When your pooch starts to do those big stretches and long yawns, you know that it's time for them to hit the hay, which is why they need the best dog bed to keep them comfy.
Dogs spend a lot of time sleeping. In fact, on average, adult dogs can spend up to 14 hours a day getting some shut-eye, and it's even more for senior dogs and puppies. It's perfectly normal for them as they just need rest time to re-coop some of their lost energy. After all, it's hard work chasing balls, chomping tasty treats and getting all that fuss and attention day after day. As sleep is such a big part of your dog's everyday routine and important to the quality of their life, you'll want to make sure they've got a dedicated space for them to enjoy their kip.
Best dog bed at a glance:
• Best breathable dog bed: Silentnight Airmax Pet Bed – View on Amazon UK
• Best for joint relief: Mirkoo Round Dog Bed – View on Amazon UK
• Best for travel: Amazon Basics Round Pet Bed – View on Amazon UK
If your dog's current bed has seen better days, it may be time to replace it. You can spend a lot of money on the best dog beds, but equally, there are some great budget dog beds that still offer the utmost comfort for your pooch at a fraction of the cost. In our top picks, we've covered a wide range of styles at different budgets to cater to the needs of different pooches and their owners. You can even buy dog sofa beds so they can sit just like you on their very own sofa (without your own getting covered in fluff).
Best dog beds
Best breathable dog bed
Rosie Floyd/Take A Break PetsDid you know that as well as creating quality pillows, mattresses and bedding for us humans, Silentnight has a range of pet beds, too? They're created with the very same technology used when creating human products with premium materials and breathable fabrics to increase freshness, enhance circulation and prevent overheating. The lighter grey colour will probably show up those muddy paw prints more easily but the good news is that it's fully machine washable so you'll be able to get it looking clean again in no time.
Reviewed by Senior Writer, Rosie Floyd and her dog, Gina: "This bed was a hit with Gina the minute it arrived. As soon as I took it out of the packaging, she jumped straight in. It's super soft, so Gina loves curling up and getting snuggly in it. I like that it has a reversible cushion so you can have it on the warmer side during winter and flip it over to the cooler side when temperatures rise, making it a good year-round dog bed."
Pros
- Double-sided cushion, with one side covered in teddy fleece and the other in a cooler, wicking fabric
- Fully machine washable
Cons
- Some owners may prefer a different colour as a light grey can get dirty more easily
| Sizes available: | Small, medium, and large |
Best for joint relief
Mirkoo/AmazonAvailable in seven different colours, you can pick the best match for the interior of your home with this Mirkoo Round Dog Bed. It's covered in luxe-feeling faux fur with a super soft filling inside, which ensures your dog can have a comfortable rest. It also makes sure their joints and muscles are supported as it's designed with a raised rim. The whole bed is machine washable and can be tumble dried too, so just pop it in on a cool, gentle wash, and it'll look as good as new in no time.
Reviewers love the softness of this bed, with many appreciating how cosy and comfy their pooch looks when they're curled up inside. The filling inside also contributes to the softness of this bed, but some customers feel it is sparsely filled.
Pros
- Raised rim to support joints and muscles
- Can be machine washed and tumble dried on a low heat
Cons
- Some reviewers felt this bed could have more stuffing inside
| Sizes available: | 60 x 45 x 19cm, 80 x 60 x 19cm, 90 x 70 x 19cm, 110 x 85 x 19cm |
Best for travel
AmazonWhether you're after a cosy place for your hound to snooze in the bedroom, living room, or office or to be taken along on staycations or road trips, this Amazon Basics bed is the ideal travel dog bed as it's lightweight and portable. It has a slightly raised edge for added structure and a pillow-like surface, while the plush fleecy top provides extra softness.
It's soft, warm and easy to clean, according to reviews online. Comments are mixed about the overall size with some saying it was smaller than expected but others saying it was great for their small dog. As it's only available in one size, we wouldn't recommend this for larger dogs but it will be perfect for small and medium breeds.
Pros
- Fleece on the top for your pooch's comfort
- Lightweight and portable so great for a travel dog bed
Cons
- Only available in one size so not the best option for large dogs
| Sizes available: | 50.8 x 50.8 x 15.2cm |
Best for senior dogs
JOYELF/AmazonHigh-density memory foam ensures your dog's sleep experience is as comfortable as can be. Not only that, the soft and comfy padded bolsters surround the outside of the JOYELF Large Memory Foam Dog Bed and can offer relief to your pooch's neck as they rest. The bottom removable cover has a waterproof coating, and there's a waterproof cover inside too, which is perfect for senior dogs that may have an occasional accident.
