One of a dog’s favorite places to hang out is their bed. The modern dog bed has replaced the dog’s primal den, where they feel safe and protected. A calming bed is perfect to help control anxiety and pain management.
When my oldest dog, Karma, began struggling with hip dysplasia and developed incontinence problems, her anxiety levels shot through the roof. That is until I got her a calming dog bed to help manage her symptoms.
Does your ill or disabled dog need a calming bed? Let’s find out.
What Is a Calming Dog Bed?
A calming bed is different from a regular dog bed. It’s usually made with more padding and a softer, longer pile cover to be extra snuggly. Calming dog beds allow dogs to burrow or dig, forming a body-shaped hollow that triggers their natural den instinct. This lets them feel safe when they can hide their body in the soft folds of the bed.
You can even combine a calming bed with some soothing essential oils like lavender to help your dog further relax. When a dog bed also allows your dog to manage their disability better, this lets them feel more relaxed and safe.
So, if your dog has a problem getting up, a raised bed that doesn’t slip out from under them is ideal to help manage their fear of falling anxiety.
Benefits of a Calming Dog Bed
There are several benefits to getting your dog a calming bed. Calming dog beds:
- Encourage a more peaceful sleep, which aids in recovery.
- Help form a soothing routine to help manage anxiety.
- Better support sore bodies by being soft and padded.
- Assist you in treating your dog’s injuries or ailments by contouring their body as you turn them.
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Calming Dog Beds
With so many dog beds on the market claiming to be calming, knowing what you are looking for when you shop is essential. After all, you only want the best, especially if you are buying a calming bed for a dog with disabilities.
My buyer’s guide will help you with detailed pointers on what to look for in your calming dog bed purchase. I’ve also got the best calming dog bed options to help you get started.
Material and Design
Design is super important with a calming bed for your disabled dog. Consider whether your dog can step up onto a bed, if you need a shallow bed, whether your dog prefers bolstered sides, or if they tend to sleep curled up (donut position).
Will your dog need support to help them get up? Then a sink-in bed is a less ideal option as it won’t support them when getting up.
The materials used in the bed also factor into the anti-anxiety equation. Soft and snuggly materials are ideal, but your dog may also have “fluid” issues, such as when they are incontinent or have injuries that require wrapping.
A removable cover that can be washed is ideal, as this lets you clean the bed without washing a padded bed. A bed with a secondary cover is even better, as you can wash a cover and still use the bed with the second cover.
How easily the cover is replaced is another serious consideration. Nobody wants to struggle with bed covers each day.
Anti-Anxiety Support
The bed must be soft enough to trigger the burrowing instinct and create a den-like sensation if your dog feels safe. A stiff cover is a no-no for anxious dogs. For smaller dogs, a bed with a canopy or dome is even better to create a cave-like feeling.
Disability Support
Non-slip bottoms are perfect for keeping your elderly or disabled dog supported when getting up or lying down. Superior quality stuffing and memory foam are also ideal for aching bodies. Bolstered sides can help support your pup’s head, while a slightly raised bed can help aching joints get up without pain.
Cleanability
Leaky bandages and incontinence can quickly stain a dog bed, so choosing one with wash-friendly covers that easily remove and get replaced is a must. Choose a bed with fully washable covers, as you don’t want to hand wash an entire dog bed (which is a mission to dry).
Budget
Ultimately, you can only buy within your budget. A practical bed that works for your dog’s disability and offers them good snuggle-ability is best; often, these are more affordable, too.
Pretty beds are nice on the eye, but they may be less kind on your pocket. Shop wisely, keeping in mind that dogs tend to chew, so your dog may chew on their bed when they are anxious.
5 Best Calming Dog Beds for Disabled or Ill Dogs
Now you know what to look at when shopping, I’ve got a couple of unique anti-anxiety dog beds to help your disabled dog sink into comfort and soothing burrowing bliss.
1. Friends Forever Donut Dog Bed Faux Fur Fluffy Calming Sofa For Medium Dogs
These donut-style plush dog beds are a favorite for pet owners as they offer a natural cocoon-like space where your dog can dig in and forget about the world. The non-slip bottom and plush outer are excellent combinations to help anxious dogs decompress and relax. Disabled dogs can also dig in and chill out without fear of the beds moving when they lie down or get up.
With a filling of 6-8 inches, your dog will surely appreciate the soft spot to lie down. Best of all, you can pop the bed into the washing machine for a quick wash.
Pros
- Available in three sizes (small, medium, and large)
- Comes in five fantastic colors (from tan to rainbow, pink, and ivory)
- Fully machine washable
- Rubber backing for non-slip safety
- Thick inner for better body support
Cons
- Cover isn’t removable, which makes repairing damage a problem
2. EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Dog Bed for Medium Dogs
My next bed choice isn’t a typical anxiety-relieving bed. It’s not as plush as other types, but the comfort and soft, velvety cover help calm my dog. The bolstered side and deep foam inner provide the ultimate comfort and support, which means my dog can dig a little and then sink into the supporting bed for a nap.
The fully washable removable cover is a total deal-maker. It also means I can fix minor seams that pop when my dog gets a little excited and jumps onto the bed (yip, seams always pop).
