A dog bed is one of the more considered purchases in a pet household. Unlike a leash or a food bowl, it occupies space in your home visibly and permanently — and the wrong choice tends to go unused, which usually means buying again.
The market offers a wide range of options, and the differences between them aren’t always clearly explained. Elevated frames, orthopedic foam, bolster edges, crate mats — each design serves a different purpose, and the right choice depends on factors specific to your dog and your home.
This guide works through those factors methodically, so the decision rests on something more reliable than packaging claims.
Why the Type of Bed Matters
Dogs spend a large portion of each day sleeping or resting, and the surface they rest on affects both comfort and how willing they are to actually use the bed you provide. A bed that doesn’t suit a dog’s sleeping style or physical needs is often abandoned in favor of the sofa, the floor, or wherever they find more comfortable. Understanding what each bed type offers makes it easier to match the product to the animal.
The Three Main Types
Elevated dog beds
An elevated bed — sometimes called a raised or cot-style bed — suspends a fabric sleeping surface on a frame, keeping a dog off the floor by several inches.
What they do well: the raised design allows air to circulate beneath the dog, which can help with temperature regulation — useful in warmer climates, for dogs that run hot, or in rooms without air conditioning. It also keeps a dog off cold or drafty floors in winter. Because there’s no foam or fill to compress, the sleeping surface stays consistent over time, and the frame design tends to be durable. Many designs have a removable fabric surface that can be washed, with a frame that wipes down easily — check the individual product page for what each one specifies.
Limitations: elevated beds don’t offer the cushioning of foam. For dogs with joint sensitivity or significant muscle loss — often older dogs — the firmer, open surface may be less supportive than a cushioned alternative. A dog that prefers to curl up tightly may also find an open elevated surface less enclosed than a bed with raised edges.
Best suited for: active adult dogs who sleep stretched out, warmer environments, and households prioritizing durability and easy cleaning. Our Scandinavian Elevated Dog Bed with Velvet Cushion, part of Comfort & Living, follows this design and is intended for smaller dogs — the supplier does not publish exact measurements, so check the Specifications section on the product page for the details currently listed before ordering.
Orthopedic dog beds
Orthopedic beds use a foam base — typically memory foam or high-density foam — to distribute a dog’s weight across the surface, with many designs including a bolster edge on one or more sides for the dog to rest against.
What they do well: the foam base is the main advantage — a supportive, weight-distributing surface is commonly recommended for dogs with joint sensitivity or age-related stiffness, and orthopedic beds are frequently chosen for older dogs for that reason. The bolster edge serves a secondary purpose too: many dogs prefer sleeping with their back or head against a raised surface, which can offer a sense of enclosure some dogs find settling. A removable, machine-washable cover — worth prioritizing when comparing options — makes these considerably easier to maintain than a fixed cover.
Limitations: foam compresses over time, and the quality of the foam determines how long it holds its shape — lower-density foam can flatten within months, while high-density foam holds up considerably longer.
Best suited for: older dogs, dogs with joint sensitivity (as advised by your veterinarian), and dogs that prefer to curl up or lean against a surface. Our Orthopedic Dog Sofa Bed with Bolster & Washable Cover is built around this structure.
Crate mats
A crate mat is a flat, padded surface designed to fit inside a dog crate — the sleeping surface within a crate environment, rather than a standalone bed.
What they do well: for a crate-trained dog, a well-fitted mat makes the crate more comfortable and more appealing as a resting space. A mat sized precisely to the crate prevents bunching and shifting, which dogs tend to find unsettling. Washability is the most important practical factor here — crate mats accumulate hair, dander, and moisture quickly, and a mat that machine washes and dries easily is far more practical than one requiring spot cleaning only.
Limitations: a crate mat isn’t a substitute for a standalone bed — dogs that spend time outside the crate still need a separate resting surface.
Best suited for: crate-trained dogs of any age, as a complement to a standalone bed. Our Washable Dog Crate Mat is built for this role specifically. For getting the crate itself right — sizing, placement, and keeping it comfortable and clean — see our guide to setting up a dog crate at home.
