How to Choose a Dog Bed for Better Sleep

This guide helps you pick a dog bed that actually improves your dog’s sleep quality. You’ll learn to match bed type, size, fill, and cover to your dog’s sleeping style, age, and health needs. No special tools are needed—just a tape measure and a few minutes of observation.

What You’ll Need

• Soft tape measure or ruler
• Notebook or phone for notes
• Access to your dog’s usual sleeping spots
• Knowledge of your dog’s weight (from last vet visit or home scale)

Step-by-Step

1. Observe your dog’s sleeping position. Spend two or three evenings watching how your dog actually sleeps. Note whether they sprawl out flat, curl into a tight ball, stretch on their side, or rest their head on something. This is the single most important factor in bed choice.
2. Match the bed shape to the sleeping style. For sprawlers and side-sleepers, choose a flat, rectangular or oval bed with no raised edges. For curlers, pick a donut or bolster bed with raised rims that support the neck and spine. For dogs that like to rest their head, a bolster bed with a removable headrest works well. For burrowers, a cave or hooded bed provides security.
3. Measure your dog correctly. Have your dog stand on all fours. Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the tip of the tail). Then measure from the floor to the top of the shoulder (withers). Write both numbers down.
4. Choose the right bed size. For a flat bed, add 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) to the nose-to-tail length. For a bolster bed, add 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) so the dog can stretch out against the rim. For a cave bed, the opening should be at least as tall as the dog’s shoulder height. When in doubt, size up—a too-small bed is worse than a too-big one.
5. Select the fill based on age and joints. Young, healthy dogs do fine with polyester fiberfill or shredded foam. Senior dogs or those with arthritis need orthopedic memory foam or egg-crate foam that distributes weight and reduces pressure on joints. If your dog has hip dysplasia or is recovering from surgery, choose a bed with a solid, high-density foam base—not a flimsy cushion.
6. Check the cover fabric. For heavy chewers or diggers, choose a tough, tightly woven canvas or ballistic nylon. For dogs with allergies or sensitive skin, use a removable, machine-washable cover made of organic cotton or a hypoallergenic microfiber. Avoid beds with zippers that are exposed on the outside—they can be chewed off and swallowed.
7. Consider washability. Look for a bed with a fully removable, machine-washable cover. Ideally, the cover should unzip completely so you can wash it separately from the foam. Some beds have a waterproof liner between the cover and the foam—this is a must for puppies, incontinent dogs, or dogs that drool heavily.
8. Think about the sleeping location. Place the bed in a quiet, draft-free area away from direct sunlight and heating vents. If the bed will be on a hard floor, choose a thicker base for insulation. If it’s in a crate, measure the interior of the crate and pick a bed that fits without leaving large gaps.
9. Set a budget, but don’t skimp on the core. The most important part is the fill and base. A cheap bed with thin foam will flatten quickly and provide no support. Expect to pay more for orthopedic or high-density foam. You can save on the cover or size, but not on the support layer.
10. Test the bed before committing. If possible, choose a bed with a return policy or buy from a store that allows returns. Place the bed in your home, let your dog sniff it, and encourage them to lie on it with treats. Observe them for a few nights. If they consistently sleep elsewhere, the bed is not right—return it and try a different shape or fill.

Common Mistakes

• Buying a bed that’s too small. Dogs like to stretch; a bed that’s barely bigger than the curled-up dog will be ignored.
• Choosing style over function. A cute donut bed is useless for a dog that sleeps stretched out on its side.
• Ignoring the fill density. Regular polyester fill flattens within weeks. For an adult dog, the foam should be at least 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) thick and firm enough that your hand leaves a slow-returning indentation.
• Forgetting the cover is not removable. Some beds have a sewn-on cover that cannot be washed. This leads to odor and hygiene problems.
• Not considering the dog’s age. A puppy needs a washable, chew-resistant bed; a senior needs orthopedic support. One bed rarely fits both stages.
• Placing the bed in a high-traffic area. Dogs avoid sleeping where they feel exposed. If the bed is in the middle of the living room, your dog may prefer the corner.

Tips

• For dogs that dig or circle before lying down, choose a bed with a non-slip bottom to keep it in place.
• If your dog sleeps in multiple locations (e.g., living room and bedroom), consider buying two smaller beds instead of one large one.
• For hot climates, look for a bed with a cooling gel insert or a breathable mesh cover. For cold climates, a plush, fleece-lined bed retains body heat.
• If your dog is a chewer, start with a cheaper bed and supervise. Once they stop chewing, upgrade to a better one.
• Wash the bed cover weekly if your dog has allergies or skin issues. Use a pet-safe, fragrance-free detergent.
• Rotate the bed’s position every few weeks to prevent wear patterns and keep the foam from developing permanent indentations.

Troubleshooting

• Your dog refuses to use the bed. First, check the size and shape. If those are fine, try placing a worn t-shirt that smells like you on the bed. Some dogs are also sensitive to the new smell of the fabric—air the bed outside for a day or wash the cover before use.
• The bed flattens quickly. This means the fill is too low-density for your dog’s weight. Replace the inner cushion or buy a bed with a higher-density foam core. Some brands sell replacement inserts.
• The bed smells even after washing. The foam core may be absorbing odors. If the cover is waterproof, that’s not the issue. If the foam itself is wet, it may be beyond saving—replace the insert. To prevent this, use a waterproof liner under the cover.
• Your dog chews the bed. This is common in puppies or anxious dogs. Remove the bed when unsupervised, provide chew toys, and consider a chew-resistant fabric. If chewing continues, consult a trainer or vet for anxiety issues.
• The bed slides on the floor. Use a non-slip rug pad underneath, or choose a bed with a rubberized bottom. You can also sew non-slip fabric paint onto the bottom corners.
• Your dog still sleeps on the floor. Some dogs simply prefer cool, hard surfaces. Offer a thin, flat mat instead of a thick cushion. If your dog is healthy and not showing signs of pain, this is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what size bed my dog needs?

Measure from nose to base of tail while your dog is standing. Add 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) depending on the bed type. For a bolster bed, add more so the dog can stretch against the rim.

Is orthopedic foam worth the extra cost?

For senior dogs, dogs with arthritis, or large breeds prone to joint issues, yes. High-density foam distributes weight evenly and reduces pressure points. For young, healthy dogs, a good-quality regular foam is often sufficient.

How often should I wash the dog bed?

Wash the cover every 1–2 weeks, or more often if your dog has allergies, drools, or spends time outdoors. The foam core should never be machine washed—spot clean it and air it out.

Can I use a human mattress or pillow for my dog?

Not ideal. Human pillows are too soft and don’t provide proper joint support. A human mattress topper can be cut to size but lacks the structured edges and washable cover of a proper dog bed.

What’s the best bed for a puppy?

Choose a washable, chew-resistant bed that’s inexpensive. Puppies outgrow beds quickly and often chew them. A flat, low-profile bed is safer for a puppy learning to climb in and out.

My dog sleeps on their back with legs up. What bed is best?

That’s a sprawler. Choose a flat, rectangular bed with no raised edges. Make sure it’s long enough for them to fully stretch out.

Related

• How to Watch Irish TV Abroad: Legal Streaming Options
• How to Clean Bose QuietComfort Headphone Ear Cushions
• Email Sending Subdomains and Deliverability Explained