Keeping our four-legged friends happy and healthy is no easy task. We want to make sure our dogs and cats have a comfortable bed to rest their heads each night, all while stopping our homes from getting covered in pet hair!

To help make being a pet parent (or should we say paw-rent?) a little easier, we've put together this ultimate guide to choosing the best pet beds and bedding for your dog or cat. Whether you have a pampered pooch or an assistance animal, you're sure to find the perfect bed for them here.

We'll explore the different things to consider when choosing pet beds, including the best materials, bed types and other factors that guarantee they wake up feline fantastic every morning.

What size bed should I get for my pet?

The size of the bed largely depends on the size and breed of your pet. It's essential to choose a bed that accommodates your pet's full body length and allows for comfortable stretching.

Here's our step-by-step process for what to consider when choosing the correct size of bed for a pet.

1. Measure your pet - Measure your pet from nose to tail when they are fully stretched out. Add a few inches to ensure the bed is spacious enough for them to curl up and get comfortable.
   
2. Consider how much your pet will grow - If you have a puppy or a young pet, consider their potential growth. Choose a bed that will accommodate their size as they mature without being overwhelmingly large.
   
3. Pay attention to your pet's sleeping habits - If your pet likes to curl up, a smaller bed with raised edges might be suitable. If they stretch out, a larger, flatter bed may be more appropriate. As pet owners, we know our dogs and cats the best! Use your own animal instincts and think about what your pet likes or dislikes when sleeping.
   
4. How many pets do you have? - If you plan on having more than one pup in a bed (and don't want the little one to be saying roll over every night), consider buying a larger bed to accommodate them both.

What type of bed should I get for my pet?

Just as there are many different types of mattresses for humans depending on sleeping preferences and needs, there are different types of pet beds, too!

The type of bed you choose depends on what your cat or dog prefers, along with any health needs and sleeping habits they may have.

Here is an overview of the main types of pet beds available for pets.

Orthopaedic beds

These are ideal for older dogs or those with joint issues, such as arthritis. Some orthopaedic beds have memory foam or gel foam mattresses to provide additional support and comfort.

Raised beds

An elevated bed will be perfect for pets that prefer a cooler sleeping surface, as they allow air circulation underneath. You might find that an elevated dog bed has slightly raised edges to provide additional security if they tend to roll around while sleeping. No one likes falling out of bed in the middle of the night...not even pets!

Crate Beds

A crate bed has a soft and cushioned sleep surface inside a metal or fabric crate to provide a sense of security for pets that like to feel like they're in a nest or den. For cats, you might find teepee-style beds that they can get into and out of freely.

Heated Beds

If you live somewhere especially cold or if your pet has joint issues, you might want to consider getting a bed with a heated pad inside. These can prevent your dog or cat's joints from seizing up and ensure they remain comfortable whilst sleeping.

What material makes the best pet bedding?

Human mattresses come in a wide variety of materials to suit different sleeping styles and preferences, and the same is true for pet beds! Nowadays, pet owners can buy beds with a whole range of fillings to ensure their four-legged friends sleep comfortably every night.

Here is a list of the most popular materials used in pet bed manufacture. 

Memory foam

A memory foam dog bed offers excellent support and moulds to your pet's body shape. Memory foam is a good dog bed material for older dogs or any pets with joint problems. 

As your dog sleeps, the foam base will provide more cushioning and support than other beds, ensuring your four-legged friend gets the rest they need.

Fleece or Sherpa

If your dog or cat prefers a soft bed, then fleece, faux fur, or sherpa are the way to go. These are all soft and cosy materials that will feel ultra-snuggly when they're all tucked in.

Fleece beds also tend to be at the cheaper end of the price spectrum, so if you're looking for a less expensive option, one of these will likely be the right pet bed for you.

Water-resistant or waterproof fabric

Water-resistant materials are ideal for pets prone to accidents or if the bed is placed outdoors in warmer weather. You'll be able to wipe the bed clean using a damp cloth, which can save you from needing to put the entire bed in the washing machine.

Machine-washable materials

Dogs are notoriously muddy, despite our best efforts to keep them clean! If your dog loves nothing more than getting its paws mucky, then a bed with a machine-washable cover or inner cushion is a must.

