As if that isn’t all enough, the bed is machine washable – and at 30C. Throw their other toys and blankets in there too and you have a fully clean boudoir for your pup. The bed is firm all round for optimal comfort levels and support, which also gives it a very neat appearance. A waterproof liner is a useful addition to protect the mattress should any accidents happen. Our pointer’s owner was also impressed with the smart British tweed covering, made by a traditional family-owned weaving mill in the heart of West Yorkshire. The whole bed is made in Britain. We selected 21 of the latest, top-performing orthopedic dog beds available and sent each one to a real home with a real dog (sometimes dogs!) for real-world testing. To really put this one through its paces, we decided to test this on a large and very energetic Labrador puppy, a breed known for destructive habits. As suspected, our tester did try to chew the bed, but to no avail. Just as advertised, the bed is seriously tough. But surprisingly comfortable too, with a supportive futon mattress hidden away underneath the waterproof cover.

The best dog beds are also ones that can be kept clean. Your canine companion will appreciate a dog bed which can be free of smells, loose hair and things like mud. Remember that a raised dog bed is pretty plain, with no cushioning or soft plush sides so you’ll have to jazz it up with other blankets. While they won’t be for every dog, some are inexpensive so could be worth trying for any dogs who don’t seem to like other forms. This is really a personal preference, Rachel says. Some dogs feel more secure in an enclosed space and a bed with sides can provide a feeling of being held and hidden. However, a bed with no sides, or a dog cushion, might be better for allowing your dog to fully stretch out. The 4-inch memory foam interior is encased in a waterproof liner to keep the foam protected from urine. The foam provides incredible support and is so comfortable that the bed will surely become a favorite resting spot for your dog. The bed's ultra-soft cover zips off for machine washing, and it comes out looking almost brand new every time.The world can sometimes be a scary and stressful place for a dog. Having a safe, cozy space to curl up can help dogs feel calmer by providing warmth and psychological comfort. The super-soft Best Friends by Sheri the Original Calming Donut Dog Bed earned our top spot for calming dog beds. The Yeti Trailhead Dog Bed is a versatile two-in-one dog bed that provides comfort for dogs at home and on the road. If your dog enjoys bringing in bones, treats, toys—whatever they might find— to their bed, then this easy-to-clean, supportive bed with a removable cover will appeal to you. The L.L. Bean Therapeutic Dog couch features memory foam on the inside and comes with a durable yet soft cover made from 100% cotton. Orthopedic beds add an extra layer of support for dogs that have arthritis, achy joints, or mobility issues,” explains Dr. Tori Countner, DVM, owner of The Balanced Pet Vet. “Memory foam is ideal since it is a little firmer and prevents sagging so dogs can get up easier from their bed, and it gives extra support to joints." Although expensive, you’re paying for a full piece of furniture here, not just a dog bed. This is perfect for smaller spaces, where the idea of having a dog bed taking up room is unappealing. With this, you’ve got the drawer and surface space on top, allowing the bed to fit seamlessly into your home and provide extra storage (which admittedly has ended up being used for dog toys, leads and treats).

They will likely become attached to their bed, but as a dog owner, it is vital you look for general signs of wear and tear or a sagging inner cushion almost touching the floor. This could be a good sign that it needs replacing.

How we chose our recommendations

There's no better tester for a waterproof bed than my paralyzed, incontinent pittie mix foster. She's used this bed daily for well over a year (and is on it almost any time she is resting during the day), both with and without diapers. Impressively, it has held up to her many accidents.

The Heyday was introduced several years ago and, ever since then, it's been our golden retriever tester's favorite bed. That's saying a lot because she normally doesn't like beds. She has two and both have held up well throughout the years, even through numerous washes and spot cleanings. They also won’t be machine washable so aren’t as easy to clean, so you may have to spot clean. If your dog does like to be high up, there are also beds that sit flat on the floor but are quite chunky so still require a step up. Does a puppy need a dedicated bed?The Casper Dog Bed gives your dog a place to relax with memory and support foam that provides much-needed relief from orthopedic pain and discomfort. Two tips to help if you have a chewer in your house: Rotate your dog's toys so they don't see the same 3 (or 25!) toys all the time. "This could cause their bed to be the new chew toy," says Amber Walker, KPA-CTP, a dog trainer in Batavia, Illinois. Then consider a chew toy that matches the texture of the bed so you can redirect them to a toy their mouth is craving if they begin chewing on the bed. Of course, some dogs do consume toy parts when chewing so be mindful of that, she added. We only looked for beds with washable covers – unzip it from the foam padding centre, and put it in the washing machine according to instructions. It won’t only smell nicer but will keep your dog cleaner too. Some beds are even entirely washable as they are. The Big Barker 7-Inch Headrest Edition provides ample body and orthopedic support for large dogs and comes with a 10-year "can't flatten-won't flatten" guarantee.

Many dogs like having their own space to just have some time out in, somewhere quiet that they can make their own. Whether their bed will be kept in the living room, in the human bedroom, inside their dog crate or simply moved around depending on the time of day, it is key they’re comfortable. Every time she is in the bed, she uses the outer cushion as a pillow," said our tester, who has a senior dog at home. "She apparently loves it."The bed does not have any built-in support to keep it in place, so we recommend placing it against a wall if it tends to shift.