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Best Dog Beds for Every Type of Pup’s Resting Needs

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Sure, we love snuggling with our dogs on the couch. Cuddle time is a happy time. Just like us, though, our dogs need time to themselves. A dog bed provides somewhere comfortable just for them. It also minimizes the dog hair on your furniture (and, thus, your clothes). With THOUSANDS of dog beds on the market, you want to make sure you find the best one for your dog’s individual needs.

The Importance of a Dog Bed

Dog beds come in every shape, size, pattern, design, and color you can imagine. Some even resemble our couches and beds! We don’t want to give our dogs a trendy piece of furniture, though. Instead, dog beds need to serve essential functions.

As our dogs age, arthritis sets into their bones and joints. A good supplement – such as glucosamine – helps, but taking pressure off the joints is better. Dog beds provide cushioning between the unforgiving floor and their bones. A lot of pet companies provide orthopedic options, incorporating memory foam into their designs. When our dogs don’t hurt, relaxation is easier to achieve (for both of you).

Do you have a cooling top on your mattress? Temperature control is another essential function of dog beds. Whether that means purchasing an elevated bed for your dog to use outside or self-heating options for dogs with little to no hair, you want your furry family member comfortable.

What to Look for in a Dog Bed

Again, there are THOUSANDS of dog beds out there. While you might think one bed is too adorable to pass up (there are some cute beds), they might not be practical. So before you buy the equivalent of a racecar bed (I didn’t come across a dog racecar bed – sorry), make sure to do a little homework.

  • Durability: The last thing you want to do is buy a bed that only lasts a week. Some dogs jump on or dig into their beds. (Our dog is notorious for digging into her beds and dragging them around) Make sure you choose materials that will hold up to daily wear-and-tear.
  • Size: Measure your dog from nose to tail – that will give you a good idea of what size you’ll need. It’s not the ONLY factor, though. For example, how does your dog sleep? Do they sprawl out? Do they curl up? Take that into consideration when deciding on size. If you’re torn, go a size LARGER than you think you need.
  • Materials: While you want durable materials, so the bed lasts, you also want a bed that’s easy to clean. Hair IS going to accumulate. Many beds have covers that zip off and go into the wash (I can personally testify that this is AMAZING). Also, if your dog has allergies, make sure the dog bed’s materials won’t irritate their skin.

Optional Characteristics

Depending on your dog and their personality, there are a couple of other things you might want to consider.

  • Non-Slip Bottom: If you plan to keep your dog’s bed on the carpet, this isn’t a big deal. Basic principles of friction will keep the bed in place (for the most part – our dog skids one of her beds across the floor when she has good momentum going). However, if you have wood floors, a non-skid bottom becomes more of an issue. You don’t want your dog to injure themselves, sliding on the floor as they get onto their bed.
  • Warranty/Return Policy: You did your homework and bought the best bed possible. And your dog hates it. Some beds are expensive. You don’t want to lose that investment, so having a chance to return the bed allows you to find a better option your dog prefers.

Best Dog Beds for Every Need

Choosing just ONE bed for each category was daunting. There was some overlap, a LOT of glowing testimonials, and so many to peruse. Is it wrong to choose just one bed for your dog? I don’t think so. Our dog has FIVE beds (seven if you count the two at my parents’ house) – not that she’s spoiled or anything. You make the call on what’s best for your dog and their individual needs. (Greyhounds are lazy couch potatoes – she needs lots of places to flop down. Or so we justify things in our house)

The Brindle Memory Foam Dog Bed lets your little dog feel like a champion. With 3 inches of shredded memory foam, any dog will approve. Brindle even caters to toy breeds, with an XXS available. The soft microsuede cover slides off for easy washing and drying.

Downside? The cover doesn’t like repeated washings. So if your small dog likes to make a mess, this might not be the best bed for you.

The Good

The Bad

Armarkat Pet Bed Mat is an excellent option for large dogs, especially those with a lot of energy. The base is skid-free, so it won’t move, no matter how many times your dog jumps on it. The outer cover consists of heavy-duty canvas, which resists chewing. The cover is removable and entirely washable. There’s an inside waterproof lining to protect against potential accidents. It’s budget-friendly, too.

The downside? It’s not a great choice if you want orthopedic support for your dog.

The Good

The Bad

Let’s admit it – some of our dogs use ANYTHING as a chew toy. Since you don’t want to replace dog beds every week, the Casper Dog Bed is the choice for you. Yup, Casper – the same manufacturers of top human mattresses. Made from TWO layers of supportive memory foam; these beds come with a one-year limited warranty. The durable cover, crafted from bonded microfibers, resists even the most determined chewers. You can remove the cover to toss into the washer and dryer, or you can spot-clean it for little messes. Have a digger? Casper builds excess material into the top that mimics the sensation of loose earth. Best of all? Casper will let you test this dog bed in your home for 30 days!

