| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Bolster Bed | The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler Bed |
| Best Calming Dog Bed for Large Dogs | Majestic Pet Poly-Cotton Sherpa Bagel Dog Bed |
| Best Value | FurHaven Faux Sheepskin Snuggery Gel Top Cat & Dog Bed with Removable Cover |
| Best Budget | Nonofish Calming Dogs Bed Fluffy Luxury Anti-Slip Base Cozy Soft |
Humans aren’t the only living beings that can experience stress and anxiety. Man’s best friend can feel anxious as well. Some of the conditions that can cause a dog to feel stressed include thunderstorms, fireworks, being left alone, and new visitors in the house. Calming dog beds are just one of the tools that you can use to help your pooch relax. These are specially designed beds that provide your pet with a soothing sanctuary — a place where he feels secure, warm, and comfortable.
There is also a science behind these types of beds related to a dog’s sense of touch. The soft faux-fur in a calming dog bed helps replicate the feel of other puppies snuggled up against your dog. This can help evoke feelings of safety and security your dog felt when it slept with its mom and litter.
Unfortunately, not all of the products available in the market are suitable. Hours of research and testing enabled us to create a shortlist of the best calming dog beds for you to choose from.
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Machine-washable and dryer safe construction
- Classic circular shape offers comfortable bolstering
- Soft faux shag material for maximum comfort
- Waterproof and slip-proof bottom
Check Amazon- This durable option is suitable for large dogs
- Includes thicker padding and higher bolsters
- The oval shape is better than round for large dogs that like to stretch out
- Made of Poly/Cotton Twill
- Stuffed with high-loft polyester fiberfill that maintains its shape after multiple uses
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Removable machine washable cover
- Lined with insulating Sherpa fleece
- Available in different colors
- Hooded blanket for pet to snuggle under
Check Chewy- Available in a variety of sizes
- Covered in faux fur
- Stuffed with premium-quality "virgin pearl" cotton
- The base features a non-slip grip
- Machine washable
The Top Picks for the Best Calming Beds Today
#1 Best Overall: Best Friends by Sheri the Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler
Our pick for the best overall calming dog bed is Best Friends by Sheri the Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler. This shaggy thing is beloved by pet parents because it provides comfort to anxious pups.
This bed features soft, vegan, faux shag fur and comes in a variety of natural colors. Coupled with its versatile design, this is one bed that will complement your décor whatever it might be. It’s quite thick and filled with non-toxic Airloft fibers that provide that extra cushion for more comfort and additional support. The edges of the bed feature double overlock stitching to make it more durable. However, this wouldn’t hold up against moderate to aggressive chewers. While this is not really a high-end product (we’ve found other dog beds that cost a lot more), it still has a considerable price tag that you wouldn’t want to pay only to get a real hole in the donut in just a matter of days.
There are four sizes available, by the way, from small to extra-large. Yes, this calming dog bed is not just for small dogs. Its biggest size can handle dog breeds weighing up to 150 lbs. The smallest one is completely machine-washable. The rest of the sizes come with removable covers that can also be laundered using the washing machine. It’s easy to clean, comfortable, and really calming, with enough sizes to suit dogs of all ages and breeds. It’s really no wonder why so many pet parents buy it.
Pros and Cons of the Best Friends by Sheri the Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This calming dog bed is made of super soft vegan shag fur. | This dog bed is not suitable for moderate to aggressive chewers. |
| It comes in a variety of colors. | |
| This bed is filled with non-toxic Airloft fibers for extra cushioning and support. | |
| The edges feature double overlocked stitching for durability. | |
| Four sizes are available, from small to extra-large. | |
| The smallest one is machine washable and the other three sizes have removable, washable covers. |
- Machine-washable and dryer safe construction
- Classic circular shape offers comfortable bolstering
- Soft faux shag material for maximum comfort
- Waterproof and slip-proof bottom
2. Best Calming Dog Bed for Large Dogs: Majestic Pet Poly-Cotton Sherpa Bagel Dog Bed for Dogs
Our pick for large dogs is the Majestic Pet Poly-Cotton Sherpa Bagel Dog Bed for Dogs. While the Original Calming Donut Dog Bed has an extra-large size, the cushion isn’t thick enough for giant breeds like Great Danes. That’s why we searched until we found this cozy bagel bed that’s perfect for the big guys.
