Choosing Beds and Bedding for Your Puppy

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

A comfortable bed gives your puppy a place to rest, and rest is vital. Young puppies sleep a large part of the day, and good sleep supports growth, learning and behavior. Choosing the right bed is partly about comfort and partly about safety, since puppies tend to chew what they sleep on.

What to look for

Washability

Puppies have accidents, drool, shed and bring in mud. Look for beds with removable, machine-washable covers, or simple blankets and mats that can go in the washer and dryer.

Chew resistance

Many puppies shred beds. If your puppy is a chewer, choose a flat, tough mat or use blankets, and avoid stuffed beds until your puppy has outgrown the phase. Swallowed filling or fabric can cause blockages.

Size

Choose a bed that lets your puppy stretch out, curl up and turn around. Some puppies like to snuggle in a bolster bed, while others prefer to sprawl. If you buy a bed for adult size, a puppy may feel lost in it, so add blankets to make it cozier.

Support

Young puppies do not need orthopedic beds, but a bit of cushioning helps. Large and giant breeds may benefit from supportive bedding as they grow, to protect their joints. See our guide to feeding and growth for large breed puppies for related considerations.

Non-slip base

A base that grips the floor stops the bed sliding around when the puppy gets in and out.

Bed types

• Flat mats and pads: Simple, easy to wash and good for chewers.
• Bolster or donut beds: Cozy and comforting for puppies that like to snuggle, but may be chewed.
• Blankets and towels: Cheap and easy to replace. A good first choice.
• Raised cot beds: Keep puppies off cold floors and allow airflow, but not all puppies like them.
• Heated pads and cooling mats: Useful in specific conditions, but use pet-specific, chew-resistant products and follow the instructions.

Where to put the bed

• Near you, especially for the first few nights, so your puppy feels secure. See our guide to the first night at home.
• Away from drafts, direct heat and noisy areas.
• Somewhere your puppy can retreat when it needs rest, ideally in or near a crate or pen.
• On a surface that is not slippery.

Our guide to puppy crates explains how to set up the sleeping area.

Helping your puppy settle

• Put a worn T-shirt or blanket that smells like you in the bed.
• Use a warm, not hot, water bottle wrapped in cloth for young puppies, if your vet agrees and your puppy does not chew it.
• Keep the bed in a consistent place.
• Reward your puppy for lying on the bed, and avoid forcing it.
• Do not use the bed as punishment.

Safety tips

• Remove anything your puppy chews off the bed, such as strings, buttons and loose fabric.
• Avoid bedding with zips, buckles or other hard parts.
• Check regularly for wear and damage.
• Do not use cedar chips or other bedding that could irritate your puppy.
• Keep electrical cords away from heated products.

How much do puppies sleep?

Young puppies sleep a great deal. Make sure they get uninterrupted rest, especially after play and training. If your puppy is overtired, it may become hyper or mouthy. Our guide to how much puppies sleep gives typical ranges.

When to upgrade

Once your puppy is past the destructive chewing phase, usually after six to twelve months, you can invest in a better bed. Choose one suited to adult size, coat and sleeping style.

The takeaway

The best puppy bed is washable, safe and comfortable, and in the right place. Start simple, watch how your puppy uses it and upgrade as it grows.