The Best Dog Bed

Our Top Pick for 2018: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed & Lounge
Read our full review.

In any pet friendly home it is important to select a perfect bed for your canine companion. Dogs are called man’s best friend, so treat them as such and find a bed that is comfortable and safe for them to enjoy each and every day. Take your dog’s sleeping habits into consideration when you think about the type of bed you want to purchase, and then find a bed that is perfect for your pet. We have come up with a list of considerations to get you started as well as a few of the top dog beds that are currently available on the market. Sit back, keep these tips in mind, and consider which bed is the best option for your dog.

Our gold pick, which is PetFusion’s Ultimate Dog Bed, is a great bolster style bed that is designed to imitate the softness and the comfort of a couch. It is even designed with a wrap around arm rest to give your dog a good place to rest his or her head. The large bed is 36 inches in length, 28 inches in width, and nine inches in height, but it is also available in other sizes including small, medium, and extra large. The large dog bed is capable of holding a dog that weighs up to 100 pounds or multiple smaller dogs that may enjoy sleeping together.

The base of this dog bed is comprised of a piece of four inch thick memory foam, which is designed to give your pet an extremely comfortable place to relax. Memory foam is also a great way to reduce joint and hip pain in an elderly dog as well as a way to increase their energy levels and overall mobility. The side support bolster is made from a recyclable fiber material, and the twill cover is made from a combination of material that is 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton.

The cover is water resistant so that it can be drooled on or laid upon after a run through a few mud puddles without ruining the fabric. It is also a tear resistant material, so your puppy will not be able to easily redecorate his or her new bed with their teeth. The material that the cover is made from is resistant to dog hair. In addition, it is easy to clean, so you can spot-clean to remove any spall spots that need taken care of, or you can remove the cover from the bed and place it in the washing machine. The cover should be washed on a gentle cycle in cold water, and then tumbled dry in low heat to avoid damage to the material. If something does happen to the cover, you can always purchase a replacement for a reasonable price.

This pet bed is easy to put together; in fact, the bolster comes already inserted in the fabric, so you will only need to insert the memory foam base, and then zip it closed to secure it. To stand behind the product, the manufacturer has included a 30 day money back guarantee, which will ensure that you will be 100 percent satisfied with your purchase. This ultimate pet bed is available in two neutral color options, which are slate grey, and brown, to assure that the bed you select will match the décor of the room you will be placing it in. In addition, this pet bed is fitted with a non-skid bottom to keep it securely placed where you want it to be.

When it comes to reviews, this dog bed stood out above the rest. 96 percent of all of the 606 reviews on Amazon were given a positive rating; in fact, 86 percent of them were actually deemed worthy of a five star testimonial. Here is an example of one such review from a pet parent of an 85 pound dog: “My 85lb dog loves his bed! Great quality and the memory foam seems to hold up really well. Spent over two months researching for a durable, comfy bed, and I’m glad I found this.”

The Coolaroo cot style bed is an elevated dog bed that reminds me of the small little beds you would have seen at a day camp when you were about preschool age. It is designed to be elevated o few inches off of the ground, which allows the air to flow under your dog while he or she is relaxing to keep them nice and cool. The canvas body is actually made from a nylon material that is very breathable as well, which is a great option for keeping our canine companion cool during the warm months of the summer.

The knitted fabric is waterproof, which means that it can be left outside after a long day without worrying about whether it is going to rain or not, and if the dog bed does become excessively dirty, it can simply be rinsed clean with a garden hose. In addition, the nylon material is a fully recyclable fabric that is designed to be better for the environment. It also is an extremely sturdy material that is great for giving additional spinal support to your pet whenever they need it. The fabric is also designed to resist fleas, mites, mold, and mildew, so you can rest easy knowing that your pet’s bed is safe and secure.

The fabric connects to powder coated steel frames that are designed to be durable and resistant to outside weather conditions. The feet of the bed are fitted with non-slip rubber coverings that are design to add a layer of protection to the floor. The entire bed can be easily assembled; it simply requires a screwdriver to tighten the screws in place. This cot-style bed is available in three different sizes, which are designed for small, medium, and large dogs. It also comes in four different color variations that can fit the décor and style of any home. It is available in green, grey, nutmeg, and terracotta, which is a nice shade of brown. To protect the color of the nylon canvas, the manufacturer has generously included a five year warranty against any UV degradation.