With over 27,000 reviews, this JOYELF Large Memory Foam Dog Bed is much loved by pets and their owners for being a good size, looking nice and being super comfortable. They also believe it offers a great amount of support for their pooch but some reviewers wished the padding was a little bit deeper.
Pros
- Removable, waterproof covers to make it easy to clean
- Padded posters for dogs to lean on or rest their head/neck
Cons
- Some owners wished the padding was deeper
| Sizes available: | 68 x 50cm, 80 x 56cm, 91 x 68cm, 102 x 77cm, 120 x 84cm |
Best for medium and large dogs
Rosewood/AmazonOffering ample space for your dog to stretch out and relax, this Rosewood bed is a great choice for medium and large breeds. The bed features raised sides to create a calming environment to snooze in, helping them to have a peaceful and restful sleep.
The inner plush material is a light cream colour, which may get dirty more easily compared to other darker-coloured beds, but it can be machine-washed at 30 to get it looking fresh again.
Pros
- Can be machine washed at 30°C
- Plush inner to create a comfortable and cosy space for your pooch
Cons
- The cream inner may get dirtier compared to the grey outer material
| Sizes available: | Small, medium, and large |
Best orthopaedic dog bed
Bedsure/AmazonThis orthopaedic dog bed from Bedsure is as safe as it is comfortable. It has a 10cm mattress filled with high-quality fibres so your hound can sleep in whatever position they wish and be comfortable while doing it. The cushion and cover of the Bedsure Waterproof Dog Bed are durable, waterproof and stain-resistant. However, they both can be machine-washed when needed.
Ease of cleaning, bed quality and comfort are all areas where this bed ranks highly with customers. They do think the material of the bed could be thicker though.
Pros
- Waterproof and stain-resistant cushion and cover
- Easy to clean as it can be machine washed
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the material could be thicker
| Sizes available: | 76 x 50cm, 91 x 68cm, 111 x 89cm |
Best warming dog bed
Wainwright's/Pets At Homewww.petsathome.com
Worried about your dog feeling the chill during the cooler months of the year? This dog bed from Wainwright's has a layer of reflective material that is designed to reflect your pooch's body heat to create a warmer environment. Not just for winter, it can be used all year round by simply reversing the cushion so your dog can rest on the cooler side without the self-warming effect.
Just be cautious that Pets at Home warns you to avoid putting this bed into contact with light colours and wet floors as the colour may transfer onto other surfaces.
Pros
- Ideal for dogs who feel the cold
- Dual-sided cushion for comfort throughout the year
Cons
- Avoid contact with light colours and wet floors as colour from the bed may transfer onto other surfaces
| Sizes available: | Medium, large, and X-large |
Luxury dog bed
Barbourwww.johnlewis.com
Barbour is best known for making waterproof outdoor clothing for us humans, but they also have a range aimed at our four-legged friends too. This Barbour Pink Luxury Dog Bed features a classic Barbour tartan made from a wool fabric and a faux-suede inner. The wadding keeps your dog both warm and dry, while the inner cushion pad is both removable and reversible for easy cleaning.
This bed is comfortable and soft say customers online. They also say it feels luxurious as well. One thing to note is that the bed can't be machine washed or tumble dried so you can only keep it fresh by sponge cleaning only.
Pros
- Looks and feels luxurious
- Inner cushion pad is both removable and reversible
Cons
- Cannot be machine washed, sponge clean only
| Sizes available: | 56 x 26 x 60cm |
Best budget dog bed
In need of something cheap and cheerful? This fleece Paw Print Fleece Oval Cushion will do just the job. Covered in a fun paw print pattern, it will provide them with a comfy place to sleep and rest with a non-slip backing to ensure it doesn't move around and is made from wipe clean fabric.
This Paw Print Fleece Oval Cushion has an average star rating of 4.1 stars out of five. Customers think this bed offers good value, comfort and ease of cleaning but wish it was thicker.
Pros
- Non-slip backing to stop it from moving around
- Made from a wipe clean fabric
Cons
- Some reviewers wish it was thicker
| Sizes available: | Small and large |
FAQs
What to consider when choosing the best dog bed for your pooch?
When it comes to choosing a bed for your dog, you'll want to consider your pet's age, size, sleeping preferences and general temperament.
Bigger dogs will need more room to stretch out on, whereas smaller dogs may prefer to curl up in their bed.
Dogs that love to lay on the floor may prefer a flatter bed, but dogs that enjoy snuggling on the sofa will be better suited to a bed with more structure.
