Choosing the best dog bed: calming, orthopaedic, waterproof or outdoor
Size, sleeping style, calming and orthopaedic beds, and what works outside.
The best dog bed is the one that suits where your dog sleeps and how they sleep. Think about size first, so they can stretch out or curl up comfortably, then the spot, whether that’s the lounge room, a verandah or the yard. After that, match the bed to your dog: a thick, supportive orthopaedic bed for an older or stiff dog, a calming bed with a raised rim for a dog that likes to curl up, and a waterproof or weatherproof bed for outdoors. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s washable. Every bed in our range is machine washable.
Start with how your dog sleeps
Watch your dog for a few nights. Dogs that sprawl on their side need a bed long enough for their legs to stretch out, while curlers often prefer a round bed with sides to tuck into. Measure your dog lying down in their usual position and allow a little extra room. If your dog likes to rest their chin on something, a bed with a bolster or raised edge gives them a pillow.
Types of dog bed
Our bedding room has a bed for every situation: calming, waterproof, weatherproof, indoor and outdoor, and orthopaedic, all machine washable. Here’s how to think about each.
Orthopaedic beds for older or stiff dogs
Older dogs often slow down, and some develop arthritis. The RSPCA lists signs of arthritis such as slowing down, stiff legs, reluctance to walk, licking or chewing joints, and trouble with stairs or jumping. If you notice these, book in with your vet for a proper diagnosis, as arthritis is painful and needs treatment. At home, the RSPCA suggests shorter walks on even ground, avoiding stairs, covering slippery floors and using a ramp for the car. A supportive, easy-to-step-onto bed is part of making them comfortable, not a replacement for vet care.
Calming beds
Calming beds usually have a soft, raised rim that dogs can curl into and rest their head on. They suit dogs that like to burrow or sleep tucked up in a ball.
Waterproof, weatherproof and outdoor beds
If your dog spends time outside, look for a waterproof or weatherproof bed that can handle dew, muddy paws and the odd spilled water bowl. The RSPCA’s dog care advice says dogs with outdoor access need shelter from wind, rain, cold, heat and sun, and kennels should be warm, dry and draught-free, off the ground and near the house. Put the bed in that sheltered spot, not out in the open.
Mats, crates and travel
Mats are great for the car, the café or the end of the couch, and they roll up for holidays. If you’re crate training, a mat sized to the crate makes it a comfortable place to settle.
Keep bedding clean
The RSPCA recommends washable rugs, cushions or blankets for extra comfort and warmth, and says bedding should be cleaned regularly. It matters for fleas too: flea eggs drop off into bedding, so during an infestation the RSPCA suggests washing bedding at a high temperature every week. Our flea, tick and worming guide has more on that.
Try them in our bedding room
Our beds and blankets range includes Snooza, Mini Jumbuk, Ezy Dog, Rover Australia, All Terrain Mats, the Kazoo Outdoor Bed, Indie Boho and Houndsome, plus training crates and mats. For cats there’s Cattitude and Tara Treasures felted cat cocoons, and hard and soft cat carriers. Pets are regular visitors at 24 Murray Street, Angaston, so feel free to bring yours along, or call 0468 378 344 to ask about a size.
Common questions
What is the best bed for an older dog?
Many older or stiff dogs are more comfortable on a thick, supportive orthopaedic bed that is easy to step onto. If your dog shows signs of arthritis, such as stiff legs or trouble with stairs, see your vet as well.
Are your dog beds machine washable?
Yes. Every bed in our range is machine washable, including calming, waterproof, weatherproof, indoor/outdoor and orthopaedic beds.
What kind of bed should I use outside?
Choose a waterproof or weatherproof bed and put it somewhere sheltered from wind, rain, sun and heat. The RSPCA says kennels should be warm, dry, draught-free and off the ground.
How often should I wash my dog’s bed?
The RSPCA says bedding should be cleaned regularly. If your pet has fleas, wash bedding at a high temperature every week until the infestation clears.
