11 Best Dog Beds of 2022: Mattresses, Plush, Senior-Dog-Friendly

Countless chew toys, organic snacks, seasonal ’fits—it's no secret that pet owners love spoiling their four-legged friends. But beyond the adorable accessories, the best dog beds are the real way to spoil your fluff ball. Unlike us, dogs sleep more during the day (while living rent-free), so comfort is key for catching restful z's—especially if you want to preserve the integrity of your couch or mattress by giving them a dedicated resting zone that isn't the corner of your bouclé couch or freshly made bed. 

Whether you're shopping for your first dog bed or the nth replacement, it's important to keep a few factors in mind, starting with age, size, and breed. That's why we reached out to experts to learn more about what goes into picking the right bed for your pup. Here's what you need to know.

How to choose a dog bed according to age 

If you have a relatively younger dog, the thickness of the bed isn’t a huge concern. “For younger dogs, material or thickness may not play as big a role as it does for older dogs,” says Colleen Wilcox, DVM, from Bayshore Veterinary Hospital. “I mostly consider if the dog bed has pieces that a puppy or younger dog can eat, tear off, or be harmful.” Older dogs, especially seniors, need thicker beds. “For older dogs, you’ll want a firmer, thicker cushion to support their joints. Look out for words [in the product description] like orthopedic and air cushion,” says Wilcox.

What is the best fabric for a dog bed?

Dog beds come in a range of fabrics these days—from suede to leather—that can easily match your home decor. But aesthetics aside, you really want to think about practicality when shopping for a dog bed. Miguelina Moniello, DVM, and founder of Bayshore Veterinary Hospital, tells Glamour that you ideally want to consider fabrics that are easy to clean or vacuum. Ideally, Moniello suggests picking up one that's machine-washable—or, if the bed is too large to fit in a standard washer, at least has a removable cover that you can pop in when it gets too dirty. 

For dogs that shed a lot, Wilcox suggests picking up a “tauter or more firm bed, which can be easier to clean without the hair or fabric getting stuck in the vacuum.” If you have an older dog that's prone to bed-wetting, Wilcox recommends getting a waterproof bed instead. It makes sense: If your bed is nonwaterproof and nonwashable, you'll be left with stains and a stench, forcing you to replace the bed sooner rather than later.  

Is there such a thing as a “wrong” dog bed? 

Just like humans, dogs have preferences when it comes to their beds. “I think certain breeds prefer different beds,” says Wilcox. “Smaller dogs like Chihuahuas prefer nesting beds, whereas big dogs tend to like big flat ones with bolsters on the ends to rest their heads.”