When it comes to the reviews of this Coolaroo pet bed, there are 6,401 available on Amazon alone, and out of those reviews, the 86 percent of the users who gave them decided that they deserved a positive rating of four or five stars. Here is an example of one five star review from a pet parent who has multiple large dogs that really enjoy this bed: “I bought one of these almost two years ago and it’s still in excellent condition today. It’s been outside year round in sun, wind, cold, and lots of snow. I have two Siberian Huskies and a German Shepherd/Boxer mix. They all use the bed daily, sometimes all the same time, and it shows no sign of bending, sagging, tearing, etc.”

The HappyCare pet bed is a medium sized bed that is designed to be comfortable and safe for small to medium sized dogs. As our bronze pick, it is designed with some great features that any dog who likes to curl up in comfort would enjoy. This bed also has plenty of space for a dog to stretch their legs and relax as well.

This pet bed is 21 inches long, eight inches wide, and eight inches tall. It is filled with a soft and fluffy type of poly fill material that is designed to give your pet an additional layer of comfort. The bed is designed with an embroidered white paw on the front of each unit that indicates that this is indeed your pet’s bed. In addition, the bed can be turned inside out and used in the reverse fashion if you desire to change the color of the exterior once in a while.

The HappyCare pet bed is available in four different color options that will easily match with any décor. You can choose from a blue exterior that is complete with a dark blue interior, a brown exterior that is fitted with a fluffy white interior, a coffee colored exterior that has a lighter brown interior, and a turquoise blue exterior with a white interior. Remember that these beds are reversible, so you can have a white exterior with a brown interior if you desire. In addition, the entire bed is machine washable, so it will be really easy to keep it clean from dog fur and other debris. Simply wash on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on a low setting.

When it comes to reviews, there are over 250 on Amazon alone. Out of all of the reviews posted on that site, 83 percent of them were given a positive rating of at least four or five stars. Many of the reviewers have expressed how soft the internal stuffing of this dog bed is. Many small dogs tend to spend a good bit of time enjoying the material of it. Here is an example of one of the five star testimonials posted on Amazon: “My little Chihuahua adores this bed! She has barely left it since we got it a few days ago. It’s the perfect size for her to stretch out or be cozy, and it’s so soft you’ll wish your pillow was made of this material! My other dog who is around 20 lbs doesn’t like the bed because it’s not big enough for her to stretch out, but it’s PERFECT if you have a toy breed that is less than 15 lbs!”

Your pet’s comfort is important, whether you are ballin’ on a budget or not. The last pick on our list is manufactured from AKC, which stands for American Kennel Club. They are a company that is dedicated to creating high quality accessories for your pet at a low price point that any pet parent can afford. This specific bed features a round design that is great for small animals who feel more comfortable curled up in a ball while they sleep.

The Casablanca round pet bed is made from a 100 percent polyester material that is complete with a softer sleeping surface that offers your canine companion extreme comfort. The edge that encircles the bed is just high enough for a smaller dog to utilize as a pillow. The exterior of the bed is a full 22 inches in diameter, while the inside, which is obviously a bit smaller, is 16 inches in diameter. The bed sits six inches high, so it is easy for a small dog to access when they are tired or they simply want a place to relax.

This dog bed is small, so it is designed for dogs that range between five pounds and 13 pounds. The bottom of the bed is fitted with a mesh nylon material that is designed to be easily moved or slid across a floor while your dog enjoys the ride. In addition, the entire dog bed is machine washable. It can be washed by hand, or if you prefer, you can place it in a gentle cycle on cold, and then set it to tumble dry on low.

This AKC dog bed only comes in one size, but it is available in nine different color options that are picked to match most home décor variations. The interior is not necessarily the same color as the exterior, but if it is not, then the inside will be a shade of beige. The outside of the dog bed can be purchased in beige, blue, brown, dark brown, green, light blue, red, sage, and tan.

When it comes to the reviews of our ballin’ on a budget pick, there are 1,116 on Amazon as well as many others on similar sites. Many of the reviewers that gave this product a low star rating had a young dog that liked to chew on their bed, which is a feature that should be considered before making a purchase, especially if you want a bed that will last. Over half of the reviews given were positive ones that expressed how much the bed was loved by the dogs and their families alike. Here is an example of one five star testimonial from a pet parent whose dog loves the bed: “My puppy loves to play with this bed as much as sleep in it. Since it’s very lightweight, he loves to drag it around, turn it over, sleep on the bottom for some reason, and generally have a good time with it. I like that the pillow doesn’t come out and I can throw the whole thing in the washer when needed.”

