Most people start looking for a pet bed when something shifts at home: a puppy that won’t settle, a dog that’s started limping after sleep, an older cat that now avoids the floor, or a chewer who destroys anything soft. The right bed isn’t just a nice extra. It affects warmth, joint comfort, hygiene, and the risk of a pet swallowing something they shouldn’t.
Below is a calm way to choose a bed that matches how your animal actually rests, how your home runs day to day, and what’s safest over the long haul—without guessing based on looks alone.
Start with the way your pet rests
Sleep and downtime are where small health and comfort issues tend to show up first. Some animals sprawl flat, others curl tight, and some rotate through a few preferred spots until they find the right temperature. A bed that suits those patterns helps your pet settle more easily and stay off cold, hard surfaces.
Breed and body size can influence how much cushioning and space is needed, but the more reliable guide is the individual animal in front of you: age, weight, coat, and any signs of stiffness after resting.
When comfort becomes a health issue
If your pet is older, heavier, or showing signs of joint pain (stiffness after naps, reluctance to jump, slower on cold mornings), prioritise a supportive, easy-access bed over anything decorative. Many veterinary and welfare guides recommend environmental adjustments for painful conditions—supportive bedding and easy, safe access are part of that picture.1
Pet bed styles: what they’re good for (and what to watch)
Standard cushion beds
These are the familiar pillow-style beds. They suit pets that like simple, open sleeping spaces and don’t need extra joint support.
- Best for: healthy adult pets, warm indoor rooms, pets that sprawl.
- Watch for: thin filling that flattens quickly; covers that can’t be washed.
Orthopaedic (supportive foam) beds
Supportive foam beds are often a better choice for older pets or those with arthritis-like stiffness, because they reduce pressure points against hard floors. Look for a foam base that doesn’t bottom out under your pet’s weight, and a cover that can be removed and washed.1
Heated beds and “extra warmth” options
Warmth can help some older or lightly coated pets settle in cold weather, but heat sources add risk if cords are chewed or if the bed overheats. If you’re adding warmth, choose products designed for pets and keep them well supervised—especially with puppies and habitual chewers. Some animal welfare guidance also cautions against improvised heat sources like electric blankets and hot water bottles because of chewing and burn risks.2
Covered or enclosed beds
Some pets rest best with a roof or high sides—particularly cats, and nervous animals that prefer concealment. Covered styles can create a quieter pocket of space, but they can also trap heat in summer and reduce airflow.
In cat-handling and welfare guidance, hiding and concealment are recognised as normal coping behaviour, and high-sided beds can help some cats feel safer.3
Choosing the correct bed size
A bed that’s too small forces awkward curling. A bed that’s too large can feel exposed for animals that like to nest. Size it for how your pet actually sleeps most often.
How to measure your pet
- Wait until your pet is resting in a natural position (sprawled or curled).
- Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
- Add extra length for comfort:
- Sprawlers: add roughly 10–20 cm.
- Curlers: less extra length is usually fine, but ensure the sides don’t crowd the shoulders.
- If your pet is older or stiff, choose a bed with a low front edge so they don’t have to climb or hop in.
Where the bed goes matters
Pets tend to rest where they can relax without being stepped over: out of draughts, away from high-traffic walkways, and not pressed against a heater. If your dog sleeps outdoors, welfare guidance recommends a well-built, weatherproof shelter with warm, dry bedding, positioned away from draughts and harsh sun.4
Materials: comfort, allergies, and what survives real life
Padding and support
For light pets, a soft cushion can be enough. For heavy pets, thin padding often compresses fast, leaving hips and elbows against the floor. Choose filling that holds its shape and doesn’t collapse after a week of use.
Hypoallergenic and easy-clean fabrics
If your pet has itchy skin, recurring ear infections, or you’re fighting a cycle of flea treatments, prioritise a washable cover. Regular washing of bedding is commonly recommended as part of routine care to support skin health and reduce external parasites.1
Durability and maintenance
A good bed should survive dirt, shedding, and the occasional stomach upset without becoming impossible to clean. Look for removable, machine-washable covers and tough stitching where the cover is under strain.
Quick quality checks
- Stitching is tight and even, with no loose threads.
- Zips are covered (or positioned where chewing is less likely).
- The base is non-slip if the bed will sit on tiles or floorboards.
- The cover can be removed and washed without a wrestling match.
Safety: the risks people miss
The most common bed hazards are simple: loose threads, torn foam, small detachable parts, and zips that a bored pet can worry at for hours. Regular checks for wear and tear are widely recommended, especially for chewers and scratchers.4
Non-toxic materials and consumer safety
If a pet is likely to chew the bed, treat “non-toxic” as a requirement, not a bonus. In Australia, consumer product safety is regulated under the Australian Consumer Law, and the ACCC’s Product Safety information is the most reliable place to check recalls and safety alerts before buying.5
Simple pet bed safety rules
- Inspect weekly for holes, loose threads, exposed foam, and broken zips.
- Remove the bed if the filling is accessible (swallowed foam can cause serious gut problems).
- Avoid cords and plug-in heat sources for pets that chew or dig.
- Wash covers regularly and dry fully to reduce mould and odours.
Value: what you’re really paying for
The cheapest bed often becomes the most expensive once it’s replaced repeatedly, or if it’s hard to keep clean. Practical value usually comes down to three things: it stays supportive, it’s easy to wash, and it doesn’t become a safety hazard as it wears.
Welfare guidance also links comfort and supportive bedding to quality of life, particularly for animals with painful conditions such as arthritis—so “value” can be felt in how easily your pet settles and gets up again.1
Using reviews without being misled
Reviews are most helpful when they describe the pet (size, age, chewing habits) and how the bed held up after washing. Be wary of vague five-star praise with no detail, and treat “orthopaedic” as a claim you still need to check (foam thickness, density, and whether it bottoms out).
For cats, it can help to look for comments about whether the bed supports normal preferences such as concealment or perching—those details often predict whether a bed will be used or ignored.3
References
- RSPCA Pet Insurance Australia – Supporting the emotional wellbeing of dogs and cats (environment, bedding, washing, arthritis adjustments)
- RSPCA South Australia – Cold weather tips for pets (bedding warmth; cautions about hot water bottles/electric blankets)
- ISFM/AAFP (2022) Cat Friendly Veterinary Environment Guidelines (hiding, high-sided beds, concealment)
- RSPCA Knowledgebase – Advice on caring for my dog (sleeping arrangements, bedding, cleaning, outdoor shelter)
- ACCC – Product Safety for consumers (recalls and safety information)
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom