In today’s article, we’ll introduce you to three of our favourite anxiety-relief beds for dogs, as well as providing an overview of the most important things to consider when choosing a calming dog bed. Let’s get started!
Anxiety is a common issue for dogs and overcoming it can be a long and challenging process. One of the things you can do to help your four-legged friend find comfort and relaxation is to get him a soothing dog bed.
These beds are designed to provide your dog with a feeling of safety. Usually, they’re circular in shape, with a bolster going all the way around. Because of this soft, warm support on every side, curling up in a bed like this can help your dog feel secure and relaxed.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may make a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Top 3 Recommended Calming Dog Beds
Check out our recommendations at a glance in the table below.
We review each in more details in the following section.
Best Value
SlowTon Calming Bed
OUR TOP PICK
The Dog's Bed Sound Sleep Donut
Great Alternative
Charlie Range Bed
OUR TOP PICK
The Dog’s Bed Sound Sleep Donut Dog Bed
It’s important for every dog to have a bed of their own, where they know they can snuggle up and rest comfortably at any time. This is doubly true for anxious dogs, as they have an increased need for routine.
For the ultimate comfort and feeling of safety, consider The Dog’s Bed Sound Sleep Donut Dog Bed. Its dog-calming design created with high-quality materials has earned it the top spot on our list.
Soft and comfortable
The Dog’s Bed is a classic donut calming pet bed, with a plush, circular base and all-around support. It’s the perfect shape for dogs who like to curl up, providing a sense of security by hugging them on all sides.
In addition, the bed is made from a soft, fluffy, self-warming material to keep your dog warm and cosy during his naps. The choice of material is not accidental: many behaviourists recommend donut-shaped self-warming beds for anxious dogs since these can remind your dog of snuggling up to his mum and siblings, bringing a sense of serenity and security.
The fur-like material covering the bed is entirely eco-friendly and vegan, and it won’t shed on your carpet. Importantly, individual threads are not easy to pull out, so the bed is suitable even for chew-happy puppies.
The Dog’s Bed is light and portable: even the largest size weighs less than 4kg (9lbs). This means you can easily take the bed with you when traveling with your dog, maintaining a sense of security even outside your home.
Practical and long-lasting
The Dog’s Bed comes in four sizes that range from 58cm to 114cm in diameter, enabling you to pick the most comfortable option for your dog. For every size, there’s a wide variety of colours to choose from, including black, white, beige, pink, and two shades of each brown and grey.
The covers are removable and machine-washable, making it easy for you to keep the bed clean and hygienic for your dog. Even if the bed somehow gets damaged or worn out over time, it’s possible to purchase brand-new replacement covers – so there’s no need to buy an entire bed again.
Last but not least, The Dog’s Bed is covered with a 1-year warranty, and the manufacturer provides responsive Customer Support to help you resolve any potential issues regarding the bed’s use and maintenance. All in all, The Dog’s Bed is an excellent investment that’s sure to serve your dog well and help him feel calmer for years to come.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line: The Dog's Bed company make a whole range of excellent beds and this version for insecure dogs is no different.
You pay a bit more for their beds but you can be assured of their comfort and quality.
Best Value
SlowTon Calming Bed
Both high-quality and affordable, the SlowTon Calming Bed is an excellent option for buyers on a budget or those looking to try out a great calming dog bed without making a bigger investment.
SlowTon’s product is intended to provide maximum comfort and support for your dog, all while creating a snuggly, cosy feeling. Your dog can curl up in the donut-shaped bed and feel the bolster hugging him on all sides, or stretch out with his head resting comfortably on the soft support.
The bed is covered with high-quality synthetic fur for optimal warmth and comfort. Although the cover is not removable, you can still keep it clean and hygienic for your dog by simply washing the entire bed when necessary.
SlowTon’s anti anxiety dog bed features a non-slip bottom, preventing the bed from sliding around on wood or tile flooring. This is particularly helpful for boisterous puppies and older dogs with mobility problems, as the bed shouldn’t move too much when the dog gets in and out.
The bottom of the bed is also waterproof, which protects the underside of the bed from soaking up any spillage from the floor. The waterproof layer is also easy to wipe clean without any risk of damage to the bed.
SlowTon’s bed comes in four sizes ranging from 50cm to 80cm, so it’s a great choice for small to medium-sized dogs. There are three colour options, including beige, dark brown, and dark grey.
Even the largest bed available is very light, weighing less than 1.5kg (3lbs). You can easily take it with you from room to room or even into the car when travelling with your dog. Keeping in mind that anxious dogs need constant reassurance and feeling of security, the portability of this bed is a big advantage.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line: An excellent value for money option that's a great choice if you can't budget for our 'Top Pick'.
Great Alternative
Charlie Range Dog Bed
Looking for a comfort bed for dogs that isn’t round? Not all dogs like to curl up to sleep and some may be more comfortable in a stretched-out position, especially if they experience joint or back problems.
The Charlie Range dog bed is a great option for dogs that prefer rectangular beds. Measuring between 51cm and 77cm in length, this bed will provide a comfortable, relaxing experience for your dog, helping to calm his anxiety. Its shape and soft filling give your dog the option to either curl up or lie comfortably on his side, back, or front.
