Best Dog Beds for Small Dogs

When looking for the best dog bed for your small dog, there are many factors to consider. Generally, a dog bed needs to be:

• A good fit. Beyond finding something within your budget, make sure your dog fits on the bed; heads and limbs shouldn’t have to be hanging off the edge.
• Easy washability. Dogs eat treats, vomit, pass gas, scratch fleas, and wipe ointment-filled eyes and ears on their beds. Some dogs urinate on them — so the ability to throw the bed into the washing machine is a big help, if not downright critical. Dogs with allergies will also benefit from having their bed washed frequently.
• Safety. Place the bed away from high-traffic areas so no one trips on it or on the dog. If the dog chews it, then get rid of it — swallowing stuffing can lead to emergency surgery (and you thought the bed itself was expensive). Remove any buttons or ribbons the dog could chew, or look for “chew-proof” beds now available.
• Stuffing that works for you and your dog. Young, warm, healthy dogs can usually get by with inexpensive foam filling, but your older or arthritic dog will probably prefer more comfort and support. Some orthopedic beds use foam because it’s thicker and of higher quality, so it doesn’t squash flat. Thick, flexible gel has recently become more common as a bed filling; it’s more comfortable than foam and distributes weight more evenly, making it excellent for geriatric dogs — but expensive. And some beds contain cedar chips to ward off pests and keep the bed smelling fresher than your dog.
• The environment. Some of us are concerned about using materials that won’t harm the earth when we decide to replace, get rid of, or recycle a dog bed. You can check out eco-friendly dog beds if that’s something that factors into your decision.
• Absorbent pads for dogs who wet the bed. Sick, incontinent, or geriatric dogs can benefit from washable or disposable absorbent pads (technically, you’re the one benefiting because you won’t have to wash the bed). Note: These flat pads won’t fit well in a nesting bed.
• A place where they can feel calm and de-stress during the day or night.

A dog bed should not be used as a place for punishment or confinement.

For small dogs especially, it’s important that it is a place of security. My small dog likes to turn into a donut while sleeping, so this is what I got for her:

The Original Calming Donut Cat and Dog Bed in Shag Fur Taupe by Best Friends by Sheri.