More senior dogs or dogs with injuries may require a bed that offers extra support for their joints and muscles, whereas puppies and nervous dogs may need an anti-anxiety dog bed with raised edges to give them a calming sense of security while they nap.
You'll also want to think about your needs. What space do you have available for a dog's bed? Is it easy to clean or machine washable? Do you need it for home, or are you after a bed your pooch can use when you're on the go? These are all questions you should ask yourself before buying your dog a new bed.
Do dogs prefer hard or soft beds?
Whether your dog prefers a hard or soft bed will depend on their personal preferences but there are some reasons that a hard or soft bed would be better for your pooch. Large breeds may prefer a firmer bed to support their muscles whereas a softer bed will be perfect for smaller breeds to curl up in. Older or arthritic dogs may prefer a firm yet softer bed that will provide cushioning for their joints but firm enough to offer support.
Do dogs prefer beds with sides?
Dogs with anxiety may prefer beds with sides as the raised edges can provide a sense of security and a cosy, enclosed feeling as they curl up inside. Dogs with joint or mobility issues may also prefer a dog bed with sides as they can rest their aching bones, joints and muscles on them. However, some dogs may want to stretch out in their beds so would prefer one without sides.
How do you know when your dog's bed needs replacing?
Along with appropriate diet, exercise and socialisation, a comfortable, good-quality dog bed is one of the single most important things that impact a dog's quality of life. Luxury dog bed expert of more than 12 years, Charley Chau, advises that pet owners check their dog's bed regularly for any signs that it may be approaching its 'use by' date.
Christine Chau, the co-founder of Charley Chau, offers the following checklist to determine whether it's time to fling your dog's bed.
Take a good look at it
This may sound obvious, but even if a dog's bed doesn't look like it's on its last legs, it's important to check for visible signs of mildew or mould. These can form on the underside of a dog bed due to a relatively cold floor underneath, even if your room is well-heated. With the covers on and off, examine the bed carefully so that you can inspect the internal mattress and any other pads or fillings. If you see any signs of mildew or mould, take the bed out of action immediately, as breathing fungal spores is not good for either hound or human.
More generally, most people know by looking at their dog's bed if it's ready for retirement. If it looks scruffy and sad and no amount of plumping, airing or washing will rejuvenate it, then it's time for a change because your dog deserves to be comfortable.
Is the mattress still supportive enough?
A dog bed mattress should have a regular thickness throughout, without any obvious distortions or irregularities. There should be substance to the mattress too. It should keep your dog off the floor, supporting their body weight and insulating them from the cold.
Use the flat of your hand to go over the mattress and, pressing down firmly onto the mattress, check for lumps, bumps, dips and hollows. Ideally, a mattress should feel evenly supportive across the active sleeping area without any significant lumps or thin areas.
Does the mattress resist the pressure that you are applying consistently across the bed? If not, try to reshape it to improve its form. If you can't get it into reasonable shape, it's unlikely to offer your dog appropriate support.
Give it a sniff
Dogs can get whiffy, so it's no surprise that their bed can take on some odours. If your dog's bed is smelly, wash it - including the outer covers, internal mattress and any other fillings - and let it dry out thoroughly.
If you've washed your dog's bed and you can smell even a hint of odour, then it's time for a change. The smell is caused by bacteria and other microbes that are part and parcel of a well-used dog bed. If you can't wash the smell out, then the likelihood is that those microbes have taken hold, and the bed needs to go.
Check the size and shape
As our dogs develop and age, their sleeping preferences can change, so it's important that you keep an eye on your dog over time and observe how they prefer to sleep. Check that the style and size of their bed is still the best option for them.
Also, it's worth noting that the comfiest and best bed for any dog should give them enough space to curl up and stretch out as the mood takes them, so make sure your dog's bed enables both options!
'Listen' to your dog
Does your dog sleep on the sofa? In your bed? Avoids their dog bed like the plague? That could be because they want to be with you all the time, or it could be that their dog bed is simply not up to standard. Why would they want to sleep in an uncomfortable dog bed when the sofa is the most comfortable place in the room? Put a great dog bed down though and it is likely to be a different story.
What factors could be affecting your dog's sleep?
A range of factors, including age, breed, Rapid Eye Movement (REM), exercise, surroundings and health, 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
As we've mentioned above, the age of your pooch 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 hound to sleep for long stretches of time.
How to improve your dog's sleep:
If you feel like your dog could do with more sleep, there are four things you can do to help.
• Find your pooch a quiet sleeping environment
• Keep awake humans out of your dog's sleeping space
• Make sure your dog exercises during the day
• Invest in a comfortable dog bed (such as one from our list)
Rosie Floyd is a Senior Home & Pets 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.