If you have a nervous pooch, treats and toys may be enough to distract them, but for others, you may have to explore alternative methods, such as an anti-anxiety dog bed to help them relax. The average adult dog can sleep up to 14 hours a day, so picking out the best dog bed for your anxious dog can make all the difference.
Dogs can be anxious for many reasons including separation anxiety, change of environment, illness, or trauma, so it's important to provide them with a den where they feel safe and can unwind in peace. After all, sleep is an essential component of their quality of life and having a secure spot to drift off will make all the difference to your furry friend.
Best anti-anxiety dog beds at a glance:
• Best anti-anxiety donut dog bed: Silentnight Calming Donut Pet Bed - view on Silentnight
• Best anti-anxiety dog bed for senior dogs: Wainwright's Self Heat Square Bed - view on Pets At Home
• Best anti-anxiety dog bed for small dogs: The Dog's Bed Sound Sleep Donut – view on Amazon UK
What do you need to consider when buying an anti-anxiety dog bed? Well, when selecting the right bed for your dog, it is essential to consider your pet's size, age and sleeping preferences. If they tend to pick the floor as their sleeping spot, then a flatter bed will be a better choice for them. If they are older or have an injury and need extra support for their joints or head, a memory foam dog bed or a bed with additional support built in needs to be considered.
You should also factor in where you're going to place your dog's new bed. Does your pooch need a new bed to comfort them at home? Or are you after a travel dog bed to keep them happy and secure while in the car or visiting new places? Without any further ado, here are the best anti-anxiety dog beds to calm your pet.
The best anti-anxiety dog beds
Best overall anti-anxiety dog bed
Credit: Natalie Corner/Take a Break Petswww.silentnight.co.uk
Your mind may immediately go to human bedding, pillows and mattresses when you think of Silentnight, but it also offers a range of pet beds made with the same quality materials as the brand's human products.
With its round, donut shape, The Silentnight Calming Donut Pet Bed appeals to your pup's natural nesting instincts and it's covered in a super-soft plush fabric to create a cosy, calming environment. It also has a non-slip base to prevent the bed from slipping and sliding around with your pup inside.
Our Commerical Content Editor, Natalie Corner and her Cocker Spaniel, Dash tested the Silentnight donut bed for us. Some customers found the sizing of the beds a little bit confusing as they weren't sure what size would be best for their pooch, but Natalie found the small/medium size was just the right fit for Dash to snuggle into, with Natalie remarking "If it had been any bigger I fear he might have buried himself so deep we'd lose him to the plushness!" Dash often wakes up during the night for a barking session, but since sleeping in this donut bed, his sleep hasn't been disturbed as it's put him at ease.
Pros
- Donut shape and raised border are designed to help pups feel more secure and safe
- Super-soft plush fabric covering for increased comfort
Cons
- Sizes are S/M, M/L so if you have a medium-sized dog, it may be difficult to decide what size to choose
| Sizes available: | S/M (70 x 20cm), M/L (85 x 21cm) |
| Colours available: | Blush, Grey, Natural, Sage, Hot Pink |
Best anti-anxiety dog bed for senior dogs
Wainwright's/Pets At Homewww.petsathome.com
Senior dogs spend much of their days napping, so getting a bed they will absolutely love is a good idea. As the name suggests, this Wainwright's Self Heat Square Bed is self-warming, so if your older dog gets cold, this bed will get them nice and toasty. The warming effect will offer a soothing feel when your pup jumps in while they're anxious.
This bed is a decent size, so your dog can get as comfortable as possible in whatever position they want. The raised edges give the feeling of safety, and they can also perch their head on the rims to see what is around them.
As with all beds, the Wainwright's Self Heat Square Bed isn't completely indestructible, with customers reporting their pooch was able to chew through the cover, so if your hound is a bit of a chewer, you may want to consider one that's made from a more robust material. As this bed is a self heating one, you may be worried about dogs with a lot of hair using it or any kind of dog using it during the summer months. This shouldn't be an issue though because you can reverse the cushion inside to the non-warming side so your pup doesn't overheat.
Pros
- Self warming to offer a soothing effect to anxious pups and senior dogs who feel the cold more
- Reversible cover so it can still be used comfortably in the warmer months of the year
Cons
- Some customers had issues with their dog chewing through the bed so may not be the best option if your hound is a big chewer
| Sizes available: | Medium, Large and X Large |
| Colours available: | Grey mix |
Best anti-anxiety dog bed for small dogs
The Dog's Bed/AmazonSmaller dog breeds will love this The Dog's Bed Sound Sleep Donut bed. The shape provides them with a secure and soft sleeping spot to get snuggled in.