Plus, we can all agree that the scent of a wet dog isn't exactly the nicest of aromas to have drifting around your home! By being able to throw your pet's bed in the washing machine at regular intervals, you can keep it smelling fresh come rain or shine.

Cooling gel foam

A dog bed with a cooling gel foam base will help keep your pet at a comfortable temperature in warmer weather. The unique gel filling in this type of bed provides a good level of pressure relief with the added benefit of ensuring your dog doesn't overheat, which, as all pet owners know, is a very real risk for our canine companions!

Things to consider when choosing a bed for your pet

Chewing habits

For pets that like to chew, choose a bed with reinforced seams and durable materials. This is especially important to consider when choosing dog beds, as our canine companions are notorious for liking to have a good nibble on their bedding!

If your pets are especially aggressive chewers, then get them beds made from harder materials, such as plastic. You can use a plastic base and a blanket to build a DIY bed that's far more chew-resistant than some ready-made alternatives.

Ease of cleaning

Select a bed that is easy to clean, either machine-washable or with removable covers. If you have larger dogs, definitely consider getting a dog bed with a washable cover, as it's unlikely that the entire bed (inner cushion and all) will fit in your washing machine!

Quality construction

Check for sturdy stitching, reinforced seams, and overall durability. Even though it might be tempting to go for the cheapest or best-looking dog bed, choosing something that will stand the test of time will ensure they feel comfortable night after night.

Non-slip base

Ensure the dog bed has a non-skid or anti-slip bottom to prevent sliding on smooth surfaces. Some beds will have rubber pads on the underside to provide extra grip on wooden or tiled floors. Of course, if your dog's bed will be in a room with carpet, this isn't so important.

Breathability

Opt for breathable materials to prevent overheating, especially in warmer climates. Keeping your pet cool during the night will help ensure they sleep soundly, preventing whining that could disturb your own sleep!

Brand reputation

Research and choose reputable brands known for producing high-quality pet bedding products. At Sleepseeker, we only stock pet bedding from the UK's most trusted brands, meaning you (and your furry friends) can sleep soundly knowing you've purchased premium products.

Your budget

If you're looking for more budget-friendly options, then beds made using things such as polyester and hollowfibre will likely be more affordable than memory foam.

Or, explore sales! Just as human bedding like duvets have special discounts, the same is true for pet beds. At Sleepseeker, we regularly have exclusive sales on beds from leading brands, so you can get luxury dog beds for delightfully low prices.

Explore dog beds from Sleepseeker

The best dog beds

As pet parents or dog owners, we all want to ensure our canine companions have somewhere comfortable to rest their heads after a long day of fetching sticks and chasing squirrels.

Ultimately, the best dog bed for your pampered pooch will depend on his or her personal preferences and needs. Still, there are some beds that stand a peg above the rest in terms of quality, durability, comfort and style.

Here is our list of some of the best dog beds you can buy for your pet!

Slumberdown Paws For Slumber Pet Beds

These snuggly beds from Slumberdown are available in a range of sizes to suit small, medium, large and extra-large dogs. It is a flat, rectangular bed, meaning your dog can stretch out fully and get comfortable.

Better yet, the outer cover can be machine-washed, so you can keep the bed smelling fresh.

Slumberdown Paws For Slumber Waterproof Pet Mat

If your dog's bed isn't going to be on a hard floor, you might want to invest in this waterproof bed to avoid any soggy paws or tummies making your home's carpets damp.

This can sit underneath your regular pet bed or inside a crate to provide a waterproof liner that will prevent any damage to home decor. These pet mats can also be used for puppy training!

FAQs

What is the best bed for small dogs?

Small dogs might get colder in bed than large breeds, so a bed that's big enough to include blankets is best. Make sure that the bed you choose for a small dog isn't overly large, as they might end up feeling vulnerable.

What is the best bed for an older dog?

Older dogs may have different support needs than younger dogs, so a bed made with memory foam might be best. Explore special orthopaedic beds if your dog has joint problems such as arthritis.

How do you clean a dog bed?

The process of cleaning a dog bed will depend on the materials it's made from and whether it's suitable for machine washing. Beds with a machine washable cover are the easiest to clean, as you can just wash them as you would your own bedding! If your dog bed isn't machine washable or doesn't have a removable cover, we recommend using pet-safe cleaning products and a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt.