Buying guides
Best Wicker Dog Bed: How to Choose a Rattan or Wicker Bed
The best wicker dog bed is sized so your dog can stretch out, has a removable cushion you can wash, and has a smooth weave that will not snag fur or be chewed apart. Wicker suits calm dogs that like a raised, den-like spot. It is a poor match for heavy chewers, so the dog and the weave decide the choice more than the style does.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20265 min read2 sources
What matters most in a wicker dog bed
Start with size, because the AKC is plain that large dogs need bigger beds than small ones, with enough room to stretch out. A wicker frame cannot flex the way a soft bed can, so a bed that is too small leaves a dog hanging over the rim. Measure your dog lying flat, nose to tail base, and choose a bed that is longer than that, then compare it with the dimensions on the listing in our wicker dog beds.
Next comes the cushion. The AKC recommends a removable cover that can be washed weekly, ideally waterproof, and a bed that is machine washable. Wicker itself cannot go in a washing machine, so the cushion is what keeps the bed hygienic. Look for a cover that zips off, and a frame that wipes clean. A bed with a fixed cushion is hard to keep fresh.
Natural rattan versus synthetic wicker
Wicker is a weaving style, not a single material. Natural rattan, cane and willow are plant fibers that look warm and age well indoors but can dry out and split if left in rain and sun. Synthetic wicker is a woven resin that is built for outdoor furniture and tends to shrug off wet weather, though cheap versions can crack in strong sun. The listing should say which one you are getting.
Surface finish matters either way. Run a hand over the weave, or look at close photos, for rough ends, sharp stubs and gaps wide enough to catch a nail or a paw. A smooth, tightly woven surface is gentler on fur and skin. If a listing does not say what the frame is made from, that is a reason to look at another bed.
Bed styles compared
A woven rattan elevated pet bed lifts the sleeping surface off the floor, which keeps air moving underneath and suits dogs that like to watch the room. A rattan pet sofa bed has raised sides and a seat, which suits a dog that likes to lean and curl. Both types need a cushion thick enough that a dog does not feel the frame.
Wicker house-style beds with a roof or hooded sides give a den-like feel. The AKC notes that dogs are den animals and often like a quiet, out-of-the-way spot, and a wicker pet house bed fits that habit. An outdoor wicker dog house bed for medium and large dogs is the bigger version, but check the stated size against your dog before you buy.
Which dogs suit wicker, and which do not
Wicker works best for calm adult dogs, small to large, that sleep rather than gnaw. A dog that enjoys a raised bed and a bit of cover will often take to one quickly. For a senior or arthritic dog, the frame matters less than the cushion, because the AKC says supportive fill such as egg-crate or memory foam can ease pressure on achy joints. A thin cushion in a wicker frame does not provide that, and a tall rim may be hard to step over.
Be cautious with puppies and chewers. The AKC explains that chewing is natural and that bored or stressed dogs will chew whatever is within reach. A woven bed is easy to pull apart, and loose strands or fragments can be swallowed. If your dog chews its bedding, choose a different material and call your vet if it has swallowed anything. Chewing is also a sign to review exercise and play, as the AKC suggests.
Indoor or outdoor use
Use the listing's own words about outdoor use. A bed sold as indoor and outdoor still benefits from a covered porch, because standing water, strong sun and cold wear down any weave. Bring the cushion in when rain is forecast, and keep the frame off bare wet ground. Browse outdoor dog beds and elevated dog beds if you want to compare other styles for outdoor spots.
Placement is part of the choice. The AKC suggests a quiet, out-of-the-way spot, and several beds around the home can discourage a dog from using furniture. Keep a wicker bed away from radiators and heaters, which dry natural fibers out. For deeper background on the alternatives, read our guides to the best outdoor dog beds and the best elevated dog beds.
Care and when to replace it
Wash the cushion cover weekly, as the AKC advises for any bed, and vacuum or wipe the frame in between. Check the weave every few weeks for loose strands, splits or sharp ends, and mend or retire a bed that starts to unravel. Dry the frame fully after any cleaning, since trapped damp is what breaks natural fibers down.
Wicker is a good bed for the right dog and the wrong one for others, so give a new bed a week to see how your dog uses it. If your dog avoids it, add a favorite blanket or move it to a calmer spot first. If it starts chewing the frame, retire it and see your vet if any pieces were swallowed. You can browse wicker dog beds when you are ready to compare sizes.
Woven bed structures and enclosed spaces
| Layout | Physical construction | Measurement to check |
|---|---|---|
| Elevated woven bed | Woven surface on a raised structure | Usable platform and frame |
| Rattan-style sofa | Raised sides around a seat | Seat space inside the arms |
| House-style bed | A roof or hood encloses the cushion | Entrance and usable interior |
| Cushioned woven body | A separate cushion above the frame | Cushion dimensions and cleaning access |
Common questions
Are wicker dog beds good for large dogs?
They can be, if the bed is large enough for the dog to stretch out and the frame is stated to be sturdy. Measure your dog lying flat and choose a bed longer than that, with a thick cushion.
Can dogs chew wicker?
Yes, and a dog that chews bedding can pull a woven frame apart and swallow pieces. Choose another material for chewers, and call your vet if your dog has swallowed any fragment.
Is rattan or synthetic wicker better for outdoors?
Synthetic woven resin is generally built for weather, while natural rattan suits indoors or a covered porch. Read the listing for what the frame is made of and what it says about outdoor use.
How do I clean a wicker dog bed?
Remove the cushion cover and wash it weekly, as the AKC advises for dog beds. Wipe or vacuum the frame, let it dry completely, and check the weave for loose strands.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