The bed itself is really fluffy so it's nice for your hound to snuggle up into and relieves muscle pain due to its shape with raised edges where pups can rest their joints and limbs on while they're resting. The raised edges will help create a more secure comfort zone for your pooch, so that's why it's perfect for nervous little dogs.
Customers online really rate this bed for how super soft and fluffy it is so you can rest assured your hound has somewhere lovely and cuddly to curl up in when they're not feeling 100 per cent. It is also well rated for being easy to clean as the cover is machine washable, you might need to be a bit careful with the zip though as a couple of customers have had it break when they've been trying to remove it from the bed.
Pros
- Super snuggly with a fluffy, faux fur cover
- Relieves muscle pain due to its raised edges providing somewhere for your pup to rest aching joints/limbs
Cons
- The zip for the removable, machine washable cover is prone to breaking so be sure to take extra care not to apply too much pressure when unzipping
| Sizes available: | X-small, small, medium, large, X-large and XXL-large |
| Colours available: | Silver Grey, Chocolate Brown, Biscuit Beige, Ice White, Jet Black, Rose Pink, Steel Grey and Teddy Bear Brown |
Best anti-anxiety dog bed for dogs who like to burrow
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
This comfy Hooded Pet Bed from Argos is a snug nook with a durable, versatile design - the perfect combination. If your pup loves to bury themselves away when they're feeling scared, this bed will provide the perfect hidey-hole for them to escape as it allows your pooch to nest and creates a safe space for them to retreat.
The bed is made from quality washable and dirt-resistant material, with a non-slip backing too, which ultimately makes it easier to clean and stops your hound from sliding about when they go to hit the hay. It has a Sherpa inner that is snuggly and comforting whether your pooch is feeling anxious or A-OK.
This bed comes recommended by 77 per cent of customers on Argos, but there are some negative reviews when it comes to the sizing of the bed. It's listed as a 'large' but some customers found that their large breed dog wasn't able to fit inside so felt the 'large' label was a bit misleading. That's why we think this bed would be ideal for medium or small dogs.
Pros
- Easy to clean as it is made from washable and dirt-resistant material
- Great for pups who tend to hide away when anxious as they can bury themselves away in comfort
Cons
- Better for smaller dogs than larger ones
| Sizes available: | Large H35 x W75 x D75cm |
| Colours available: | Light brown |
Best anti-anxiety dog bed for larger dogs
JOYELF/AmazonBigger dog breeds need a supportive, large bed that they can stretch out on, and this JOYELF Large Memory Foam Dog Bed is perfect for that.
It is made from high-quality materials that are also easy to clean, and it's designed with really comfortable memory foam so your furry friend can get quality rest. The bed edges are raised for support and a feeling of safety to help them drift off with ease.
Opinions on the overall value of the bed are mixed, with some reviewers thinking it's an expensive option compared to similar beds on the market. However, many other reviews think because of the overall comfort levels it provides their dog with, the thick memory foam filling that doesn't seem to sink no matter how big their dog is and the waterproof covering that is easy to clean in case of accidents, it's completely worth it. Just be mindful that you'll need to wait a few days for it to fully puff up when it arrives as it comes vacuum-packed for convenience.
Pros
- Made from comfortable memory foam to support your
- Raised edges for extra support
Cons
- You'll need to wait a few days before use to allow it to get completely to size as it arrives vacuum-packed for convenience
| Sizes available: | Small, medium, large, X-large and XX-large |
| Colours available: | Beige and Grey mix |
Best anti-anxiety dog bed with high walls
Bunty/AmazonThis cosy Bunty Polar Dog Bed has higher walls than the average bed to give your pet a super-safe and comfortable place to sleep. Those high walls can help create a secure feeling for more nervous pups.
Available in four sizes and three colours, this bed is designed for many different breeds and can match a variety of décors to suit your home. It's lined with a faux fur material and boasts a cushioned base to make it as super snuggly as possible for your beloved furry bestie.
This bed rates highly with customers for softness and comfort as well as being easy to clean. An area of improvement would be how chewproof it is but that is to be expected for a bed as soft and snuggly as this one. The deep walls are great for allowing your pup to create a safe den to sleep in and the removable cushion is ideal for easy cleaning but because of the overall depth and the non-fixtured nature of the cushion, you may find that you'll have to retrieve toys that get wedged between the walls and underneath the cushion.
Pros
- Higher walls compared to others on our list so dogs can really tuck themselves into their safe space when feeling anxious
- Faux fur material and cushioned base to ensure it's as snuggly as possible
Cons
- Toys and treats may get wedged between the wall and cushion so you may find you have to be a bit of retreiving for your pooch
| Sizes available: | Small, medium, large, X-large |
| Colours available: | Brown, green, grey |
Best semi-enclosed anti-anxiety dog bed
Funny Fuzzyfunnyfuzzy.co.uk
The ultimate safe haven for your pooch, the Funny Fuzzy Dog Tent Bed is designed to provide dogs with a place they can retreat to when the hustle and bustle of life at home gets too much for them.
