Best Dog Beds: In-Depth 2021 Buyer’s Guide

Every dog should have a bed of their own, a place where they can relax and unwind in comfort and peace. The best dog beds will be comfortable, supportive, and large enough to allow your dog to stretch out and enjoy a nice nap. Dogs of all ages will benefit from having their own bed in the home and this is especially true for seniors or dogs who have hip or joint problems. A bed is a great way to give your pet their own safe place to relax, it’s also essential for aging dogs who are not able to easily get up off the floor. Considering there are many different types and styles of dog beds on the market, choosing the right one for your pup can be a challenge. I’ve put together this buyer’s guide, which includes all of the features to look for in order to find a perfect bed for your dog based on their breed, size, comfort needs, and age.

I’ve also reviewed many of the bestselling models on the market, in search of a bed that’s comfortable, durable, spacious, and supportive. I have included the leading 6 models on the market, each of which have what it takes to provide your pet with a comfortable place to snooze. Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that lists each of the beds that made it onto my list, their best features and how they rated.

Dog Beds Comparison Chart

Pet Fusion Ultimate Dog Bed

Our Rating: (5/5)

This large premium dog bed features an impressive four inches of memory foam, which is designed to improve comfort, while reducing the amount of pressure placed on the joints. The memory foam also helps to soothe dogs who have anxiety, since the foam will hug the contours of the body, which can be very relaxing for pets and can increase their sense of security. The bed’s design consists of the thick four-inch memory foam base and bolsters on the sides, which are filled with a combination of cotton and polyester materials. The bed’s cover is both tear and water-resistant, so the bed is a great choice for chewers and dogs who are incontinent from time to time.

Conclusion

This large, thick, and supportive bed is a great choice for medium and large breed dogs. Unfortunately, there are only three sizes available and even the XXL jumbo size is too small for extra-large breeds. However, people with medium to large sized dogs will appreciate this bed’s thicker than average mattress, comfortable bolsters, and the removable, durable cover.

MIXJOY Orthopedic Dog Bed

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This bed is designed for dogs up to twenty-five pounds. The donut shape, combined with the thick faux shag fur, makes this bed a great choice for colder climates. The bed itself is machine washable, so it can be tossed in the washing machine in the event of an accident. The high walls and thick base will provide plenty of support for arthritic small breed dogs, while promoting warmth and easing pressure placed on the joints and spine. The high loft is made out of recycled polyester and provides a comfy nest-like design that will encourage your pet to curl up and rest easy.

Conclusion

This orthopedic pet bed provides joint support and comes equipped with a non-slip bottom that will prevent the bed from sliding around on smooth floors such as hardwood. Additionally, the whole bed can be tossed in the washer and dryer, for easier cleanup, which will be a huge plus for any pet owner. This bed is the perfect choice for small breed dogs who love to curl up into a ball when they sleep, older dogs who have circulation issues and are always cold, dogs with anxiety, and seniors in need of a comfortable, supportive spot to snooze.

Amazon Basics Ergonomic Pet Bed

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This ergonomic pet bed will help to reduce pressure on the joints and promotes joint support for a more comfortable night’s rest. The cover is removable and machine washable, for easier cleaning and maintenance. The use of foam can provide support to stiff hips and legs, and achy joints and pressure points. The bottom of the bed has a thick layer of oxford fabric, which is durable, with sides that are made out of polyester. The plush swirl top of the bed is soft to the touch. This bed will work for medium and large breed dogs, providing plenty of space for a dog to lie down and stretch out.

Conclusion

This bed is easy to clean and maintain, features a large sleeping surface that will be perfect for medium and large breed dogs, and is made up of thick orthopedic foam that provides joint support and a more comfortable night’s rest. Unfortunately, this bed is only available in four size options, which can be a drawback for larger breeds, such as German shepherds. Reasonably priced, durable, and designed to last, this latest pet bed by Amazon Basics is a great buy for the dog owner on a budget.

FAREYY Dog Bed

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This model is designed for small, medium, and large breed dogs. It features an ultra-soft plush sleeping surface, with the classic wraparound design and a raised rim that can help to promote feelings of safety and security in dogs who suffer from anxiety. The bolsters are filled with a cotton and polyester blend that will help to support the hips, back, neck, and joints, relieving pressure and improving circulation. The bed’s cover is removable and washable, which will be a huge convenience for dogs who suffer from incontinence issues.

Conclusion

This bed is a great choice during the winter months, or in cooler climates. The wraparound style of the bed is perfect for dogs who love to curl up and fall asleep, however, the smaller design can make this bed a bad choice if you have a dog that loves to spread out and take up as much space as possible.

JOYELF Orthopedic Dog Bed

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Joyelf orthopedic dog bed features a base that’s made out of solid memory foam, which is perfect for dogs who are older and those who suffer from hip or joint pain. The material on the bottom of the bed is made out of a non-slip rubber and will prevent the bed from sliding on slick surfaces. This is also a great feature to have for older dogs. The large bolster features a good resistance and a soft, fluffy design. The bed’s cover is removable and machine washable. All you have to do is unzip it using the hidden zipper and toss it in the wash.

