Dog beds split by the sleeper, not the brand. A curler wants a donut. A sprawler wants a flat mattress. An old dog wants foam. A hot dog wants a cot. Figure out how your dog actually sleeps and half the aisle disappears.
This is the hub for dog beds on Pet Approves. Bed types by sleeper, then the deep guides for orthopedic, luxury, and heated.
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Dog beds by how the dog sleeps
| The dog | Bed type | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Curls in a ball | Donut or bolster | Below |
| Sprawls flat | Mattress, no walls | Orthopedic |
| Leans on things | Bolster or sofa bed | Luxury |
| Old, stiff, big | 4 to 7 inch orthopedic foam | Orthopedic |
| Cold, thin coat, senior | Heated | Heated |
| Hot, thick coat | Elevated cot | Below |
| Crate sleeper | Crate pad | Below |
Orthopedic dog beds
Orthopedic means real foam, four inches or more, that holds its shape under the dog. Big Barker’s seven-inch three-layer bed is the benchmark for large breeds and cites a University of Pennsylvania veterinary study. EHEYCIGA and OhGeni make waterproof memory-foam beds with washable covers for less. Two inches of polyfill is not orthopedic, whatever the tag says.
EHEYCIGA’s extra-large is the value orthopedic: waterproof liner, washable cover, 44 inches. It is also in the luxury guide as the bed that looks like more than it costs.
Luxury dog beds
Luxury for the dog is foam and fabric quality. Luxury for the room is wood frames and upholstery. The luxury dog beds guide covers eleven, from Big Barker and Casper to the HomePop sofa and the Muihood wood frame, and answers whether they are worth it.
Heated dog beds
A low-watt warmer inside the bed, thermostat to body temperature, on only when the dog is on it. K&H’s Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper is the indoor standard. The heated dog bed guide covers arthritis and senior picks, outdoor pads for garages and dog houses, and the self-warming beds with no cord.
Elevated and cooling dog beds
A cot: fabric stretched on a frame, air underneath. For a Husky in July, a garage, a porch, or any dog that pants on a foam bed. PETMAKER’s elevated bed is the simple version. Elevated beds are also the easiest to hose off.
Crate beds and washable pads
A crate pad is a thin washable mattress cut to crate size, 36 inches for a medium crate, 42 for large. VERZEY, Exsnugy, and KSIIA make plush ones that go in the washer. Bowsers makes the upholstered version in the luxury guide. Buy two, so one is always clean.
Calming donut dog beds
A round bed with a raised rim. The curler’s bed. Bedsure’s calming donut is the one with the Oprah Daily nod, in sizes from 23 to 36 inches, and the small version fits a cat. The rim is the point: chin support, a wall to lean on, a nest.
How to size a dog bed
- Measure the dog lying down, nose to base of tail, in the position it actually sleeps in.
- Add 6 to 12 inches for a mattress, less for a donut the dog curls into.
- Foam thickness by weight. Under 30 lbs, 2 to 3 inches. 30 to 70, 4 inches. Over 70 or any senior, 5 to 7.
- Removable washable cover, or you will own a bed you cannot clean.
- Waterproof liner for puppies, seniors, and drool.
Note: a dog that ignores the new bed is usually sleeping where the family is. Move the bed to that room. The bed was never the problem.
A bed goes in a house that also has a food bin, a carrier, and a grooming kit. The pet food storage container guide, the dog carrier guide, and the dog grooming supplies guide are the sibling hubs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best dog bed?
For a big or old dog, Big Barker. For a curler, a Bedsure donut. For a hot dog, an elevated cot. For a cold one, a K&H heated bed.
What size dog bed do I need?
Measure the dog asleep, add 6 to 12 inches. When in doubt, go up one size for a sprawler and stay on size for a curler.
Are orthopedic dog beds worth it?
For dogs over 50 pounds, seniors, and any dog with joint trouble, yes. The foam is the medicine.
How often should you replace a dog bed?
When the foam stays dented after the dog gets up. Cheap polyfill beds, a year. Real foam beds, several years. Wash the cover monthly either way.
Why does my dog sleep on the floor instead of the bed?
Too hot, wrong shape, or wrong room. Try an elevated cot in summer and move the bed to where you are.