8 Best Dog Beds for Anxiety

If your dog suffers from anxiety, you’re going to want to do everything you can to help them feel more comfortable and relaxed. So finding the right dog bed for anxious dogs can really help them have a good night’s sleep. In this article, I’ve put together 8 of the best dog beds for dogs with anxiety. And I’ll cover what to look for when choosing a dog bed to help alleviate anxiety so you can choose the right one for your furry friend.

Best Dog Beds for Anxiety

Comparison Table of Dog Beds for Anxiety

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The Best Dog Beds for Anxiety

There are a few types of dog beds to look for that can help with anxiety. They are generally marketed with terms such as:

  • Orthopedic
  • Donut or Bolster
  • Calming
  • Covered or Cave
  • Anti-Anxiety

Anxiety-reducing beds can also include a combination of these features. For example, you can purchase an orthopedic bed that is calming and covered. Or a bolster bed that is orthopedic and anti-anxiety.

My dog loves her orthopedic bed inside her covered crate (that remains open in an enclosed room) during the night. And during the day, she alternates between a donut bed and her bolster bed. And yes, she has three beds, lucky girl.

Dog on Bed
Coco the Cavapoo lying on her bed

So here is a rundown of what each term refers to, how it helps with reducing anxiety for your dog and our top picks for dog beds for each category.

Orthopedic Dog Beds for Anxiety

These beds have memory foam or supportive padding that conforms to the dog’s body, providing comfort and pressure relief.  Dogs with anxiety may find the soothing comfort of an orthopedic bed calming, helping to reduce their stress levels.

Orthopedic beds often have raised sides or bolsters that create a cozy and enclosed space. This design can help dogs with anxiety feel more secure and protected. The raised edges give dogs a sense of boundaries and can act as a comforting barrier, promoting a feeling of safety and reducing anxiety.

Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed

Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed for Medium Dogs - Waterproof Dog Bed Medium, Foam Sofa with Removable Washable Cover, Waterproof Lining and Nonskid Bottom Couch, Pet Bed

This bed offers important orthopedic support and combines bolster sides for added comfort and that snuggle factor.

The removable cover is easy to clean but also water resistant to help repel spills. The material is soft and velvet-like which helps provide comfort for anxious pups. And the bottom of the bed is nonslip to prevent movement and possibly scaring an already nervous dog.

<<Check the price and read more reviews here >>

BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper Large Gray Diamond Orthopedic Dog Bed

BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper Large Gray Diamond Orthopedic Dog Bed with Solid Orthopedic Foam, Soft Cotton Bolster, and Ultra Soft Plush Sleeping Space - 40 x 30 Inches

This orthopedic bolster bed’s large size provides ample space for your dog to stretch out and relax, while the raised sides offer a sense of security and provide a cozy nest-like feel. You can also get this bed for small and medium dogs or get the large one for multiple small dogs.

The bed’s orthopedic foam base is made to alleviate joint pain, arthritis, and muscle stiffness, making it an ideal choice for older dogs or those with anxiety.

The cover can be removed for washing and the bottom of the bed is lined with rubber backing for a non-slip bed. A perfect blend of comfort, support, and luxury for your furry friend.

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Donut or Bolster Dog Beds for Anxiety

Puppy in a bed
Puppy in a bed

The raised edges or bolsters of donut or bolster beds create a cozy and enclosed space for dogs. This design gives dogs a sense of security and comfort and can therefore help with their anxiety. Dogs can lean against the raised edges, providing a feeling of support and creating a safe and snug environment. Kind of like a big hug.

Donut or bolster beds mimic a dogs natural instinct to nest in a den-like space by providing a circular or oval shape that allows dogs to curl up or lean against the sides. This nesting behavior has a calming effect and promotes relaxation.

These beds often feature soft and plush materials that provide a comfortable and cozy space for dogs. The warmth and softness of the bed has a soothing effect that reduces anxiety.

Many donut or bolster beds are also designed with supportive padding or memory foam.

You should also consider the season, for example, a calming donut bed might be amazing in the cold of winter but too hot for a summer’s day. In this case, you might need a few options to see what your pooch favors.

Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Dog Bed

Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Cat and Dog Bed in Shag Fur Frost, Small 23x23

This classic donut dog bed is easy to snuggle into. The soft and shaggy material is designed to feel as cozy as being next to mom and helps keep your dog feeling safe and secure.

Covers can be removed for washing and come in 15 different colors – including shag cotton candy – which sounds very tasty.

These beds come in 5 different sizes so from very small to even the largest of dog breeds can be cuddled all night.

<<Check the price and read more reviews here >>

Western Home Calming Dog Donut Bed

Calming Dog Bed & Cat Bed, Anti-Anxiety Donut Dog Cuddler Bed, Warming Cozy Soft Dog Round Bed, Fluffy Faux Fur Plush Dog Cat Cushion bed for Small Medium Dogs and Cats (20"/24"/27"/30")

The donut shape provides a sense of security and warmth with the raised edges serving as a cozy headrest for your dog’s peaceful sleep. The plush, faux fur mimics the feeling of a mother’s embrace, evoking a sense of calm and comfort that your anxious dog.

The bed’s non-slip bottom keeps it securely in place, even during enthusiastic play or nap sessions. And cleaning this dog bed is a breeze; just toss the whole bed in the washing machine!

<<Check the price and read more reviews here >>

Calming Dog Beds for Anxiety

Calming beds often have an enclosed or nest-like design, with high sides or a hooded cover. This creates a cozy and den-like environment that appeals to a dog’s natural instinct to seek shelter. The feeling of being surrounded and protected can help reduce anxiety and encourage relaxation.

