Our dogs sleep with us, too. But these trainer-recommended dog beds — from indestructible ones for puppies to orthopedic options for seniors — are the next best thing.
Your dog spends at least half of every dayopens in a new tab in bed sleeping, napping, and generally lazing around for a reason. Actually, multiple reasons. Behind that layabout exterior, a lot of regeneration of body and soul is happening. Finding the right bed for your dog’s individual needs is one big-impact way to help your dog be their happiest, healthiest self.
“Then, reinforcing it as a safe haven with positive training can take it from comfortable resting place to a go-to comfort zone whenever your dog (and you) might need it,” says certified dog trainer Melissa Dallier. “Teaching your dog to ‘go to bed’ — a reliable retreat full of high value rewards — gives you a tool you can count on in a range of potentially stressful situations, such as when guests come over, you’re on work calls, or during tempting family meals.”
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When it comes to choosing the perfect dog bed, there are a lot of factors to consider — and there’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation. Below are some of the best dog beds for every pup and pet parent need.
Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)
Consider size needs
Let’s start with the most obvious consideration: Your dog needs to fit in the bed. For the Great Danes and Leonbergers of the world, that requirement might be a little trickier to satisfy. But even for puppies and teacups, you’ll want to consider size; a dog bed that’s too big might not be as cozy or safe-feeling as one that’s just big enough for your dog to roll around in.
It’s a good idea to take out the measuring tape and find out your dog’s exact size, and then add six to twelve inches for wiggle room. Keep your dog’s preferred sleep positions in mind, too, since dogs who like to stretch out might need extra room. Breed and weight recommendations are sometimes recommended for each size of a specific dog bed, and these can be a useful guide for choosing a bed.
This orthopedic bed comes in a variety of sizes, including an extra-large version that’s fit for giants. The bolster shape supports a pup’s head while they sleep, and the lowered entrance is easy on their knees. Plus, the mattress is covered by a waterproof, washable liner. —Sio Hornbuckle
We would expect nothing less than an edgy camo-printed, geometric-shaped dog bed from former Vogue staffer Jamie Knowlesopens in a new tab. And it boasts more than good looks: Its outside is made from scratch-proof, water-proof, marine grade fabric, and its inside is stuffed with extra plush pillows. This one’s just for puppies and tiny dogs, though; it only fits pups under 30 pounds. —Cory and Jane Turner
Next, consider which type of dog bed is ideal for your pup. Orthopedic dog beds are recommended for dogs who experience joint pain or stiffness; they can help improve mobility issues and reduce discomfort by taking pressure off the dog’s joints. Orthopedic beds are especially recommended for senior dogs or dogs with joint problems like hip dysplasia.
Raised dog beds can also alleviate joint pressure. They can also be cooler than dog beds on the floor. Think about where you’ll be keeping your dog bed. If you have an adventure pup, you may want a travel dog bed or a bed that can function outdoors.
Big Barker’s founder was inspired to launch the brand when he was told that his dog may need hip surgery at age seven. He decided to try a supportive, rehabilitating bed before putting his pup under the knife. The memory foam top and bottom pads perfectly mold around your dog’s shape, and the high-density core guarantees that their joints will never press against the floor. Sound too good to be true? Try it and see for yourself — the company promises a replacement for any bed that sinks or sags within 10 years of purchasing. —CT and JT
Kuranda’s elevated dog beds are basically chew-proof, with the vinyl-coated fabric neatly contained in its metal frame. Even more importantly, the design is great for your dog’s health, since the raised style relieves pressure from your pup’s joints while they nap. It’s also a great option for allergy-prone dogs, since there’s no stuffing to gather dirt or allergens — not to mention, this makes Kuranda beds stink-free and easy to clean. —CT and JT
Everyone deserves to be comfy while traveling, and your pet’s no exception. This mobile pet bed by Sleepypod is a crash-tested car seat, convenient carrier, and luxurious bed all in one. “Sleepypod is my go-to for car travel, from road trips to short trips across town for playdates,” says dog trainer and Kinship Collective member Nicole Ellisopens in a new tab. “Sleepypod has passed the safety test performed by Center for Pet Safety, a third-party company that does crash testing.”
