Best Dog Beds: How to Choose the Right Dog Bed for Every Pup

There’s nothing worse than seeing your beloved dog develop a limp after a bad night’s sleep. Man's best friend may descend from the mighty wolf, but their doggy bodies are a little more delicate. The right dog bed can give your pup the relaxing throne they deserve and the rejuvenating sleep they need.

Learn what separates the great dog beds from the bad, how to size your pup’s bed correctly, and what older dogs need to feel comfortable. 

Key Takeaways

• No single "best" dog bed exists. Pick the right bed for your dog's size, age, health, and sleep style.

• Bolster beds combine orthopedic support, security, and versatility for most dogs.

• Memory foam and orthopedic support are critical for large dogs, seniors, and dogs with joint issues.

• Washable covers and durable construction dramatically extend the bed's lifespan.

• A sleep company like Leesa brings mattress-grade foam technology and comfort expertise to pet beds.

What makes a dog bed "the best" for your dog

Many dog beds end up unused because they're chosen on looks or price, not on how a dog actually sleeps. Dogs are mammals with joints that need protecting, so the same principles that make a great human mattress also apply to dog beds. This means the cutest pet bed sponsored by your favorite pet influencer may not be the best choice. 

The goal is to match your dog's specific size, age, health, and sleep behavior to the right bed. These are the four pillars to look for: 

• Support: What is the bed made of? Is it thick enough for your dog’s weight? 

• Comfort: How cozy is the bed? Is your pet likely to fall off? 

• Durability: Will the bed outlast high-energy scratching? Can it survive the zoomies?

• Practicality: Where can the bed realistically fit in your home? 

Every dog is different, and so too are their sleeping needs. Even if your pup regularly co-sleeps with you, they probably also prefer other sleeping spots outside the bedroom. 

Why your dog's sleep matters more than you think

Dog owners have all lived the same experience: sitting down to get some work done and getting interrupted by the sound of your dog snoring. Loudly, too. 

On average, dogs sleep more than people do, and it’s not because they’re lazy. Their wolf DNA primes them to sleep lightly and frequently, in case predators are around. Nowadays, that predator may be the vacuum cleaner, but this genetic makeup is hard to shake. Even working breeds, like hounds and collies, need more sleep than their human teammates. 

• Adult dogs need an average of 11 hours of sleep per day. 

• Large breeds, companion breeds, and seniors may need closer to 13.5 hours of sleep.

• Puppies, just like human babies, need more sleep than their adult counterparts, around 18 to 20 hours. 

Adult and senior dogs also spend up to a third of the day sleeping, spreading their sleep hours across the 24-hour cycle. This makes a dog's bed, or wherever they’re sleeping, their most-used piece of furniture. Poor sleep surfaces contribute to joint problems, anxiety, and behavioral issues simply because bad quality sleep affects mood and long-term health. 

Think about it this way: even ancient wolves weren’t sleeping on a cold, hard wooden floor. They slept on soft grass and warm dirt that gave them some sleepy-time support. For older dogs who may already have joint pain, sleeping on a hard crate or thin, aged dog bed only exacerbates their pain. 

No dog owner wants their best buddy to suffer. That’s why Leesa, a company built on sleep science, approaches pet beds the same way they approach human mattresses, with careful engineering and pet-safe materials.

The many types of dog beds

Just like people's beds, there are all kinds of dog beds, from high-end orthopedic beds to cardboard-like dog beds that can cause pressure sores. Knowing the various types helps you know what to use, when, and what to avoid. 

Bed type #1: Flat/cushion beds

With basic design and limited support, these beds are like sturdier, thinner pillows. They’re usually affordable and come in a range of sizes, so they’re good temporary beds. For example, if you have a pup who’s already ill and gets car sick, but has to be driven to the vet, throwing a cheap flat bed in their car crate is a good way to keep them comfortable, and you won’t feel bad throwing the pukey bed away. 

They're good in a pinch, but even when these beds are thicker, they don’t reduce pressure points in the neck and head, since there’s no edge support. Small dogs or puppies are also prone to falling out of these beds.

Bed type #2: Donut beds

These little round beds look like giant donuts, with tall, thick sides and a small, deep center. This enclosed design is excellent for little to medium-sized dogs who love to curl up when they sleep. 

Donut beds also help anxious dogs feel more comfortable, but they don’t let pups stretch out easily. There are also sizing constraints. Most donut beds are designed for breeds under 30 pounds, so extra-large pups won’t quite fit.  

Bed type #3: Orthopedic beds

Despite the grey muzzle hairs, you always see your dog as a puppy. But while older dogs may be puppies at heart, they have the same aging issues as humans. Their joints start losing cartilage as they age, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. 

It’s called osteoarthritis, and it’s one of the most common issues in senior dogs and even cats. Larger breeds and pets with past injuries are especially prone. Pet owners will do anything for their furry besties, and creating a compatible sleep system is a good way to start easing their pain. Orthopedic dog beds are made with a special memory foam material and are designed to support a dog's joints. 

These beds provide needed pressure relief for dogs of all sizes. The only hangup is that these peds are often flat with no side support or security features. 

Bed type #4: Bolster beds

Bolster beds are the love child of donut beds and orthopedic beds. They have the tall sides like donut beds, but they’re larger with more space for a dog to roll and stretch. These sturdy, raised edges provide security, head/neck support, and a den-like sense of comfort. 

These beds often feature an orthopedic foam core for joint support and durability, which is needed for larger dogs. Bolster beds hit each of the four pillars that make a great dog bed.

• Support: Bolster beds are made of thick memory foam that supports breeds of all sizes.  

