FAQ: Beds & Bedding for dogs

Most cooling mats have a gel layer that absorbs body heat and works without a fridge or electricity until it warms up again. They help on hot days but do not replace shade, water and a cool room.

The gel's composition depends on the manufacturer, so do not leave a dog that chews alone with a gel mat. If your dog has punctured the mat and may have swallowed gel, throw the mat away and consult a vet.

Outdoors, choose moisture-resistant beds with a waterproof base or raised beds that keep off the cold ground. In winter, kennels often use easy-to-change insulating pads that do not soak up moisture.

A cushion with soft filling quickly gets damp outdoors, and a damp bed chills more than a dry one. A moisture-resistant pad on a raised floor, dried or changed regularly, suits a kennel better.

This name is used for round beds with long soft fluff and high sides the dog can snuggle into. For some anxious dogs this shape gives a sense of security, but it is not a treatment, and stronger anxiety is worth discussing with a vet or behaviourist.

Yes, a rubber or dotted non-slip base stops the bed sliding on tiles, laminate or parquet. This matters especially for older dogs and dogs with joint problems, which may slip when stepping into the bed.

The sides should be high enough for the dog to rest its head but not too high to step over. Older, small or dogs with joint problems are more comfortable in beds with a low entrance at the front.

The most common are foam or memory foam, fibre filling such as polyester wadding or hollow fibre, and shredded foam pieces. A foam block holds its shape better, while fibre is softer but clumps and flattens sooner.

Fibre compresses and clumps over time, especially after washing, so the bed gets thinner. Fluffing the bed helps, and some beds let you top up the filling through a zip.

The heavier the dog, the thicker and denser the foam needs to be so the dog does not touch the floor when lying down. A simple test: kneel on the bed, and if you easily feel the floor, it is too thin for a heavy dog.

Dense synthetic fabrics such as Oxford or Cordura resist claws, hair and dirt better than soft velour or faux fur. Soft fabrics are cosier but wear faster and collect more hair.

Faux leather wipes clean with a damp cloth and does not hold hair and odours the way fabric does. However, it can feel hot for the dog in summer, and sharp claws or chewing can damage it.

Cotton is breathable and pleasant and can often be washed at higher temperatures, so it suits allergic dogs and the warm season. It wears faster and stains more easily than dense synthetic fabrics.

A waterproof inner liner protects the foam or fibre filling from urine, drool and spilled water. The filling stays dry and odour-free, and only the outer cover needs washing.

A good zip is sturdy, runs smoothly and is often hidden under a fabric flap or on the underside so the dog cannot reach it. A hidden zip is especially important for puppies and dogs that chew.

Some beds use cedar or other wood shavings for their natural scent. However, strong scents can irritate sensitive dogs, so an unscented filling is a better choice for a dog with allergies or breathing problems.

For long-haired and thick-coated dogs a fluffy bed is often too warm, so they frequently choose to lie on the floor instead. A smooth breathable fabric or a raised bed suits them better, while fluffy beds suit short-haired dogs.

Claw-resistant fabrics are tightly woven with no loops or loose threads for claws to catch on. Looped textures and loose knits snag faster, especially if the dog digs before lying down.

Frequent washing at high temperatures fades and wears fabric faster. Follow the care label, wash the cover inside out with the zip closed and avoid a harsh spin.

Some manufacturers sell spare covers, which is handy because one can be washed while the other goes straight on. If none are available, a washable throw or blanket can be laid on top in the meantime.