Though Ruggable is known for its washable rugs, the brand recently launched a washable pet bed for your four-legged companion. I received this bed from the brand to try out, and my 6-year-old, 15-pound havanese and bichon frise mix, Bella, instantly became obsessed. It comes in two pieces: a small memory foam mattress that sits at the center and a cushioned outer layer with raised edges that fits around it. Though Bella usually prefers to sleep with me in my bed, she now gravitates more toward this throughout the day— she loves resting her head on the sturdy bolsters, and she always snuggles into the warm sherpa material. The best part is that all covers are removable and machine-washable, so it’s easy to clean (and holds up to the washing machine very well, in my experience).
Fabric type: sherpa and woven fabric with a boucle texture | Sizes: small (up to 25 lbs), medium (up to 60 lbs), large (up to 80 lbs) | Cleaning type: machine-washable cover
The Casper Dog Bed is a safe pick for most dogs, says Wakshlag. It’s crafted with comfortable memory foam that supports your dog’s joints and hips, which is especially great for older dogs like Chance, says Malin. What’s more is that it works double time to entertain your dog: Its extra layer of washable microfiber material is designed to mimic the feel of pawing at loose earth minus the mess, according to the brand. When they’ve tuckered themselves out, the sides are lined with foam bolsters to operate as supportive pillows. The bed comes in three sizes: small for dogs up to 30 pounds, medium for dogs up to 60 pounds and large for dogs up to 90 pounds.
Fabric type: microfiber and nylon | Size: small (up to 30 pounds), medium (up to 60 pounds), large (up to 90 pounds) | Cleaning type: machine-washable cover
Smaller dogs who weigh under 30 pounds typically prefer beds that have a raised edge or even a pocket to nuzzle underneath, says Angela Logsdon-Hoover, a certified dog trainer and canine behaviorist. The Cozy Cuddler can help smaller dogs feel secure and less anxious while they relax — with its built-in blanket, flexible faux fur walls and plush interior, the bed allows your dog to either burrow or stretch out. Though the cover isn’t removable, the entire bed is machine-washable, according to the brand.
Fabric type: microfiber and faux fur | Size: small (up to 25 pounds) | Cleaning type: machine-washable bed
Big Barker makes beds for large dogs that weigh 50 to 250 pounds. It offers three rectangular bed types: Sleek, Headrest and Sofa, the latter of which includes bolsters on three of the four sides. Each bed comes with a machine-washable microsuede cover and is made from the brand’s proprietary foam, which it says is engineered to support the pressure curves of large breed dogs. (Large breed dogs are defined as weighing anywhere from 75 pounds to 100 pounds, according to Dr. Dana Varble, chief veterinary officer for nonprofit North American Veterinary Community.) The brand also offers a free replacement if the foam sinks or sags within 10 years. The bed comes in three sizes — large, XL and Giant — and in four colors.
Fabric type: microsuede and foam | Size: large, extra-large, giant | Cleaning type: machine-washable cover
Frisco’s dog bed is another favorite of Bella’s, who loves to rest her head on the bolstered sides or burrow her face into the bed’s cushioned crevices during a nap.The outer fabric is a plush faux suede that’s available in either a neutral khaki green or brown. The bed is available in three sizes: small (measuring 6.5 inches high), medium (9 inches high) and large (10 inches high).
Fabric type: faux suede and polyester-fiber filling | Size: small, medium, large | Cleaning type: machine-washable bed
This Orvis orthopedic bed comes recommended by Dr. Kristen Nelson, a veterinarian and author of “Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life,” because it has a polyester-filled, three-sided bolster; an open-cell, 3.5-inch-thick memory foam insert; and an open front with a low profile for older dogs to easily get on and off, according to the brand. It also has a water-resistant liner and a durable cover that unzips.
Fabric type: polyester and memory foam | Size: small, medium, large, extra-large | Cleaning type: machine-washable cover
This luxurious dog bed has a breathable leather outer cover that’s cooling, easy to spot clean and doesn’t retain odor, says NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez, who received one from Le Dog for her 7-year-old pitbull. Its dense, cooling gel memory foam interior also relieves any pressure points while providing extra comfort, according to the brand.
