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 shortlist:
• Best breathable dog bed: Silentnight Airmax Pet Bed
• Best for joint relief: Mirkoo Round Dog Bed
• Best for travel: Amazon Basics Round Pet Bed
• Best for medium and large dogs: Rosewood Grey Jumbo Cord/Plush Oval Dog Bed
• Best for senior dogs: JOYELF Large Memory Foam Dog Bed
• Best orthopaedic dog bed: Bedsure Waterproof Dog Bed
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 Petswww.petsathome.com
Did you know that as well as creating quality pillows, mattresses and bedding for us humans, Silentnight actually do 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.
Our review: "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
- Two-year manufacturer's guarantee
Cons
- Some owners may prefer a different colour
Best for joint relief
AmazonAvailable in seven different colours, you can pick the best match for the interior of your home with this Mirkoo bed. It's covered in a luxe-feeling faux fur with a super soft filling inside, which ensures your dog can have a comfortable rest and that their joints and muscles are supported. The whole bed is machine washable, so just pop it in on a cool, gentle wash, and it'll look as good as new in no time.
Customer review: "I ordered the big bed for my dog so my cockerpoo would have plenty of room, and he seems to like it,"
Pros
- Raised rim to create a secure space for anxious dogs to rest in
- Non-slip and dirt-resistant bottom
- Can be machine washed and tumble dried on a low heat
Cons
- Not suitable for dogs who weigh over 45kg
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 ideal as it's lightweight and portable. It has a slightly raised edge for added structure and a pillow-like surface, while the plush fannel top provides extra softness.
Customer review: "My previous dog bed was ripped to shreds as my beloved furry friend kept chewing it so needed a replacement. This one is smaller and more compact but my little doggo loves it as the sides are great quality and don't squash as easily, helping it to retain its shape and stop it from being eaten. Great value for money."
Pros
- Ideal for small and medium dogs
- Fleece on the top for your pooch's comfort
- Easy to clean as it's machine washable
Cons
- Available in two shapes but only one size
If you're someone that travels with their pooch quite regularly, you may be after something to keep them comfortable and secure in the car. Luckily, we've got an article dedicated to travel dog beds to give you plenty of options to keep them safe and happy.
Best for senior dogs
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 and can offer relief to your pooch's neck as they rest. The bottom 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.
Customer review: "I never thought I would say this..but this is the Best thing I've ever got for my working cocker. Cooper would never sleep on his own bed at night. He shared my daughters bed every single night since we got him 3 yrs ago. Then when our daughter moved out he tried to do the same with us and since there was less room it meant we couldn't get a good night's sleep no matter what we tried. I kid you not it was that bad we contemplated getting a king sized bed just so we could get some sleep. I decided to purchase one of these amazing beds a couple months ago and we've never looked back since. Our furry baby sleeps like a log in his OWN bed every single night. Thanks guys.. 😊"
Pros
- Removable covers to make it easy to clean
- Breathable fabric
- Internal lining protects memory foam from liquids, allergens, mould and dust mites
Cons
- Some owners wished the padding was deeper
Best for medium and large dogs
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 sleep in, helping them to have a peaceful and restful sleep.
Customer review: "We have a pug. Good size. This is a great bed, its soo soft and cosy for the dog, i keep smoothing the fur! nice sides for him to lay his head, good quality. Best thing is that we have to wash his bed often due to some incontinence and this is the only bed that stays the same shape and same quality! Defo recommend this product!"
Pros
- Can be machine washed at 30°C
- Stylish colours
- Mixture of materials to provide a comfortable and cosy place for your pooch
Cons
- The cream inner may get dirtier compared to the grey outer material
Best orthopaedic dog bed
AmazonThis orthopaedic dog bed from Bedsure is as safe as it is comfortable. It has a 10cm thick 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 are durable, waterproof and stain-resistant. However, they both can be machine washed when needed.
