the bed. It’s easy to assemble, too. The powder-coated steel frame comes together with a screwdriver. In addition, the lightweight bed can be used indoors and out and has no-slip feet to prevent floor scratching. Comes with a five-year warranty. Available in small (35.4″ x 21.6″ x 7.9″), medium (43.3″ x 25.6″ x 7.9″), and large (51.2″ x 31.5″ x 7.9″) in green, gray, and terracotta. From $23.98 to $42.69.
Enchanted Home Pet Cliff Bed Ultra Plush Pet Bed may well fool your dog into thinking he’s on a veritable couch. Raised from the floor, and from drafts, the tastefully designed gray sofa has a cushion cover that can be removed for washing. And the manufacturer’s therapeutic accouterments, including heating, cooling, and magnetic therapy options, can be fitted into the inner cushion. There is also storage for your dog’s favorite toys and treats. The 40″ x 24″ x 14.75″ couch, priced at $148.16, can hold a dog weighing up to 50 pounds.
BASIC BEDS. Dog beds don’t always have to have extra features to provide comfort. Whether round or rectangular, fleece-covered or microfiber, even simple beds typically allow your dog to stretch out from any angle and dangle arms, legs, or head from any side, if wanted. These beds work well for most dogs who don’t need orthopedic support or heat or cooling to sleep comfortably.
Dogbed4less Heavy Duty Overstuffed Orthopedic Memory Foam Pet Dog Bed with Waterproof Pillow with Strong Denim Cover has an inner water-resistant layer and a zippered waterproof taffeta cover with industrial stitching to protect from accidents and for easy cleaning. The 100 percent cotton denim cover can be machine washed and dried. The stuffing is made of a combination of shredded memory foam that will contour to your dog’s body and poly-fill with shredded polyurethane foam that offers lift but does not flatten with continued use, according to the manufacturer. Comes in large (34″ x 27″ x 3″) and extra large (45″ x 27″ x 3″) with bonus covers in green canvas or brown or taupe suede. From $49.99 to $56.99.
Armarkat Pet Bed Mat is made of substantial canvas and plush fabric with 100 percent poly fill. The base is skid-free and waterproof, and the cover can be unzipped for machine washing. Available in medium (28″ x 22″ x 5″), large (39″ x 28″ x 7″), and extra-large (49″ x 35″ x 8″) in burgundy and ivory. From $26.99 to $63.49.
CRATE BEDS. These beds, which are rather like flat, cushioning pads, sometimes with raised cushioning on the sides somewhat like crib bumpers, are made specifically to fit crates and kennels of all shapes and sizes. Crate beds help make your dog’s time in his crate a super-comfortable experience and are available with orthopedic supports for older or infirm dogs. Typically lightweight, crate beds can be brought along on your travels for more cushiony car rides, on visits to friends or the office, or simply placed in your dog’s favorite resting spot in the house.
Pet Dreams Plush Cratewear Set provides a bottom bedding that raises up, much like an infant’s crib bumpers, and thereby cushions the sides of the crate while leaving enough room to peer out. It also comes with a fabric covering that blocks the view, if that’s what you feel your dog wants, and cuts unwanted chill. The three-piece set (bottom mat, bumpers, and covering) fits a variety of crates from 18″ x 13″ x 14″ to 48″ x 30″ x 35″. The pad is also reversible, cutting down how often you’ll need to put it in the washer and dryer. Available in ivory, pink, coco brown, and sea foam blue. From $46.09 to $99.30.
P.L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle and You Pistachio/Hazelnut Crate Pad is a fully machine-washable and -dryable hand-sewn pad. Light-weight and plumped out with a trademarked eco-friendly filling, the pad fits most standard crates in extra small (20″x 15″ x 2″), small (24″ x 18″ x 2″), medium (30″ x 20″ x 2″, large (36″ x 23″ x 2″), and extra-large (42″ x 28″ x 2″). Colors include cocoa, pistachio, cream, sea foam, pumpkin, and vermillion. From $30.36 to $74.97.
DONUT BEDS. Donut dog beds have a 360-degree raised, cushioned rim — usually covered in soft material. Also referred to as “bagel beds,” their plush bottoms are great for dogs who want to sink into softness (but not so great for dogs with orthopedic issues who would need greater support).
Brookstone Bowsers Donut Bed has a stylish, contemporary look with full, raised cushiony sides and an inner washable cushion with a “high memory” polyester fiber that imprints your dog’s form. The inner cushion is also machine washable and can be dried on a cool setting. And it can be removed for travel. The bed comes in extra small (22″ x 16″ x 6″), small (27″ x 22″ x 7″), medium (35″ x 27″ x 8″), large (42″ x 32″ x 9″), extra-large (50″ x 36″ x 9″), and extra-extra-large (55″ x 35″ x 11″). The microvelvet fabric comes in patterns including floral, herringbone, diamond series, pewter bones, and graphite lettuce, and colors such as pink, harbor blue, driftwood, and charcoal. Prices range from $63.72 to $264.17.
SlumberJax Luxury Donut Dog Bed has a “high loft” fill covered in corduroy fabric that can be removed for machine washing and drying. Sizes range from small (24″ x 20″ x 7″), medium (34″ x 28″ x 7″), large (38″ x 32″ x 10″), and extra large (46″ x 28″ x 12″). Comes in a variety of colors including chocolate, honey, olive, spa burlap, spa mist, spa pecan, and spa summit. Available from $88.77 to $181.00.