How to Choose: Four Questions Worth Asking
1. How old is your dog?
Puppies sleep heavily and adapt easily — a washable, durable surface is the priority, since accidents are frequent at this stage. Adult dogs have established sleeping preferences: observe how your dog currently sleeps. Stretched out flat suggests an elevated or flat surface works well; curled tightly suggests a bolster or more enclosed design may be preferred. Senior dogs often benefit from added support as joint stiffness becomes more common with age — if you notice your dog seems stiff or slow to rise, it’s worth asking your veterinarian whether a more supportive bed is appropriate.
2. What is your dog’s sleeping style?
- Stretched out flat — an elevated bed or flat orthopedic surface works well
- Curled tightly — a bolster bed with raised edges provides the enclosure many dogs prefer
- On their side, fully extended — a larger flat surface; bolsters may go unused
- Pressed against furniture or walls — a bolster bed placed against a wall replicates this preference
3. What is your dog’s size?
Measure your dog from nose to tail base when stretched out, and add roughly ten inches — this gives a reasonable minimum sleeping surface dimension. For elevated beds, check the weight rating. For orthopedic beds, larger dogs need higher-density foam; a foam base adequate for a small dog will compress quickly under a much larger one.
4. Where will the bed be placed?
A bed in the living room is visible and contributes to the room’s overall look — an elevated frame with clean lines tends to integrate easily into a considered interior, and a bolster bed in a neutral fabric can work well too if chosen carefully. A bed near a door or utility area needs to be durable and easy to clean, which suits both elevated frames and washable-cover designs.
A Note on Washability
Regardless of bed type, washability should be a primary consideration. Dog beds accumulate hair, dander, saliva, and occasional accidents at a rate that makes regular laundering necessary. A bed with a removable, machine-washable cover can be laundered weekly without difficulty; one that only allows spot cleaning is more likely to retain odor over time. Our guide to managing pet odor at home covers this in more depth.
Placing the Bed: Where Dogs Actually Rest
Dogs tend to choose resting spots based on proximity to their owner, a clear sightline to the room’s entrance, and a surface that feels secure beneath them. Placing a bed in a corner or against a wall, rather than in the middle of a room, tends to result in higher use — the wall offers a sense of enclosure on one or two sides that many dogs find settling. Avoid placing beds directly in front of heating vents or in areas with heavy foot traffic; dogs rest more deeply when they aren’t regularly disturbed. If your dog currently ignores the bed you’ve provided, it’s worth considering whether the location is the issue before concluding the bed type itself is wrong — a theme we go into further in choosing a dog bed that fits your living room.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I consider an orthopedic bed?
There’s no fixed age that applies to every dog — larger breeds tend to show joint stiffness earlier than smaller ones. If your dog seems stiff, slow to rise, or reluctant to jump onto furniture they used to manage easily, it’s worth asking your veterinarian whether additional support is appropriate.
Can a dog use both an elevated bed and a crate mat?
Yes — they serve different purposes. A crate mat provides comfort inside the crate; an elevated or orthopedic bed provides a resting space outside it during the day. Many owners use both.
How often should a dog bed be washed?
Every one to two weeks is a reasonable baseline, more often during shedding seasons or if your dog spends time outdoors.
My dog ignores the bed I bought. What should I do?
Check the location first — dogs often prefer corners or spots against a wall. Confirm the size is adequate for how your dog actually sleeps. And consider introducing the bed gradually with a familiar scent, such as a worn item of your own clothing placed on it.
Are elevated beds suitable for older dogs?
It depends on the individual dog. Some do well on a low-profile elevated bed for daytime resting; others are more comfortable on orthopedic foam. If your dog has joint concerns, your veterinarian is the best resource for what’s appropriate.
What’s the difference between memory foam and high-density foam?
Memory foam conforms to a dog’s shape and distributes weight across the surface; high-density foam provides firm, consistent support without contouring. Both hold their shape considerably longer than low-density foam, which compresses quickly under regular use.
Conclusion
Choosing a dog bed is a more considered decision than it might first appear — not because the options are complicated, but because the right choice depends on factors that vary significantly from one dog to the next. An elevated frame suits an active adult dog in a warm room. An orthopedic bolster bed suits an older dog who benefits from extra support. A washable crate mat suits a crate-trained dog of any age. None of these is universally correct. Start with your dog’s age and sleeping style, factor in where the bed will be placed, and prioritize washability regardless of which type you choose — a bed that’s used consistently and maintained regularly will serve your dog, and your home, far better than one chosen on appearance alone.