The bed features raised supports on all sides, which means it still provides the same snug, cosy fit as a round option. The bolster is generously filled to enable your dog to rest his head a bit higher without straining the neck and spine.
The Charlie Range bed is also a good choice for dogs that don’t like sleeping on fluffy blankets and those with a tendency to chew on faux fur. The soft, supple lining of this bed is made of artificial lambskin, so it’s still soft and cosy, but without the long hairs that can get caught between your dog’s teeth.
The outside of the bed features a fashionable chunky knit design to suit every interior. The bottom is covered with a layer of non-slip material, keeping the bed still for your pet even on slippery surfaces.
The cover is not removable, but the bed can be machine-washed at 30 degrees, so it’s easy to keep clean. Like the other two products on this list, the Charlie Range bed is light and portable, weighing less than 2kg (4.5lbs) for the largest size option.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line: Another comfortable and soothing dog bed that offers excellent value for money.
Anti Anxiety Dog Beds: A Buyer’s Guide
If you’ve never purchased a calming dog bed before, it can be hard to know what to look for. There’s such a huge variety of products available in pet stores that picking the right one for your dog can quickly get confusing.
To make matters easier, we’ve prepared a short guide detailing the most important features to keep in mind. What makes a good bed for an anxious dog?
Easy to wash
Even the cleanest dog will need his bed washed every now and again. Everyday sources of dirt such as muddy paws, wet coat, and dripping saliva can all cause the bed to need a thorough clean. It’s not all about aesthetics, either: hygienic surroundings are important for your dog’s health.
Many of the more high-end beds have removable covers, which means they’re quick and easy to wash and dry. Even if the covers are not removable, it’s sometimes possible to wash the entire bed – though keep in mind that a tumble dryer will usually be necessary for thorough drying.
Removable covers are therefore a great feature, especially if your dog has a tendency to spend a lot of time in his bed or gets muddy often. It’s also the best option to pick if you don’t have access to a tumble dryer.
Recommended: We tackle orthopaedic dog beds in this big guide.
Durable
Anxious dogs need to have a sense of consistency and routine in their daily lives, and their bed is a large part of that. Once your four-legged friend gets used to his new bed, it’s best not to replace it for as long as possible.
For this reason, a calming pet bed should be durable and made to last a long time. Pick beds that are well-made, generously filled with stuffing, have a solid base, and feature high-quality materials.
For beds with removable covers, it’s worth checking whether the manufacturer sells replacements. These enable you to throw out the old cover after several washes and replace it with a brand-new one, without having to invest in a whole new bed.
Comfortable
A high level of comfort is the most important quality of a dog bed, especially when used as a calming aid for nervous dogs. Several factors contribute to the comfort level of a bed, including the size and shape, and the quality and type of materials.
Recommended Reading: Don't miss our guide to the most durable dog beds
The right size and shape for your dog’s needs
Most dog beds come in several size options, and it’s important to carefully select the correct one for your dog. When selecting the size, take your dog’s preferred sleeping position into account. If he tends to sleep on his side, for instance, choose a larger be to give him the option to stretch out.
If you’re not sure which size to pick, it’s sometimes worth contacting the bed’s manufacturer with a query, detailing your dog’s breed, size, and preferences.
Soft and fluffy cover
As we’ve already seen, the faux fur used for the bed cover by most manufacturers is intended to increase your dog’s sense of security. Even if he doesn’t consciously remember it, your dog associates warm fur with the feelings of comfort and safety once provided by his mum and siblings.
Unless your dog has a tendency to overheat, self-warming materials are the best option. These are designed to absorb and store your dog’s body warmth – much like our own high-quality blankets, duvets, and dressing gowns. For your dog, the increased warmth is another reminder of his puppy instincts, as well as preventing him from getting cold at night.
Whether you opt for a bed with a fur-type or wool-type cover, make sure it doesn’t shed. Loose threads not only make a mess in your apartment, but could also be ingested or inhaled by your dog, potentially causing breathing or digestive problems.
Recommended: Are PetFusion dog beds worth the hype?
Support features
In order to be comfortable, your dog’s bed needs to have a thick, supple base that’s evenly filled, with no clumps or dips. The bolsters that surround the bed should be sturdy enough to support the weight of your dog’s head and neck.
These features not only contribute to the comfort level of the bed but also prevent joint pain and back issues. If your dog already suffers from arthritis or other joint problems, you may want to consider an orthopaedic bed. These are usually made from memory foam designed to relieve joint pressure.
Covered by a warranty
Some manufacturers provide their customers with a timed warranty, typically for one year. Though warranties usually don’t cover damage that happens as a result of using the product, they do guarantee a replacement in case you receive a bed with manufacturing defects.
Portable
Though certainly not the most important feature, it’s worth considering whether your chosen bed is easy to transport. Your dog is likely to get attached to his bed, and you may want to take it into the car with you when travelling together.
Hopefully, you now have a good idea of what goes into choosing the best calming bed for your dog. Although your furry friend may be perfectly happy to sleep on the sofa or even in your bed, having a space of his own will give him an extra sense of security and comfort, helping to calm his nerves and to keep him as happy and relaxed as possible.