Customer review: "Good pet cushion. Dog likes it. Waterproof and very comfy. Protects sofa. Can't imagine he would chew this. Very pleased with purchase"
Pros
- Can be used at home or on-the-go
- No-zipper design for safety
- Minimalist design to fit with any décor
Cons
- Some owners felt it could have more filling inside
Best warming dog bed
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.
Customer review: "I wanted a self heating bed for our border collie who's 13 but the second he's not in it the beagle takes it over. lol They both love it. I can see why... it's very cushioned and soft."
Pros
- Ideal for dogs who feel the cold
- Dual-sided cushion for double the comfort
- Machine washable for easy maintenance
Cons
- Avoid contact with light colours and wet floors as colour from the bed may transfer onto other surfaces
Best luxury bed
Charley Chauwww.etsy.com
Does your pup love to burrow and sleep under blankets? They'll love this Charley Chau Snuggle Bed. It's designed with a pocket that your dog can tuck themselves under, and it's lined at the top and bottom with a faux-fur fleece that's super soft and warm but breathable and moisture-wicking, too. The mattress is deep-filled and constructed like a soft seat cushion to ensure it stays soft and supportive over time. For extra protection, you can opt to add a waterproof liner at an additional cost.
Customer review: "Love Charley Chau products. Extremely well made and last forever. My go to for doggie bedding."
Pros
- Choice of colours
- Perfect choice for dogs with an instinct to tunnel or burrow
- Everything is machine washable
Cons
- At a higher price point compared to other products on our list
Best for anxious dogs
www.petsathome.com
The raised walls and soft, cosy lining of this Earthbound bed will give your pet a sense of warm security. While one side of the inner cushion is made with sherpa for your pooch to snuggle into, the other is made of polyester that is waterproof to protect it from mucky pups. The walls are comfortable yet strong and rigid to prevent them from collapsing and to shelter your hound from any draughts.
Customer review: "So worth the money, this is such a nice bed! My dachshund loves this bed. Very comfy for him."
Pros
- Made with heavy-duty waterproof polyester
- Resistant to stretching or shrinking
- Machine washable at 3030°C
Cons
- No small beds currently in stock
Best mattress dog bed
www.petsathome.com
For pooches that like to lie down on the floor, this 3 Peaks mattress dog bed will provide them with a warm, comfortable layer between them and the ground. It's tough, durable and comfortable, making it the ideal place for your furry friend to rest after a long walk. Plus, the water-resistant fabric can easily be wiped to clean up mucky paw prints.
Customer review: "I don't normally leave reviews but this deserves one!! This is by far the best dog bed I have ever bought. It's easy to clean, washable and even keeps its plumpness over time. Its waterproof feature made it a no brainier for us having a puppy and it's lasted Well. We were buying a new bed every week before but this has stood up against our 9 months cocker for 6 months now and still going strong!! Don't waste money on cheap beds! Definitely invest in one of these! Very impressed!"
Pros
- Machine washable
- Wipe clean for easy day-to-day maintenance
- Filling made from recycled materials
Cons
- Available in one size, so may not be suitable for all dogs
Best for design
www.joules.com
Your pooch will be able to take their name in style on this pet bed available from Joules. It features a reversible cushion and has been crafted from a soft velvet material adorned with a gorgeous floral print to give it a plush and luxurious feel. It also has a non-slip base, so it's safe for use on tiled floors.
Pros
- Thick padding
- Reversible cushion
- Machine washable
Cons
- May not suit everyone's decor
Recommended luxury dog bed
www.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 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.
Customer review: "Dogs look so comfortable in it, definitely a hit with them, it's usually occupied and seems to be a preferred choice. Its cushioning has stayed nice and plump. Also it looks stunning with the pattern and fabric."
Pros
- Looks and feels luxurious
- Padded walls and cushion
- Soft fabric
Cons
- Cannot be machine washed, sponge clean only
Best budget dog bed
www.argos.co.uk
In need of something cheap and cheerful? This 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 wipe clean fabric.
Customer review: "My dog loves her new bed x"
Pros
- Great price
- Machine washable
- Manufacturer's guarantee included
Cons
- The large size costs over double that of the small
Best dog bed 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.
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)