Fabric type: leather and memory foam | Size: medium (up to 125 lbs) and large (up to 185 lbs) | Cleaning type: machine-washable cover
This L-shaped bed from Furhaven has bolsters that provide a corner sofa design for your dog, according to the brand. It’s wrapped in an easy-to-clean microsuede and includes a plush faux fur lining to help keep your canine companion snug, according to Furhaven. It has an orthopedic foam cushioning for support, which experts say can be good for older dogs. The bed’s rectangular shape makes it a comfortable option for the corner of your dog’s favorite room and its jumbo plus size is “great for big dogs like Chance — although my tiny kitten also loves stretching out on it,” says Malin.
Fabric type: microsuede and faux fur | Size: medium (up to 35 lbs), large (up to 55 lbs), XL (up to 95 lbs), XXL (up to 125 lbs) | Cleaning type: machine-washable cover
NBC Select social commerce editor Sadhana Daruvuri says her dog, Bandit, has loved this cozy circular bed since the day he came home — he likes to curl up inside when he’s napping or playing with toys. “I love how easy it is to clean; I just throw it in the wash on the gentle cycle,” says Daruvuri. It’s also another favorite of Bella’s, who loves to snuggle against the bolsters, burrow in its deep crevices and sprawl while laying on it. The bed is covered in vegan shag fur and it’s available in five sizes, with the smallest size accommodating pets weighing up to seven pounds and the largest for pets up to 150 pounds, according to the brand.
Fabric type: vegan shag fur | Size: extra-small (up to 10 lbs), small (up to 25 lbs), medium (up to 45 lbs), large (up to 100 lbs), extra-large (up to 150 lbs) | Cleaning type: machine-washable bed
This L.L.Bean bed is a favorite of Nelson’s golden retriever, Sully, who likes lying in it when he’s cold. It has a warm and washable polyester fleece cover, which zips off for easy cleaning. The bed also comes with three bolstered sides that can provide a spot for dogs to rest their head. If you prefer a non-bolstered fleece option, L.L.Bean has a rectangular bed with soft polyfill cushioning.
Fabric type: polyester | Size: small (up to 25 lbs), medium (up to 45 lbs), large (up to 100 lbs) | Cleaning type: machine-washable cover
This bolster dog bed comes in six stylish designs to fit your (and your pup’s) personal style, including clouds, flowers and checkerboard. Lesure sent me this bed for Bella to try out, and she loves laying on the warm, soft Sherpa material. Plus, it provides a great amount of cushion and support throughout the day. The bed is designed for dogs and cats up to 25 pounds, and it has a washable cover for easy cleaning.
Fabric type: sherpa, chopped foam and polyfill | Size: extra-small, small, medium, large | Cleaning type: machine-washable cover
Backyard activities or hiking adventures call for a bed that isn’t just waterproof but can also stand up to the elements and keep your dog safe. This washable, portable and water-resistant bed checks all those boxes. Malin says her dog, Chance, loves to hang out with her family outside, so they bought him this bed to put on the porch and bring into the yard. “It gets super dirty but you can remove the cover to wipe it down, which is amazing,” she says. The bed’s inner cushion is made of temperature-regulating gel memory foam and comes with a water-resistant cover and zipper, according to the brand.
Fabric type: gel memory foam | Size: medium (up to 40 lbs), large (up to 65 lbs), extra-large (up to 120 lbs) | Cleaning type: machine-washable cover
The Kuranda Standard Dog Bed, which is one of our best overall cooling dog beds, is one of Nelson’s favorites due to its durability. “When [Sully] was a puppy, the only bed he didn’t chew up was the Kuranda platform bed,” she says. Your dog can use this bed, which is made for dogs up to 100 pounds, both indoors and outdoors. It stands on a strong, chew-proof frame that resists fading from the sun’s UV rays, according to the brand. It’s great for any type of weather, too: The air circulation underneath the bed can help keep dogs cool in summer and it’s lifted up off cold floors in the wintertime, according to Kuranda. The bed is made from smooth nylon and durable PVC, and you can choose from three large sizes and four fabric colors.
Fabric type: nylon cover and PVC frame | Size: large, extra-large, XXL | Cleaning type: spot clean
This no-frills bed is great for dogs who tend to chew or rip apart their beds. “Anyone who has a lab knows that everything becomes a chew toy — including beds — [and] Chance has yet to chew through this bed,” says Malin, adding that her dog likes to rest his head on the bolster edges. It has a washable, water-resistant cover and is available in multiple colors, including sage, burnt orange and yellow.
