Dog Beds
Washable Dog Beds: How to Choose One
The right dog bed shape depends on how your dog sleeps, curled up tight or sprawled out flat, more than their size. Here's how to tell the difference, and why a washable cover matters as much as the shape.
By Alex Rivera · Updated October 2026 · 3 min read
Written by a pet owner, not a content mill. For each pick I check the real product listing, materials and size, and recurring complaints in customer reviews where available, then name who it is not for. No brand pays me to rank picks. How I choose.
Quick answer
A washable dog bed works best when its shape matches how your dog actually sleeps. A dog that curls into a tight donut wants a raised rim to lean against, which points to a round plush bed. A dog that sprawls out flat does better on a low-rimmed, mat-style bed with room to stretch. Either way, look for a machine-washable or removable cover, since a bed that can't be washed just gets replaced sooner.
- How a dog sleeps matters more than their size: curled-up dogs want a raised rim, sprawled-out dogs want a flat surface.
- A washable cover isn't a nice-to-have. Dog beds pick up dirt, drool, and odor fast, and an unwashable one just gets replaced sooner.
- A round donut-style bed suits a dog that circles and curls before lying down.
- A flat mat-style bed suits a dog that flops onto their side to sleep.
Most dog beds get judged on looks in a product photo. What actually matters is whether the shape matches how your dog sleeps, and whether the cover is easy to wash after the first accident or muddy afternoon.
Beds built for the two basic sleep styles look different. A round bed with a raised rim suits a dog that curls up tight. A flatter bed with a low rim suits a dog that stretches out on their side. Either way, a machine-washable or removable cover matters, because a bed you can't clean is a bed you'll be replacing in a few months. For a dog that overheats on a padded bed in summer, a cooling mat solves a different problem than a washable bed does. And for a dog that likes to sleep up off the floor, an elevated dog bed is a different style worth a look.
Why the shape matters more than the size
Dogs generally sleep one of two ways: curled into a tight circle with their nose near their tail, or sprawled flat on their side with their legs stretched out. A bed shaped for the wrong style either goes unused or gets dragged off onto the floor next to it.
Watch how your dog naps for a day or two before buying. A dog that circles three times and curls up tight wants a raised rim to lean against. A dog that just flops over onto their side wants flat space to stretch into, not a rim in the way.
Why a washable cover isn't optional
A dog bed picks up dirt, drool, and outdoor grime faster than almost any other piece of pet gear, since it's in direct contact with fur and paws for hours a day. A cover that can't be machine washed or removed for a wash just gets dirtier until it gets thrown out.
- Dogs that spend time outside before napping indoors
- Puppies still working through house-training
- Multi-dog households sharing one bed
- Anyone who wants the bed to still look decent after a few months
Check whether the whole bed goes in the machine or just a removable cover. A removable cover is easier to wash often; a whole-bed-in-the-machine design is simpler but takes up more space in the wash.
What to look for in a washable dog bed
- A removable, zip-off cover if you want to wash it often without wrestling the whole bed into the machine
- A raised rim if your dog circles and curls up tight before lying down
- A flat, low-rim design if your dog sprawls out on their side instead
- A size chart matched to your dog's length when stretched out, not just their standing height
- Machine-washable materials, with care instructions that allow weekly or biweekly washing
Round bed or flat bed?
A round bed with a raised rim suits a dog that circles and curls into a tight donut shape before settling down. The rim gives them something to rest their head or back against, similar to leaning into a corner. A dog that stretches out flat on their side does better with a flatter, low-rim bed: without a real edge to lean on, a curl-sleeper will often push a flat bed's rim aside or end up half on, half off it, and a sprawl-sleeper fights the same problem in reverse on a curl-up bed. Match the shape to how your dog actually naps, not to what looks nicest in a photo.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best washable dog bed?
It depends on how your dog sleeps. A dog that curls into a tight donut shape does best on a round plush bed with a raised rim. A dog that sprawls out flat does better on a flatter, mat-style bed with a low rim. Either way, look for a machine-washable or removable cover, since a bed that can't be washed just gets replaced sooner.
How often should I wash a dog bed?
Most dog owners wash the cover every 1-2 weeks, more often for a puppy in training or a dog that spends time outside. A removable, machine-washable cover makes this realistic to keep up with.
What size dog bed do I need?
Match the bed to your dog's length when stretched out, not just their standing size. Sizing runs differently across brands and styles, so check the size chart on the specific bed you're considering before ordering.
Round bed or flat bed?
A round bed with a raised rim suits a dog that circles and curls up tight to sleep. A flat bed with a low rim suits a dog that sprawls out on their side. Watch how your dog naps before choosing.