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Best Small Dog Beds: These Beds are Made for Your Smaller Breeds

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Giving your dog their own space to relax, away from the unforgiving floor, is crucial. You want to make sure you provide the best dog bed possible. If you have a small breed dog, though, there are particular concerns to take into consideration. Not every bed works for the tiny canine set. So which are the best small dog beds?

Small Dog Needs

Give us a choice, and we’ll take the biggest bed available. While some small dogs prefer to join us (it’s an unwritten rule that Dachshunds get to burrow under the covers), our mattresses don’t get designed with canine comfort in mind.

Little dogs need to feel safe and secure in their beds. This is why the majority of small dog beds have bolsters or raised sides. They create a comfortable “den” that reassures your tiny canine they’re safe.

Most small breeds tend toward a delicate nature. They just don’t have the muscle and padding found on larger dogs. As such, they crave beds catering to the comfortable side of things. Dog beds without pillows or cushioning foam don’t attract them. Then you end up with a beautiful piece of unused dog furniture. (Probably not what you’re going for)

Choosing a Small Dog Bed

While all dog beds share a lot of the same characteristics, you want to pay particular attention to specific things when shopping for small dog beds. Your unique little canine has special needs. And you want the best for them, right?

  • Design: Consider how your little dog likes to sleep. If they curl into a ball, a cuddler-style dog bed is perfect. However, if they’re a sprawler, you’ll want more of a mattress-type bed. Observe them the next time they snooze, and you’ll get an idea of their predominant sleeping position.
  • Cleaning: Let’s face it – small dogs are closer to the ground. This means a natural ability to pick up dirt and debris and track it into the house and onto their bed. Find a bed that’s easy to clean. Luckily, since you have a small dog, their bed should fit in the wash without a problem.
  • Durability: A lot of the smaller breeds tend toward digging and chewing. If you have a terrier breed, make sure the bed you select will hold up to their natural inclinations.
  • Fabric: Look at the material of the dog bed you’re considering. Does it have the potential to irritate your dog’s allergies? Is your dog going to pull it apart when bored? Is it similar to fabrics they cuddle against already?

Remember, a lot of small breed dogs came from historical royalty. They haven’t forgotten that fact, and they want to continue being pampered and adored. This means if they don’t like the dog bed you bring home, they’ll snub it.

Best Small Dog Beds

You want the best for your little dog. With so many varied personalities and small dog characteristics, the options are endless. If you liked the look of one of the beds in our dog bed posting, you’re in luck – most are available in small sizes. However, this list is geared specifically for our tiny canines. After all, don’t they deserve a listing all their own?

Best Orthopedic Small Dog Beds

With a longer lifespan, smaller breeds see the creep of arthritis into their joints. The poor darlings are already closer to the cold floors, so why not baby them with an orthopedic bed? Memory foam or orthopedic mattresses cushion sore joints and provide comfortable relief while they snooze.

The Brindle bed consists of a 2-inch layer of high-density support foam beneath a 2-inch layer of memory foam. Your dog stays beautifully supported and away from the floor. The velour fabric is soft for them to snuggle into, and the cover zips off to go straight into the wash. Underneath is a waterproof layer that protects the mattress from accidents. Even better, the bed comes in an XXS size for even the tiniest of breeds!

Downsides? It can be a little pricey. Also, people have reported the cover doesn’t hold up to repeated washings. If your dog likes to roll in the dirt, this might not be the best choice for you.

The Good

The Bad

JOYELF crafted a dog bed from 2 inches of memory foam. Bolsters surround the bed on all four sides, creating a cozy den for your dog to snuggle into. The bottom is non-skid and water-resistant, making it the perfect choice for even the most exuberant little dogs. The cover zips off and pops right into the washing machine.

The downsides? The memory foam is too firm for dogs that like to “burrow” into their beds first. Your dog might get frustrated and decide not to use the bed.

The Good

The Bad

Best Cuddle Dog Beds for Small Dogs

A lot of small dogs gravitate to cuddle-style dog beds. Being surrounded by raised sides or bolsters provides a sense of comfort, decreasing anxiety. Cuddle beds provide a sense of calm, especially during times when you might be away. If your dog curls into a tight ball when sleeping, a cuddle bed is a perfect option.

The Donut Cuddler ranks as a consistent favorite. Designed with thick bolsters around a center spot for your dog to cuddle in, this dog bed is the epitome of comfort. Covered in soft faux fur, dogs that adore shag carpet are sure to gravitate toward this bed. Best of all, you can toss the entire bed into the wash when it comes time for cleaning!

