The 5 Best Beds for Dogs
Walt Whitman declared that to be the best you could be, you should "grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth." Surely, though, when he said "sleep with the earth", the man wasn't speaking literally – after all, he did love the comfort of his home. Why should it be any different for your pooch? If you're looking for a dog bed, perhaps you hear the echoes of harsh voices in your head: "A bed? For a dog? He's a dog - he doesn't need a bed." Well, frankly, neither do you or I, Ebenezer, but it sure feels nice to have one. If you want to provide your pup with a comfortable, cushy sleeping surface, browse through our list. We've collected our top five dog beds, ranked based on their comfort, durability, and cost value.
FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Bolster
Rock-a-Bye, Puppy, on the Suede Bed
Have you ever wondered how Mimi always seems to sink into deliciously deep sleep on the living room’s cold hardwood floor? How could that be comfortable? Well, maybe it’s not so much that it’s comfortable, but perhaps being in the same room as you makes it worth it. The thinking goes, then, that it might be nice to offer your pooch a lounge-style bed to snooze on whenever and wherever she wants. What we like about this one is that it looks just as natural placed in the living room as the bedroom, so you can decide (or let your dog decide) which place would be best. Once he or she sets down on that egg-crate foam base – which allows for airflow and even weight distribution – well, forget about it. You’re looking at breakfast in bed, canine style, from here on out.
Pros:
- 90-day limited coverage guarantee
- Faux fur and suede are gentle on the skin
- Machine-washable cover
Cons:
- Not ideal for teething puppies
- Loose hair quickly collects on cover
Best Friends by Sheri Shag Donut Bolster
Donut Fret: True Comfort Has Arrived
Though we’d never suggest feeding your dog a donut directly, perhaps allowing her to take a nap on top of one wouldn’t be such a bad idea? So the thinking goes with Best Friends by Sheri’s donut-shaped shag bolster. This round, uber-cozy perch offers your pup the pinnacle of comfort with its pet-safe faux fur. The bolstered edge is designed as a headrest so that Trixie has a comfortable posture established as she starts collecting Zzz’s. Further, this thing is designed with deep crevices (or so they may seem to a small pooch), which offer the sensation of burrowing to pets that are so inclined to this instinctual drive.
Pros:
- Available in multiple colors
- Can be washed in machine
- Cute design looks aesthetically pleasing
- Incredibly soft
Cons:
- A bit costly
- Not the most durable option
FurHaven Ultra Plush LuxeJumbo
For a Gentle Giant
Huh, you may think upon seeing this bed. Looks similar to the first one. Well, yes – that’s because it is. But it has a few differences that set it apart, and those differences make it particularly useful for larger dogs. Whether we’re talking about a German Shepherd, a pitbull, or a Great Dane, dogs seem to love that this bed doesn’t have a built-in pillow, bolster, or another kind of barrier around the bed’s perimeter. Because of this, they have tons of room to sprawl out and lounge the day away unimpeded. Furthermore, the dense foam base offers support on a dog’s joints. Since larger dogs have so much weight to bear, the wear and tear is real; therefore, an orthopedic support bed can really do a lot to help those joints get some much-needed TLC.
Pros:
- Also available in “jumbo-plus” and “giant” sizes
- Low entry point makes it easy on disabled or injured pups
- Orthopedic foam is medical-grade
Cons:
- Might need to size up
- Slippery on hardwood floors
Frisco Sherpa Orthopedic Bolster
Can't Buy Me Love
Look, we get it. Your dog refuses to indulge in the decadent luxuries offered by the dog-bed market and insists on something more agreeable to your bank account. Trust me, says your dog, this is what I want. If you’ve been lucky enough to have this conversation with your furry friend (or even just to imagine it) there’s good news: a good dog bed can be had for less money. With Frisco’s sherpa bed, you’re not sacrificing much in the way of comfort; no, its jacquard-weaved chenille fabric that lines the bolster is soft, gentle, and warm. The removable cushion that covers the foam base can be removed for cleaning – or to make it a bit more Spartan, if that’s what Fido wants.
Pros:
- Durable build offers a long lifespan
- Great value for the cost
Cons:
- A bit of a pain to clean
- Inner pillow could be of a higher quality
K&H Pet Products Elevated
Like Floating on a Cloud
If you aren’t already hip to the world of elevated dog beds, let us take the honor of informing you. Elevated dog beds like this one by K&H are an excellent alternative to floor-bound beds for many reasons, and we’ll use this product to demonstrate them. First, see all that space underneath the bed’s surface? That area allows for ventilation, so cool air can pass beneath your dog. If your pooch is prone to overheating or sweating, these beds work excellently – especially during summer. Another benefit – and perhaps it’s obvious – is that you don’t have to worry about your dog laying on the dirty floor, where all kinds of dirt and gunk accumulate. Looks like a trampoline. Isn’t it uncomfortable? You might ask yourself. But no, thanks to its design, it actually helps distribute Buster’s weight evenly across the surface, resulting in a very comfortable napping structure.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble and requires no tools
- Clean by wiping or hosing it down
- Durable build
Cons:
- May be difficult for older dogs to hop up onto
- Can be a bit squeaky
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of having a dog bed?
Your dog stands to gain the most by getting a bed if he or she has arthritic joints. Having a soft, supported surface like a bed can really reduce the pain and discomfort that a pooch with this condition experiences. As for other benefits? We’ll rattle off a few: you won’t have to worry about Chomp getting dog hair all over your bed when he insists on spending the night with you; your furniture will thank you; he’ll have a place all to his own that he can retreat to when he feels threatened, anti-social, or plain old bored; and it’ll keep him warm during the frigid months.
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.