How to Choose the Right Dog Bed: 7 Things to Look For

A dog bed can look great online and still be completely wrong for your dog. Size, sleeping position, age, support, materials and how easy it is to clean can all make a big difference.

At Unique Dog Finds, we think the best dog bed isn’t necessarily the most expensive one — it’s the one that suits your dog and your home. Here are 7 things worth checking before you buy.

7 things to look for when choosing a dog bed

With hundreds of dog beds available, it’s easy to choose based on appearance alone. A better approach is to think about how your dog actually sleeps and how the bed will work in everyday life.

1. Get the size right

Don’t choose a bed based only on labels such as Small, Medium or Large — sizes can vary considerably between manufacturers.

Measure your dog while they’re lying in their normal sleeping position and allow enough room for them to stretch out comfortably.

What to look for:

• Internal sleeping area, not just the outside dimensions
• Enough room to stretch and turn around
• Space for dogs that sleep fully stretched out
• Raised sides if your dog likes curling up or leaning against something

Unique Dog Finds tip: Check the actual measurements before ordering. A photograph can make a dog bed look much larger than it really is.

2. Think about how your dog sleeps

Dogs have surprisingly different sleeping preferences.

Some curl tightly into a ball, some stretch across the entire floor, while others always seem to need somewhere to rest their head.

Generally:

• Curlers may prefer a round or bolster-style bed
• Stretchers often suit a larger flat or mattress-style bed
• Leaners may appreciate raised sides
• Burrowers might prefer a soft, enclosed or nest-style design

Watch where and how your dog naturally chooses to sleep before deciding.

3. Consider support and comfort

A very soft bed isn’t automatically a supportive one.

Foam and mattress-style beds can provide a more stable sleeping surface, while heavily cushioned beds may suit dogs that simply enjoy curling up somewhere soft.

Older dogs may particularly benefit from a bed that’s easy to get on and off and provides good support.

What to look for:

• Supportive filling or foam
• A base that doesn’t flatten quickly
• Suitable bed height
• Enough padding between your dog and the floor
• Easy access for dogs with reduced mobility

If your dog has a medical or mobility condition, ask your vet what type of support may be appropriate.

4. Make sure it’s easy to clean

This is one feature that’s very easy to underestimate.

Mud, hair, drool and the occasional accident mean a beautiful dog bed can quickly become difficult to live with if it can’t be cleaned properly.

What to look for:

• Removable cover
• Machine-washable fabric
• Easy-to-remove zips
• Wipe-clean or water-resistant areas where useful
• Replacement covers being available

For many owners, washability is just as important as comfort.

5. Choose materials for your dog and home

There isn’t one perfect dog-bed material.

The right choice depends on your dog, where the bed will be used and how much punishment it’s likely to receive.

For example, a plush fabric may be lovely for a dog that sleeps quietly indoors, while a more durable, wipe-clean surface may make more sense for a muddy dog coming home from daily walks.

If your dog tends to chew or destroy beds, durability should move much higher up your list.

Unique Dog Finds tip: No soft dog bed should be assumed to be indestructible. Regularly check it for damage and loose material.

6. Consider where the bed will be used

A bed for the living room doesn’t necessarily need the same features as one used in a car, crate, kitchen or outdoors.

Think about the location before buying.

For example:

• Living room: comfort and appearance may matter most
• Kitchen/utility room: easy cleaning could be more important
• Crate: accurate sizing is essential
• Car/travel: lightweight and portable can be useful
• Warmer conditions: breathable or raised designs may be worth considering

You may eventually find that one dog bed doesn’t suit every situation.

7. Don’t assume more expensive means better

Dog beds range from inexpensive cushions to furniture-style beds costing hundreds of pounds.

Price alone doesn’t tell you whether your dog will actually like it.

Before paying extra, look at what you’re getting for the money:

• Better-quality foam or filling?
• Removable and washable covers?
• Replacement covers?
• More durable materials?
• Better construction?
• A useful warranty?

Paying more can make sense when you’re getting features you’ll genuinely use. Paying extra purely for appearance may not.

Which type of dog bed should you choose?

There are several common designs worth considering.

• Orthopaedic-style beds: Often use supportive foam and may suit dogs where additional support is desirable.
• Bolster beds: Raised edges give dogs somewhere to curl against or rest their head.
• Calming or donut-style beds: Deep, soft beds popular with dogs that like curling up.
• Elevated beds: Raised from the floor and often easy to clean, with airflow underneath.
• Cooling beds and mats: Designed for use during warmer conditions, although the technology and effectiveness vary between products. See our dog cooling mats guide.
• Travel beds: Usually lighter, foldable or rollable for easier transport.
• Personalised and furniture-style beds: More decorative options for owners who want the dog’s bed to become part of the room.

There’s no single type that’s best for every dog.

Our simple dog bed checklist

Before ordering a dog bed, check:

1. Will my dog comfortably fit when fully stretched out?
2. Does the design suit the way my dog sleeps?
3. Does it provide the level of support my dog needs?
4. Can I easily wash it?
5. Are the materials suitable for how my dog uses beds?
6. Will it work where I intend to put it?
7. Am I paying for useful features rather than just appearance?

If you can answer those seven questions, you’re far more likely to choose a bed that actually gets used.

Final thoughts

The best dog bed isn’t necessarily the fluffiest, most expensive or best-looking one.

It’s the bed your dog is comfortable using and that you can realistically keep clean and maintain.

At Unique Dog Finds, we look at everything from practical washable beds and supportive designs to cooling mats and some of the more unusual personalised dog beds available in the UK. You’ll find our current picks in the Beds & Comfort collection.

Because when we recommend products, we want there to be a reason they’re worth knowing about.

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