Conclusion

This bed will be an excellent investment for any pet owner who has an older dog or a dog that suffers from hip or joint pain. Its supportive design makes it much easier for a dog to get up off the floor, while also working to reduce pressure placed on the joints, which can reduce aches and pains. This bed is available in several sizes, ranging from small to extra-large breeds.

Friends Forever Donut Pet Bed

Our Rating: (4/5)

This is a great bed for the dog who loves to stretch out. The bed’s bolster design wraps around the length of the bed and provides pets with a sense of security, while keeping them nice and warm. The bed itself is best described as durable, breathable, and comfortable. It’s also made out of nontoxic materials and can be tossed in the washer and the dryer, making maintenance a cinch. The thick faux fur lining of the bed is comfortable and smooth to the touch. Additionally, the bolsters will provide dogs with much-needed neck and head support, for a more comfortable night’s rest.

Conclusion

This bed is a great choice for seniors, dogs with hip and joint problems, dogs with anxiety, and even new pets in the home who are shy or fearful. The soft supportive surface will soothe achy joints, while the thick bolsters will provide much-needed neck and head support. The bed’s luxurious design will definitely leave your dog feeling spoiled, happy, and comfortable.

Dog Beds Buyer’s Guide

These days, there are many popular models of dog beds to choose from. But  a bed shouldn’t be chosen based on aesthetics alone. Instead, you’ll want to look for a bed that’s durable, comfortable, supportive, and designed to last. Of course, there will be certain factors to consider, such as the size of your dog, their personality, and the type of environment you live in. I’ll go over the must-have features to look for, and how to choose a bed that will be the perfect match for your pet. But first, I’ll discuss the benefits of dog beds and some of the many reasons why your dog will love sleeping in one.

Benefits of Dog Beds

• Even if you let your dog sleep with you in bed from time to time, a dog should have their own bed in the home. There are many benefits that come with purchasing a bed for your pet, such as:
• These beds can be used for sleeping at night and napping during the day.
• Unlike the hard floor, a dog bed will keep a dog warm at night in colder weather. Certain types of beds can also keep a dog cooler at night, due to a breathable design and lightweight materials.
• A dog bed can be very supportive and a great choice for older dogs, and those born with hip and elbow issues.
• Large breed dogs are also prone to calluses on their elbows, which can lead to health issues down the road. A bed is the perfect place to train your dog to rest, since sleeping on a hard surface is the main cause of calluses.
• These beds can also help a dog with anxiety to feel more secure.
• If you or your partner are allergic to dogs, then having them sleep in a space of their own will definitely help to prevent exacerbating your allergies.
• If you travel often, a dog bed can also be taken with you. This will help your dog to feel comfortable in a new place, so they’ll be less anxious and rest easier during the night.
• These days, most models are very easy to wash, which will make life a little easier if you have a dog that is going through potty training or a dog that is prone to accidents in the home.
• If your dog is crate trained, then adding a bed to their crate will make it more comfortable.
• Every dog will benefit from having a warm comfortable bed that they can relax in and use to decompress during the night or day. Purchasing a bed based on your pet’s comfort needs, personality, and size will ensure that your dog sleeps in a bed that’s supportive and one that can help them feel calm, secure and comfortable.

Types of Dog Beds

There are many different styles of dog beds to choose from, each of which will have their own advantages and disadvantages. When you purchase a bed, there are many factors you’ll need to take into consideration. As an example, if you have a dog that likes to chew on everything, then you’re going to need a bed that’s very durable and designed to handle this type of abuse. Dogs that are arthritic, or those that have trouble getting up off the floor, we’ll need a type of orthopedic bed that is very supportive and comfortable.

Below, I’ll go over the different style options available.

Pillow

This is probably the cheapest style option and it consists of a cover that is stuffed with cotton or microfiber filling material. These beds are not a great choice for young dogs who love to chew, hyperactive dogs, or dogs that have arthritis. Essentially, they’ll work fine for the pet owner on a tight budget who has a medium-to-large sized dog who’s in need of a comfortable spot they can stretch out on. The biggest drawback to this type of bed is the filling, which usually gets flattened over time. If you do decide to choose this bed option, make sure that the bed has a cover that’s removable, which will allow you to keep your dog’s bed clean, without damaging the bed’s filling. However, if you’re on a tight budget, or you want to purchase several beds for the home, then a pillow style bed can be a great, affordable option, just keep in mind, these beds do not have a reputation for durability.

Orthopedic

This style of bed is a must for seniors. Pet owners who want their dogs to feel spoiled and those who are looking for the most comfortable style of pet bed on the market will love the supportive design that many of the top orthopedic beds offer.

An orthopedic bed will work for dogs of all sizes and ages. These beds are often made out of memory foam which is designed to mold to the contours of a dog’s body. Finding a high-quality memory foam bed can be a challenge since some are not as supportive as others. This can make getting in and out of the bed a challenge for older dogs. However, with the right type of memory foam bed, your older dog or your large breed dog will benefit from this type of extra joint support. The only issue with memory foam beds is the fact that they are difficult to clean. If your dog has incontinence issues then make sure the bed you choose has a protective waterproof cover.

