Anxiety can greatly affect how dogs feel throughout the day. They may become restless, bark excessively, pace, or have a difficult time getting comfortable. Providing your dog with a calming dog bed can help reduce some of that stress and anxiety in your home.
The purpose of calming dog beds is to create a feeling of safety and security, much like being held, surrounded, or snuggled in a safe place. Most calming dog beds are made from soft faux fur materials and have raised edges and padded support, to give your dog the sense of safety and security they need.
This is especially helpful for puppies, rescue dogs, and dogs that may experience anxiety during loud noises, being left alone, or when their routine changes. When looking for a calming dog bed, look for softness, size, machine-washable materials, and how well the bed supports your dog’s natural sleeping position. Here are some examples of the best calming canine beds for dogs with anxiety.
Best Overall Calming Dog Bed
Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Bed
The Sheri Donut Bed is an incredibly popular calming dog bed option for those dogs requiring some extra comfort and security, in part due to its round donut shape, which allows dogs to curl up naturally, and the raised edges of the bed, which create a nesting effect that helps reduce anxiety.
The ultra-soft faux fur material provides warmth similar to their mother’s coat, thus helping dogs relax more quickly and fall asleep faster. This bed is especially beneficial to small to medium-sized dogs who prefer to curl when sleeping.
Features
- Donut-shaped design for curling comfort
- Raised rim for head and neck support
- Soft faux fur material
- Lightweight and portable
- Machine washable cover
Pros
- Excellent for anxiety reduction
- Very soft and comfortable
- Helps improve sleep quality
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
Cons
- Not ideal for large, heavy chewers
- May flatten over time with heavy use
Check Price on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Best+Friends+by+Sheri+calming+dog+bed
Best Donut-Style Calming Bed for Small Dogs
Bedsure Calming Dog Bed
The Bedsure Calming Dog Bed was made just for smaller-sized (under 25 pounds) pet breeds that want to feel secure while they sleep (wrap themselves up). With its round design and plush feel, this bed gives your pup a secure space in which to cuddle up and quickly fall to sleep. This bed combines both firmness and softness, providing an area that provides support yet allows your canine friend to find comfort while sleeping.
Features
- Soft faux fur material
- Anti-slip bottom
- Lightweight and portable design
- Machine washable
- Raised edges for support
Pros
- Affordable and widely available
- Very soft and comfortable
- Good for small anxious dogs
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Less durable for large dogs
- Not ideal for heavy chewers
Check Price on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Bedsure+calming+dog+bed
Best Premium Calming Bed
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Lounge Bed
The PetFusion Ultimate Dog Lounge Bed offers superior quality for dogs in need of orthopedic and calming support. This bed combines high-density memory foam with soft side bolsters. It is ideal for dogs with anxiety, joint problems, or general stress. Although round or donut-style bedding is structured and supportive, the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Lounge cannot provide the same level of support for dogs of large stature or seniors who benefit from a calming environment.
Features
- Memory foam base
- Supportive side bolsters
- Durable fabric cover
- Non-slip bottom
- Removable washable cover
Pros
- Excellent orthopedic support
- Very durable construction
- Suitable for large dogs
- Long-lasting comfort
Cons
- Higher price point
- Less “nest-like” than donut beds
Check Price on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=PetFusion+Ultimate+dog+bed
Best Budget Calming Dog Bed
The Dog’s Bed Calming Plush Bed
The Dog’s Bed Calming Plush Bed is an affordable solution that provides soft and comfortable sleeping surfaces for dogs that suffer from anxiety. The calming bed offers soft, cushioned support without breaking the bank, making it a great entry-level product to try for owners who are unsure whether a calming bed would benefit their dog before spending money on premium options.
Features
- Soft plush fabric
- Lightweight design
- Simple cushioned structure
- Machine washable material
- Multiple size options
Pros
- Affordable price
- Soft and comfortable
- Easy maintenance
- Suitable for mild anxiety
Cons
- Less durable over time
- Limited structural support
Check Price on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Dogs+Bed+calming+plush+bed
Best Large Breed Calming Bed
Furhaven Plush Orthopedic Sofa Bed
Larger dogs that require extra comfort and space will find the Furhaven Orthopedic Sofa Bed’s unique shape and supports (sectional couch style) to be the perfect resting spot. This bed has a large, spacious area where the dog can lie down and relax comfortably with soft, padded edges giving them a snug, yet secure type of layout. This bed is ideal for dogs who like to stretch out rather than curl up tightly.
Features
- Orthopedic foam base
- Sofa-style raised edges
- Soft plush sleeping surface
- Machine washable cover
- Multiple size options for large breeds
Pros
- Great for large dogs
- Strong orthopedic support
- Comfortable and spacious
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Bulkier than donut beds
- Not ideal for small spaces
Check Price on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Furhaven+orthopedic+dog+bed
How to Choose the Right Calming Dog Bed
Selecting a proper bed for your dog’s anxiety will vary based upon several factors, including size, sleeping style, and the degree of anxiety he or she has.
As a general guide, dogs who curl up in a fetal position typically like a raised-edged or donut-style bed, whereas dogs that sleep on their back, or paw out and away from their bodies (or both) often feel more secure when they are on a combination of raised edges (an orthopedic couch) and flatter bases (like a regular sofa).
When providing comfort to our dogs, we must remember that some dogs will need relief from their anxiety through a softer bed versus firmer memory foam beds. For many dogs needing to relieve their anxiety, a plush fur-lined bed is going to serve them far better than a solid foam bed.
The need for the ability to wash any bedding, especially for those dogs that shed hair and/or have anxiety-related accidents, is also very important.
Conclusion
Calming dog beds are a great way to help provide an environment that can be conducive to helping an anxious pet to feel comfortable. It’s important to remember that calming dog beds, such as the Best Friends by Sheri or the Bedsure, for example, do provide anxiety relief, whereas the PetFusion and Furhaven provide added physical benefits through an orthopedic style of sleeping.
The exact choice for a calming dog bed will really depend on your dog’s size, sleeping pattern, and degree of anxiety. Many dogs will demonstrate increased relaxation and improved sleep, along with reduced signs of anxiety, as more time is spent in their calming dog bed.