6 Best Dog Beds For Anxiety – 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide

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Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety, and certain individuals and breeds are more predisposed to it.

In all but extreme cases, anxiety in dogs is considered normal and healthy. It can present itself in many forms including separation anxiety, social anxiety and environmental anxiety.

Whatever the case may be, if you own an anxious dog, you’ll want to get them a quality, long-lasting dog bed that will help keep them calm and make them feel safe while resting.

Choosing a dog bed for anxiety might seem like a simple enough task. But there are a ton of options out there, so how do you narrow them down to the best picks?

Don’t worry — this article is just what you need. We’ll review and compare our picks for the best dog beds for anxiety across a range of different budgets.

We have tested all of these beds, and all give excellent value for the cost.


Our Top Dog Bed Picks For Anxiety

Based on our own testing, research, and experience, here are our top selections:

  1. Best Friends By Sheri Shag Donut Cuddler
  2. FurHaven Microvelvet Snuggery Burrow Dog Bed
  3. FurHaven ThermaNAP Faux Fur Self-Warming Pet Bed
  4. Bully Beds Infrared Dog Bed
  5. The Buddy DeepSleep Dog Bed By Toby & Ace
  6. Majestic Pet Luxe Suede Bagel Dog Bed

1. Best Friends By Sheri Shag Donut Cuddler

Best Friends By Sheri Donut Cuddler

If you were to search for “dogs beds for anxiety” online, this is exactly the style of bed that would come up.

The Best Friends bed by Sheri is one of the best donut cuddlers on the market. Seen on outlets like Today, the Hallmark Channel, Martha Stewart and Forbes, it employs an appealing donut shape that allows your dog to curl up, with a raised rim that provides a feeling of security for anxious dogs.

The bed, which comes in shag and luxe variants, is also self-warming and will remind dogs of their mother’s fut coat. There are over seven colours to choose from including taupe, frost, dark chocolate, and cotton candy pink.

We think this dog bed is absolutely worth the money. So, what are the kickers?

  • It is made of faux fur and nylon for nothing less than total comfort.
  • The rim is raised to support the dog’s head and neck.
  • The soft filling relieves joint and muscle pain.
  • Deep crevices in the shag allow your dog to burrow.
  • It is safe in the dryer and washing machine.
  • Its longevity gives you excellent value for money.
  • The bottom is dirt and water-resistant.

Additional Notes

  • the extra-large 45″x45″ bed is massive and can even accommodate multiple dogs.
  • it’s very soft and cozy, and we’ve found that most dogs love to burrow their heads into it.
  • you may find that there is less support and cushioning on the bottom than you or your dog likes. If you plan to put this bed on a hard surface, we suggest putting extra support underneath.
  • it’s important to wash and dry this bed properly; otherwise you may experience shedding, tangling, or other issues.

This bed ticks almost all of the boxes for dogs with anxiety. Sizes range from 23″x23″ to 45″x45″.


2. FurHaven Microvelvet Snuggery Burrow Dog Bed

FurHaven Microvelvet Snuggery Burrow Bed

Another great option for dogs with anxiety are so-called “burrow beds”. These beds feature soft, shapeable blankets that your dog can snuggle into and conceal themselves with.

The Snuggery Burrow Bed by FurHaven is lined with microvelvet and is perfect for all kinds of anxious pups. It’s basically a dog bed with an integrated blanket that is closed on one side. Your dog can burrow its head completely under the cover, or lie the other way with its head and front part out in the open.

The bed has very high customer ratings and comes in 18″, 26″, 35″ and 44″ sizes, giving you plenty of options for your dog’s size considerations.

Additional Info

The FurHaven Snuggery Bed has a plastic hoop that makes it easy for your dog to get under the hood.

The bed offers three different mattress types: orthopedic foam, memory foam, and cooling gel foam. We suggest the memory foam for an anxious dog because it conforms to sleep positions, but the other foams can work well too.

The zippered cover is removable and machine-washable, but the foam and plastic tubing are not.

Even if your dog isn’t sleeping, this bed is a pleasant retreat that provides warmth, comfort, privacy and safety. The microvelvet version comes in espresso, sage, navy blue and gray colours.


3. FurHaven ThermaNAP Faux Fur Self-Warming Pet Bed

FurHaven ThermaNAP Faux Fur Self-Warming Pet Bed

The ThermaNAP by FurHaven is an excellent self-warming dog mat, ideal for small dogs that search for warmth when they’re anxious.

The bed has a very high average customer rating of 4.8/5 stars on the FurHaven store.

Coming in small (22″ x 17″ x 0.25″) and large (36″ x 24″ x 0.25″) sizes, it has inner self-warming technology that captures your dog’s body head and radiates it back to them using insulating polyester fiber batting core. No electricity is involved.

Additional Info

The FurHaven ThermaNAP builds up natural warmth in your dog while it rests.

The plush faux fur sleep surface is very snuggly, soft and comfortable, especially on your dog’s paws and nose. The mat is lightweight and portable, allowing your dog to stay warm and feel safe on the go.

Washing is very easy, as the mat is machine-washable. The six available colours are snow leopard, leopard, black, grey, espresso and cream.

You might think that your dog would want more cushioning and thickness to their bed, but you’d be surprised. So many dogs simply love this bed. Just keep in mind that it’s geared towards cats and smaller dogs; if you have a large dog, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere.


4. Bully Beds Infrared Dog Bed

Bully Beds Infrared Dog Bed

This special dog bed by Bully Beds has many benefits: it increases blood circulation, accelerates healing, improves comfort, and provides additional energy. This will make any anxious dog feel better and more ready to take on the day.

The bed is expensive, but for good reason. It has an average customer rating of 4.9/5 stars on the Bully Beds store.

How It Works

This is the only dog bed that has FDA medical device certification. What it does it take the natural far infrared radiation (FIR) emitted by your dog’s body heat and reflect it back to the skin. This is done through special ceramic coated fibers that use your dog as a power source.

This then dilates blood vessels, which enhances tissue oxygen levels and increases blood circulation. The infrared emissions are absorbed deep into tissue to provide the benefits mentioned above.

Related to this is the thermal insulation properties of the fabric. The reflecting of FIR allows heat to escape from the bed, moderating the sleep temperature and keeping the bed from sleeping hot. Your dog’s natural body temperature is maintained, and through a level of thermal insulation, it is able to stay cooler.

Additional Info

The Bully Beds Infrared Dog Bed is beneficial for joints, elbows, hips, and the whole body. It increases stamina, soothes hip dysplasia, quickens surgery recovery times, and helps your dog stay warm and comfortable without feeling hot.

It’s very durable and lasts a long time even with frequent washings.

As Bully Beds is a brand tailored to large dogs, the bed is available only in large, XL, and XXL sizes.


5. The Buddy DeepSleep Dog Bed By Toby & Ace

Toby & Ace Buddy DeepSleep Orthopedic Dog Bed

This gem from Toby & Ace has some of the best customer ratings we’ve seen. It’s also a top dog bed recommendation by vets across North America.

The Buddy DeepSleep is specifically marketed as a dog bed that helps relieve anxiety, with high 8-inch bolsters on all sides and an egg crate design that mimics the feeling of a dog’s natural shelter. It consists of a human-grade CertiPUR-US orthopedic memory foam that supports the spine and key pressure points.

The bed comes in small (accepts up to 15 lbs), medium (accepts up to 40 lbs), large (accepts 60-70 lbs), and XL (accepts 100+ lbs) sizes.

Additional Info

The Buddy DeepSleep Dog Bed is designed to improve blood circulation and promote better posture. In addition, cooling gel is used under the sleep surface to prevent your dog from getting too hot.

