How to Choose a Dog Bed: Size, Support, Washability and Chew-Proof Options
How your dog sleeps, how old they are and whether they chew should decide the bed, not the pattern on the cover. Here is what to check before you buy.
A good dog bed fits the way your dog actually sleeps, supports their joints, and has a cover you can wash easily. Start by watching your dog: stretchers need a flat bed long enough for their whole body, curlers often like a round bed with raised sides, and older or heavy dogs usually do better on thick, supportive foam that does not flatten to the floor.
Price and looks matter less than those three things. Here is how to narrow it down.
Step 1: Watch how your dog sleeps
- Stretched out on the side: a rectangular mattress or pad with enough length for legs and head.
- Curled in a ball: a round or oval bed, or a “donut” style with soft walls.
- Head propped on something: a bolster bed with raised edges on three or four sides.
- Burrowing under blankets: a bed with an attached blanket or hood-style cover.
- Sprawled on cool floors: a thinner pad or raised cot that allows airflow.
Many dogs switch positions with the seasons and the room temperature. If you are unsure, a flat bed with a removable bolster cushion is a flexible middle ground.
Step 2: Get the size right
- Measure your dog lying in their usual stretched-out position from nose to the base of the tail.
- Add roughly 6 to 12 inches so paws and head are not hanging off.
- For bolster beds, check the inner sleeping area, not the outside dimensions; thick walls eat into the space.
- If the bed goes inside a crate, measure the crate floor and buy a pad made for that crate size so it lies flat.
A bed that is too small often gets ignored. One that is too large is less of a problem, unless your dog likes the snug feeling of walls against their back.
Step 3: Choose the fill and support
| Fill type | What it feels like | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester fiberfill | Soft, pillowy | Young, light dogs; budget beds | Clumps and flattens over time |
| Solid foam slab | Firm, even | Most adult dogs | Quality varies; check thickness and density |
| Memory foam | Contours to the body | Senior, large or arthritic dogs | Can feel warm; thin layers bottom out under heavy dogs |
| Shredded foam | Moldable, cushiony | Dogs who like to nest | Loose pieces are a hazard if the cover is chewed open |
| Raised cot (fabric on a frame) | Firm, airy | Hot climates, outdoors, dogs who overheat | Less cozy; some dogs chew the edges |
What “orthopedic” means
There is no official definition of an “orthopedic” dog bed, so the word on its own tells you little. What matters is enough foam thickness and firmness that your dog’s hips and elbows do not sink through to the floor. A practical check: press down on the bed with your fist or knee. If you can feel the floor easily, a large dog will too.
Supportive bedding is one of the comfort measures often suggested for dogs with joint pain, alongside weight control and vet-directed treatment. If your dog is stiff after resting, slow to get up, or reluctant on stairs, see your veterinarian; the VCA guide to arthritis in dogs explains the signs. A bed helps comfort, but it is not a treatment. Low, easy-to-step-onto edges help older dogs too; see our guide to caring for a senior dog.
Step 4: Check the cover and cleaning
Dog beds collect hair, dander, dirt and the occasional accident. Look for:
- A removable, machine-washable cover with a sturdy zipper, ideally hidden or covered so the dog cannot chew it.
- A water-resistant liner between cover and foam for puppies, seniors or dogs who drool.
- Tightly woven fabric that releases hair in the wash. Loose weaves trap fur and snag on nails.
- A non-slip base if the bed sits on hard floors.
- A spare cover, so the bed is not out of action on laundry day.
Washing the cover regularly also helps with flea control, as flea eggs and larvae collect where pets rest. Our flea and tick prevention guide covers the rest.
Step 5: If your dog chews beds
No bed is truly indestructible, whatever the label says. For chewers:
- Start with a firm pad in a tough, tightly woven fabric with no tassels, piping or loose seams.
- Consider a raised cot with a frame that hides the fabric edges.
- Skip stuffed, shredded-fill and fleece beds until the chewing stops; swallowed foam or fabric can cause an intestinal blockage that needs emergency care.
- Give the chewing a better outlet with appropriate toys and more exercise. Our guide to safe toys for heavy chewers can help.
If your dog swallows pieces of bedding and then vomits, stops eating, strains or seems painful, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away.
Where to put the bed
Place it somewhere quiet but close to the family, out of drafts and away from heaters or direct sun. Many dogs like more than one bed: one in the living area and one where they sleep at night.
Bottom line
Match the bed to your dog’s sleeping style, measure their stretched-out length, and pick fill that keeps joints off the floor. A washable cover and a chew-appropriate design matter more than any marketing term, including “orthopedic.”
FAQ
How often should I replace a dog bed?
When the foam stays flattened, the cover is torn, or it smells even after washing. Heavier dogs compress beds faster.
Do puppies need an expensive bed?
Usually not. A washable, inexpensive pad or crate mat is fine while your puppy is growing and may still chew.
Are heated or cooling beds safe?
Some can be useful, but follow the maker’s instructions, keep cords out of reach, and make sure your dog can move off the bed if they get too warm or cold.
My dog ignores the new bed. What can I do?
Put it where your dog already likes to rest, add a familiar blanket, and reward them with treats and praise for using it.