How to Choose a Dog Bed: A Dog Lover's Guide to Getting It Right

Dogs sleep for a huge chunk of the day, often twelve to fourteen hours, so the bed you choose matters more than most people give it credit for. The right one supports the joints, holds warmth, gives a nervous dog a sense of security, and (crucially, if you value your sanity) survives the washing machine. Get it wrong and you end up with a soggy, flattened, unwashable thing your dog avoids anyway. Here is how to choose well the first time.

Get the size right first

Watch how your dog actually sleeps before you buy. Some curl into a tight ball, some sprawl flat out on their side, some lie belly-up with their legs in the air. That tells you the shape and size you need.

• Curlers are happy in a round or bolstered nest bed that they can tuck into.
• Sprawlers need a large, flat mattress with room to stretch fully.

As a size guide, measure your dog nose to tail while they are lying stretched out, and add a good few inches so nothing hangs off the edge. When in doubt, size up. A bed that is slightly too big is far kinder than one they cannot fit on. The Royal Kennel Club lists a comfortable bed among the first things to buy, and advises choosing one big enough to stretch out in.

The main types of bed

Nest and bolster beds have raised sides, which give a place to rest the head and a feeling of security. Lovely for curlers and anxious dogs.

Flat mattress beds are simple, roomy, and great for sprawlers and larger breeds.

Raised or cot beds lift the dog off cold floors and let air circulate, which some dogs love in warm weather.

Cave or hooded beds appeal to small breeds and burrowers who like to disappear under a blanket.

Orthopaedic beds for seniors (and big dogs)

If you have an older dog, or a large breed prone to joint trouble, this is the part to pay attention to. As dogs age, arthritis and stiff joints become common, and a thin, saggy bed offers no relief.

A genuine orthopaedic bed uses a thick layer of memory or high-density foam that supports the joints and does not bottom out under the dog's weight. Press it with your hand: if your palm hits the floor, it is not orthopaedic, whatever the label says. For seniors, achy hips, and post-surgery recovery, proper support can make a real difference to comfort and to how easily they get up in the morning.

Vet note: A dog who suddenly seems reluctant to lie down, struggles to get up, or is restless at night may be sore rather than simply choosy about the bed. It is always worth a check with your vet, as pain relief and a supportive bed together can transform an older dog's comfort.

Washable is not a luxury

Whatever you buy, make washability a hard requirement. Dogs bring in mud, moult, and the occasional accident, and a bed that cannot be cleaned quickly becomes a smelly one. Look for:

• a removable, machine-washable cover,
• an inner that is either washable or protected by a waterproof liner, and
• a size that will actually fit in your machine.

Two covers, or two beds on rotation, means there is always a clean one down while the other dries. A clean, dry bed also helps keep the coat and skin healthy between grooms. You can see how coat care fits into a full groom on our prices and packages page.

Frequently asked questions

What size dog bed should I buy? Measure your dog stretched out nose to tail and add several inches so nothing overhangs. If you are between sizes, go up. Watch how your dog sleeps too: curlers suit smaller nest beds, sprawlers need a large flat mattress.

Are orthopaedic beds worth it for older dogs? Yes, for many. A thick, supportive foam base takes pressure off aching joints and helps stiff seniors rest and rise more comfortably. Check the foam does not bottom out under your dog's weight.

How do I stop my dog's bed from smelling? Choose one with a removable, machine-washable cover and a wipeable or waterproof inner, and wash it regularly. Having a spare cover or a second bed keeps a clean one always available.

How often should I replace a dog bed? When the padding has flattened and no longer springs back, or the cover is worn or damaged, it is time. A flattened bed gives no support, which matters most for older and larger dogs.

Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. A clean coat means a cleaner bed too, so keeping grooming regular helps on both fronts. Arrange your dog's next visit.