Pros
- Available in six sizes, from 30 x 20 inches to 52 x 41 inches
- It comes in 15 amazing color combinations, from sage green to orange and lavender
- A non-slip bottom helps keep the bed in place to reduce “laying down anxiety”
- Fully washable cover that’s waterproof to protect against incontinence spills
- Bolstered on three sides with “pillar” pieces on the front side for a snug hugging sensation to calm your dog
- The soft flannel cover is cuddly and comfortable for your dog, and it won’t easily scratch up
Cons
- Heavier dogs may require an additional layer of padding
3. Pet Craft Supply Ultra Plush Calming Anti-Anxiety Pet Bed
The Pet Craft Supply anti-anxiety bed is perfect for small to medium dogs. It comes with a soft plush blanket, and the cover is fully removable, allowing you to launder both and ensure a clean bed at all times.
The foam inserts allow you to create a bolster on one side of the donut-style bed, which can prop up a disabled dog or give them a cuddly corner to snuggle in.
Pros
- Available in five sizes, from small to xx-large
- Warm faux fur cover lets your pet relax and warm themselves on cold days
- The high side of the bolster creates a sense of safety, soothing anxious pets
- Orthopedic memory foam chips make a supportive base for dogs that struggle to get up and lie down
- Non-slip rubber dots on the underside ensure no mishaps
- The removable cover can be washed and dried in the dryer for convenience
Cons
- Boisterous dogs may rip the cover
4. BFPETHOME Orthopedic Dog Beds for Large Dogs
Large dogs with hip or joint problems can’t always curl up, so a round bed isn’t very suitable for them. However, they still want comfort and a sense of safety, so this orthopedic bed makes the list of calming dog beds.
The removable and fully washable cover is perfect for incontinence and helps reduce anxiety in your dog as you’re more relaxed about spills.
Pros
- Available in four sizes (medium to xx-large)
- It comes in four color options, so match your dog’s fur for a cleaner appearance
- The polyester cover is fluffy on the top and non-slip at the bottom
- A waterproof layer protects the foam from spills
- Bolstered on two sides for an L-shaped sleep haven
Cons
- Only the sides are six inches thick, but still ample support for dogs
5. Human Dog Bed
When your dog is really anxious, they want your company and the comfort of you being near them. While you may want to take your dog in your bed to calm them, this isn’t always an option when they have aging joints and can’t jump up or down from a human bed. Thankfully, you have an option, like this Human Dog Bed.
The human-sized bed has space for your large breed dog to rest with you. The removable cover ensures you can keep your dog (and you) cuddled in a clean bed. It’s perfect for you, your dog(s), and your laptop for an evening of comfort and Netflix.
Top Tip: It’s also the best bed for sleeping more than one dog if you have a very attached pair of large breed dogs that like to spoon.
Pros
- The polyester inner comes compressed, and it recovers its full shape over 24 hours
- Removable and fully washable cover with carry handle and storage pocket
- The length (67 inches) is perfect for adults and large dogs
- At a height of 12 inches, it’s ideal to help larger dogs get up and lie down
- The non-slip bottom ensures you and the bed don’t go anywhere
Cons
- It’s a sizable price but an excellent investment
Caring for a Calming Bed for Your Disabled or Ill Dog
While dogs love their own scent, you also don’t want a dog bed that reeks in your home. So, caring for your dog bed is vital to keep it fresh and long-lasting. Here are a few tips to help your dog bed remain an investment, not a money pit.
- Wash the bed when a spill happens. Beds with a waterproof cover are best, as you can remove the inner before washing.
- Air the bed when it’s not in use. Sunlight helps kill bacteria and any germs, keeping the dog bed a hygienic space.
- Fluff it daily. Your dog will burrow to soothe their anxiety, but you should fluff the bed at least once daily to shuffle the stuffing and maintain the padding’s loft.
- Keep your dog clean. If you go hiking and your dog’s full of burrs or muddy, they need a bath and brush before being allowed on their bed.
- Brush long pile furry beds to maintain softness and detangle loops.
- Please trim your dog’s nails to prevent them from scratching the cover’s surface and ripping the fabric.
FAQs
What makes a dog bed perfect for managing anxiety?
A soft and well-padded bed is ideal to give your dog a place that’s comfortable and comforting. The soft fabric of the cover ensures your dog feels supported and warm as they snuggle into the folds of the cover.
What requirements do a bed for disabled dogs have to meet?
A bed for disabled dogs should be durable, made from quality fabrics, and fully washable. The bottom or base should be fully non-slip with rubber grip strips or dots. The bed should be lightweight enough to move as needed.
How do you introduce a disabled or ill dog to a calming bed?
With any new item, it’s best to introduce it slowly. If your dog’s already used to a regular bed, they may take to a calming dog bed immediately. If they feel unsure, place the calming bed near where their regular bed is kept. You can also set the old bed’s cover over the new bed until they accept it.
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The Last Bed Bugs
Once your dog has taken to their calming dog bed, you will have no regrets. It’s the most natural way to soothe their anxiety and support them when lying down or getting up. You may choose the Human Dog Bed to have your own cuddle spot to hide from the world.
Which are your favorite calming dog beds for your disabled dog? Please share in the comments what difference this has made to your dog’s life.