So what are the downsides? Casper dog beds don’t come cheap. Also, your dog needs to weigh less than 90 pounds.

The Good

The Bad

The PetFusion Ultimate Lounge with Solid Memory Foam Dog Bed wins the washable category. The cover is not only removable to pop into the washer, it’s water-resistant, to begin with. The central core comes with 4 inches of memory foam to keep your dog cushy and comfortable (the jumbo size has 6 inches). Polyfill in the bolsters provides plenty of lounging opportunities.

Downside? It doesn’t fit in kennels – it’s just too big and bulky.

The Good

The Bad

Does your dog experience anxiety? Bolster-style and cave-style beds provide the sensation of safety and comfort. For nervous dogs, this reassurance drops that anxiety level. The Furhaven Pet Dog Bed ranks high in the bolster-style category. Those bolsters let your dog snuggle close, feeling reassured. Customizable, you can choose various fabrics, colors, and what you want for the interior (orthopedic foam, memory foam, or cooling gel). The cover zippers off to pop into the washer.

The downsides? Though stylish and washable, the cover isn’t water-resistant. Also, you either need to hang the cover up to dry or make sure you set your dryer temperature low, or you’re going to shrink it.

The Good

The Bad

Let’s say you want to pull out all the stops for your dog. You can’t go wrong with the Sealy Lux Quad Layer Orthopedic Dog Bed. (Even the name tells you it’s lux!) Sealy spared no expense when designing this bed, starting from the pro-charcoal base, which absorbs odors. The four-layered orthopedic foam comes with a five-year warranty. There’s an energy-absorbing cooling gel layer that activates when compressed, keeping your dog comfortable in the warmer months. Wait, I’m not done – the cover slides off for easy washing!

Phew! So what’s the downside? Well, luxury isn’t cheap. All of those fabulous features come with a hefty price tag.

The Good

The Bad

Okay, let’s look at the other end of the spectrum. Let’s say you want to pamper your dog without breaking the bank. The Milliard Quilted Padded Orthopedic Dog Bed is the perfect compromise. With a non-skid bottom, it promises to stay where you put it. Made from 4 inches of egg crate foam and topped with a plush pillow top, aging dogs approve. The cover zips off to go straight into the washing machine. Best of all? It fits most carriers.

Downsides? The cover needs air-drying. Also, some people complained it wasn’t as durable as other dog beds.

The Good

The Bad

If you’re crate-training, you know the importance of making sure your dog feels comfortable inside their crate. The MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed sweeps this category. Why? Its low profile works beautifully with collapsible crates. You leave it inside when you fold the structure down – no need to carry it separately. The bolsters protect your dog from the crate’s edges while giving them somewhere to rest their head. There’s no cover to fuss with – the entire bed goes straight into the washing machine and dryer! They’re very inexpensive, to boot.

The downside? It doesn’t provide orthopedic support. That’s the big reason we stopped using this bed in our dog’s crate, but we loved it otherwise.

The Good

The Bad

Does your dog like spending time outside? While the grass might be soft, you don’t want all of that dirt getting into their fur. Elevated dog beds not only keep dogs cleaner, but they also promote airflow, so your dog stays cooler. (Please note: in extreme heat, it’s still vital for dogs to limit their time outdoors!) The Coolaroo Elevated Dog Bed covers a range of outdoor features. Raised 8 inches from the ground, it provides excellent air circulation. Constructed from powder-coated, lightweight steel, you know it’s going to hold up to the elements. In addition, the mesh fabric is washable and resistant to mold, mildew, mites, and fleas (yay!).

Downsides? It will wear out faster with strictly outdoor use. Also, that mesh fabric won’t hold up to chewers.

The Good

The Bad

The Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic won this category hands down. Constructed from a whopping 7 INCHES of therapeutic memory foam, your dog’s joints will thank you. With a TEN-YEAR warranty against flattening, you’ll be happy to invest in this dog bed. The microfiber cover comes off and is completely washable. The three sizes accommodate even Great Danes.

The downside? It’s EXPENSIVE. You’ll have to decide if the glowing reviews and outstanding warranty are worth the investment.

The Good

The Bad

How to choose, right? They’re all so good! But the Majestic Pet Products Suede Bagel Dog Bed came out on top. Designed like a cushy “dumpling” (yeah, I didn’t get the bagel name), your dog gets a central pillow surrounded by bolsters. Sound like a headache to clean? It turns out it ranked better than a lot of other beds in that department. The smaller sizes go directly into the wash in one piece. The bolster consists of a single pillow that’s easy to fit back into the cover for the larger sizes. You then slide the central pad into place – no problem. The cover is actually microsuede (no real suede to worry about), and it’s soft to the touch. With a reasonable price, it’s the total package!