The semi-enclosed design with a detachable top will provide a sense of security and privacy, which can help anxious pooches feel more comfortable when they're feeling scared and nervous. As it's made from a flannel fabric with plush inside, it's nice and soft to snuggle and it keeps it toasty inside too. When not in use or if you're travelling, the best thing about this bed is that it can be completely folded down for easy storage and portability.
As the bed is so soft and insulated, this may not be the best option to use in the summer months of the year but come winter, your pup will be thankful for all that extra insulation. Some dogs also might not like to be that enclosed while they sleep but you can remove the top to make it a bit more open.
Pros
- Semi-enclosed to give your pup their own private space to retreat to
- It can be folded down for easy storage and portability while travelling
Cons
- As it's so warm and insulating, this may not be the best bed to use during warmer months of the year
| Sizes available: | M, L, XL |
| Colours available: | Khaki, Grey |
How we chose the best anti-anxiety dog beds
All of these calming beds for dogs have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered design, comfort and durability in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching anti-anxiety dog beds to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
And, with pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by us and our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.
Our verdict: What is the best dog bed for calming?
In our opinion, the best calming dog bed is the Silentnight Calming Donut Pet Bed. It appeals to your pup’s natural nesting instincts as it has soft, raised edges with a cushion set in the middle so they can bury themselves in and get as comfortable as possible. We also love that it comes in a choice of sizes and several different colours so you can pick the one that best suits your pup and your home. Overall, a great budget dog bed pick that doesn't compromise on comfort.
Anti-anxiety dog bed FAQs
Do anti-anxiety dog beds work?
You may be wondering ‘how do anti-anxiety dog beds help a nervous dog?’ but it’s all to do with the design of them offering features such as raised edges or deep crevices where dogs can curl up or burrow if needed, providing them with a sense of security and comfort. The cosy, snug design of a pet calming bed can also mimic the feeling of being cuddled, which may help your pooch to feel less anxious, scared or nervous as they feel like they’re being held.
As much as these beds are made to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels for our pups, it’s important to remember that every dog is different. While many pups and their owners have had success with using these beds, for some dogs they may only help to lessen their symptoms and anxious behaviour slightly and for others, they may not work at all. It’s important to try to work out the underlying causes of your pup’s anxiety so you can put other measures in place to try and make them feel happier and calmer. If you’re struggling to work out what is making your dog feel so anxious, you should seek help from your vet as they may suggest certain training exercises you can try or even medication if needed.
What are the signs of anxiety in dogs?
Dogs usually show they're anxious through their behaviour and body language. If you’re able to recognise the signs of anxiety in your dog, you’ll then start to understand the types of situations that cause them to be anxious in the first place as well as put a plan in motion to help your pup start to feel better. With advice from the Dogs Trust, here’s how to tell if your dog is feeling anxious:
Slowing down
As dogs become unsure about something they tend to slow down as they try to learn more about it and may display the following signs:
• Tension in their body
• Ears held back and closer to the head
• The brow might furrow and skin between ears might wrinkle
• Tongue might flick out
• Face muscles get tighter
• Lowered tail
Leaning away and lip-licking
Dogs can find making direct eye contact intimidating, so you might see your dog turning their head away from whatever is troubling them and do some or all of the following:
• Leaning their body away from the situation that’s making them anxious
• Eyes narrowed or blinking
• Yawning, not because of tiredness
Crouched body
Some dogs may cower and tuck their tail under to make themselves look as small and insignificant as possible. Others might hold their tail straight upright so that people and other dogs can’t miss the fact that they’re communicating they’re unsure of the situation. You may also spot these signs:
• Tail tucked
• Body weight shifted backwards
• Furrowed brow
• Eyes looking towards the perceived threat
• Closed, tense mouth
Paw lift:
Dogs might stop and look towards something that is causing them fear or anxiety with:
• A lowered tail
• Ears back
• Tension in the face
• Raising a paw to show they’re apprehensive
Approaching with a lowered body:
A dog might want to approach a person, animal or object to interact or investigate, but show signs they are feeling worried at the same time. They might approach and then retreat because they feel conflicted. Your pup may display these in their body language:
• Weight on back paws, ready to move away
• Low tail, wagging fairly quickly
• Head low, but eyes on the thing they’re worried by
• Lowered body posture
Appeasement grin:
A dog might show an ‘appeasement grin’, also referred to as a ‘submissive grin’ or smile. This is different to an aggressive display of teeth, and they may initially show this behaviour and the below signs when they are trying to diffuse social conflict:
• Eyes squinted or shut tightly
• Ears are back
• Teeth are exposed in a ‘smile’ shape
• Edges of the month are pulled back and up at sides
Other signs of anxiety in dogs to look out for:
• Full body shaking
• Panting, trembling or shivering that is completely unrelated to temperature or exercise
• Pacing and being unable to stay still or settle down
• Jumping, pawing or mouthing
• Difficulty following usually well-known commands, such as sit
• Refusal of treats
• Hiding or withdrawing from a situation
How can I calm my dog down from anxiety?
