Best Puppy Bed: How to Choose One That Survives Puppyhood

What matters most: washable and chew-aware

Puppies have accidents and spill water, so choose a puppy bed with a zip-off, machine-washable cover and, ideally, a waterproof liner over the filling. Being able to strip and wash the bed in minutes keeps the crate clean and the house-training routine on track.

Puppies also chew. The AKC compares puppies to toddlers who do not know what they should not chew, and recommends teething toys alongside regular chew toys. Choose a bed without tassels, pom-poms or loose piping, and with zippers hidden on the underside.

Bed types compared

Crate pads, such as the padded pet crate mat, are thin, flat and fit the crate floor; they are easy to wash and cheap to replace. Bolster beds have raised sides; the AKC notes these can help puppies that move a lot in their sleep stay put, and many puppies like to lean against something.

Donut and cuddler beds are soft and enclosing, which many puppies love, but they are the easiest to shred. Elevated cots are hard to chew and easy to clean, which suits determined chewers. The AKC also notes some puppies prefer soft beds and others firmer ones, so watch where yours chooses to sleep.

Sizing for a growing puppy

For the crate, match the pad to the crate floor. The AKC advises a crate just large enough to stand, turn and lie down, and buying for adult size with a divider; a pad that fits the divided section can be swapped as you move the divider back.

For a bed outside the crate, choose one your puppy can stretch out on now, and expect to replace it as the puppy grows. Measuring your puppy lying down and adding a few inches works for any age. Large breeds can double in size within months.

Best type for each puppy

For most puppies in a crate, a washable crate pad with a waterproof liner. For a puppy that sleeps curled up and does not chew much, a small bolster, donut or teddy-style small dog bed. For a determined chewer, an elevated cot, or no bed at all for a while.

The AKC's puppy-proofing advice is direct: if your puppy destroys its bed, remove it, and a simple rug or nothing at all is an option until the chewing settles. For a puppy that feels the cold, add a washable blanket rather than a thicker, more chewable bed.

What to avoid

Avoid expensive plush beds during the teething months, faux fur that sheds fibers when chewed, and beds with foam that can be pulled out. Avoid heated beds with exposed cords for puppies, who chew wires.

Swallowed stuffing or fabric can block the gut. If your puppy vomits, strains, has a painful belly or stops eating after chewing a bed, call your vet the same day.

Avoid placing the bed where your puppy is left unsupervised for long periods until you know how it treats it.

Care and lifespan

Wash the cover weekly and after any accident, using an unscented detergent, and dry it fully. Keep a spare cover or pad so the crate is never bare while one is in the wash.

Replace a puppy bed once it is torn, flattened or too small. Buy the long-term dog bed once adult teeth are in and the chewing phase has eased, usually somewhere after six months.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.