The bed is designed with removable plush bedding, adjustable padded shoulder straps, secure and non-abrasive mesh panels, and a water-repellant lining. Your pet will never dread a vet visit again. —SH
This is the perfect bed for dogs on the move: It’s waterproof, UV-resistant, and comes with grommets to secure it to almost any surface for windy days or bumpy boat rides. The performance fabric is commonly used in camping products, while the eco-friendly PlanetFill® filler is made from 100 percent post-consumer, certified-safe recycled plastic bottles. The brightly colored chevron print — designed exclusively for P.L.A.Y. by SF artist David Collins — is pretty cool, too. But the best part? Thanks to P.L.A.Y.’s Warm Bellies Initiative (in partnership with Petfinder Foundation), for every bed purchased, another will be donated to a shelter dog. —CT and JT
There are several different materials to choose from when picking a dog bed, from the filling to the cover. A popular fill choice is memory foam, which molds itself to your pup’s shape. Like orthopedic dog beds, memory foam dog beds can help with stiffness and joint pain.
There are also dog beds made from sustainable materials, including recycled materials. Purchasing a sustainable dog bed is one way to lower your dog’s carbon paw print. Beds with washable, replaceable fabrics are often more sustainable than beds without covers, too.
The Casper Dog Bed has won the hearts and snuggles of interior designer Philip Mitchell’sopens in a new tab two pups, Jacob and Wylo. The dogs love the bed’s comfortable, soft-yet-supportive memory foam, while Mitchell appreciates their simple, unobtrusive design. “They come in three neutral colors which make them easy to add to any interior space — either traditional or contemporary,” he tells Kinship. “And the fact that the cover is removable and can be thrown in the washing machine and dryer on a gentle cycle for easy cleaning is a huge bonus.” —CT and JT
Most faux fur is made of virgin plasticopens in a new tab and feels far from luxurious — but then there is UnHide’opens in a new tabs faux fur, or, as they call it, “faux chinchilla.” This stuff is seriously soft, its fleece-y fibers so densely packed that you’d almost think it was genuine fur. But it’s not. It’s polyester. And it’s 100 percent recycled.
Plus, the bed is seriously plush. It has raised sides, allowing your dog a place to rest their head and edges to burrow into, and the faux-fur cover is removable, machine washable, and dryer-safe, so you can keep it looking its best. It comes in three sizes — small, medium, and large — and three colors. —Charles Manning
TBH, they had us at “Indigo Mud Cloth.” But wait, there’s more: Everything about these beds is beautifully done and carefully chosen, right down to the zippers. The Sustainafill™ insert is designed to stay fluffy for years — but it’s also fully removable, so you can stuff the anti-ripping cotton cover with any of your dog’s favorite cushions or blankets. Each bed is made of 100 percent recycled fiber sourced from plastic bottles, and The Foggy Dog donates food to rescue shelters for every purchase. And yes, we would like to design our house around this fabric please. —CT and JT
If your dog has a specific health condition, it’s important to tailor their bed to their needs. Dogs who have anxiety could benefit from a calming bed. Calming beds are designed to make dogs feel extra-secure with raised edges and super cozy materials.
Cooling beds can help dogs who are more sensitive to heat, including brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, obese dogs, senior dogs, and puppies.
And good news for sniffly or itchy pups: hypoallergenic beds are great for dogs with — you guessed it — allergies. They prevent your pup’s skin from being exposed to irritants. They’re helpful for humans with allergies, too.