This anti-anxiety bed is a much more durable option when it comes to supporting large dogs. At 10″, the padding is definitely thicker, while the “walls” of the bed measure a good 14 inches. We liked that is bed is oval instead of round like most calming beds. This shape will accommodate even Great Danes to stretch out fully.
The bolster is made of poly/cotton twill. The stuffing is premium high-loft polyester fiberfill. The cushion is covered in faux Sherpa while the bottom of the bed is made of heavy-duty, water-resistant 300/600 denier fabric. All of that combined makes for a really comfortable bed. One that we wouldn’t mind nesting ourselves in when we’re feeling stressed or anxious!
Aside from comfort, you’ll be happy to note that these beds are very stylish. They’re available in a variety of colors. While this is not really a huge deal, it certainly doesn’t hurt that your newest piece of furniture is nice to look at. And at this price, it’s already a steal.
What about cleaning? Well, the entire bed is machine-washable, which is great. However, you can’t remove the cover. So, you’ll need to put the entire bed inside your washing machine. Please note: Washing and tumble drying will take a while. It’s definitely not convenient. As for chewers, the jury is still out on this one. The bolsters have a thick cover which isn’t easy for a dog’s teeth to penetrate. But the cushion isn’t as tough.
Pros and Cons of the Majestic Pet Poly-Cotton Sherpa Bagel Dog Bed for Dogs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Its oval shape allows giant dogs to stretch out. | You need to wash the entire bed since there isn’t a removeable cover, and washing and drying takes a long time. |
| It’s more durable than some other options, with 10″ padding and 14″ walls. | The cushion may not stand up to chewers. |
| The bolster is crafted from poly/cotton twill, the stuffing is premium high-loft polyester fiberfill, the cushion is covered in faux Sherpa, and the bottom is made of heavy-duty water-resistant 300/600 denier fabric. | |
| These calming dog beds are available in a variety of colors | |
| The entire bed is machine-washable. |
- This durable option is suitable for large dogs
- Includes thicker padding and higher bolsters
- The oval shape is better than round for large dogs that like to stretch out
- Made of Poly/Cotton Twill
- Stuffed with high-loft polyester fiberfill that maintains its shape after multiple uses
3. Best for Burrowers: Furhaven Round Snuggery Hooded Dog Bed
According to our research, the Furhaven Round Snuggery Hooded Dog Bed is the best cave-style dog bed on the market. Nothing else will meet the needs of dogs that like to burrow as well as this one does.
This anti-anxiety bed first caught our eye because of its versatile design. Yes, it does provide a cave for your dog to burrow into and store his precious toys in. But cuddlers can also use the hood as a blanket just by removing the plastic snuggery tube. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it looks pretty stylish and luxurious with its micro-velvet fabric. And it won’t even break your budget to buy it.
The sleep surface looks plush and feels incredibly soft. The egg-crate orthopedic foam base, which is CertiPUR-US Certified Foam, by the way, provides just the right amount of support to help relieve aching joints and loosen tight muscles.
Dogs weighing up to 80 pounds, like a Golden Retriever, can make use of this bed. While it is durable enough for most dogs, it is not suitable for chewers.
Pros and Cons of the Furhaven Round Snuggery Hooded Dog Bed
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This cave-style calming dog bed is perfect for burrowers. | It’s not suitable for chewers. |
| You can remove the plastic snuggery tube so your dog can use the hood as a blanket. | |
| This stylish dog bed is crafted from luxurious micro-velvet. | |
| The sleep surface is plush and soft, the orthopedic foam (CertiPUR-US Certified Foam) provides much-needed support to aching joints and tight muscles. | |
| Dogs weighing up to 80 pounds can use this bed. |
- Removable machine washable cover
- Lined with insulating Sherpa fleece
- Available in different colors
- Hooded blanket for pet to snuggle under
4. Best Budget: Nononfish Anti-Anxiety Dog Bed
The Nononfish Anti-Anxiety Dog Bed is our choice for best budget anti-anxiety bed because it’s extremely affordable and effective. After all, not everyone can afford high-end calming dog beds. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for cheap just because you have a limited budget.
