Stress relief dog bed uk

Our calming pet beds are designed with removable covers so that washing is easier, and high levels of hygiene can be maintained. 

We recommend washing the removable outer cover separately from other items on a delicate cold cycle in order to maximise the lifespan of the bed. If required, the inner inserts can be wiped with a damp cloth (but similar to pillow inserts, should not be machine or hand washed)  

Both the outer fur cover and the separate inner plush pillows and filling are 100% polyester. This material has been used deliberately for its durability, softness, and importantly its ability to dry faster than other materials. 

If hanging the items up to air or drip-drying after washing, we highly recommend hanging the items in direct sunlight as polyester can dry in as little as an hour this way. Also, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light helps avoid (and even kill) mold. 

Do not wring or twist, do not bleach, do not tumble dry, do not iron, and do not dry clean; either the outer cover or the inner pillows.

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By now, you’ve probably heard of “calming dog beds”—they’re all the rage, and the claims being made about them are pretty fantastic: that they soothe anxious pups who struggle with stressful situations like storms, guests, or separation anxiety.

Most calming dog beds share a similar design: lots of plush filling, a soft faux-fur exterior, and a classic donut shape with bolstered sides. This specific combination is meant to appeal to your dog’s senses. The faux fur might remind them of their mom and littermates, and the plush filling is a burrower’s dream. The round donut shape gives them a big old hug as they curl in for a nap, with the bolstered sides offering a sense of protection from the outside world.

Will a calming dog bed make your dog’s anxiety disappear? Probably not. For most pet parents, these aren’t a magic bullet. But our own test of the original calming dog bed left us impressed. Our fearful snugglers gave them four paws up—and yours might like one too. Read on for some of the coziest sleep options we’ve encountered.

Our Favorite Calming Beds for Anxious Dogs

The Best Friends by Sheri bed claims to be the original dog calming bed—and as far as we can tell, it deserves the title. Designers chose the donut style with its high, plush sides to please snugglers and burrowers alike, creating a soft, quiet retreat for the ultimate napping experience.

We tested this one ourselves and can confirm that it’s as cozy as it looks. Our dogs used it for everything from a cave with blankets to a pillow for cat naps, making it suitable for loungers of all styles. We especially like it for dogs who need a safe space but can’t deal with traditional crates or enclosures.

This bed comes in multiple sizes and five colors—and it’s machine washable and dryer safe.

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Featuring a similar donut design, this calming bed encourages a dog to curl up, experience a deeper sleep, and rest easy. It’s a little more affordable than some of the luxury calming beds out there, and with four sizes and by far the widest selection of colors, it’s a solid starter option for anyone wondering if calming beds are for them. The largest size is suitable for dogs up to 100 pounds, and it goes in the washing machine when it’s time for cleaning.

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The Active Pets Plush Calming Bed is a lighter, slimmer nest than some of the other calming beds out there—though most reviewers feel it still has ample fluff for their dogs to enjoy. Four classic color choices (including bright pink for the pooch who wants some flare) and a no-slip base make it an attractive option for more active pups and owners who plan to move it around.

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The OXS Calming Dog Bed comes with a removable blanket made from the same soft faux-fur material as the bed—a great bonus for dogs who love to burrow or nest. This bed is machine washable and can accommodate dogs up to 55 pounds. Like most fur beds, it’s not a solid option for chewers—but it’s perfect for lounging and cuddling.

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Made of high-quality artificial wool, this bed is so soft and fluffy that it invites your dog to dive right in—and a non-skid bottom makes sure it stays firmly planted on your living room floor when they do. Hand-washing is recommended to extend this cushy pillow’s lifespan (though reviewers report it can be put into the washer in a pinch).

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This bed promises an “enhanced snuggling” experience because, well, who wouldn’t want that for their dog? It breaks the mold of the traditional calming bed with a zipper lining, so you can actually replace or remove stuffing to suit your dog’s preferences. If your pup is finicky about fluff level, this might the tie-breaker. Like the other beds, it has a plush exterior and a donut shape, all part of the same design to help your dog settle in for an anti-anxiety nap. This bed comes with a 90-day warranty.

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This calming bed is for smaller dogs, so if you’ve got an anxious Yorkie or a nervous Pug, you’re in business! It uses memory foam to create that snuggly experience, which also may be good for older dogs who have aches and pains. Like the other calming beds, it has that classic donut shape, extra cuddly materials, and—this time—a removable cover for washing. Our only question: where can we get one in human size?

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The WAYIMPRESS is also for small breeds, and it includes a non-skid bottom to keep it rooted to the floor. (Our dogs love to dive into bed—so we find this a very sensible feature.) Especially thick padding makes it a nice choice for older dogs and provides a self-warming element, trapping in your dog’s own body heat for a luxuriously warm napping experience.

You can machine-wash and dry this bed, and it comes in an assortment of colors. (Need a peach-colored bed to match those drapes? This is the one!)

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Further Reading

The 8 Best Cooling Pads for Dogs That Always Overheat, According to Reviews

After comparing many of the best calming pet beds on the market, these 12 were our winners.

Animal behaviorist Victoria Cussen, PhD, CAAB, tells PEOPLE, “Individual dogs have unique preferences for beds; for example, some dogs prefer beds with bolsters while others prefer a level pad.” The Senior Director of Applied Behavior Research on the ASPCA Behavioral Sciences Team, suggests “pay[ing] attention to where your dog chooses to rest and try to accommodate their preferences. This will ensure they have a comfortable place to rest available to them.”

What is it about these beds that help an animal feel that sense of calm? One TikTok-famous veterinarian who specializes in fear-free medicine 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,” veterinarian Hunter Finn, DVM tells PEOPLE. “Having their bodies touch a wall allows them to feel less threatened from that side and rest more comfortably.” But one size does not fit all when it comes to dog beds, so the right bed comes down to your dog’s preferences.

Whether you have a rescue dog, a puppy with separation anxiety, or a generally anxious and excited pet, many dogs need a little extra TLC — and a calming dog bed can be the perfect soothing mechanism.

Best Overall

Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Bed in Shag Fur

Amazon

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Who It’s Good For

• This plush bed is ideal for dogs who like to burrow, curl up, and snuggle down into material. Basically, if your dog is always nestled in pillows and blankets and likes a good cuddle, this bed is perfect.

Who It’s Not Good For

• It’s not ideal for dogs who only prefer to lay stretched out.

As one of the most popular pet beds, the donut soothes animals by providing plush comfort, a solid border — which provides a head rest and sense of protection — and a faux-fur material that’s perfect for snuggling. For many dogs who need their bed to be a refuge, this circular fluffy bed is exactly that. While this bed is primarily for dogs who like to curl up, there are many dogs who sleep in different positions throughout the day, so if your dog lays stretched out sometimes, and curls up other times, it could still be a good fit! 

“We got our puppy the famous donut bed and then bought her another one when she outgrew the first. She absolutely loves it!,” says commerce writer Madison Yauger. “As a high energy breed (springer spaniel), she’s always moving, but when she’s ready to lie down, she will nap in this bed for hours. She’s 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.”

Some extra features include the plush filling which can allow some relief for dogs that have joint pain and need some 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. 

“This bed has 100-percent helped with our dog’s separation anxiety,” said Yauger. “We watch her on the Furbo when we’re gone, and she always just goes to her bed and snuggles up until we get back.”

Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large | Material: Shag fur | Shape: Donut, round | Extra Features: Machine washable, dryer safe

Best Budget

SlowTon Calming Dog Bed

Amazon

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Who It’s Good For

• This fluffy bed is similar to the OG donut bed in many ways, but it’s a bit cheaper in price. It’s good for dogs who like to sleep curled up.

Who It’s Not Good For

• Some owners may find the filling to be a bit thinner, so it’s not great for large dogs who require more cushion.

