Improve your dog’s sleep: Choose the right dog bed for your dog’s age

Most dogs sleep 12 to 14 hours a day, so buying the right dog bed is critical for your dog’s health and happiness.

But with so many options, how do you determine which are the best dog beds so you can choose the right one for your dog? 

Start by considering your dog’s age and size. Puppies, older dogs, and larger dogs usually sleep even more. Young adult dogs and small dogs tend to sleep less.

Then, determine your dog’s favorite sleep position to find the right bed for your dog.

Puppy: Age 8 weeks to 1 year

When you first bring a puppy home, you need to make them feel safe and secure. Because puppies need more sleep than adult dogs, it’s critical to give them a place of their own. You can put any of these beds in a small room or inside a playpen to create a safe space when you need to leave your puppy alone.

Donut dog bed

Puppies, especially those living with their mom and littermates, need to feel safe and secure when they sleep. The donut dog bed from FunnyFuzzy UK hugs puppies and helps them feel secure. 

The donut dog bed works for dogs of any size but is ideal for large dogs. The foam mattress provides extra support and comfort for big dogs. 

Dogs commonly sleep curled up, and the donut dog bed with its bottom foam cushion provides a soft, safe place to do so.

Plus, because the cotton cover is removable, washable, and durable, the bed is an ideal choice for puppies who may still have occasional potty accidents. The waterproof inner-liner cover protects the mattress from stains.

Mat or pillow bed

Mats or pillow beds provide a quiet space for your puppy. They can easily be moved from room to room or placed inside your dog’s crate. 

The beds are ideal for side sleepers or confident dogs that sleep on their backs and expose their bellies.

Cave or igloo bed

These beds work best for dogs that like their privacy when they sleep.

They provide a secure space for dogs that are nervous or suffer from separation anxiety and work best for dogs that like to sleep curled up.

Adult dog: Age 1 year to 7 years

Once your dog is past the puppy stage, you can give him more freedom. But the adage “let sleeping dogs lie” still applies, and you need to provide a safe place your dog can call his own.

Sofa dog bed

Dogs like to imitate their humans and usually enjoy snuggling up on the couch or your favorite chair. But sometimes, dogs need a space of their own.

A dog sofa bed provides a comfortable spot where your dog can stretch out for an uninterrupted nap and is a good choice for dogs that like to sleep on their sides or stomachs. 

Cot

Cots, which typically provide a sleep space that’s a few inches off the ground, work exceptionally well in cooler climates or if you have tile floors because they help keep your dog warm. 

They make an ideal choice for side or stomach sleepers.

Cave or igloo

While most dogs enjoy spending every waking moment with their families, sometimes they need time and space away from the noise and bustle of an active household. 

Cave or igloo beds provide a safe space where the dog can retreat from noise or inquisitive toddlers. 

Senior dog: 7+ years

In many ways, older dogs revert to some puppy-like habits. They sleep more again but may need to do so because they have joint pain or suffer from other health conditions. 

Some older dogs also experience insomnia. Having difficulty sleeping is rare and can be a sign of other health problems like arthritis, kidney disease, or diabetes. Dogs with dementia or canine cognitive dysfunction may have trouble maintaining a typical wake-sleep cycle. 

That’s why providing a comfortable resting spot is critical to helping your dog age gracefully. 

Donut dog bed

Older dogs, especially ones experiencing arthritis or joint pain, need the extra support and comfort provided by the foam mattress featured in the FunnyFuzzy UK donut dog bed. The bed’s non-slip bottom ensures the bed won’t move when the dog gets in, reducing the risk of extra stress on aching joints. 

With its removable cotton cover and waterproof inner-cover, you can easily clean up any accidents if your dog is starting to experience incontinence. 

The beds provide a safe, secure space for dogs of all sizes but especially provide the space big dogs need to be comfortable when they curl up for a nap or at night.

Cot

A slightly elevated bed can provide a safe rest spot for dogs that suffer from arthritis or other joint diseases and may have trouble getting up from the floor. 

The beds appeal to dogs that prefer to sleep on their sides or stomachs. 

Orthopedic 

If your dog suffers from arthritis or extreme joint pain, an orthopedic mattress may be the best choice to provide extra comfort for your aging companion. These beds offer additional support for dogs that may have trouble getting comfortable enough to get a good night’s sleep.

Select the right dog bed 

While many dogs enjoy sleeping with their people, you’ll both likely sleep better if you have your own beds. 

Consider your dog’s age, size, and favorite sleep position to find the right dog bed. 

Sara B. Hansen has spent 20-plus years as a professional editor and writer. She’s also the author of The Complete Guide to Cocker Spaniels. She decided to create her dream job by launching DogsBestLife.com in 2011. Sara grew up with family dogs, and since she bought her first house, she’s had a furry companion or two to help make it a home. She shares her heart and home with Nutmeg, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Her previous dogs: Sydney (September 2008-April 2020), Finley (November 1993-January 2008), and Browning (May 1993-November 2007). You can reach Sara @ editor@dogsbestlife.com.