Downsides? That pesky orthopedic concern again. The middle section wears down over time, and it doesn’t provide as much support as people hope. The plush covering is NOT recommended if your dog is a chewer. Also, while you CAN wash and dry this dog bed, you need to fluff and brush it afterward to prevent matting (kind of a lot of work).

The Good

The Bad

Maybe your dog likes some privacy when they sleep. The Corduroy Tent Bed is the choice for them. Complete with a removable pillow interior, this bed satisfies the discerning little canine. For you, the tent comes in eight different colors and three different sizes, accommodating any small dog. Everything, from the bed to the pillow, can go directly into the wash for easy clean-up.

The downside? Yeah, not great in the orthopedic department.

The Good

The Bad

OrthoComfort delivers precisely what the name suggests: a deep pocket for your dog to cuddle into. The front is low enough to step into, while the back is higher, forming the super-comfortable, fluffy bed. This dog bed comes in various colors to suit your style (or coordinate with your dog’s accessories). The bottom is water-resistant, durable nylon.

So what are the downsides? For whatever reason, the way this dog bed gets packaged causes it to fail to form the intended shape. The center also doesn’t have much padding, so if you have an older dog with aching joints, this isn’t the best choice.

The Good

The Bad

Does your dog like to burrow into the laundry basket? Then the Snoozer Cozy Cave is the perfect option. The Snoozer features a fluffy cushion, fleece lining, and an outer microsuede cover. The base cushion filling features a combination of odor-absorbing cedar and polyester. Your dog can snuggle under the outer cover, savoring the feeling of safety and security under their microsuede “hood.”

Downsides? Again, the cushion material isn’t as supportive if you’re looking for orthopedic support. Also, some owners felt the cushion was overstuffed. You CAN unzip the cushion to remove some of the stuffing (watch the mess). The cover doesn’t stay up as you see in the pictures, but it’s up to you whether you feel that’s a downside or not.

The Good

The Bad

Best Self-Heating Dog Beds for Small Dogs

Small breed dogs can be heat-seeking missiles. (Ever notice your dog gravitating toward your lap or blanket all the time?) Let’s face it, a lot of tiny breeds don’t carry much body fat to protect them from the chill. Since heat rises, they suffer down in the cold. A self-heating bed is a perfect solution. With no electrical components, you can rest easy knowing you’re not risking your small dog’s safety.

AmazonBasics provides another cuddle bed with a fluffy interior, sure to please your little dog. Designed to hold up against even the most determined digger, people rave about the “unsquashable” bolsters. A Mylar blanket beneath the fleece lining reflects your dog’s body heat, keeping them toasty warm throughout the chilly months.

Downsides? This dog bed ISN’T washable. (Yeah, huge bummer) Also, the center pillow has a lot of fluff to it, which can be awkward for some dogs to sleep on. And, again, you have Mylar and the crinkling sound to contend with.

The Good

The Bad

Aspen’s dog bed features a plushy interior with bolsters surrounding the entire bed. You can also choose from several designs: rectangle, pillow with a pocket, or circle. The interior has a Sherpa lining that is soft and sure to invite snuggling. The bed contains a Mylar lining that reflects your dog’s body heat to them, providing a safe source of warmth.

The downsides? The Sherpa lining attracts a lot of hair, which isn’t easy to get completely clean. The same material is inviting for active dogs, but it doesn’t hold up to chewers, and if they get to the Mylar, it isn’t safe for ingestion. Speaking of the Mylar, it crinkles when your dog settles onto it. It may not bother them, but if you like your quiet, it could be a deal-breaker. Lastly, some people noted the bed was prone to “deflating” over time.

The Good

The Bad

If you want to offer a little variety to your small dog, FurHaven is the dog bed for you. FurHaven’s unique design provides FOUR different configurations: nest, couch, canoe, and mat. Large buttons allow you to change up the shape easily, keeping the dog bed fresh for your little canine. The bed has a plush base and microfiber cover topped with faux fur. A Mylar layer provides safe warming for your dog. The best part? It’s completely washable!

So what are the downsides? If you have a chewer, those buttons are too tempting (no foreign bodies, please). There’s no padding or base to this bed, so it’s better to add another bed or used it on the couch. And, of course, that crinkle-monster Mylar rears its head yet again.

The Good

The Bad

Little Dogs, Big Dreams

Small breed dogs have big lists of requirements when it comes time to choose a dog bed. Delicate builds, a lack of hefty frame, the need to provide adequate warmth, and a penchant toward anxiety all play a role in selecting the perfect dog bed. After all, you want the best for your little canine, right?

While the tiniest fur family members might have big dreams, finding the best small dog bed is an easy task. Just take a little time to research all of your options. You’re sure to bring home a dog bed to satisfy even the most discerning tastes.

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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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