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. 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

Best Splurge

Animals Matter Ruby Puff Ortho Companion-Pedic Luxury Dog Bed

Animals Matter

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Who It’s Good For

• This ultra plush dog bed is ideal for dog owners who want a beautifully designed bed, and for dogs who like a soft place to snuggle up.

Who It’s Not Good For

• While the cover is machine washable, the delicate filling is not, so it might be better to save this bed for adult dogs who are house trained.

For the ultimate luxury, consider this premium plush bed from Animals Matter. Made with blanket-soft faux fur on top and velvet on the bottom, this bed is so soft you’ll envy your dog. Inside is a hypoallergenic high memory-spring filling that supports your pet and surrounds them with comfort. 

“Most dogs like to curl up against an object whether it’s your leg, a couch edge, wall surface, or a circular bed structure,” says Finn. “This allows the dog to fully rest rather than having to be on high alert from all angles.” Also, from a young age, puppies instinctually huddle together with [their] siblings and mom for warmth, so this may carry into adulthood especially in anxious animals,” he adds.

This bed is somewhat elevated off the ground due to the amount of filling, and the filling is hand wash-only, so this bed might be best for non-shedding, house-trained 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.

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

The 7 Best Dog Beds of 2022, Tested and Reviewed

Best Indestructible

K9 Ballistics Tough Rip-Stop™ Deep Den Dog Bed

K9 Ballistics

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Who It’s Good For

• This bed is ideal for tough chewers given its durable fabric, and it could also work for camping trips, or dogs that go with you on outdoor expeditions.

Who It’s Not Good For

• It’s not as soft as other calming beds, so it may not be ideal for dogs who gravitate toward plushy bedding.

This durable bed from K9 Ballistics is a great option for dogs who are a little rough on their beds. Some 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, holds up against teeth and claws, and dirt resistant for dogs who bring their outside fun indoors. 

But don’t think it’s not comfortable, because it is — especially with its certified clean recycled polyfill filling. When it comes time to wash, you can either spot clean it or throw it in the washing machine. This bed would be great for a highly active dog or for pet parents who take their dogs on outdoor adventures and need a bed that can hold up and last for many years.

Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large | Material: Water-resistant rip-stop ballistic fabric | Shape: Round, elevated | Extra Features: Non-skid bottom, removable bottom cushion, fits in most wire crates, machine washable

Best for Small Dogs

Friends Forever Self Warming Indoor Round Pillow Cuddler

Amazon

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Who It’s Good For

• This bed is another great option for dogs who like to sleep curled up.

Who It’s Not Good For

• Since this bed is so warm, it may not be as good for dogs with really thick fur or dogs who live in warm climates.

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. It also comes in five colors with some neutral options and some whimsical colors depending on your (and your dog’s) preference.

Sizes: Small, Medium, Large | Material: Faux fur, polyester filling | Shape: Donut, round | Extra Features: Machine washable and dryer safe

Best for Medium Dogs

Bedsure Calming Dog Bed

Amazon

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Who It’s Good For

• This plushy donut bed provides enough space for a medium-sized dog to curl up while providing microfiber plush for good joint and muscle support.

Who It’s Not Good For

• Since the middle section is rather compact, this bed wouldn’t be a favorite among dogs who like to stretch out when they sleep.

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

Best for Large Dogs

Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed Lounge Sofa

Amazon

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Who It’s Good For

• Built with a sofa-style memory foam base, this bed is perfect for large dogs who sleep stretched out, as well as those with joint issues and arthritis. 

Who It’s Not Good For

• It might not feel as secure to a dog that needs barriers around the entire bed (like a donut!).

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. As large dogs can be very active, this bed provides joint support throughout the base and comfy barriers around the edge so they can lean against it with their heads for additional support. 

Designed with orthopedic issues in mind, this bed is also great for older dogs with arthritis, joint and mobility issues, and stiff limbs who need additional support while still having a soft bed to lie on. 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

Best with Memory Foam

Casper Dog Bed

4.5

Casper

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Who It’s Good For

• With premium memory foam, this dog bed is ideal for dogs who need good support and still like to snuggle up at night.

