This dog bed buying guide helps you match size, fill type and durability to your dog's build, age and chewing habits. Measure your dog nose-to-tail and add 20 to 30cm for length, choose orthopaedic foam for older joints or bolster styles for cuddlers, and prioritise a removable, washable cover for easy cleaning.
What size dog bed do you need?
Getting the size right is the single biggest factor in whether your dog actually uses the bed. Too small and they'll sprawl on the floor; too large and it won't feel secure.
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail while they're standing, then add 20 to 30cm to that figure for the bed length. Watch how they sleep, too: curlers suit round or bolster beds, while stretchers and sprawlers need a rectangular mat with room to spare.
Factor in growth for puppies and give multi-dog households a size up if they like to share.
Which fill type is best?
The filling determines comfort, support and how long the bed keeps its shape. Match it to your dog's age and any joint issues rather than just picking the cheapest option.
Polyester fibre fill
Soft, lightweight and budget-friendly, fibre fill suits younger dogs and light sleepers. It compresses over time, so it's better as a cosy secondary bed than a primary orthopaedic base for a large breed.
Foam and orthopaedic
Solid or memory foam holds its shape and cushions pressure points, making it ideal for senior dogs, heavier breeds and any dog with arthritis or hip trouble. It's the pick if your dog struggles to get up in the mornings.
Bolster and nest styles
Raised sides give anxious dogs something to lean against and a spot to rest their head. They're reassuring for smaller breeds and dogs that like to burrow, and they pair well with a soft comfort toy like this Bazza plush bin chicken for pups that settle better with company.
How do you choose a chew-resistant bed?
If your dog is a chewer, durability trumps plushness. Look for tightly woven ballistic or ripstop fabrics, reinforced double-stitched seams, and hidden or chew-proof zips rather than exposed piping a dog can latch onto.
Elevated trampoline beds made from a taut PVC-coated mesh over a metal or PVC frame are among the hardest to destroy, and they keep dogs cool off the ground in summer. There's no truly indestructible bed, so supervise new beds and redirect chewing with appropriate toys.
For persistent chewers, a raised bed with no soft filling to shred is usually the most sensible long-term choice.
How important is washability?
Very. Dog beds collect hair, dander, dirt and the occasional accident, so a removable, machine-washable cover with a water-resistant inner liner will save you endless grief.
Keep a box of disposable gloves nearby for handling messy cleanups, and a pack such as these Vileda Ansell WORKmates gloves makes the grubbier jobs far more pleasant. Line the wash basket or dispose of soiled bedding hygienically with sturdy bags like these 60L heavy-duty garbage bags.
Wash covers fortnightly, air the inner cushion in the sun to control odour, and rotate a spare cover so your dog always has a bed while one is drying.
Which bed suits which dog?
Every dog is different, but a few clear patterns make the choice easier. Use the table below to shortlist the right style before you buy.
| Dog type | Best bed style | Recommended fill | Priority feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior or large breed | Flat orthopaedic mat | Memory or high-density foam | Joint support |
| Anxious or small breed | Bolster or nest | Fibre with foam base | Raised sides |
| Heavy chewer | Elevated trampoline | No soft fill | Chew-resistant frame |
| Puppy | Washable mat (size up) | Fibre fill | Easy cleaning |
| Hot-climate dog | Raised mesh bed | Breathable mesh | Airflow and cooling |
Where should the bed go in your home?
Placement affects how much your dog uses the bed almost as much as comfort does. Dogs are den animals, so a quiet corner away from draughts and heavy foot traffic usually wins over an open, exposed spot.
Keep the bed off cold tiles in winter and out of direct summer sun. A calm, softly lit corner helps settle nervous dogs at night, and gentle lighting such as these dimmable battery wall sconces can make a cosy sleeping nook without a nearby power point.
If your dog sleeps in a shared living area, browse our wider home range to blend the bed into your décor, and explore the full toys, kids and pets range for bedding, toys and accessories to complete the setup.
Common dog bed mistakes to avoid
Even careful owners tend to trip over the same handful of errors, and most come down to buying for looks rather than function. Working through this dog bed buying guide with a clear head helps you sidestep the choices that lead to a bed gathering dust in the corner.
The most frequent slip is buying too small because a curled-up dog looks compact in the shop. Always size off a standing, stretched-out measurement, not a snoozing one. Another common miss is choosing thin foam for a heavy breed, which bottoms out within weeks and offers no real joint relief. Skipping a removable cover is a false economy too, since a bed you cannot wash properly quickly turns into a haven for odour and hair.
- Ignoring the floor surface and placing a thin mat straight onto cold tile, which chills older dogs and stiffens sore joints overnight.
- Overlooking chew risk by giving a known chewer a plush bed with exposed piping, then wondering where the stuffing went.
- Buying one bed for a growing puppy rather than sizing up, leaving them cramped within a few short months.
- Washing on a hot cycle that breaks down foam and shrinks covers, so always follow the care label and wash warm at most.
Dog bed cost guide for Australian homes
Price usually tracks fill quality and durability rather than brand alone, so it helps to know roughly what each tier buys before you shop. A basic fibre-fill mat suits a light-sleeping small dog and a tight budget, and it is a sensible choice for a spare bed in a second room or the car.
Mid-range beds bring you thicker foam bases, tougher covers and better bolstering, which is the practical sweet spot for most family dogs. Orthopaedic and memory-foam beds sit at the top for good reason, as they hold their support far longer under the weight of a large or senior dog and genuinely help arthritic hips. Elevated trampoline beds fall across the range but earn their keep for chewers and hot climates, since a taut mesh over a sturdy frame simply outlasts soft filling.
Think in terms of cost per year of use rather than the sticker price. A cheap bed replaced every few months often works out dearer, and less comfortable, than one supportive bed that lasts. Match the spend to your dog's size, age and habits, and treat consumables like a spare washable cover as part of the running cost rather than an afterthought.
Care tips for a longer-lasting bed
A little upkeep keeps a good bed going for years. Vacuum it weekly to lift hair before it works into the fibres, and treat spills promptly so odours don't set in.
Rotate and flip the cushion to spread wear evenly, and replace foam once it stops springing back, as a flattened bed offers little real support. Trim your dog's nails regularly too, since sharp claws are a common cause of torn covers.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right size dog bed?
Measure your dog from nose to the base of the tail while they're standing, then add 20 to 30cm for the bed length. Watch how they sleep: curlers suit round bolster beds, while sprawlers need a rectangular mat. Size up for puppies still growing or dogs that like to share.
What is the best fill for an older dog's bed?
Memory foam or high-density orthopaedic foam is best for senior dogs. It holds its shape, cushions pressure points and supports arthritic joints, helping older dogs get up more comfortably. Avoid thin fibre fill for large or elderly dogs, as it compresses quickly and offers little lasting support for aching hips and elbows.
Are chew-proof dog beds actually chew-proof?
No bed is truly indestructible, but some resist damage far better. Look for ballistic or ripstop fabric, reinforced seams and hidden zips, or choose an elevated trampoline bed with no soft filling to shred. Always supervise a new bed with a keen chewer and redirect the behaviour onto appropriate chew toys.
How often should I wash my dog's bed?
Wash the removable cover about every two weeks, and more often if your dog has skin issues, allergies or spends lots of time outdoors. Air the inner cushion in the sun regularly to control odours and bacteria. Keeping a spare cover on hand means your dog always has a bed while one is in the wash.