Pre-purchase considerations

Size of Your Dog

The size of the pet bed you purchase will depend on the size of your dog. Make sure to measure them from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail to make sure that the bed is the right size for them. You will also want to add about a foot of space onto the length of your pet to ensure that they can stretch out on the bed. Don’t forget to consider the weight of your dog before making a purchase, because the weight of a bigger dog could flatten and deteriorate the cushioning inside of the bed.

Types of Dog Beds

The type of bed you choose for your dog will greatly be determined by their sleeping style. Here are some of the most common types of dog beds available, and the sleeping styles they accommodate the most:

• Round Dog Bed – This is a bed that is designed for pets who like to curl up in a circle. These types of beds often have a rim the entire way around the bed, where your dog can easily rest their head.

• Rectangle Dog Bed – This is a pillow style bed that is perfect for dogs who like to sprawl out and stretch when they rest.

• Bolster Dog Bed – This is a bed that is designed for dogs who like to lean on the armrest of a couch or on a pillow on your bed. The bedding is actually shaped like a couch, with armrests where they can prop their heads up as they rest.

• Cave Dog Bed – This is a type of dog bedding that is great for dogs who like to sleep under the covers. Pets who like to burrow and have something above their head as they sleep.

Décor and Style

Pet beds are available in many different sizes and styles, so it should be easy to find a bed that is comfortable for your dog that also fits the décor of your living space. If you have a red couch, and you plan to place your dog bed in the family room, then you may want to get a red dog bed as well. Maybe your canine companion already has a space of their own, and you want to get a bed for them that will match their other beds or toys. Whatever you want in a dog bed, there will be options available that will be a welcome addition to any room.

Interior Support

A young dog who is full of energy may want a bed that is fluffy, soft, and comfortable. You can purchase a foam bed or a bed that is filled with poly fill for them, but what if you have an older dog that requires more support? Then, you may need a more orthopedic option for them to sleep comfortably. Memory foam bedding is a great option for a dog that may have arthritis in their bones.

Easy to Clean

Dogs like to roll around in the dirt and mud when they play. They tend to get wet paws when it rains, and they can even have a wet dog smell on occasion. If you do not give your dog a bath every night, where does all that dirt go? You guessed it, right into the fibers and fabric of their bed. This means that you need get a dog bed that is easy to clean, unless you want to start smelling dirty dog odors after a while. Make sure that your dog’s bed is machine washable. Also, does your dog shed a lot? If so, then you may want a bed that is made of a material that does not attract dog hair.

Durability

Puppies and younger dogs tend to chew on things, and a soft comfortable bed is a prime chewing target. If your canine companion is prone to chewing and biting things, then purchase a bed that is not easy to chew through. You want to find a durable dog bed that will last for a while without throwing a wrench into your existing décor.

Additional features

A dog bed is typically a simple device that does not have a lot of extra frills for your dog, but some do offer features that you may want to have. For example, if you have a dog that is prone to accidents because of their age or a slobber happy puppy that cannot stop drooling, then you may want to consider a bed that has a waterproof liner. You may also want to find a bed with a fabric that will be resistant to stains and easy to clean.

Another consideration that you may wish to consider when purchasing a dog bed is whether or not a heated bed would be beneficial to your dog. It can be a great tool to ease away the aches and pains of an elderly dog, but it can also be a great place for a dog that is often cold to relax and warm their bodies. On the other hand, there are also cooling beds that are great for dogs that tend to overheat in warmer weather. Beds that are up off of the ground offer more relief from the warm carpet than a traditional fur bed.

Conclusion (Wrapping it up)

Your dog is not just a pet; he or she is a true friend and a part of your family. Your furry companion deserves a place to sleep that is comfortable and makes them feel safe. Deciding which lavish accommodations are best for your dog often depends on you canine companions personality and sleeping habits. Take a look at our pre-purchase considerations as well as our top picks to help you find a bed that is right for your dog. With the right amount of research you will soon have a location that your dog runs to when it is naptime. It can also be a place where they simply curl up and enjoy simply being near you. When you select a dog bed, consider your pet and choose an option that will show them exactly how much you love them.