This calming dog bed is a great option if you want to test out a donut bed with your dog. The smallest size costs less than $20 which won’t make you feel bad if it ends up not liking it.
The Nonofish Anti-Anxiety Dog Bed is covered in faux fur while the interior is stuffed with premium-quality virgin pearl cotton. The bottom of the bed is made of high-density waterproof fabric with sticky beads that provide a non-slip grip. The wrap-around bolster provides support for the head and neck while your dog lounges on the bed.
Compared to all our other picks, this bed isn’t as thick. The bolsters are only 7 inches tall. While this is nothing to sneeze at, large dogs might sink right through the center. However, it’s still comfortable enough to lie in, especially for small dogs.
As for cleaning, the entire bed is machine-washable and you can spot clean as needed. However, the manufacturer recommends hand-washing to make sure that it remains fluffy afterward. Overall, this donut bed has a lot going for it as long as you keep in mind that you get what you pay for.
Nononfish Anti-Anxiety Dog Bed
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This budget option is surprisingly effective. | The manufacturer recommends hand-washing the bed to retain its fluffiness. |
| The smallest size costs less than $20. | |
| This donut-style bed is covered in faux fur and stuffed with premium-quality virgin pearl cotton. | |
| The bottom is made of high-density waterproof fabric and has sticky beads that provide a non-slip grip. | |
| A 7 inch bolster wraps around the bed to support your dog’s head and neck. | |
| The entire bed is machine-washable and you can spot-clean it as necessary. |
- Available in a variety of sizes
- Covered in faux fur
- Stuffed with premium-quality "virgin pearl" cotton
- The base features a non-slip grip
- Machine washable
What to Look for in Calming Dog Beds
To find the calming dog bed that suits the needs of your furry friend, you’ll need to consider several important factors.
Style
Anti-anxiety beds for dogs can be divided into several categories: donut-style, bolster, cave-style, self-warming, and orthopedic dog beds.
- Donut-style dog beds are ideal for small breeds. This round bed has raised sides all around to create a nest-like feel, perfect for curling up and snuggling in. The edges are also ideal for providing head support in any direction.
- Bolster dog beds feature raised edges on three sides that can serve as a pillow where your dog can rest his head. These edges also provide your dog with something to lean on while they snooze, giving them a feeling of security. This type of anti-anxiety bed is best for large dogs.
- Cave-style dog beds feature a “pocket” that allows your pooch to burrow into the bed and hide. This type of anti-anxiety bed has a few different designs. Some look like sleeping bags while others resemble a dome. The interior lining of the bed is typically made of soft Sherpa fleece or similar material that reminds your dog of the times he spent cuddling next to his littermates and his mom.
- Self-warming beds are beds that use the dog’s body heat to generate warmth, creating a cozy environment for your dog to relax in.
- Orthopedic dog beds contain memory foam that helps relieve pressure points and provide support. These are ideal for senior dogs and those who are suffering from mobility issues. Pain can cause dogs to feel anxious, so a bed that helps relieve joint pain and loosens their tight muscles can help them calm down.
Size
Some calming dog beds are better suited to certain breeds. Donut-style beds, for example, are more suitable for small dogs. A bolster bed will be more comfortable for large dogs. However, it’s still important that you check the dimensions of the bed you’re going to buy. You’ll want to get something that has a bit of extra space, so your dog can move around a bit. But you don’t want to get a calming dog bed that’s too big because it will not have the cocooning effect. If you’re getting an orthopedic bed, however, you need to get one that has enough space for your dog to stretch out completely without any part of his body hanging out of the bed.
Machine-Washable
Look for a bed that comes with machine-washable fabric to make cleaning the bed easy. At the very least, it should have a removable cover that can be washed.
