10 Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Bed
Posted by Caroline Aro on 01/28/2025
Our pets are our family and we only ever want the best for them. Purchasing the best bed for them is worth a lot of consideration. Here are some of the top ten things to consider when looking for a dog bed that will best suit you and your dog’s needs.
Many of these considerations have some overlap, but read on for a good breakdown of things to consider when buying a new dog bed.
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Durability
While many products nowadays just aren’t made to last, there are still high-quality products being made that will hold up over time – you just have to find them! Do your research on the dog bed itself and read customer reviews to find something that is going to last for years.
If you have a more destructive dog, a durable dog bed is vital! One thing to keep an eye out is for dog beds that have chew-proof features to prevent dogs from tearing through the bed’s fabric.
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Ease of Cleaning
We’ve all got a lot going on and the last thing we want to do is to spend hours and hours trying to clean a dirty or smelly dog bed. Plus, you want a nice and clean place for your pup to rest.
You’ll want to look for something that is pretty quick and easy to clean; think of non-porous materials, materials that can easily be spot-cleaned or even hosed off outside. Another great feature is if the products can be machine washed!
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Size, Fit and Weight Capacity
Dogs come in every shape and size, so you’ll want to find a bed that’s perfect for your pup - whether you have a tiny toy breed, a gentle giant or anything in between. Most dog beds will list the dimensions of the bed itself, along with the weight capacity.
Finding a company that makes beds in multiple sizes is great too – even if you just have one dog, you may need more than one sized bed depending on the use (in a crate, outdoors, in a specifically shaped and sized corner of the living room etc.).
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Price and Long-Term Value
Generally speaking, quality over quantity is a good mindset, and dog beds are no different! There are plenty of beds out there that are very inexpensive, but it’s worth asking yourself – is this going to last? Am I going to have to buy a replacement bed if this gets worn? Will I then need to buy another replacement after that?
While it may seem counter-intuitive, it’s best to spend more money up front for overall, long term savings. Think about it – if you buy a $30 dog bed that only lasts 4 months, you’ll be spending $90+ a year if you’re always replacing that bed.
Alternatively, you could go with the tried and true, durable option that may be a bit more expensive but that is going to last you and your canine companion for years to come.
Price, longevity and quality are all important factors to consider!
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Bedding to Last a Lifetime
Could you picture getting just one bed that will last your dog from puppyhood, to their rebellious “teenage” years, into adulthood and their golden years? Sounds great, right? While it may seem impossible, it’s definitely doable. You can absolutely find a dog bed company that has a legacy and reputation for a long-lasting product.
Think about buying a bed that your puppy can grow into. It’s got to be durable, too, to hold up to the teething phase and the zoomies. What if your dog gets really destructive during their high energy “teenage” years? Does your bed have the option to replace damaged parts or do you have to buy a whole new bed? This also ties into the durability and long-term value considerations, too.
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Bed Type
There are so many bed options out there for your pets nowadays. Here are some features of some of the more popular options:
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Pillow Beds
These traditional-style dog beds can be easy to store and are great for pups who love to snuggle in to get cozy! Many pillow beds come with covers that offer some stain and water resistance. However, this type of bedding can collect and harbor dust, dirt, dander and other not-so-great allergens that can pose potential issues for your pet and family.
Not to mention, these plush beds may also become your dog’s new favorite chew toy. This can pose a danger if your dog were to ingest any of the damaged bed pieces.
Over time, pillow beds can also become lumpy and don’t provide even support for your dog. Imagine sleeping on a lumpy mattress and waking up with aches and pains!
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Orthopedic Foam Beds
This bedding option solves that last issue mentioned above and can help prevent future joint problems by more evenly distributing your dog’s weight. If your dog is more comfortable, they will sleep better and feel better overall!
One downside is the fact that the types of foam in these beds tend to trap heat. While the bed itself may be comfortable, if your dog is overheating, it won’t be a nice place to rest.
Depending on the type of materials used in orthopedic beds, they may require special or specific cleaning instructions. You may also need to purchase an additional cover to keep the bed clean and to uphold the quality of the bed.
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Raised Dog Beds
Elevated dog beds address a lot of the cons of pillow and orthopedic foam beds. The raised design allows for airflow above and below the sleeping area rather than trapping body heat. This helps regulate your pet’s temperature.
The flat, stable cot-like surface also provides a nice and firm, even area to lay on which can reduce joint discomfort.
Raised dog beds are often much easier to clean than other options which can improve hygiene and skin sensitives.
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Health Benefits
Did you know that your canine companions spend around 12 – 14 hours a day asleep? Napping half the day away means that finding a comfortable bed for them that will offer health benefits while they rest is a win-win! Think of the features that come to mind when you picture a comfortable bed. It may look something like this:
- Joint discomfort and muscle soreness
- Hygiene and allergens
- Quality and longevity
- Comfort and temperature regulation
These can all translate over to shopping for your pup’s new bed, too! So, take those bullet points to start and make your list as you do your research. Come up with pros and cons of each bed type and brand to help you make your decision.
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Multifunctional
Who doesn’t love multifunctional things? Crockpots, multi-tools, convertible sofas or even “smart” refrigerators that let you update your social media status. We’re seeing more and more products out there that have more than one use. They’re convenient and can be the all-in-one item you’ve been looking for!
Do you need a bed for your dog’s crate, or just around the house? Maybe both? Be sure to pick a bed that’s sized to fit and can be adjusted as needed.
What about location – are you going to be spending time lounging on the couch or outside on the deck with your pup? Find something that’s suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Bonus points if the bed can be used during training; place training can be an invaluable tool and skill for your dog to master!
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Brand Reputation
This is definitely a big one to consider – product aside, what do you know about the business you’re buying from? What values do you look at when it comes to a company?
Ideally, you’ll find a company that provides a great product along with great customer support and stands behind their product and offers a warranty. It’s always nice to support a small business, too, and if they’re local to you, even better! Quality products made in the USA also don’t go unnoticed.
It depends on your personal preferences and values, but these are all things to consider when researching dog bed companies.
Read up on the company background, check out customer reviews, TrustPilot ratings etc.
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Compatibility and Add-Ons
We all love to mix and match, so besides the dog beds themselves, what else does the company sell? What if you want a cozy blanket to go with your new dog bed? Maybe you want options down the road for different bed colors.
Besides the aesthetic side of things, let’s also think about practicality: while we discussed durability and longevity earlier, it’s still important to remember… stuff happens. So, what happens if the bed becomes damaged? Are you ready to purchase a full new bed for your dog? Depending on what you brand and product decide on, you might not have to! You can find a dog bed that has interchangeable and replaceable parts so that yes, you can mix and match to get the look you want, but you can also swap out potentially damaged parts as needed instead of having to buy a whole new bed.
Quality products can be found that will last for years and years, it just might take a little bit of digging to find but you’ll be so glad that you did the research. Especially because this investment will directly impact your dog’s health, happiness and comfort.