How to Choose a Dog Bed: Orthopaedic, Donut, Box or Heated?
Quick answer: dogs that curl up love a donut or walled bed; dogs that stretch out need a flat box or mattress bed; older or large dogs do best on an orthopaedic bed with supportive foam or latex. In winter, a self-heating or radiator bed adds warmth without electricity.
Dogs sleep 12 hours or more a day, so the right bed matters for comfort and joints. Start with how your dog sleeps.
Match the bed to the sleeper
| Sleep style or need | Best bed type |
|---|---|
| Curls into a ball | Donut or walled cuddler bed |
| Stretches out flat | Box bed or mattress |
| Older dog, stiff joints, large breed | Orthopaedic foam or latex |
| Feels the cold | Self-heating or radiator bed |
| Accidents or muddy walks | Waterproof liner and washable cover |
How to size a dog bed
Measure your dog lying in its usual position from nose to tail and add about 15 to 20cm. For curlers, the inside diameter of a donut bed should be about the length of your dog curled up.
Beds to compare
- Scruffs Ellen Donut Pet Bed 55cm, Medium, Plush Faux Fur with Non-Slip Base (from £31.99): plush faux fur donut bed with a non-slip base.
- Kirkland Signature Wide Walled Cuddler Pet Bed 21" x 25", Removable Foam Base (from £29.99): walled cuddler bed with a removable foam base.
- Scruffs Alpine Box Medium Pet Bed 60 x 50cm – Super Soft Faux Fur & Deep Fill (from £33.99): deep-fill box bed in soft faux fur.
- bECOsy Medium Waterproof Orthopaedic Pet Bed – Natural Latex Joint Support (from £68.99): natural latex orthopaedic bed with a waterproof cover.
- bECOsy Large Waterproof Orthopaedic Pet Bed – Natural Latex Joint Support (from £87.99): the larger size for big dogs.
- Petace Self-Heating Pet Pad for Cats & Small Dogs, Light Grey (from £20.30): self-heating pad that reflects body heat, no plug needed.
Keep the bed fresh
- Wash covers every one to two weeks.
- Vacuum the bed between washes to remove hair.
- Use a waterproof liner for puppies and older dogs.
FAQs
Q: What is an orthopaedic dog bed?
A: A bed with supportive foam or latex that spreads your dog's weight evenly and reduces pressure on joints, which helps older and large dogs.
Q: Are heated beds safe?
A: Self-heating beds have no electrics and simply reflect your dog's body heat. For electric heated pads, follow the instructions and supervise use.
Q: How often should I replace a dog bed?
A: When the filling stays flat or the base no longer springs back, usually every one to two years with daily use.
Shop dog beds, orthopaedic beds and heated beds.
Prices shown were correct when this guide was updated on 10 November 2026 and may change. Check the product page for the latest price.