We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Human Interest Animals Pets The 16 Best Calming Dog Beds, According to Veterinarians and Dog Owners Animal experts (and dogs!) approve of our top picks for anxious pups, elderly dogs, and more By Madison Yauger Madison Yauger Madison Yauger is a shopping editor at PEOPLE.com with eight years of digital media and journalism experience. She has a penchant for lifestyle content with a focus on staples like cozy throw blankets, chic dog jackets, Away luggage, and the linen pants celebrities can’t stop wearing. People Editorial Guidelines and Neha Tandon Neha Tandon Neha is an Editor at People where she writes and edits stories that cover everything from trending fashion to celebrity beauty tricks. She has over ten years of experience working in media, and seven years of experience as an editor. People Editorial Guidelines Published on July 15, 2024 07:15AM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Know Why Trust PEOPLE? Photo: People / Sarah Naftzger A calming dog bed can be the perfect soothing mechanism for rescue dogs, puppies, and any canine with anxiety. TikTok-famous veterinarian Hunter Finn, DVM weighs in: “I believe most small dogs especially like the donut bed because it allows them to naturally curl up, preserve body heat, and feel protected on all sides.” The wall acts as a shield of sorts, similar to bolster-style beds. “Individual dogs have unique preferences for beds; for example, some dogs prefer beds with bolsters while others prefer a level pad,” adds animal behaviorist Victoria Cussen, PhD. Keep in mind that one size doesn’t fit all, so you should pay attention to where your dog naturally likes to rest and ensure whatever bed you choose is comfortable for their preferences. Read on for the best calming pet beds from research, tested insights, and expert favorites. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Friends by Sheri Original Calming Donut Dog Bed at Amazon $45 Jump to Review Best Budget: SlowTon Calming Dog Bed at Amazon $22 Jump to Review Best Orthopedic: SALE Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed at Amazon $60 $49 Jump to Review Best for Small Dogs: Friends Forever Self Warming Indoor Round Pillow Cuddler at Amazon $40 Jump to Review Best for Medium Dogs: Bedsure Calming Dog Bed at Amazon $43 Jump to Review Best for Large Dogs: Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed Lounge Sofa at Amazon $126 Jump to Review Best for Puppies: Active Pets Plush Calming Dog Bed at Amazon $31 Jump to Review Best for Senior Dogs: FurHaven Ultra Plush Pet Bed at Amazon $36 Jump to Review Best Hooded: Furhaven Snuggery Burrow Bed at Amazon $31 Jump to Review Best with Memory Foam: Casper Dog Bed at Amazon $139 Jump to Review Best Overall Best Friends by Sheri Original Calming Donut Dog Bed PHOTO: Amazon $45 at Amazon View on Bestfriendsbysheri.com $45 at Chewy This donut bed soothes animals with its faux-fur material and solid border — which acts as a head rest and sense of protection. While this bed is primarily for dogs who like to curl up, it works just as well for pups who want to stretch out. The plush filling allows some relief for dogs with joint pain in need of orthopedic support. And to help you out, especially when buying this bed for a puppy — it’s completely machine washable and dryer safe, so fret not if your dog is accident-prone. It comes in a range of sizes and calming colors so you can find the best option for your dog and your home. Experts Say “I’ve had this bed for about a year and a half, and it’s a refuge for my rescue dog — especially when we take road trips; it’s her home base.”—Madison Yauger, PEOPLE shopping editor Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large | Material: Shag fur | Shape: Donut, round | Extra Features: Machine washable, dryer safe | Colors: 17 Best Budget SlowTon Calming Dog Bed PHOTO: Amazon $22 at Amazon This plushy bed is so comfy you may find yourself sitting next to your dog in it from time to time. Made with a faux-fur exterior and a cotton filling, this bed is extremely soft and provides a border for head and neck support. It’s also great for muscle pain and joint soreness. If your dog likes to take a running start before jumping into their bed (as some excitable dogs do), this bed also has non-slip material on the bottom to keep it in place. For added convenience, you can put the entire bed in the washing machine and tumble dry it on a low setting. Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large | Material: Faux-Fur, fill is cotton | Shape: Donut, round | Extra Features: Non-slip safety bottom, machine washable | Colors: 2 Best Orthopedic Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed PHOTO: Amazon $60 $49 at Amazon $60 at Walmart $34 at Wayfair With 81,000+ ratings on Amazon, this widely popular dog bed is ideal for large breed dogs that need a little extra support. Made with a medical-grade orthopedic foam, this calming dog bed is designed to cradle and support pressure points, provide neck and hip support, and help cushion sore joints. It has a removable and machine washable cover, and it comes with an option for a cooling gem foam instead of the orthopedic foam, depending on your pup’s needs. Experts Say “Some anxious dogs are nervous destroyers and may tear up a bed that has a ton of feathers or fluff on the inside. I prefer orthopedic foam beds as it gives just the right amount of softness and firmness combination.”—Dr. Hunter Finn, DVM Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Jumbo, Jumbo Plus | Material: Polyester, plush faux fur, egg crate orthopedic foam filling | Shape: Chaise lounge-style, rectangle, flat | Extra Features: Orthopedic features like pressure point support, neck, back, and hip support with foam-filled bolsters, and improves air circulation | Colors: 12 The 8 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds, Tested by Our Dogs Best for Small Dogs Friends Forever Self Warming Indoor Round Pillow Cuddler PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon $40 at Wayfair $65 at Kohls.com This Friends Forever bed works well for small dogs because it gives them a place to burrow and feel secure. With the donut shape and plush material, it provides the comfort of something soft to lie on and a barrier to sleep with their backs up against or to use as a neck pillow. Due to the faux-fur fabric, this bed warms very quickly so it can keep small dogs nice and toasty while they sleep (but may be too warm for breeds with really thick fur). It’s machine washable and dryer safe, so cleaning this bed is a simple task. Sizes: Small, Medium, Large | Material: Faux fur, polyester filling | Shape: Donut, round | Extra Features: Machine washable and dryer safe | Colors: 6 The 5 Best Dog GPS Trackers, Tested and Reviewed Best for Medium Dogs Bedsure Calming Dog Bed PHOTO: Amazon $43 at Amazon $56 at Walmart Another version of the popular donut bed, this plushy dream from Bedsure will have your pup excited about nap time. Made with a soft faux fur cover and microfiber filling, this bed is extremely comfortable and provides neck and joint support with its raised edge. To keep it in place with more high strung medium-sized dogs, this bed has a non-slip bottom to grip the floor and keep it from moving around. It’s super easy to wash — just throw it in the washing machine on a cold gentle cycle and tumble dry on a lower setting. Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large | Material: Faux fur, microfiber, plush | Shape: Donut, round | Extra Features: Non-slip bottom, machine washable | Colors: 17 Pro Tip! “Give your dog multiple bed locations and options to determine their favorite spot. Most dogs do want to be near you or sometimes depending on their breed, they may want to be in an area of the home that can alert you, such as near a window or door.”—Dr. Hunter Finn, DVM The 8 Best Cooling Pads for Dogs That Always Overheat, According to Reviews Best for Large Dogs Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed Lounge Sofa PHOTO: Amazon $126 at Amazon $138 at Walmart $54 at Wayfair This comfy sofa-esque bed is a large dog’s dream — giving them plenty of room to spread out on top of an extremely soft, memory foam base. This bed provides joint support throughout the base and comfy barriers around the edge so large, active dogs can lean against it with their heads for additional support. It’s also great for older dogs with arthritis, joint and mobility issues, and stiff limbs. The cover is machine washable, the liner is water-resistant, and the non-slip bottom grips the