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The Best Dog Mattress

Last updated on January 21, 2024
Best Dog Mattress

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You love your pup and you want him or her to be able to rest comfortably when taking a nap or sleeping at night. A dog bed (dog mattress) is a great way to do this, and the best part is that you can easily move the dog bed into any room. That way, if you’re watching TV in the living room, your dog will be close by. When shopping for the perfect dog mattress, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.

Before you make your purchase, consider what you already know about your dog’s behavior and sleeping style, says Stephanie Mantilla, a positive reinforcement animal trainer who runs the blog Curiosity Trained.

“Some dogs prefer raised beds, others prefer beds with ‘arms’ to rest their head on, while others prefer cushy memory foam to sprawl out on,” she says.

Examine the bed’s construction and the materials it is made out of to ensure it will be soft against your dog’s fur. Some models are made out of materials like faux fur or nylon that are extremely comfortable.

If you live in a warmer climate, or you have hot summers, you may want to look for a memory foam mattress filled with gel foam. The gel keeps the dog bed from becoming too hot and provides a cooling sensation that is welcome when temperatures outside reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Determine if your dog needs added orthopedic support. Some models have bolstered sides that help with this. Others use a special memory foam mattress that helps with muscle aches, joint pain, hip dysplasia and arthritis.

Flip the mattress over and take a look at the bottom. Some beds have a non-slip bottom to prevent the mattress from sliding across the room every time your dog tries to lay in it. This isn’t a must if you have carpet, but it is ideal for those who have tile and hardwood flooring that can be slippery.

If your dog is a chewer, certain beds aren’t ideal. Look for the words “tear-resistant” on the product packaging to ensure you aren’t buying a bed that will only last a few days.

Check to see if the company implements any environmentally-friendly practices. For example, some dog beds use recycled green polyfill for the bolsters.

Finally, consider the extras, like water-resistant covers that protect against leaks, and a variety of colors to match the room in your home where you plan on placing the dog bed. Most dog beds are sold in small, medium and large, although some companies also have an extra-large option.

If you’re looking for a mattress that’s easy to keep clean, consider one with a removable cover, suggests Mantilla.

“Having an easily removable cover makes washing easy,” she says. “This will keep the bed and your house from smelling. My best tip is to get an extra cover for the bed so that your dog can still use the bed while the other cover is being washed.”

Our Picks For The Top Dog Mattresses

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

MidWest Homes Deluxe Super Plush Dog Mattress

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

MidWest Homes

Deluxe Super Plush Dog Mattress

Soft is the best word to describe this attractive dog mattress. It can be used inside a dog cage or on any floor in your home. In addition to the plush surface, this bed comes with a non-slip bottom to keep the bed from sliding around on a hardwood floor.

Overall Take

Machine WashableEasy maintenance is what you'll get with this machine washable dog bed.

 Runner Up

Brindle High Density Velour Dog Mattress

Brindle

High Density Velour Dog Mattress

This dog mattress is 4-inches thick and designed to provide older dogs with relief from their achy joints. The mattress is constructed from a soft memory foam and covered with a waterproof case. The case is easily removable for cleaning when needed.

Overall Take

Nice and ThickYou'll find this dog mattress comes in a variety of colors, including red, navy, khaki and charcoal.

 We Also Like

Best Friends by Sheri Pet-Safe Shag Dog Mattress

Best Friends by Sheri

Pet-Safe Shag Dog Mattress

Comfort is king when you opt for this dog bed. This top-notch dog mattress not only features soft faux shag fur, but it also self-warms the longer your dog lays on it. The sides are bolstered to give your dog additional orthopedic support and relief from muscle pain. Dog owners will also appreciate that this set is machine washable and safe for use...

Overall Take

Cozy and ComfyWhile this dog bed is an excellent choice for all dogs, it provides additional orthopedic support for aging dogs.

 Strong Contender

BarkBox Orthopedic Ultra Plush Dog Mattress

BarkBox

Orthopedic Ultra Plush Dog Mattress

On a hot summer night, keep your pup cool with this dog bed that features a special gel foam with cooling properties. The design of this memory foam mattress relieves aches caused by conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis. This waterproof option also comes in four different sizes and four different colors.

Overall Take

Great DesignIn addition to being made with a comfortable memory foam material, this dog mattress is also filled with cooling gel.

Our Expert Consultant

Stephanie Mantilla 
Animal trainer

Stephanie Mantilla is a positive reinforcement-based animal trainer who has worked with a variety of animals, from lizards all the way up to cheetahs and lions.  She now runs the pet blog Curiosity Trained, writing about training and enrichment for your dog and cat.  She holds a behavioral husbandry professional development certificate from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and has a bachelor of science in biology and environmental science.

What to Look For

  • Check the product label for washing instructions. Some dog mattresses are machine washable and dryer safe, while others are not. There are even models on the market that have a cover, so all you need to do is unzip the cover and toss it in the washing machine to get it clean. Even if the mattress is safe to toss in the washing machine, the label may warn not to use bleach, as this could harm the fabric. There may be restrictions when it comes to the dryer as well, such as only tumbling the bed cover on low heat.
  • Schedule weekly cleanings for your dog mattress. In between cleanings, you may wish to use your vacuum to suck up any pet hair or dirt that got tracked in after your pup came in from playing outdoors. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the bed for fleas and ticks during the summer months, as it is possible for your dog to pick these up while spending time in your yard.
  • Depending on the type of foam used to make the dog mattress, you may notice an odor when you first open the packaging. Airing the mattress out for a few days should do the trick. If there are any lingering odors, you can sprinkle baking soda over the bed and let it sit overnight. Simply vacuum the powder up the next morning, and the mattress will be ready for your dog.
  • While reviewing prices, it is important that you compare like sizes and features. Bigger beds tend to be more expensive, while smaller beds tend to be more economical.

More to Explore

Dogs, like people, need a certain amount of sleep per day. In general, this is anywhere between 12 and 14 hours. This number increases for younger pups and older dogs. A dog bed or mattress is an excellent way to assist man’s best friend in getting the ideal amount of sleep.

Like humans, dogs go into REM sleep. It is during this stage of sleep that dogs can shiver, shake, twitch, cry, kick, growl and even move their legs like they are running. It is important that you never try to wake your dog during REM sleep, or you risk getting bitten. In fact, 60% of dog bites occur when someone wakes a dog from a deep slumber.

There are four general positions dogs tend to sleep in. They may sleep on their side by themselves or on their side with their back up against your back, on their tummies, with their feet up in the air or all curled up with their heads meeting their tails.

Stress also causes canines to toss and turn in their sleep. Changes in routines, loud noises (like thunder) and certain training techniques can all be sources of stress for a dog.

More to explore