Waterproof Lining
For your dog to feel comfortable, his bed needs to be dry and cozy. With a waterproof lining, cleanup is much easier should any accidents occur.
Odor-Resistant
Look for a calming bed that uses materials that are antibacterial to prevent odors from sticking to the bed. Faux fur, for example, is not only similar to a dog’s fuzzy coat, it is also antibacterial.
Non-Slip Bottom
Make sure that the bed doesn’t slide whenever your dog tries to get in or out of the bed. Not only can this cause an accident and possibly injure your dog, it can also add stress to your pooch.
Benefits of a Calming Dog Bed
The most obvious benefit of calming dog beds is the fact that it helps alleviate any stress or anxiety that your dog may be feeling. Take note that this bed is merely a tool that can help reduce anxiety, but it is not the solution. You will need to combine the bed with some training or conditioning. Help your dog calm down before he sleeps by making him relax. Gently stroke the side of his face in a circular motion. You can do the same on his chest. Massaging his ears also works to promote relaxation. You can even do this while he’s lying on the bed to help him associate feeling relaxed and happy with his new bed.
Aside from reducing anxiety, a calming bed can provide other benefits:
- Your dog will learn how to handle stress better.
- The raised edges will help prevent stress on the neck and other joints.
- Your dog will fall asleep quicker and get more restful sleep.
- Restful sleep will help improve his immune system.
- Sleep can also help improve brain development, memory, and learning capacity.
Up Next…
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Bolster Bed | The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler Bed |
| Best Calming Dog Bed for Large Dogs | Majestic Pet Poly-Cotton Sherpa Bagel Dog Bed |
| Best Value | FurHaven Faux Sheepskin Snuggery Gel Top Cat & Dog Bed with Removable Cover |
| Best Budget | Nonofish Calming Dogs Bed Fluffy Luxury Anti-Slip Base Cozy Soft |
Best Calming Dog Beds FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which calming dog bed is best?
The overall best calming dog bed is one that suits your pet’s particular needs. The most important factor is comfort. It needs to be able to provide your dog with a sense of security, a soothing sanctuary to help him relax. He should be able to feel as if he’s back cuddling with his littermates and his mother where he feels safe and warm. In addition to that, the bed should also be machine-washable and odor-resistant. These will help lessen your dog’s level of stress, especially if you need to wash his “safe space” frequently. The bed also needs to be durable and feature a non-slip bottom; slipping and sliding the bed across the floor when all he wants is to hide can make a stressed out dog even more anxious. This is especially true if your dog is a senior and suffering from mobility issues.
Of course, you can also consider getting one with a versatile and stylish design. If your budget permits, you can even get a high-end calming dog bed for your pooch. However, these are all secondary to your primary focus – a warm, comfortable place that your dog can always feel safe in.
Do calming beds work for dogs?
The simplest answer here is yes, they do. Anecdotal reports from pet parents show that calming beds have helped reduce any symptoms of anxiety that their dogs are experiencing. However, at the moment, there is no scientific evidence yet to back these claims. In addition, dog experts believe that the use of these beds alone is not enough to treat the problem. Other methods should also be used in combination with the bed in order to properly address your dog’s anxiety. These include giving him plenty of exercise, training him to relax before bed, and getting proper advice from the vet. In short, a calming bed is a great tool that you can use in combination with other tools to help relieve your pup of anxiety.
Do dog beds help with anxiety?
Having a comfortable pet bed of his own can give any dog a sense of security and comfort. It’s his safe place, after all. That being said, not all dog beds can help calm down an anxious dog. The key to reducing symptoms of anxiety in a pooch is in the design. Anti-anxiety beds are all about creating a sleeping sanctuary, full of warmth and comfort. This is why they feature raised edges to create a nest-like feel, a place where they can curl up and relax. They typically feature really soft, cozy material like Sherpa that mimics fur, which reminds dogs of when they used to sleep beside their littermates and mother. Some calming dog beds feature a “cave” for burrowers. For large dogs, bolsters can make them feel protected and safe.
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