floor, so it won’t slide when your dog tries to lie down. Sizes: Small, Large, X-Large, XX-Large | Material: Polyester cover, memory foam fill | Shape: Sofa style, flat, rectangular | Extra Features: Water-resistant liner, machine washable cover, non-slip bottom, hair-resistant material | Colors: 8 Best for Puppies Active Pets Plush Calming Dog Bed PHOTO: Amazon $31 at Amazon This bed is ideal for puppies because it’s machine-washable, comes in a smaller range of sizes, and is super affordable (since they’ll likely outgrow it eventually). One of our editor’s high-energy dogs is always moving, but will sleep in this bed for hours. Editors Say “Nellie is a tough chewer, but has yet to do any damage or even chew on the shag material. Usually she curls up in a ball, but occasionally she’ll just sprawl across it, so it’s definitely versatile.”—Madison Yauger Sizes: Small, Medium, Large | Material: Faux fur | Shape: Donut, circle | Extra Features: Machine washable | Colors: 4 Best for Senior Dogs FurHaven Ultra Plush Pet Bed PHOTO: Amazon $36 at Amazon View on Walmart $31 at Chewy This bed is perfect for dogs who like to nest and have the security of barrier walls with the comfort of a plush pillow underneath — and it has a cutout in front, making it easy for small dogs, puppies, and elderly dogs to enter. With the sizing nuances (listed below), this bed is better for smaller to medium-sized dogs. But the real selling point is how easy it is to clean. The pillow, wall color, and foam core are all individually washable, so now matter how dirty this bed gets, you can clean it with ease. Sizes: Small (dogs up to 12 pounds), Medium, Large, X-Large, Jumbo (dogs up to 75 pounds) | Material: Polyester, synthetic fabric, plush, fiberfill | Shape: Oval | Extra Features: Completely machine washable | Colors: 20 Best Hooded Furhaven Snuggery Burrow Bed PHOTO: Furhaven $31 at Amazon View on Furhaven.com This soft Sherpa blanket bed offers dogs a covered area to sleep, and a sense of security and protection. It’s incredibly soft with a faux sheepskin blanket cover to let your dog snuggle under. It comes with three different fill options: memory foam, cooling gel foam, and orthopedic foam. While the lining is easy to wash and has a completely removable cover, its soft material makes it susceptible to damage. So if your dog is a strong chewer (or teething puppy!) it might be best to find a more durable option. Experts Say “Some beds have an actual cover over the top where dogs can feel like they are going into their own den. These can be great for anxious dogs who are looking for their safe space to get away and still have a small window of access to the outside world.”—Dr. Hunter Finn, DVM Sizes: 18, 26, 35, or 44 inches | Material: Faux sheepskin, polyester | Shape: Round, covered | Extra Features: Three mattress types — orthopedic foam, cooling gem foam, memory foam | Machine Washable: Yes, cover only | Colors: 5 PHOTO: People / Ashley Craiger PHOTO: People / Ashley Craiger PHOTO: People / Ashley Craiger The 11 Best Cooling Dog Beds, Tested by Our Dogs Best with Memory Foam Casper Dog Bed PHOTO: Amazon $139 at Amazon $169 at Wayfair $139 at Casper With pressure-relieving memory foam and foam bolsters around the edges, this “dog mattress” is supportive, comfortable, and built to last. Made with a microfiber blend and equipped with extra material on the top, this bed allows dogs to dig and scratch without damaging the bed, and is resistant to clingy fur, drool, and other things that make a bed look weathered faster. Of course, when you are ready to clean it, the outside liner (with a hidden zipper for aesthetics and to protect your floors) is removable and machine washable. Sizes: Small (up to 30 lbs), Medium (up to 60 lbs), Large (up to 90 lbs) | Material: Nylon, microfiber, memory foam | Shape: Rectangle | Extra Features: Mattress-grade memory foam, machine washable liner | Colors: 4 Editor Pick Lesure Calming Medium Dog Bed PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon This Lesure dog bed is a stylish addition to your home. The ergonomic “petals” provide neck and head support for your dog, and the bed has functional details like an anti-slip bottom and a plush sherpa lining. To get a sense of size, the 30-inch bed was perfect for our tester’s 40-pound dog. Some reviewers note that when it first arrives, it’s a bit deflated, but a quick run through the dryer fluffs it right up again — and the filling and outer cover are both machine washable. Editors Say “This fluffy floral-shaped bed is adorable. The raised edges offer head and neck support while my pup sleeps, and the non-skid bottom prevents it from sliding all over the hardwood floors when she’s rolling around and playing.”