Nothing’s perfect, so what are the downsides? It lacks a non-skid bottom. It also isn’t as durable as some of the more expensive beds.

The Good

The Bad

Bed Time!

Really, there’s no wrong choice when it comes to dog beds. I mean, our dog tries to sleep in the cats’ beds (never mind that she doesn’t fit). Giving your dog somewhere to call their own, keeping cushioning between the hard floor and their joints, ensuring they stay comfortable – those are the crucial points.

Well, and maybe being able to clean the bed. No one likes a bed they can’t wash.

Take a look at what’s out there. Consider your dog’s health and personality. Think about placement in your house. Then decide what you think will work best for your canine companion.

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Andria Kennedy

Andria Kennedy

Andria grew up in a pet-friendly household. On weekends, the family made trips to zoos and aquariums in the area. So it wasn’t a surprise when she gravitated toward a career with animals.

After six years working among the background operations at the Philadelphia Zoo, she gained a unique insight into the veterinary world. The vet staff provided her first lessons in terminology, the identification of medical equipment, and glimpses of radiographs (x-rays). She also enjoyed plenty of opportunities to talk with everyone, including the veterinary technicians. And they offered an alternative for someone NOT interested in surgical pathways: Namely, their course of study.

Andria enrolled at Harcum College. Philadelphia boasts two programs for vet techs, but only Harcum works with the Ryan Veterinary Hospital and New Bolton Center (University of Pennsylvania’s small and large animal facilities, respectively). Harcum’s vet tech students receive six months of hands-on teaching and experience alongside Penn’s vet students.

With the opportunities and connections available with one of the top veterinary schools, the decision was easy for her to make.

New Bolton Center: Large Animal Medicine
Andria ended up trudging through snow up to the knee and shivering in subzero temperatures during her winter semester, but she wasn’t disappointed with her choice. New Bolton provided a thorough grounding in large animal medicine. A horse-lover as a child, the experience renewed those old emotions.

And a few memories stood out and remained to this day:

  • Standing alongside a Clydesdale and feeling TINY
  • Holding the reins of a horse galloping at top speed on a treadmill
  • Nursing tiny foals through the first days of their life

Ryan Veterinary Hospital: Small Animal Medicine
Veterinary students can legally work at a practice while studying. Andria took advantage of the opportunity, gaining “real life” experience while attending class. It provided a slight advantage when she entered her three months at the small animal hospital.

However, as Ryan Veterinary Hospital offers treatments unique to the veterinary community, she continued to gain valuable experience. For instance, she spent a day working alongside their Chemo Team. The positivity of everyone she encountered – staff, clients, and patients alike – left a lasting impression.

Additional standout moments included:

  • An afternoon spent with the head of the feline kidney transplant program
  • A day serving as the anesthesia technician in their new radiation unit
  • Recognizing a radiograph of a giant elephant shrew (applying her previous zoo knowledge)

Emergency/ICU Veterinary Technician
Accompanying her Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology, Andria received a passing score on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The two led to her certification/license as a veterinary technician – first in Pennsylvania (CVT) and later in Virginia (LVT).

Emergency medicine appealed to her from the beginning. The flux of ailments, injuries, and even species kept her mind sharp at all times. The knowledge required to handle cats, dogs, exotics, and even wildlife is highest in an ICU setting. When a vet tech never knows the patient’s stability coming back to the treatment area, skills and the ability to respond in an instant always stay in peak shape.

With treatments evolving at a constant basis, Andria sought out the best Continuing Education opportunities. She attended the International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (IVECCS) Conference whenever possible. This allowed her to discuss the latest wound treatments, medications, and advancements in diet formulations.

Cardiology Veterinary Technician
With the increased knowledge and experience, Andria noticed gaps in her abilities. Her grasp of cardiology remained at the basic level. She wanted to boost her skills and understanding as much as possible, improving her patient care. When an opportunity within the practice arose to move into the cardiology department, she accepted.

She sharpened her ability to read ECGs, recognizing arrhythmias of every type. Speaking with the cardiologist, she learned to read echocardiograms, picking out the most common disease processes. And, courtesy of her position in the department, she took in everything she could regarding the grain-free diet concern.

And throughout her ten-year career, she built her store of client interactions. She learned stories of heartbreak and hope. In the middle of the night, she shared touching and humorous conversations. Every moment taught her to engage with people. And the skill blended into her writing ability, capturing the interest of pet-lovers everywhere.

Check out Andria’s LinkedIn here

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