The Coldest dog bed is built with an anti-heat dispersion layer. The removable cover has cooling gel embedded to help overheated pups cool down, and the memory foam bedding increases breathability. —SH
This plush, donut-shaped dog bed has more than 48,000 rave reviews. It may look like it’s good only for cozy naps, but there’s more than meets the eye. It has a self-heating insulation layer designed to have a calming effect on anxious dogs — especially comforting to newly adopted rescue pups. And believe it or not, it’s machine washable. —CT and JT
Modernbeast’s Pod beds are the softest surface your dog can get their paws on, wrapped around a form-fitting core that’ll give them the feeling they’re hopping into quicksand made of clouds. Beyond that, having an extra comfy bed like the MD Pod can help ease separation anxiety by acting as a safe spaceopens in a new tab for your dog while you’re out. Plus, the bed’s inner fabric is comprised of 100 percent recycled high-loft fiber, each pound of which diverts roughly seven plastic bottles from lingering at landfills. —SZ
Human-grade memory foam meets faux fur rug for a joint-supporting, pain-easing, orthopedic bed for your dog (and a luxe design for you). The faux fur cover is easily removable for machine washing, and the core’s water-resistant lining ensures an easy clean-up in case of accidents. Plus, the bottom is made from anti-slip rubber, so your pup can stay safely in place while they chase squirrels in their dreams. And just in case you’re tempted to join your dog for a supportive nap, yes, it is available in “giant” size. —CT and JT
With its short bolster sides and hypoallergenic memory-spring fill, this velvety bed is a great option for small and/or senior dogs who prefer flopping to leaping. It comes in six different sizes, so your pup can curl up perfectly into this donut hole regardless of their breed. But let’s be honest — the jewel-toned colorways sealed the deal. —CT and JT
Jax & Bonesopens in a new tab’s Bumble Terra Lounge Bed is designed like a sofa, allowing your pet to snuggle against whichever side they choose — perfect for dogs who like to curl up in corners. The filling is both eco-friendly and hypoallergenic, so you can feel proud that all creatures benefit from your pup’s stylish choice of nap pad.
The company reimagines waste materials like plastic bottles and fabric scraps into functional works of art that discerning pet parents will appreciate. “I started Jax & Bones in 2004 because I couldn’t find products on the market for Jax that were safe and stylish,” founder Tina Nguyen tells Kinshipopens in a new tab. —CT and JT
If your dog’s chewing-obsessed, you’ll want to pick a bed that’s truly indestructible for the sake of your dog’s comfort, your home’s aesthetic, and your wallet.
Another bonus is a removable cover. If you’re interior-design obsessed, a dog bed with a variety of covers might be your best friend; you can swap out for a brand new look whenever your heart desires.
Chewing isn’t just for puppies. Whatever your dog’s age, size, or reason for chewing, Orvis has you covered with this “guaranteed” indestructible bed: Its lack of visible zippers and seams discourages your dog’s chewing instincts. It’s made from two layers of nylon, plus a bonded micro-velvet, rip-resistant top layer, but don’t be fooled by its ironman reputation — it’s still a softie with all the fill and bolster comfort your dog needs. The ComfortFill-Eco cushion is designed to keep the most digging-prone pup cozy without flattening or clumping. And if your dog’s particularly possessive about their napping space, you can opt to embroider a personalized name for a fee. —CT and JT
This super durable bed has a “rip-stop ballistic cover” — meaning your dog’s paws definitely aren’t making a dent in it. It’s specifically designed to withstand scratching and digging; it’s also fur, dirt, stain, and odor resistant. And if your dog damages the bed within 120 days, they’ll send you a replacement free of charge. —SH
The Molly Mutt bed is cozy, easy to wash, free of toxic chemicals, and made from 100 percent cotton canvas material. But its biggest perk is that it’s an interior designer’s dream, with 35 interchangeable bed cover options from simple beiges to vibrant florals.
Lastly, there are a couple of special features to keep an eye peeled for. A non-skid base is desirable to keep the bed in one place and prevent it from shifting when your dog moves in their sleep. They’re safer for senior dogs and dogs with mobility issues, too.
And, of course, you’ll have to consider the price point. If you’re on a tight budget, there are still options for keeping your pup cozy.
This dog bed by Saatva may look simple, but it’s designed with tons of included benefits including a coil design which prevents it from flattening, plush comfort fibers that reduce pet dander and keep pets cool, and a removable stain-repellant cover. Its non-slip base keeps pets safely in place, regardless of how much they toss and turn.
Cory and Jane are daughter-mother partners in just about everything including co-founding Dogly, a platform for pets and their people to live well together. They’re parents to a family full of magical rescue dogs and a bossy street cat from Shanghai who are their resident muses, testers of all things, and advisors on the meaning of life.
Charles Manning is an actor, writer, and fashion/media consultant living in New York City with his two cats, Pumpkin and Bear. Follow him on Instagram @charlesemanningopens in a new tab.
Sean Zucker is a writer whose work has been featured in Points In Case, The Daily Drunk, Posty, and WellWell. He has an adopted Pit Bull named Banshee whose work has been featured on the kitchen floor and whose behavioral issues rival his own.