—Kayla Kitts, PEOPLE shopping editor Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large | Material: Sherpa, polyester | Shape: Round | Extra Features: Sherpa lining, ergonomic rim | Machine Washable: Yes | Colors: 9 People / Kayla Kitts Best Waterproof PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed PHOTO: Amazon $180 at Amazon $150 at Walmart $72 at Wayfair This waterproof calming dog bed is perfect for puppies and senior dogs, because the bottom has a waterproof liner to protect your floors from accidents, and the material is strong enough to withstand razor-sharp puppy teeth. The materials are easy to spot clean, and the cover is removable and can be thrown in the washing machine. It also comes with a comfortable memory foam filling to support your growing dog, and is free of any harmful manufacturing materials. Sizes: Small, Large, X-Large, XX-Large Jumbo | Material: Polyester, cotton exterior, memory foam fill | Shape: Rectangle | Extra Features: Water-resistant, anti-tear outer covering | Colors: 3 Pro Tip! Dr. Victoria Cussen, PhD has a few other tips for separation anxiety in dogs:Give them short periods of alone time every day and ramp down midday exercise or play time to prepare for when you go into an office.Leave on soothing music or the TV for “auditory or visual stimulation” to keep your pet entertained.Rotate your dog’s toys to keep them “relatively novel and interesting” (instead of leaving all of their toys out all the time). And in cases where your dog is “nervous pacing and panting, vocalizing, or trying to leave with you”, consider contacting a certified behaviorist or separation anxiety trainer. Best Indestructible K9 Ballistics Tough Rip-Stop Dog Bed PHOTO: Amazon $315 at Amazon View on K9ballistics.com ome dogs like to scratch, dig, and play with their beds, and that’s fine if you have a material that can hold up to rough play. This fabric is water-resistant, withstands teeth and claw marks and is dirt resistant for dogs who bring their outside fun indoors. The CertiPUR-USA adds immense comfort, and you can throw it in the washing machine. This durable bed is ideal for highly active dogs or pet parents who take their dogs on outdoor adventures. Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large | Material: Rip-stop polyester | Shape: Flat rectangle | Extra Features: Water-resistant lining, chew resistant, machine washable | Colors: 5 PHOTO: People / Alyssa Kingham PHOTO: People / Alyssa Kingham Best Investment Animals Matter Ruby Puff Ortho Dog Bed PHOTO: Animals Matter View on Animalsmatter.com This premium plush bed is made with blanket-soft faux fur on top and velvet on the bottom. Inside is a hypoallergenic high memory-spring filling that supports your pet and surrounds them with comfort. It’s somewhat elevated off the ground due to the amount of filling, and it’s hand wash only — a better option for adult non accident-prone dogs. The design is gorgeous and it comes in three neutral colors so it will fit in with any design scheme as a sophisticated statement piece. Experts Say “Most dogs like to curl up against an object whether it’s your leg, a couch edge, wall surface, or a circular bed structure. This allows the dog to fully rest rather than having to be on high alert from all angles.”