Every dog deserves a comfortable place to rest after a day of play, walks, and fun adventures. But with countless options flooding the Australian market, choosing the right dog bed can feel overwhelming. From tiny Chihuahuas to gentle giants like Great Danes, each breed has unique sleeping habits and comfort needs. This guide will help you navigate the world of dog beds Australia offers, ensuring your furry friend gets the quality sleep they deserve.
Orthopaedic vs. Plush vs. Cooling Beds: Understanding Your Options
When shopping for dog beds in Australia, you’ll likely encounter three main categories, each designed for different needs and sleeping styles.
Orthopaedic dog beds feature memory foam or supportive foam layers that contour to your dog’s body shape. These beds are game-changers for senior dogs, large breeds prone to joint issues, and any pup recovering from surgery or dealing with arthritis. The high-density foam reduces pressure on joints and supports proper spinal alignment, helping your dog wake up without stiffness. Look for orthopaedic beds with at least 7-10cm of memory foam for optimal support.
Plush or cushioned beds offer fluffy comfort with soft padding. These cosy options are perfect for dogs who love to burrow, nest, or curl up in a ball while sleeping. Small breeds and anxious dogs particularly appreciate the bolstered edges, which provide a sense of security and a comfortable place to rest their head. Plush beds usually have a polyester filling or soft foam with a luxurious outer fabric.
Cooling dog beds have become increasingly popular across Australia’s warmer climates. These beds incorporate gel-infused memory foam, mesh designs, or cooling fabrics that help regulate temperatures when it gets too cold. Breeds with thick coats, flat-faced dogs prone to overheating, and any pup who pants excessively during summer months will benefit from this type of bed. Some designs even combine orthopaedic support with cooling features to give your dog the best of both worlds. You can also find cooling mats you can place where your dog likes to sleep as an alternative, or elevated dog beds that allow air to circulate underneath.
Ideal Dog Beds by Breed and Size
Matching your dog’s breed and size to the right bed ensures they have adequate space to stretch out and sleep comfortably.
Small breeds (Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Jack Russell): These breeds will be most comfortable in beds that are about 50-70cm in diameter or length. Small dogs often feel most secure in beds with raised sides or donut-style designs. Since they’re closer to the ground, consider beds with extra padding for insulation from cold floors.
Medium breeds (Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, Beagle): Choose beds measuring around 70-90cm. Medium-sized dogs need enough room to stretch fully without hanging off the edges. Find options like orthopaedic mats with removable covers, as active breeds tend to drag their beds to different spots and get dirty easily. Consider waterproof beds if your dog enjoys outdoor adventures.
Large breeds (Labrador, Golden Retriever, Labradoodle): Opt for beds at least 90-120cm long. Large dogs carry more weight on their joints, making orthopaedic support crucial, especially as they age. Look for durable beds with reinforced seams that can withstand years of use.
Extra-large breeds (Staffy, Mastiff, Saint Bernard): Beds that are 120cm and above work best for extra large breeds. Giant breeds absolutely need orthopaedic support from puppyhood onwards to prevent joint problems. Industrial-strength covers and indestructible zippers are essential, as these gentle giants can quickly wear through standard materials.
Specific breed considerations: Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs) benefit enormously from cooling beds, as they struggle with regulating their temperature. Sight hounds like Greyhounds and Whippets need extra padding despite their size, as they have minimal body fat and tend to get cold easily. Digging breeds such as Dachshunds and Terriers appreciate beds with loose blankets they can arrange to their liking.
Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Dog’s Bed
Regular maintenance can extend the life of your dog bed and can keep your house fresher and more hygienic.
Weekly maintenance: It’s important to regularly vacuum your dog’s bed to remove hair, dirt and dander. Removable covers should be cleaned to remove debris that can irritate your dog’s skin. Use enzymatic sprays if your dog has any accidents on the dog bed to prevent stains and odours from settling into the dog bed.
Fortnightly washing: Most quality dog beds Australia retailers have removable, machine-washable covers – use this feature regularly. Wash covers in hot water (check the care label first) with pet-safe detergent. If your dog has allergies, consider using hypoallergenic washing products.
Monthly deep cleaning: For beds with removable inserts, take everything apart and wash all washable components. Memory foam inserts typically cannot be machine-washed, but you can spot-clean them and dry them out in the sun. Sunshine naturally kills bacteria and eliminates odours. For non-removable beds, use a steam cleaner or upholstery cleaner designed for pet products.
Preventative measures: Use waterproof liners under the main cover to protect the foam from accidents, especially useful for puppies, senior dogs, or those with incontinence issues. You can also opt for a washable blanket on top of the bed for an extra layer that’s easy to throw in the washing machine. Keep the bed away from damp areas to prevent mould and mildew growth – especially when it’s humid.
Replacement indicators: Even with excellent care, dog beds will eventually need to be replaced. If the foam starts to flatten out, fillings start to become exposed, or the bed starts to get persistently smelly, then it’s time to replace your dog bed.
Making the Right Choice for Your Four-Legged Friend
Choosing the right dog bed requires consideration of your dog’s age, size, breed characteristics, sleeping position and any medical concerns. When considering beds for your Australian dog, there are added factors to consider thanks to Australian extremes.
For example, temperature fluctuations call for cooling gel technology, while replaceable covers and chew resistance help for ease of maintenance and longevity.
Take note of how your dog sleeps —does he curl up into a ball or stretch out like a starfish? Does he like to lay on the cool tiles in summer or bury his head under a blanket in winter? This will help you narrow down styles.
If you’re still on the hunt for where to buy the right dog bed, there are retailers that understand Australians and their pets better than most. Petsforhomes has carefully handpicked dog beds made for an Australian home and climate.