• Comfort: The bed has tall sides so your pets aren’t likely to fall off, even as a clumsy puppy. The outer cover is often soft to the touch and perfect for cozy naps. 

• Durability: Different bolster beds vary in durability, but memory foam is naturally durable. 

• Practicality: Unlike round donut beds, bolster beds are nearly always rectangular and fit well in most homes. 

No dog bed is perfect, but bolster beds come pretty close. This is exactly why Leesa chose a bolster design for their pet bed. 

What separates premium memory foam from disposable memory foam

The reality is that many pet bed manufacturers use low-density polyfoam rather than high-density memory foam. Low-grade foam isn’t as breathable and doesn’t provide the same level of support. It also tends to flatten over time. 

What your pet needs is mattress-grade foam that lasts for years. Look for manufacturers that use the same foam in people's mattresses for their pet beds. This includes premium construction practices like extra seam strength and stitching integrity, along with non-slip bottoms for hard floors. These are the little details that help pet beds maintain their shape and structure for years.

Choosing the right size and fit

The most common dog bed sizing guideline is to measure your pet from nose to tail, then add 6-12 inches to find your ideal dog bed size. Alternatively, there’s the weight guideline. This states that a dog under 40 pounds needs a bed that’s 35 inches long or shorter, and a dog over 40 pounds needs a bed that’s 40 inches long or longer. 

Each pet bed manufacturer will have slightly different guidelines, and it’s best to follow these. Keep in mind how your dog sleeps. Do they like more room to spread out? Are they usually chilly and like to be cuddled by their bed?

Make sure the bed's features are proportional to your dog, as well. For bolster dog beds, the tall sides need to match the dog's size so they don’t roll out. 

The Leesa Plush Bolster Pet Bed: sleep expertise, built for pets

Leesa has spent years perfecting the art of better sleep, and that same expertise translates surprisingly well to pets. After all, dogs are basically professional nappers.

The Plush Bolster Pet Bed brings mattress-level comfort to your furry family member. Instead of flimsy stuffing, this bed is built with premium CertiPUR-US®-certified foam for real support, durability, and comfort. It's a luxury sleep setup built with paws in mind.

The Plush Bolster Pet Bed is intentionally designed for pets that love to curl up, stretch out, lean against something cozy, or dramatically switch positions 14 times before falling asleep. The foam inside also gives premium mattress-production materials a second life, creating less waste while delivering comfort that lasts.

• Supportive Bolster Design: Plush cushioned edges provide head and neck support while the open front leaves plenty of room for sprawling naps.

• Mattress-Level Comfort: Soft faux fur and supportive foam create a cozy sleep surface inspired by the same comfort-focused design Leesa mattresses are known for.

• Easy Cleanup: A TPU-laminated waterproof liner helps protect against muddy paws and surprise accidents, while the removable cover is machine washable.

• Non-Slip Base: Helps keep the bed in place, even during enthusiastic pre-nap circling rituals.

• Designed for Real Homes: The clean design blends naturally into living spaces instead of looking like a brightly colored pet store in your living room.

• Built to Last: Durable materials help the bed maintain its shape and support over time, unlike beds that flatten and end up looking like sad throw pillows by month six.

The Leesa Plush Bolster Pet Bed is available in Small/Medium and Large/Extra Large sizing, and the bed works for everything from compact curlers to full-body starfishing specialists. Because if a pet is going to spend most of the day sleeping, their new bed should probably pull its weight.

Care and Maintenance

A pet bed sees a lot of life, from icky paws to plenty of drool, and you need a pet bed you can clean. The Leesa Plush Bolster Pet Bed comes with a removable, machine-washable outer cover. Simply send your pup out to the yard to reduce the risk of a puppy tantrum, then wash the cover on a cold, gentle cycle and tumble dry on low. 

The foam insert and bolsters should not be machine-washed. Instead, spot-clean small messes with a damp cloth and mild detergent, then allow everything to fully air-dry before reassembling. The wash frequency depends on how messy your pup is, but about once or twice a month is best. You can manage pet odor between washes by letting the bed air out occasionally and vacuuming the faux fur surface regularly. 

Your pet's new favorite bed is designed to last for years and years. Only replace it when you notice the memory foam is finally worn down.

Get the best orthopedic dog bed for your furry best friend

Your dog deserves sleep as good as yours. The best dog bed matches your specific pup’s needs, and bolster designs tend to offer the most versatility for most dogs. Look for premium memory foam and solid construction to get the best long-term comfort and value. 

A sleep company like Leesa brings a level of expertise that generic pet brands can't match. Our Leesa Plush Bolster Pet Bed is built with the same sleep expertise that’s behind every Leesa mattress. 

FAQ

Why should I buy a dog bed from a mattress company? 

Mattress companies like Leesa understand foam science, pressure relief, and sleep comfort at a level that pet-only brands often don't. That expertise directly translates to a better dog bed.

How do I know if my dog needs an orthopedic bed? 

Dogs over 60 lbs, senior dogs (7+ years), or any dog showing stiffness or reluctance to move benefit significantly from orthopedic support.

Why are bolster beds better than flat beds? 

Bolster beds offer head/neck support, security, and den-like comfort while still allowing dogs to stretch out—all in one design.

How often should I replace my dog's bed? 

Quality beds like Leesa's can last several years with proper care. Replace when foam loses support or shows visible wear.

Can I wash the Leesa pet bed? 

The cover is removable and machine washable. The foam core should be spot cleaned.

What size should I get? 

Dogs under 40 pounds typically do well with beds that are 35 inches long or shorter, while dogs over 40 pounds usually need a bed that is at least 40 inches long. When in doubt, go one size up.