Fabric type: sherpa and polyester fiber fill | Size: small (up to 25 lbs), medium (up to 40 lbs), large (up to 70 lbs), extra-large (up to 110 lbs) | Cleaning type: machine-washable cover
There are many types of dog beds on the market, including decorative ones that blend in with the furniture in your house, and supportive orthopedic beds that older pets find more comfortable. Consider a few different features as you shop for a dog bed, including the size of the bed, cushioning and insulation level.
The size of the bed will likely have the biggest effect on how comfortable your dog is when using it. “A bed should be large enough for your pet to lay out with their limbs fully extended with their entire body, even their toes, on the bed,” says Varble. Small dogs can usually use beds that are designed for larger breeds as long as they’re able to jump into the bed without issue, but “a tiny bed for a giant body doesn’t work very well,” says Dr. Sarah Hoggan, medical director for VCA California Veterinary Specialists — Murrieta.
If your dog tends to have accidents or likes to lie in bed after a messy trip to the park, you might want to consider a bed that has a removable outer cover and an impermeable inner cover. “Given dogs are not particularly driven by tidiness, getting a bed with a waterproof and washable cover is advised — humans prefer things in their homes not to carry the fragrance of whatever was available to roll upon outside,” says Hoggan. And with the often high price tag of some quality memory foam beds, a durable, water-resistant cover will make the bed last and ensure you’re getting your money’s worth, says Wakshlag.
In addition to an appropriate size, an adequate amount of cushioning can determine the bed’s comfort level. The amount of cushioning you need varies based on your pet’s size, level of mobility and overall health. Beds with adequate cushioning and memory foam are extremely beneficial for older dogs, especially those with arthritis, neurologic problems and orthopedic issues, says Wakshlag. “A small puppy won’t need as much cushion as a large, arthritic dog — typically, a less mobile dog will need a sturdier, thicker foam to support their body comfortably and prevent pressure sores,” says Hoggan.
Beds labeled as orthopedic dog beds, which are made with high-quality orthopedic foam to gently cushion bones and joints, are usually the best option for older dogs, says Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, director of primary care at Bond Vet.
“Unfortunately, many older large-breed dogs like to lie on the floor, which can be harder on their joints. This might be due to temperature concerns, so beds that are designed to keep a dog cool might be a good option [and] many orthopedic dog beds have this feature,” says Fadl. Orthopedic beds with a low profile on one side can allow for easier access, especially since arthritic dogs can find it hard to lift their paws high enough to get in, says Nelson.
It can also be important to look at the thickness of the foam to determine how much cushion is actually being provided to older dogs. “Anything that has 1 inch of memory foam is going to claim to be an orthopedic bed, but there’s not a lot of real evidence as to [whether it’ll actually help] — the reality is all memory foam somewhere in the 4 inches to 5 inches range is probably a good choice because that really helps with pressure distribution,” says Wakshlag.
Dog beds come in a variety of materials, ranging from soft polyester that’s designed to be attractive and comfortable to ballistic fabrics designed to be hard-wearing and durable. “If you have a dog that likes to tear apart stuffed toys, a soft fluffy fleece bed will not survive very well and your money would be better spent on something stouter,” says Hoggan.
You should also be careful with any tassels or long threads that are visible on the bed. “Dogs like to chew and a tassel or thread has the potential to become a linear foreign body trapped in their stomach and intestines,” says Hoggan.
Since beds can be a key source of comfort for your pet, consider the insulation level based on the climate you live in and the breed of your dog. Basically, the bed shouldn’t make them feel too warm or too cold.
“A thin and small breed with no undercoat, like a whippet or Italian Greyhound, will need much more warmth provided in cold northern climate, whereas an arctic breed would need a more cooling bed in a tropical region,” says Hoggan.
Beds to help warm up your dog can be made from fleece or other thicker materials, while cooling beds can either consist of a cooling type of foam or be elevated off the floor — like a cot with a mesh base — that can help air circulate from the bottom.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I’m an updates editor at NBC Select who covers a variety of pet essentials, including dog food, treats, travel carriers and shampoos. For this article, I spoke to six veterinarians and trainers about the benefits of having a dedicated bed for your dog. I also compiled their recommendations for the best beds to consider and researched dozens of options on the market based on expert guidance.
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