These beds are typically made with soft, plush materials that provide a gentle and comforting surface for dogs to rest on. The softness and warmth of these beds create a sense of security and well-being, soothing anxious dogs and providing a comfortable place to relax.

Some calming beds are even made with noise-muffling materials that help block out external sounds reducing auditory stimuli that may contribute to a dog’s anxiety. By minimizing noise disturbances, calming beds create a more tranquil environment for anxious dogs.

Calming Dog Bed Fluffy Plush Dog Mat for Furniture

Calming Dog Bed Fluffy Plush Dog Mat for Furniture Protector with Removable Washable Cover for Large Medium Small Dogs and Cats (Medium(41x37x6), Light Grey)

If your dog is lucky enough to call the lounge its bed, then this protective mat is perfect for your anxious dog.

The raised edges provide the comfort of a warm hug often craved by dogs with anxiety. While the soft material will provide warmth while still protecting your furniture. This mat is also anti-slip which is important for your dog’s safety – no slipping off the lounge in the middle of the night!

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Covered or Cave Dog Beds for Anxiety

Covered or cave beds have a hood or cover that creates a secluded and enclosed area. This design gives dogs a sense of privacy and security. Dogs with anxiety often seek out small spaces or dens as a way to feel protected. The covered design of these beds offers a cozy and enclosed environment that mimics the feeling of being in a den, helping to alleviate anxiety.

The cover of the bed also helps block out excess light and reduces visual stimulation from the surrounding environment as well as noise. This can be especially beneficial for dogs who are easily overwhelmed by external stimulation, such as noise or movement. By limiting their visual exposure and creating a more confined space, covered beds can help dogs with anxiety feel more calm and relaxed.

The enclosed space offers a physical barrier and a safe retreat where dogs feel sheltered from potential threats. This feeling of security helps reduce anxiety and fosters a sense of calmness.

GASUR Anti-Anxiety Dog Cave Bed with Hooded Blanket

GASUR Small Dog Bed & Cat Bed, Round Donut Calming Dog Beds for Small Dogs, 23"/26" Anti-Anxiety Cave Bed with Hooded Blanket, Cozy Puppy Bed and Cat Beds for Indoor Cats, Machine Washable Pet Bed 26"

GASUR are hitting all the right design elements to help your dog suffering from anxiety with this bed. The donut shape offers security and comfort with orthopedic support. And the plush fabric and cozy blanket provide a cave-like experience to alleviate anxiety and create a peaceful sanctuary for your anxious canine companion.

This dog bed is available in 2 sizes, suitable for smaller dogs up to 30 pounds (13.5 kg), and cleaning the bed couldn’t be easier – simply pop the whole bed in the washing machine.

<<Check the price and read more reviews here >>

Furhaven Round Memory Foam Dog Bed with Cover

Furhaven 35" Round Memory Foam Dog Bed Sherpa & Suede Snuggery w/ Removable Washable Cover - Gray, 35-inch

This dog bed is designed to provide a cozy and cave-like experience, making it an ideal choice for dogs who like to borrow. 

The bed is made from a memory foam base, which conforms to your dog’s body, providing that extra level of support and comfort.

The cave-like environment is achieved with a removable pole, giving you the flexibility to set the bed up as a cave or simply use it as a blanket. When used as a cave bed, the idea is to mimic the feeling of a den and create a sense of security which is particularly beneficial for dogs with anxiety.

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Anti-Anxiety Dog Beds

Anti-anxiety beds are specifically designed to provide additional features and elements to help dogs with anxiety.

They often incorporate materials that are known to have calming effects on dogs. For example, some beds may include lavender inserts or fabrics treated with soothing scents. Lavender is believed to have relaxing properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs.

Some anti-anxiety beds are infused with synthetic pheromones, such as dog-appeasing pheromones (DAP). These pheromones mimic the natural scents produced by nursing mother dogs and have a calming effect on dogs. By incorporating pheromone technology into the bed’s materials, it can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety levels.

Anti-anxiety beds could include noise-muffling materials that minimize external noises, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment for dogs. By minimizing auditory stimulation that can contribute to anxiety, these beds provide a more relaxing resting place for anxious dogs.

Like other types of beds, anti-anxiety dog beds are designed to be comfortable and supportive. They often feature plush padding or memory foam for comfort and to alleviate pressure points. The overall comfort and support help with relaxation and reduce physical discomfort that can contribute to anxiety.

EveryYay Snooze Lavender Infused Bed for Dogs

EveryYay Snooze Lavender Infused Bed for Dogs, 29" L X 39" W X 8" H

An example of a lavender-infused dog bed is EveryYay Snooze Lavender Infused Bed for Dogs.

This bed is 29 inches long, 39 inches wide, and 8 inches thick so quite a large size. The plush material is comforting and washable. But the exciting feature of this dog bed is the lavender scent which is released when the bed is rubbed!

Lavender has calming properties and may assist anxious dogs to feel calmer.

<<Check the price and read more reviews here >>

Final Thoughts

It’s a good idea to keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to finding the right dog bed for your anxious dog. But now that you are familiar with the terminology used to describe dog beds for anxiety, you can more easily choose one or a combination of these anti-anxiety features to best suit your anxious pup. If you can help your dog to have a more restful sleep, they will be better equipped to deal with their anxious tendencies during the day.

Related:

Dog Bed Size Guide for Cavapoo