Bolster

A bolster style bed will come equipped with a built-in pillow that runs along one side of the bed. This is often the preferred choice for large breed dogs. The surface of the beds are not quite as supportive as memory foam, however, they are a better choice than basic pillow beds. These beds are usually favored by larger breeds since they will allow the dog to spread out, while also providing a supportive surface for the neck and head. Unfortunately, the bolsters on lower-priced beds will flatten out over time.

Donut

These round beds have a bolster that wraps around the entire bed with a soft cushioned center that makes the beds a great choice for small and medium-sized dogs. Many of these beds are also covered with a very soft, luxurious material, such as faux velvet or faux fur. The best thing about these beds is that most are washable. However, the covers are not always removable, so this means you will need to toss the entire bed in the wash.

Must-Have Features

As you can see, there are many different styles of pets to choose from. However, there are also other features that you will need to consider, aside from the style and shape.

Padding Thickness

The type of padding a bed has can be a great indication of how comfortable it will be.  If your dog is older, then finding a bed with thicker padding that’s supportive will be crucial. Older dogs are less active than younger adults and tend to get pressure sores. Additionally, they are prone to arthritis and have a difficult time getting in and out of bed. Thicker padding can indicate comfort. However, how thick the padding should be can also be dependent on the type of material it’s made out of.

Padding Type

Aside from how thick the padding is, you’ll also want to pay attention to the type of padding used. As an example, a couple of inches of padding that’s made out of high quality memory foam can be a better option than a bed that’s made out of four inches of polyester filling. In order to determine the quality of the padding, try squeezing the padding. If you can feel your fingers touch then the padding may not be supportive enough for your pet.

Temperature Regulation

In colder weather, dogs love to curl up to keep warm. However, many dogs will become too warm on the same bed during the hotter months of the year and may prefer to sleep on a cooler surface such as the kitchen floor. Because of this, it’s important that you choose a bed that’s made out of breathable material that’s designed to prevent your pet from overheating.

Removable Cover

A bed that’s equipped with a removable cover is a must especially if your dog is still  in the process of being potty-trained or you have a senior dog who has the occasional accident. A removable cover that’s washable will allow you to strip the bed and toss the cover into the wash.

Waterproof

Look for a bed that has a cover that’s waterproof or a model that comes with a protective mattress cover. A waterproof cover is essential if your dog is being potty-trained or your older dog has accidents. This will prevent the mattress from absorbing urine, which can be difficult to remove.

Size

You need to choose a bed that’s the perfect size for your pet based on their measurements. However the size of the bed you choose can also be based on how they prefer to sleep at night. A donut bed is perfect for a small breed dog that loves to curl up when they sleep. For large breed dogs that love to sprawl out, a bolster bed or a pillow bed may be a better choice. Before you order a bed make sure you pay close attention to the manufacturer’s spec sheet and look at each bed’s measurements. If your dog loves to stretch out then make sure you choose a bed that offers a few inches of space on each side so your dog will feel comfortable and secure. Most manufacturers will also recommend a bed size based on your pets weight so make sure you also weigh your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Dogs Really Like Dog Beds?

Yes. While your dog will probably still love sleeping with you, every dog will appreciate having a comfortable space of their own. Having their own space will help your dog to feel safe and secure and will give them a special place to relax when they’re stressed or just in need of a nap.

Do Dogs Need Blankets?

Yes. If you’re cold, your dog is probably also cold. Many dogs will appreciate having a blanket to burrow under or snuggle against during the night, especially if you live in a climate that experiences harsh winters.

Do Dogs Prefer Hard or Soft Beds?

Some dogs are perfectly content sleeping on a hard surface, especially in hot weather, since a hard kitchen floor is often much cooler than a dog bed. However, the hard floor is not good for their joints and can also cause skin issues in larger dogs. Larger dogs are prone to calluses on their elbows and back legs. Over time, this can be very uncomfortable for your pet. If you live in a hotter climate, make sure you choose a bed that’s made out of breathable material, which will help to keep your dog cooler in hot weather.

Where Should I Put A Dog Bed?

Your dog’s bed should be placed in a quiet location in the home, a spot where your pet can go to relax and get away from a noisy household. However, there are dogs who want to remain close to their owners, in which case your dog may benefit from having their bed placed next to yours or in a dark spot in one of the common rooms of the home. As you can see, where you place the bed can have a lot to do with your dog’s personality.

Final Thoughts

The best dog beds for your pet are durable, comfortable, and the right size based on your pets measurements. Choosing the right dog bed will depend on the size of your pet, the climate in which she lives, how they sleep, and whether or not they have any health issues. Additionally, the type of bed you buy will also depend on their age. This buyer’s guide includes all the information you need to know to purchase a bed your dog will love, while the products I have included on my top 6 list each have something special to offer whether it’s an indestructible design, joint support, or a soft comfortable space that your dog can use to stay warm and comfortable throughout the day and night.