How to choose the right dog bed: size, shape and care
Share
A good dog bed gives your dog a place of its own to rest, and keeps hair and dirt off the sofa. But the bed has to fit the dog: too small and it hangs over the edge, too big and a dog that likes to curl up never gets that snug feeling. Here's what makes the difference.
1. Watch how your dog sleeps
Keep an eye on your dog for a few evenings. The way it sleeps tells you a lot about the shape it will be comfortable in.
- Curls up: choose a round bed with a soft rim. The rim gives your dog something to lean against and rest its head on.
- Stretches out: choose a flat cushion or a large, rectangular bed with room for the whole body.
- Likes to burrow: choose a hooded bed or a small dog house. Many small dogs and dogs that feel the cold love them.
- Sleeps in different ways: choose a bed you can use several ways, such as one that buttons together or lies flat.
2. Measure your dog before you order
Measure your dog while it's lying stretched out, from the nose to the base of the tail. Add 15–20 cm. That's roughly the inside length the bed should have. For round beds, it's the inside diameter that counts, not the outside of the rim.
| Dog's length (nose to base of tail) | Roughly the right bed |
|---|---|
| under 35 cm | round bed 40–50 cm |
| 35–50 cm | round bed 50–60 cm, or cushion M |
| 50–65 cm | round bed 70 cm, or cushion L |
| over 65 cm | bed or cushion of 90 cm or more |
The table is a rule of thumb. If your dog is between two sizes, choose the larger one, especially if it likes to stretch out. Puppies can have a bed that fits now, so it feels safe, and a bigger one as they grow.
3. Choose the right base
The base of the bed should be thick enough that your dog can't feel the hard or cold floor underneath. Press your hand into the middle of the bed: if you feel the floor straight away, it's too thin for a big dog.
Older dogs and dogs with stiff joints often do best on an even, firm surface with a low rim that's easy to step over. If your dog is in pain or struggles to get up, talk to your vet.
4. Think about washing before you buy
A dog bed collects hair, dust and smells. Look for a removable cover or a bed that's machine washable, and check it fits in your washing machine. Shake and vacuum the bed regularly and wash it every week or two, more often when your dog is shedding or comes in wet.
5. Find a good spot for the bed
- A quiet spot where your dog can still see the family, such as a corner of the living room.
- Not in a draught by the front door and not right up against a heater.
- On cold tiles, a thicker bed or an insulating mat underneath helps.
- Many dogs like having two spots: one where you spend the evening and one in the bedroom.
Our dog beds
You'll find all our beds in the dog beds category. Here's a quick overview:
- Cosy dog bed for small dogs: a round, sheltered bed for dogs that like to burrow, 35–60 cm in diameter.
- Soft 3-in-1 dog bed: for small dogs and puppies. Buttons together into a snug bed or lies flat as a mat.
- Cushion-shaped plush dog bed: for dogs that stretch out. Removable, machine-washable cover.
- Cosy dog house with soft mattress: for small dogs that like a roof over their head. The mattress can be removed and washed.
Frequently asked questions
How big a bed does my dog need?
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail while it's stretched out and add 15–20 cm. If it always curls up, you can go down a size.
Is a round or a rectangular bed better?
A round bed with a rim suits dogs that curl up. A rectangular cushion suits dogs that stretch out. Watch how your dog lies.
How often should I wash the dog bed?
Shake and vacuum it often, and wash the cover or bed every week or two. More often when your dog is shedding or has been wet.
Why won't my dog use the new bed?
Many dogs need a little time. Put a blanket or an item of clothing that smells familiar in the bed, place it where your dog already likes to lie, and give a treat when it settles there.
