How to choose a dog bed: size, support and sleeping style

The right dog bed depends less on breed and more on how your dog sleeps: stretched out, curled in a ball, or leaning against something. Watch your dog for a few nights before you buy.

Measure your dog

Measure your dog while they sleep stretched out, from nose to the base of the tail, and add some room, commonly around 6 to 12 inches. Curled-up sleepers can use a smaller round bed; sprawlers need a rectangle.

Match the bed to the sleeping style

Sleeping style	Bed style
Curls into a ball	Round or donut bed with raised sides
Stretches out	Rectangular mattress or flat pad
Leans or rests head on something	Bolster bed with raised edges
Runs hot or sleeps outside	Elevated cot with mesh
Likes to burrow	Bed with an attached blanket or hood

Support for older and large dogs

Older dogs and large breeds benefit from beds that don't flatten.

• Orthopedic memory foam spreads weight and cushions joints.
• Thickness matters for heavy dogs: they should not sink through to the floor.
• Low entry height helps dogs with stiff joints step on easily.
• Waterproof liners protect foam if accidents happen.

Elevated cots

A raised cot with a fabric or mesh surface keeps dogs off hot or cold ground, lets air circulate and resists chewing better than plush beds. Good for outdoor use, kennels and hot climates.

Chewers

If your dog tears into beds:

• Choose chew-resistant fabrics such as heavy ballistic nylon, and cots with protected edges.
• Avoid loose stuffing that can be swallowed.
• No bed is truly indestructible; supervise new beds at first.

Beds for crates and travel

If the bed goes inside a crate, measure the crate's interior floor, not your dog. A bed that's too big bunches up and can become a chew toy; one that's too small slides around. Many brands sell crate pads sized to standard crate lengths.

For travel and car rides, thin, rollable pads or mats are easier to pack, and a familiar-smelling bed can help some dogs settle in new places.

Where to put it

• Somewhere your dog can see the family, away from drafts and direct heat.
• Older dogs often prefer a spot without stairs in the way.
• Multi-dog homes usually need one bed per dog, since many dogs won't share.

Washing

• Removable, machine-washable covers are a must for most households.
• Waterproof inner liners keep accidents and drool out of the foam.
• Check that the cover fits in your washing machine for large sizes.

Questions people ask

What size bed does my dog need?

Measure your dog stretched out and add several inches. Check the manufacturer's interior dimensions, which are smaller than the overall size for bolster beds.

Are orthopedic dog beds worth it?

For senior dogs, large breeds and dogs with joint problems, many owners and vets find a supportive foam bed worthwhile.

How often should I wash my dog's bed?

Many people wash the cover every week or two, more often for dogs with allergies or outdoor dogs.