Depending on your dog’s age and lifestyle, consider these Daily Dog Top Picks for your pup’s supportive and comfortable dog bed.
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Depending on your dog’s age and lifestyle, consider these Daily Dog Top Picks for your pup’s supportive and comfortable dog bed.
The Daily Dog is reader-supported. This page contains affiliate links; read more here.
Best Friends by Sheri – The Original Calming Donut Cuddler Dog Bed
Helinox Elevated Dog Cot
Also Great, Elevated Cot:
Furhaven Plush Orthopedic Sofa-Style Bolster Dog Bed
Also Great, Bolster Bed:
Chuckit! Travel Pillow Dog Bed
Also Great, Travel Dog Bed:
Bedsure Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
Also Great, Orthopedic:
Information as of 6/30/22
The Daily Dog does not provide veterinary advice. All information is general in nature and for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian.
It certainly is a dog’s life—especially when you consider the enviable amount of time they spend sleeping and relaxing. The average adult dog sleeps 12 to 14 hours per day and spends at least 30% of their awake time lounging. Puppy and senior dogs require additional rest—they average an impressive 18 to 20 hours of sweet slumber every day.
When you spend half—or more—of your life sleeping, as our dogs do, a comfortable, supportive, and healthy resting place is essential. After all, sleep is more than stillness—it’s a vital process with countless physical and mental health benefits that help your dog live a longer, healthier life.
If your dog’s bed is a little lumpy, smelly, nonexistent, or the same one you sleep in—it’s probably time for a pup-grade. Here are some key considerations when shopping for your mutt’s next mattress.
While sharing your bed with your pet can provide comfort, security, and warmth, this literal strange bedfellows scenario can be less than idyllic. Disadvantages include:
Providing your dog with their own bed can restore restful sleep to you both. If you think no pet bed can replace your pillow-top, think again—many modern dog beds rival a human mattress for comfort and support. Your dog will probably appreciate the extra legroom, too.
Orthopedic dog beds are designed to provide even support and cushion your dog’s bony joints—especially the hips, knees, and elbows. However, because of mass manufacturing, “orthopedic” has become a synonym for “made with foam,” so attention to design is critical when investing in an orthopedic bed.
Authentic orthopedic beds can significantly improve joint stiffness and discomfort in dogs with arthritis, hip, and elbow dysplasia. In a University of Pennsylvania study, dog owners reported a significant improvement in their dog’s quality of life, comfortable mobility, and energy after using an orthopedic bed.
Dogs of all ages can benefit from an orthopedic bed, but this design is crucial for senior, athletic, or handicapped dogs, as well as those who have had an orthopedic injury or surgery. When you shop, remember that an orthopedic dog bed is more than a place to sleep—it’s an investment in their health. Important considerations include:
Dog beds come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes—and although letting your dog play Goldilocks at the pet store trying out their inventory would be fun, you can determine the right fit for your Fido more easily:
If you use a crate to confine your pup at home or during travel, proper bedding can ensure they get from crate to zzz’s in no time. Depending on your dog’s age and lifestyle, consider the following features:
Unfortunately, no matter how cute or cozy some beds look, most dogs aren’t sleeping on a cloud—they’re sleeping on harmful chemicals. Some memory and polyurethane foams can contain dangerous substances, including:
All these chemical groups have been associated with increased cancer risk, endocrine disruption, and other detrimental health issues. However, because these chemicals are often found in inexpensive dog beds, avoiding them will require some research and likely cost more. Ensure your dog’s dreams are peaceful—not poisonous—by looking for a bed that meets these criteria:
Dog beds can start to smell pretty ripe and gather dirt, bacteria, and pests such as fleas or ticks. Ideally, you should wash your pet’s bed every one to two weeks in warm or hot water and white vinegar. If you prefer using a detergent, look for a fragrance-free gentle formula, and repeat your rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed. Allow the bed to air dry when possible. If you must use a dryer, skip the dryer sheets, which contain harmful chemicals.
In between washings, vacuum your pet’s bed regularly to remove hair, dirt, and other debris. Spot clean any accidents or stains with a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner.
If you’ve flipped your dog’s current mattress so much that it’s finally flopped, your dog needs a new bed. Here are a few ways to determine if your dog’s resting spot needs a refresh:
Your dog’s bed is more than a place to rest their bones. Selecting an appropriate bed based on your dog’s physical needs, health, and preferences can improve their sleep quality and, in turn, improve their quality of life—ultimately giving you more time to share each other’s company.
Talk about a dream come true.
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THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY:
Angela Beal
DVM
Angela Beal is a veterinarian in Columbus, Ohio. She has worked in private practice and academia and now spends her time writing for pet owners and the veterinary industry—usually with her Chihuahua, Yogi, curled up by her side. Dr. Beal loves helping pets live their best lives by educating owners about keeping them healthy and happy.
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