Who It’s Not Good For

• Since even the large breed size is still rather compact, it may not be great for dogs who sleep stretched out or on their sides.

When your dog’s bed is made by a top-rated mattress company, you know it’s going to be a high quality place to sleep. 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

Best for Senior Dogs

FurHaven Ultra Plush Pet Bed

Amazon

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Who It’s Good For

• As an easily washable bed, this is great for dogs who are prone to messes.

Who It’s Not Good For

• Due to the shape of this bed, it’s not ideal for dogs who like to stretch out when they sleep, as well as hot sleepers or dogs in warm climates since the faux fur gets warm easily.

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. As opposed to beds that come with barriers all the way around, this one has a cutout in front, making it easy for small dogs, puppies, and senior dogs to enter. Design-wise, this bed is highly versatile with 21 colors to choose from. 

We’d like to note the sizing is a little misleading, so to provide some clarity, the small size fits dogs up to 12 pounds (so really it’s an X-small) and the jumbo fits dogs up to 75 pounds. So generally, 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, Medium, Large, X-Large, Jumbo | Material: Polyester, synthetic fabric, plush, fiberfill | Shape: Oval | Extra Features: Completely machine washable

Best Orthopedic

Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed

4.8

Amazon

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Who It’s Good For

• This bed is perfect for large breed dogs, and especially dogs with weak joints, arthritis, and needing extra support.

Who It’s Not Good For

• This bed isn’t designed for strong or destructive chewers.

With almost 69,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, this widely popular dog bed is perfect for large breed dogs that need a little extra support. It comes in three large sizes including large, jumbo, and jumbo plus for breeds like Great Danes, and can even fit two medium-sized dogs if your pets like to snuggle. 

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. “Keep in mind that some anxious dogs are nervous destroyers and may tear up a bed that has a ton of feathers or fluff on the inside,” says Finn. “I prefer orthopedic foam beds as it gives just the right amount of softness and firmness combination.”

It also comes in 12 colors, and with a removable and machine washable cover. “Most dogs prefer a softer surface such as plush or orthopedic foam, but some can actually become more anxious if the bed is too soft and feels like it closes in on them,” says Finn. This bed also comes with an option for a cooling gem foam instead of the orthopedic foam, depending on your pup’s needs.

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

Best Waterproof

PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed

5

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Who It’s Good For

• This bed has a water-resistant and tear-resistant outer covering, making it ideal for accident-prone puppies. 

Who It’s Not Good For

• It’s quite comfortable, but since it doesn’t have that plushy exterior, it won’t be a favorite for dogs who prefer a higher level of softness.

This durable calming dog bed is perfect for puppies, because it offers water-resistance and protection against tears. The bottom specifically has a waterproof liner to protect your floors from accidents, and the material is strong enough to withstand teething (even with razor-sharp puppy teeth!). 

All materials on this bed are easy to spot clean, and the cover is removable and can be thrown in the washing machine, making this bed ideal for new pup parents. 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

Best Covered

FurHaven Pet Bed Sherpa and Suede Snuggery Blanket Round Egg Crate

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Who It’s Good For

• This covered bed is ideal for dogs who require an extra sense of security.

Who It’s Not Good For

• It’s not good for teething puppies or destructive chewers.

This soft sherpa blanket bed offers dogs a covered area to sleep — which for some animals can provide a sense of security and protection. It’s incredibly soft with a faux sheepskin blanket cover to let your dog snuggle under. 

“Some beds have an actual cover over the top where dogs can feel like they are going into their own den,” says Finn. “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.”

This bed comes with three different fill options: a memory foam, cooling gel foam, and orthopedic foam. While this 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.

Sizes: 18”, 26”, 35”, 44” | Material: Faux sheepskin, polyester | Shape: Round, covered | Extra Features: Three mattress types — orthopedic foam, cooling gem foam, memory foam