Dog Beds

The right dog bed depends less on price than on two things: how big your dog is, and how they sleep. A dog that sprawls flat on their side needs a different shape from one that curls into a ball against the sides. This collection covers beds in sizes from small breeds up to large dogs, including supportive designs with denser fill, elevated cots, and beds with covers you can take off and wash. Bed dimensions vary between manufacturers, so measure your dog and check the measurements listed on each product rather than going by the size label alone.

Find the Right Dog Bed for Your Dog

Start with size and sleeping position together. Surface area alone doesn't tell you much, a big bed with the wrong shape gets ignored just as quickly as one that's too small.

Beds for Small Dogs

Smaller dogs often gravitate towards enclosed shapes with raised sides, which give something to rest a head against and a bit of a den feeling. Heat retention matters more relative to body size too, so a bed with sides that hold warmth tends to get used more in winter.

That said, plenty of small dogs sprawl. Watch how yours actually sleeps before assuming a donut shape is the answer.

Beds for Large Dogs

Surface area is the obvious factor, but fill depth matters more than most shoppers expect. A large dog on a thin bed is effectively lying on the floor within a few weeks, since a heavier dog compresses the filling faster.

Look at how the bed is constructed and how dense the fill is, not just how wide it is. Beds labelled "large" vary enormously between brands, the stated dimensions are the only reliable comparison.

Puppy Beds

Puppies chew and have accidents, so washability and cost matter more at this stage than premium construction. Unlike a crate, there's little point sizing a bed for the adult dog, a puppy in a large empty bed often won't settle in it.

Buying modestly now and properly later is the usual approach. A bed inside a crate is the standard setup while a puppy is learning to sleep through the night.

Types of Dog Beds

Bed styles solve different problems. Which one suits follows from the dog rather than from preference.

Orthopedic and Supportive Beds

These use denser foam or memory foam that distributes weight across the surface instead of compressing flat under it. Owners generally choose them for older dogs, large breeds, and dogs who find getting up and down awkward.

Worth knowing that "orthopedic" isn't a regulated term in pet products, it describes the construction rather than a tested outcome. Check the foam type and thickness listed on the product. If you have specific concerns about your dog's joints or mobility, your vet is the right person to ask.

Elevated Beds and Cots

A taut fabric surface stretched over a frame, keeping the dog off the floor. Airflow underneath is the main appeal in warm weather, and they're quick to hose down, which suits outdoor or utility-room use.

The trade-off is cushioning, there isn't much. Some dogs prefer the firm, cool surface; others want something to sink into.

Washable Beds and Removable Covers

These are two different things and it's worth checking which you're getting. A fully machine-washable bed goes in whole. A bed with a removable cover has a zip-off outer over an insert that usually can't be washed.

Removable covers are generally more practical for regular cleaning, especially if a spare is available so the bed isn't out of action on wash day. A washable blanket laid over the surface catches most of the hair and dirt and stretches the interval between full washes.

How to Choose the Right Dog Bed

• Measure your dog asleep. Not standing, stretched out in their usual position, then add a few inches at each end.
• Sleeping position. Sprawlers want open surface; curlers want raised sides to lean into.
• Age. Older dogs tend to do better with denser fill and a lower step-in height.
• Chewing. A destructive dog will go through a soft bed. Sturdier construction or a cheaper replaceable bed both work.
• The spot it's going. Measure the floor space including clearance, not just the bed.
• Cleaning. Check the care label before you buy, not after the first muddy walk.

If the bed is going inside a crate that doubles as a piece of furniture, check the interior dimensions of the crate furniture rather than its external size, the frame takes up more room than it looks.

Keeping a Dog Bed Clean

Vacuum loose hair off before washing anything. Hair that goes into the machine tends to redistribute rather than disappear, and it clogs the filter.

Check the care label for what's washable. Covers usually go in on a gentle cycle with mild unscented detergent; skip fabric softener. Foam inserts hold moisture for days, so anything that does get wet needs drying thoroughly before it goes back down. You'll find the rest of the sleeping setup in our home and sleeping range.

Shop Dog Beds at Pawtons

Browse the range above, filter by size, and check the listed dimensions against the measurement you took. For dogs who sleep outdoors, our dog houses cover shelter as well as bedding, and the rest of our dog accessories cover the everyday extras.

Dog Beds — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right size dog bed?

Measure your dog lying down in their usual sleeping position, stretched out, then add a few inches at each end. Compare that against the dimensions listed on the product rather than the size label, small, medium and large mean different things between manufacturers.

What size bed does a large dog need?

Enough surface area to lie out fully, and enough fill depth that they aren't resting on the floor through it. Heavier dogs compress filling faster, so construction matters as much as width. Check the stated dimensions and the fill description rather than trusting a "large" label.

Are orthopedic dog beds worth it?

They use denser or memory foam that spreads weight rather than flattening under it, which is why owners of older and larger dogs often choose them. The term describes the construction, not a tested medical outcome. For questions about your dog's joints or mobility, speak to your vet.

What kind of bed suits a dog that stretches out?

A flat mattress or cot style with unobstructed surface area. Bolsters and raised sides get in the way of a dog who sprawls, and they end up hanging off the edge. Dogs who curl up are the opposite, they usually prefer sides to lean against.

How do you wash a dog bed?

Vacuum the hair off first, then check the care label. Removable covers generally go in on a gentle cycle with mild unscented detergent and no fabric softener. Many inserts aren't machine washable. Dry everything thoroughly, since foam holds moisture longer than it feels like it does.

How often should a dog bed be washed?

Most owners land on every week or two, though it depends on how much your dog sheds, how much time they spend outdoors, and whether they're clean when they get in. A blanket over the surface catches a lot and is quicker to wash than the whole bed.

Are elevated dog beds any good?

They suit warm weather and easy cleaning, airflow underneath and a surface you can wipe or hose down. The trade-off is minimal cushioning. Some dogs take to the firm surface straight away; others prefer something they can sink into.