As we've mentioned above, if your dog is displaying any of the behavioural or body language signs of being anxious, you should use it to be able to identify the cause. As pet owners, we want to do everything we can to stop our pups from feeling nervous, scared and anxious so, with some help from Pooch & Mutt, here are some of the things you can do to help your hound feel better:
• Take them for a walk
• Soothe them with snuggles
• Provide a safe space, such as a bed for your large dog or small dog to curl up in
• Apply mild pressure using a weighted blanket or dog anxiety wrap
• Play music, such as classical piano or harp
• Distract them with simple training tasks and reward them
What is the best treatment for anxiety in dogs?
If you're unable to calm your pooch down with the methods above and their bouts of anxiety are becoming more frequent, you may want to consider other treatments to help.
You can get pet calming products, such as plug-in calming diffusers that help to create a calming environment and calming collars that contain dog-appeasing pheromones to put your pooch into a relaxed mood.
Alternatively, you may want to consider using dog supplements for anxiety that you can give to your pup as treats or mix into their food. Before starting any treatments for anxiety, we recommend that you speak with your vet so they can help you decide what is right for your pooch.
Where should a dog bed go in your home?
It's entirely up to you where you place your anti-anxiety dog bed. If you opt for a dog sofa bed, this may look best placed in your living room whereas a blanket-style bed may be better for a bedroom. Wherever you choose to put their bed, make sure it is in a private, calm and warm place so they can feel safe and comfortable in order to have a good night's sleep. Dogs love having their own little private den so this will really help reduce their anxiety.
Should I sleep with my anxious dog?
Allowing your pup to sleep with you in the bed can help them to feel more comfortable and secure, which ultimately can aid with easing any anxiety they may feel when you go off to bed without them. It can also strengthen the bond between you and your pooch by cuddling up together while you snooze.
There are arguments that sleeping with your pooch can make anxiety worse as it can make separation anxiety worse when you do leave them to go about your day. Your pup’s anxiety may also make them restless sleepers, which will then disrupt your sleep too if they’re on the bed with you.
As a middle ground, you could try putting a dog bed in your bedroom so your pup will still feel close to you but you’ve set a boundary of their own designated space. Speaking from experience, we can’t guarantee this will mean your pup will stay there throughout the night and you may find you wake up in the morning with them sat on your head or cuddled up to you like a little spoon.
What factors could be affecting your dog's sleep?
A range of factors including age, breed, health, surroundings, exercise and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) can all affect your dog's sleep. With some help from Casper.com, we tell you all about the elements contributing to your pooch's resting habits.
Age
The age of your dog determines how much sleep they need. Puppies and senior dogs require the most sleep as they burn through their energy a lot more quickly than adult dogs.
Breed
Some breeds need more sleep than others. The larger the breed, the more shut-eye they'll need. Great Danes, New Foundlands and other giant breeds may need up to 18 hours of sleep a day whereas small and toy dogs, like Jack Russells and Yorkshire Terriers, need just 10 to 14 hours in comparison.
Health
If your dog has underlying health issues, this may be a factor contributing to a dog not getting enough sleep. For example, if your dog has a urinary disease that means they need to go out to the toilet frequently, it'll make it more difficult for your pet to sleep for long stretches of time.
Surroundings
Your dog's surroundings also have an impact on their sleeping habits. Anything that disturbs your pet's usual living situation can mean your dog feels too unsettled to sleep. This could be anything from loud noise from a party or fireworks giving your dog stress to a new partner, family member or pet giving them anxiety.
Exercise
The more active your dog is, the more they'll need extra sleep. If you've got a high-energy dog that doesn't seem to stop during the day, you may find that they're out like a light when it's time for bed in the evening.
REM
Dogs tend to take shorter naps instead of resting for consecutive hours as we humans do. This means that hounds don't get as much deep sleep as humans do. The lower amount of sleep means they also get fewer hours in the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep stage, making dogs light sleepers. Without as much REM sleep, your pooch will need to take frequent rests but will be able to quickly become alert right after naptime.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.