There is something about a dog that makes you want to share your bed with them. That warm, heavy presence at your feet. The gentle snoring. The way they look at you like you hung the moon.
But vets say your dog deserves a spot of their own. Not just for nighttime sleep, but for naps, quiet time, and those moments when the house gets a little too busy and they need to retreat. A good dog bed can last for years, and choosing the right one makes a real difference, especially for older dogs.
Here is what six veterinarians and dog trainers told NBC to look for, along with some of their top picks.
What Makes a Dog Bed Worth It
A dog bed does more than cushion a tired body. According to Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, medical director of primary care at Bond Vet in New York City, it gives your dog a personal space where they feel safe and secure. That sense of having a home base can ease anxiety and if your dog needs to travel, their familiar bed can come along for comfort.
For most young, healthy dogs, a basic, affordable bed from your local store works just fine, says Dr. Joe Wakshlag, professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. Specialty beds with orthopedic or cooling features are most valuable when there is a medical need.
Five Things to Consider Before You Buy
- Size: The bed should be large enough for your dog to stretch out fully: limbs extended, every inch of them on the mattress. Dr. Dana Varble, chief veterinary officer for the nonprofit North American Veterinary Community, puts it simply: the bed needs to fit the whole dog, toes and all. Small dogs can usually use a larger bed without issue. But as Dr. Sarah Hoggan, medical director for VCA California Veterinary Specialists, Murrieta, notes, a tiny bed for a big dog just does not work.
- Washability: Dogs are not known for their tidiness. A removable, machine-washable cover (ideally paired with a waterproof inner liner) keeps things clean and extends the life of the bed. Hoggan recommends it for any dog that comes in from outside or is prone to accidents.
- Cushioning and support: For older dogs, this matters most. Beds with memory foam or orthopedic foam help with arthritis, neurological problems, and joint issues, says Wakshlag. He recommends foam in the 4- to 5-inch range for senior dogs; anything with just 1 inch of foam may call itself orthopedic, but it does not do much real work. Hoggan adds that a less mobile dog needs thicker, sturdier foam to prevent pressure sores.
- Durability: If your dog likes to chew, skip the fluffy fleece and look for tougher materials. Hoggan also cautions against beds with tassels or long threads; those can become a hazard if swallowed.
- Insulation: Think about your climate and your dog’s breed. A thin-coated dog in a cold house needs warmth, fleece and thick materials help. A heavy-coated dog in a warm climate does better with a cooling foam bed or one that is elevated off the floor to let air circulate underneath.
A Note on Older Dogs and Bed Height
If your older or smaller dog has been sleeping in your bed, it might be time to reconsider. Hoggan points out that a small dog’s legs are only about six to eight inches long, while the average bed stands 24 inches high and premium mattresses are even taller. Jumping down from a height three to four times their leg length invites injury. For larger dogs, repeated jumping can aggravate arthritis over time.
A low-profile dog bed (one they can simply step onto rather than climb up) is safer and more comfortable, especially as they age.
For older dogs, Dr. Kristen Nelson, a veterinarian and author of Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life, recommends an orthopedic bed with a low, open front for easy entry and exit, along with a thick memory foam insert and a water-resistant liner. Orthopedic beds with a low profile make it much easier for arthritic dogs to get on and off without having to lift their paws high, she says.
Your Dog’s Spot Is Their Safe Place
Hoggan describes a dog bed as your pup’s version of base in a childhood game of tag. When they are tired, overwhelmed by company, or just done with the day, they go to their spot. It is theirs.
That is a small thing. But for a dog who has been your faithful companion through everything life has handed you, it feels like the least we can do, giving them a soft, warm place to call their own.
