How do I choose the right bed size for my dog?

Measure your dog from nose to tail while in their natural sleeping position (curled or stretched). Add 20–30cm to that length. The bed should be large enough that your dog can change position without hanging off the edge, but not so large it feels insecure. When in doubt, size up — most dogs appreciate extra space.

Can I put my dog's bed in the washing machine?

Check the care label — most quality pet beds have removable, machine-washable covers. Wash covers weekly in hot water (60°C+) to kill bacteria and dust mites. The inner foam or fill can usually be spot-cleaned with mild detergent and left to air dry thoroughly. Never machine-wash memory foam — it destroys the structure.

Where is the best place to put a dog bed?

Dogs are social animals and generally sleep best where they can see or hear their family. A corner of the bedroom or living room works well. Avoid draughty spots, direct sunlight (especially with dark-coloured beds), and areas near loud appliances. Elevated beds work well outdoors in shaded spots. Provide at least two sleeping spots in a multi-storey home so your dog always has a comfortable option nearby.

Best Pet Beds & Furniture 2025 — Orthopedic, Donut & Elevated Beds

Our Top Picks

Editor's Choice

Best Overall

Orthopedic Memory Foam Bolster Bed

9.4 /10

4-inch high-density memory foam with a non-slip base and machine-washable microfibre cover. Recommended by vets for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or joint pain. Available in 5 sizes.

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Best for Anxiety

Donut Calming Anti-Anxiety Pet Bed

9.1 /10

Deep-dish round design with a raised rim supports natural curling posture and provides a sense of security. Faux shearling filling mimics maternal warmth — ideal for anxious or noise-sensitive pets.

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Best for Summer

Elevated Breathable Cooling Cot

8.9 /10

Steel frame with breathable mesh sleeping surface allows airflow underneath, reducing body temperature by up to 5°C compared to floor sleeping. Suitable for outdoor shaded use. Holds up to 40kg.

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Pet Bed Buying Guide

Sleep quality directly affects your pet's behaviour, joint health, and immune function. A dog sleeping poorly wakes irritable, is harder to train, and ages faster — just like us. Here's how to choose the right bed for your pet's size, age, and sleeping style.

Match Bed Type to Your Pet's Sleeping Style

Dogs that curl into a ball love donut and bolster beds with raised edges that support their back and neck. Dogs that sprawl flat on their sides need flat rectangular beds with room to stretch fully. Dogs that burrow want cave or hooded beds that provide enclosed warmth. Cats almost universally prefer elevated, enclosed, or hammock-style sleeping. Observe your pet's natural sleeping position before buying — it tells you everything you need to know.

Orthopedic Beds: When They're Worth It

Orthopedic beds use high-density foam (typically 4–6 inch depth) or memory foam to distribute body weight evenly and eliminate pressure points. They are strongly recommended for: dogs over 7 years old, large breeds over 25kg (even healthy ones — preventive joint care matters), any dog diagnosed with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or intervertebral disc disease. For young, healthy small breeds, a standard padded bed with good foam density (not hollow fibre fill) is usually sufficient. The test: press the foam and release — it should spring back fully within 3 seconds.

Washability: A Non-Negotiable

Pet beds accumulate dead skin cells, saliva, oils, bacteria, and dust mites faster than you'd expect. A bed that can't be properly cleaned is a hygiene problem. Look for removable, machine-washable covers that can be washed on hot (60°C) to kill pathogens. The inner foam or fill should be spot-cleanable and able to dry fully within 24 hours. A bed that takes days to dry is a mould risk. Washability should be verified before purchase, not assumed.

Indian Climate Considerations

India's climate varies enormously — from the cool Himalayan winters to humid coastal summers and the intense heat of the Deccan plateau. In hot, humid regions (Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata), elevated cots and cooling gel mats are far more practical than plush fabric beds that trap heat. In cooler northern winters (Delhi, Punjab), donut and cave beds with thermal lining provide essential warmth. For most of India, it's worth owning two beds: a cooling option for summer and a padded option for winter.

Sizing Guide: How to Measure Correctly

Measure your dog from nose to base of tail (not including the tail) while they are in their natural resting position. Add 20–30cm to this measurement for the minimum bed length. Width should accommodate your dog lying on their side with legs extended. For bolster beds, the interior sleeping area (not including the bolster) should meet these dimensions. When buying online, always check the actual sleeping surface dimensions — outer dimensions can be deceptive with thick bolsters.

Expert Tip — Our Canine Physiotherapist Says:

"The most common mistake I see is owners buying a beautiful plush bed for a senior dog with arthritis — and the dog ends up sleeping on the cold tile floor instead. If your older dog avoids their bed, the bed is the problem, not the dog. Switch to a firm orthopedic foam bed at floor level and watch them choose it consistently within 3 days."

Frequently Asked Questions

Measure your dog from nose to tail base while in their natural sleeping position. Add 20–30cm to that length. The bed should be large enough for your dog to change position without hanging off the edge, but not so large it feels insecure. For bolster beds, check the interior sleeping surface dimensions, not the outer measurements which can be misleading.

Yes, for senior dogs (7+ years), large breeds over 25kg, and any dog with joint conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia. Memory foam or high-density orthopedic foam distributes weight evenly, reduces pressure points, and measurably improves sleep quality. For young, healthy small breeds, a standard padded bed with good foam density is usually sufficient.

Check the care label — most quality pet beds have removable, machine-washable covers. Wash covers weekly in hot water (60°C+) to kill bacteria and dust mites. The inner foam can usually be spot-cleaned with mild detergent and left to air dry thoroughly. Never machine-wash memory foam — it destroys the cellular structure and eliminates all orthopedic benefit.

A quality bed should last 2–4 years with proper care. Signs it's time to replace: the foam has permanently flattened (press it — it should spring back within 3 seconds), the cover has worn thin, there are persistent odours that washing doesn't remove, or your pet has started sleeping elsewhere. Senior dogs' beds should be checked more frequently as flattened foam provides no orthopedic benefit.

Dogs are social animals and generally sleep best where they can see or hear their family — a corner of the bedroom or living room works well. Avoid draughty spots, direct sunlight (especially with dark-coloured beds that trap heat), and areas near loud appliances. In multi-storey homes, provide at least two sleeping spots so your dog always has a comfortable option on whatever floor the family is on.

Pet Beds & Furniture