The Best Small Dog Beds

Small dogs love to sleep in our beds with us, but sometimes they need to get some quality time alone in their own bed. Dog beds are a must-have for dog owners because they provide your pooch with a safe and comfortable spot to nap contently. As a dog owner, it's essential to have a few spots throughout your home that your pup can feel ownership over. Dog beds provide a much-needed sense of stability to your dog's daily routine. Not to mention, they offer a great way to keep your dog off the couch if they're a heavy shedder. To help you choose the best option for your furry friend, we've compiled this list of some of the best small dog beds on the market.

What to Look For

We want to recommend only the best of the best in the world of small dog beds, so we used three main questions to guide our search: Is it easy to keep clean? Is it comfortable but still firm enough to protect their joints? Does it keep them warm, or does it have a breathable design for better cooling during hot days? Our favorite came from FurHaven since their ThermaNap can convert from a cool cushion to a warming cuddler when the temperature changes. The price is a bargain, too. But for those with anxiety-prone dogs should consider Nononfish’s donut-shaped dog bed, which helps pups feel more secure while they snooze. For more of our in-depth reviews, read on.

FurHaven ThermaNap Small Dog Bed

Snuggle and cuddle

This bed utilizes mylar material that reflects body heat to keep your dog warm and toasty during naps.
Best Overall

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Even though dogs have a coat of fur to keep them warm, they can still get chilly when it’s cold outside or when the AC is blasting. FurHaven’s innovative ThermaNap bed offers a comfortable and cozy way to keep your dog warm during naps. It’s made out of a polyester and mylar fabric blend that reflects your dog’s body heat to keep them nice and toasty in the bed. This versatile bed utilizes a “button and loop” system that allows you to change the formation of the bed to perfectly suit your dog’s preferences and body type. What’s more, the sleep surface is made out of an ultra-comfortable faux fur lining that is sure to make your dog feel safe and secure during naptime.

Pros:

  • To make your dog as comfortable as possible, the bed can be easily converted to form a canoe, couch, mat, or nest shape. Your dog’s size and body type will determine which variation offers them the most comfort and support.
  • The self-warming core reflects your dog’s body heat to keep them warm and cozy. Plus, this will keep them from digging through your best sheets and blankets trying to find the most snuggly spot in your home.
  • This bed comes in a variety of colors and is machine washable, so it can continue looking new, even after accidents and spills.

Cons:

  • The bed makes a slight crinkling noise when your dog first settles in.

MidWest Homes for Pets Small Dog Bed

Plushy for your pooch

This versatile bed works great as both a crate insert and a standalone plush bed for the floor.
Best Value

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If you’re tired of seeing your dog struggle to find a comfortable spot on the carpet to sleep on, this versatile small dog bed might be the perfect pick for you. Not only is this bed an excellent choice for placement on the living room floor, but it’s also the perfect size and shape to use as a crate insert. Most dog crates have uncomfortable bottom panels that are uninviting to dogs, but with this small dog bed, you can make your dog’s crate a much more welcoming place. This super-soft and comfortable small dog bed is made out of billowy plush fabric that your dog is sure to love.

Pros:

  • This padded bed is a simple but comfortable option for small dogs. Due to its rectangular shape, it fits perfectly into a crate for bedtime use but can also be placed in other areas of the home for use throughout the day.
  • Though the washing instructions suggest otherwise, we found that both the bed cover and the foam pad can be washed in hot water and dried on high heat. This is important for dogs who regularly or occasionally have accidents on their beds.

Cons:

  • This bed doesn’t keep dogs as warm as other beds on the market.

Nononfish Calming Small Dog Bed

Calm that canine

This option utilizes raised rims and super-soft plush to create a secure sleeping environment for your dog.
Most Calming

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If your dog loves to curl up in a ball to sleep, Nononfish’s rounded small dog bed is right up your alley. The round design of this bed makes it a great fit for small dogs who love getting cozy and curled up for naps. The raised rim design helps to make your dog feel safe and secure within the bed. Thanks to the super-soft faux fur fabric and the raised rim design, this bed is sure to comfort even the most anxious pooches.

Pros:

  • This small dog bed has raised edges to make even the most nervous and anxious dogs feel secure. The ergonomic design provides comfort and support for all body types and creates a safe place for small dogs to retreat to.
  • The plush bed cover comes in a variety of colors that you can match to your home’s decor. It will be the perfect addition for the most spoiled member of your family.

Cons:

  • Some dogs may not like the extra fluffiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most commonly used materials for small dog beds?

Common materials used for small dog beds are cotton, plush, suede, microfiber, mylar, and polyester. Small dog beds made out of cotton and plush prioritize comfort and softness, while mylar and suede alternatives primarily facilitate warmth. It could be beneficial to buy a few different kinds to see which one your dog takes a liking to.

What are the benefits of having a small dog bed?

Having a bed for your small dog can improve their physical and psychological health. Without a proper bed to sleep on, dogs will either sleep on the uncomfortable and chilly floor or sleep on your couches and beds. A dog bed is an excellent way to keep your dog comfortable without surrendering a massive chunk of real estate on your bed. Not to mention, having a designated place for your pooch to relax and sleep in has been proven to lessen anxiety in dogs, making them feel more secure in your home.

About the Author

Jessica is the proud owner of two dogs: an adorable dalmatian and a very active retriever mix. With all her years of experience caring for her own pups, Jessica hopes to help other dog moms and dads make the most of their time with their furry friends by finding them products that make dog ownership convenient, easy, and fun. As a mom of two, Jessica is always looking for products that are safe for her dog, her kids, and her home.

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.