—Dr. Hunter Finn, DVM Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large | Material: Faux fur and micro velvet exterior, hypoallergenic high memory-spring luxury filling | Shape: Round, elevated | Extra Features: Cover is machine washable (cold), vegan, cruelty-free, eco-friendly | Colors: 3 Best for Burrowing Snoozer Snoozer Cozy Cave Pet Bed PHOTO: Amazon $121 at Amazon The attached blanket of this Cozy Cave allows dogs to wrap up, which helps control their anxiety for a peaceful slumber. It has a soft Sherpa lining and a cedar wood polyfill to help fight odors naturally. The raised hood allows your dog to easily snuggle in and out. The blanket (or hood) as well as the cover are machine washable. Sizes: Small (up to 15 inches in length), large (up to 20 inches in length), XL (up to 40 inches in length) | Material: Nylon, wood, cotton | Shape: Diamond | Extra Features: Cedar poly-fill for odor control, Sherpa lining | Machine Washable: Yes | Colors: 27 Best for Burrowing (Cheaper) Lesure Pet Faux Fur Burrow Bed PHOTO: Lesure Pet $24 at Amazon Consider this affordable option for dogs who love to scratch, burrow, and dig before nap time. In our tests, it didn’t show any signs of wear despite several dogs — a 22-pound Australian Shepherd, 6-pound Yorkiepoo, and 13-pound Goldendoodle — who liked digging into the rim. All of them took to this bed almost immediately. The donut shape provided sturdy neck and head support, and a quick machine wash easily got rid of any fur or stains. The bottom had some grip to it, so it didn’t move with our dogs’ activity. Sizes: X-small, small, medium | Material: Faux fur, chopped foam, and polyester fiber | Shape: Round | Extra Features: OEKO-TEX certified materials, made with some recycled materials, | Machine Washable: Yes | Colors: 4 PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger What to Know About Calming Dog Beds Donut vs. Lounger Shape As Dr. Cussen mentioned, the right calming bed will depend on your dog’s preferences, and you’re the expert in that field. So pay attention to where your dog likes to sleep. If they tend to stretch out on the floor, they might want a flatter bed like the FurHaven Orthopedic Dog Bed. Conversely, if they bundle up in blankets and pillows next to you on the couch, a furry donut bed like the SlowTon Calming Dog Bed or covered sherpa bed like the Snoozer Snoozer Cozy Cave Pet Bed could be the right choice. Other factors like age, coat, special needs, or whether your dog sleeps in a dog crate can also play a role in what bed will be the best fit. Faux Fur vs. Water-Resistant Materials You know your dog better than anyone, so it’s important to be realistic about the material that will best suit them. Though a faux fur bed might look more aesthetically pleasing, if your dog has messy tendencies (drips water everywhere, has accidents, brings dirt in from outside) then a bed with water-resistant and dirt-resistant material will be a more durable option — like the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed, Orthopedic Memory Foam. The same goes for dogs that like to play rough with their beds and dig and scratch the surface. On the other hand, if your dog likes to snuggle and is soothed by softer materials, then the faux fur option will be ideal. Carefully Read the Size Guides While size may seem self-explanatory, in researching for this article, we found many dog bed sizes are a little misleading so make sure to read the specifics for each. For instance, some beds like the FurHaven Ultra Plush Pet Bed for Dogs advertise a full range of sizes, but then the X-Large will only fit a dog up to 75 pounds when there are many dogs far larger than that. So just make sure to read the specifics — such as dog weight for each siz People / Sarah Naftzger Why Trust PEOPLE? Madison Yauger is a shopping editor for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. She’s previously covered many different pet topics, including training and behavior — having gone through her own trials understanding her anxious rescue dog's behavior. For this story, she spoke to an animal behaviorist from the ASPCA and a veterinarian, in addition to heavily researching the market of calming dog beds, and using insights from her own dogs to determine the best picks for different dogs. Neha Tandon is a staff shopping editor, overseeing a number of magazines including PEOPLE, Travel + Leisure, InStyle, and more. She has seven years of experience writing shopping content across a variety of topics. Neha updated this story with our latest picks including several we have personally tested. Our Expert Panel Hunter Finn, DVM is a TikTok-famous veterinarian who specializes in fear-free medicine. Victoria Cussen, PhD is an animal behaviorist and the Senior Director of Applied Behavior Research on the ASPCA Behavioral Sciences Team. The 11 Best Dog Coats, Jackets, and Sweaters for Winter, Worn by Our Dogs