The Best Dog Beds in Australia

When you lay down in your bed at night, do you ever look over at your dog, curled up on a patch of floor in a ball or on a pile of old blankets, trying to find the softest place to sleep? Your dog deserves the best of everything, including a comfortable bed to sleep on. But how do you go about choosing the best one for them?

There are a lot of dog bed options available on the market. Finding the best dog beds is all a matter of knowing how they prefer to sleep, and what health condition requirements they have. Read on to find a guide to selecting the best bed for your dog.

Flat Mat Dog Bed

One of the simplest solutions for a dog bed is to buy your dog a mat. These tend to be the cheapest option and good for getting your dog off the floor. Cooling mats, in particular, have become increasingly popular, however, they provide no padding to support their muscles or joints. 

Pillow Dog Bed

The next step up from a dog mat is a dog pillow. These are more or less what they sound like – large floor pillows that your dog can lay on. They offer more padding than plain dog mats and are usually inexpensive. Dog pillows come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses but tend to change shape and break down over time, becoming lumpy and uncomfortable. What’s more, most are not easily washable, leading to odours and a build-up of bacteria over time

Bolster Dog Bed

If your dog likes to lean against things or snuggle up against the arm of the couch, you may be considering a bolster bed. These beds are similar to the basic pillow, except that they have “arms” and a “back” on the edge of the bed. This gives them something to curl up against but provides less space for your dog to stretch out. Moreover, these beds don’t provide spinal alignment or orthopaedic support as there's no comfortable place for your dog to align their head, or to stretch their legs.

Donut Dog Bed

Donut dog beds are structured a little differently than bolster beds with some of the same benefits. These beds are round with raised sides, similar to a donut with a bed sewed onto the bottom. This type of bed may work best for small or medium-sized dogs, as they tend to fit a little better in these beds. However, they don’t allow for your dog to stretch out while they sleep which can be bad for their muscles and they may be harder for them to get out of it if they’re arthritic or if the padding is too fluffy. If your dog is anxious or prefers curling up in a ball, you can instead opt for an orthopaedic bed with a comfortable blanket for them to snuggle up in for comfort and safety.

Nest Dog Bed

Nest beds are somewhere in between bolster and donut-style beds. They have a similar rounded donut shape and sides, but rather than being a perfect circle, nest beds are more ovular and have a dip at the front as a sort of “entryway.” They provide less constrictive security than a donut bed does, but more structure than a bolster bed.

Nest beds are, as their name suggests, are made for dogs that like to nest into things. Nest beds have the same muscle constriction problems that donut beds do, however. Your dog needs to be able to stretch when they sleep, and the sides of the bed don't allow for that. Instead, if your dog is always digging at their bed to get into a more comfortable position, you could try giving them something more to snuggle into such as a blanket.

Cave Dog Bed

A cave bed is a donut- or pillow-type bed with a cover that stretches over the top. This cover can be supported, to provide a sort of igloo structure, or not, to give them a “blanket” to nest into. You’ll have an easier time finding these beds for dogs under 10kg since they don’t often come in larger sizes. It is important to note that while cave beds provide an extra sense of security, they don't provide any spinal, muscular or joint support for your dog. This is especially important in older dogs and breeds like Labradors that are prone to hip and elbow problems.

Orthopedic Dog Bed

As your dog ages, they may have some arthritis, hip dysplasia, obesity, or joint problems. These issues require particular support to target these areas. Orthopedic dog beds provide just that. These will often be made of medical grade memory foam that cradles pressure points and supports the areas that need it such as the muscles, joints and spine. Spinal alignment is important when looking for an Orthopaedic dog bed. They should allow enough room for your dog to stretch out on a flat, supportive surface.

Compare Specifications To Find The Best Dog Bed

Finding the best dog beds for your canine friends is a matter of assessing your dog’s individual health and comfort requirements to help support their spine, joints and muscles whilst making them feel comfortable and secure. Ensure that you read reviews, look for beds that are durable and easy to wash and stand the test of time, and moreover find something that will make your furry friend feel right at home.

If you’d like to get the best dog beds in Australia, check out our complete collection at Pawpedics. We provide beds and covers engineered for ultimate orthopaedic comfort and support. Check out our beds to learn what makes them so amazing, and order yours today!