The right dog bed is big enough for your dog to lie in every position they naturally sleep in, shaped to suit how they like to lie, and easy to keep clean. The RSPCA’s test is simple: your dog should be able to lie comfortably curled up, on their side and stretched out, with their legs fully extended.
Watch how your dog sleeps for a few days before you buy. Curlers tend to like a round or oval bed with raised sides to lean on. Dogs that sprawl on their side or back usually prefer a flat mattress or cushion. Older dogs and dogs with stiff joints often do best on a firm memory foam bed with a low side they can step over easily.
Measuring your dog
Most beds are sold by their outside measurements, but your dog only uses the inside. Thick bolsters and sides can take a surprising amount of space off a bed that looks large in a photo.
- Wait until your dog is lying stretched out on their side.
- Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. This is the length they need.
- Measure from the top of the back to the ends of the paws with the legs relaxed. This is the width they need.
- Add some room on both measurements so they can turn and shift in their sleep. A common rule of thumb is to add around 20cm to 30cm.
- Compare your figures with the inner lying area of the bed, not the overall size. If a listing only gives outside sizes, allow for the thickness of any sides.
If your dog is between sizes, go up. A bed that is slightly too big is rarely a problem, but a dog that hangs off the edge or has to curl tightly will often choose the sofa or the floor instead.
For a puppy, buy for the size they are now and plan to replace the bed as they grow, or choose a cheaper bed for the first months. Puppies often chew, and an expensive bed can be ruined in a week.
Types of dog bed
Browse the dog beds and baskets range and you will see a handful of main shapes. Each suits a different kind of sleeper.
| Type | Best for | Things to check |
|---|---|---|
| Round or oval bed with sides | Dogs that curl up, small dogs, dogs that feel the cold | Inner diameter, removable cover |
| Flat cushion or mattress | Dogs that stretch out, crates, warm rooms | Thickness of filling, non-slip base |
| Sofa or bolster bed | Dogs that like a headrest, larger breeds | Height of the entry side, cover zip |
| Memory foam or orthopaedic bed | Older dogs, large breeds, dogs with joint problems | Foam depth, firmness, waterproof liner |
| Plastic basket with cushion | Puppies and chewers | Rounded edges, cushion fit |
| Igloo or covered bed | Shy or nervous dogs, small dogs | Easy to wash, enough headroom |
Beds for nervous dogs
The RSPCA notes that an igloo-style bed can give a shy or nervous dog somewhere to hide away when things get too much. Put it in a quiet corner and make sure the whole household, including children, leaves the dog alone when they are in it.
Beds for crates
Inside a crate, a flat cushion or mattress that fits the floor works best. The PDSA suggests soft bedding that covers most of the crate floor while leaving room for a water bowl. Measure the inside of the crate rather than relying on its listed size; many crates come with matching cushions.
Fillings, covers and materials
Fillings
- Fibre filling is soft and light but flattens over time, particularly under heavy dogs. Shake and plump it regularly.
- Foam keeps its shape better. Look at the depth: a thin foam layer under a heavy dog can bottom out onto the floor.
- Memory foam moulds to the body and spreads weight more evenly. The PDSA describes memory foam beds as kind to joints.
Covers
A removable, machine-washable cover is the single most useful feature. Check the care label before you buy, as foam inserts usually cannot go in the washing machine. A waterproof inner liner protects the filling from accidents and wet coats; the RSPCA notes that waterproof or water-resistant beds help stop dogs getting damp. Plush and faux-fur covers feel cosy but hold more hair, while canvas and tightly woven fabrics are easier to brush clean and stand up better to claws.
A non-slip base stops the bed sliding on hard floors, which matters for older dogs getting up and down.
Beds for older dogs and stiff joints
Dogs with arthritis or joint pain benefit from a supportive bed that is easy to get in and out of. Look for:
- firm memory foam or orthopaedic foam deep enough that your dog’s hips and elbows do not touch the floor
- a low or open front, so they do not have to climb over a high side
- a non-slip base and, around the bed, rugs or mats on slippery floors
- a warm, draught-free spot
The PDSA suggests letting an arthritic dog choose between an enclosed bed and a flat mattress, and mentions a heat pad under the bed for extra warmth. If your dog seems stiff after resting, is reluctant to lie down or struggles to get up, book a check with your vet. A better bed helps with comfort, but it does not treat pain.
Where to put the bed and how to keep it clean
The RSPCA advises putting the bed somewhere warm and draught-free, with one bed in a quiet part of the house and another in a family room so your dog can rest near you. Households with more than one dog should have at least one bed per dog, plus a larger one if they like to share.
Keep beds out of direct heat from radiators and fires, and away from busy doorways.
For cleaning:
- Vacuum the bed weekly to lift hair, skin and dust.
- Wash the cover regularly, following the care label.
- During a flea problem, the PDSA advises washing bedding at 60°C or hotter to kill fleas and their eggs, and vacuuming around beds often. Our flea, tick and worming guide covers treatment, and flea treatments should be used alongside cleaning the home.
- Replace a bed once the filling has gone flat or lumpy, or if it smells even after washing.
Quick checklist
- Watch how your dog sleeps before you choose a shape
- Measure nose to base of tail and add room to turn
- Compare with the inner lying area, not the outside size
- Choose a removable, washable cover and a non-slip base
- Pick firm memory foam with a low entry for older dogs
- Use a cheap, chew-resistant bed for young puppies
- Place the bed somewhere warm, quiet and draught-free
- Wash bedding at 60°C or hotter when dealing with fleas
Common questions
How big should my dog’s bed be?
Big enough for your dog to lie fully stretched out with room to turn. Measure from nose to base of tail with your dog lying on their side, add some room, and compare that with the inner lying area of the bed. If in doubt, choose the larger size.
Are orthopaedic beds worth it?
For older dogs, large breeds and dogs with joint problems, a firm memory foam bed spreads their weight and is easier on stiff joints. Young, healthy dogs are usually comfortable on a good cushion. Orthopaedic beds support comfort but are not a treatment, so speak to your vet if your dog seems stiff or sore.
What bed is best for a puppy that chews?
A hard plastic basket with a washable cushion or vet bedding is a practical choice, as there is less to tear apart. Give plenty of suitable chew toys and supervise new beds at first. The puppy products range and our new puppy checklist cover the other things to have ready.
How often should I wash my dog’s bed?
Vacuum it weekly and wash the cover regularly, more often if your dog gets muddy or has accidents. When you are dealing with fleas, wash bedding at 60°C or hotter, as the PDSA recommends.