Other features include:

  • a durable construction designed to last many years
  • machine-washable cover with a strong, sturdy, easy-to-use zipper
  • resistant to water and odours

Yes, this bed is quite pricey, but it’s definitely worth it. The sleep surface is velvety smooth and soft, and the make quality is outstanding.

In our experience, anxious dogs take really well to The Buddy DeepSleep, even in unfamiliar places. Read some customer reviews here.


6. Majestic Pet Luxe Suede Bagel Dog Bed

Majestic Pet Luxe Suede Bagel Dog Bed - Stone Colour

Majestic Pet makes some beds that are excellent for dogs with anxiety. The Luxe Suede Bagel, in particular, has a contemporary style with bolsters on all sides that promote a sense of safety and a “snuggler” sleeping position.

The center cushion is reversible with faux sheepskin on the other side, which is great if your dog prefers it or needs additional warmth. You can also reverse the cushion as a temporary, quick fix to one side getting dirty.

The bed comes in small (23″ length), medium (32″ length) and large (38″ length) sizes.

Additional Info

The Majestic Pet Luxe Suede Bagel Dog Bed is warm, comfortable, safe and stylish. It’s made of a polyester/cotton twill on the outside, and stuffed with high-loft, premium polyester fiberfill on the inside.

The heavy-duty zippers of this bed will withstand years of wear and tear and are made by YKK, a top zipper manufacturer.

This bed is assembled in the USA. The slipcover is machine-washable: toss it into an open drum washer and air dry. Do not bleach, wring, iron or dry clean.

What’s great about this bed, as with other dog beds by Majestic Pet, is that it comes in an array of different patterns and colours, making it easy to find the perfect aesthetic for you and your dog.


Buying Guide

Before we talk about the different types of dog beds that would be beneficial for an anxious dog, let’s explore some of the best ways to calm your dog at home and out on walks.

What is anxiety in dogs?

Anxiety in dogs is more than just fear.

Fear is an emotion that your dog feels in response to a stimulus. While many things can cause fear, anxiety is considered a generalized reaction to an unknown threat or internal conflict, especially by dogs with an anxious temperament.

Most of the time, you won’t see the extent of anxiety in dogs. For example, during thunderstorms or events like fireworks, many dogs will cower or try to find an area where they feel protected.

However, a small percentage of dogs have a problem with excessive anxiety that can lead to destructive behavior and other issues. The most common triggers for excessive canine anxiety include:

  • storms
  • fireworks
  • separation from its owners
  • noise from passing cars or neighbor dogs barking
  • other dogs such as those they meet on walks

How do I know if my dog has anxiety?

Pug anxious look

This depends on your dog. You may notice that dogs try to hide or escape during storms or fireworks, but the most typical sign is when you’re unable to leave them at home.

When you’re gone, separation anxiety in dogs often manifests itself with destructive behavior like chewing on items in the house, vocalizing excessively, aggressiveness, restlessness, and even soiling in the house.

How can I stop my dog’s anxiety?

While there isn’t much you can do directly to calm an anxious dog (if they have separation or environmental anxiety), there are some things that you can do before leaving the house to help with their overall state of mind.

First, make sure that your dog is healthy. An imbalance in brain chemistry can cause anxiety in dogs. Dogs, like people with anxiety, often have a serotonin imbalance.

In addition, make sure that you’re taking your dog for walks or doing other exercises with them to help their muscles and brain relax. You can also try playing with it inside to get rid of any excess energy.

Beyond this, it’s just a matter of getting your dog used to whatever situation is causing it anxiety. This comes through repeated exposure.

Another thing that can help reduce your dog’s fear and anxiety is a good, cozy dog bed.

Factors To Consider Before Buying

When finding the best dog bed for anxiety, there are several factors you’ll want to consider. These things will vary depending on the type of bed, but we’ll go over some important points below:

Your Dog’s Size & Breed

Different types of dog beds may be better suited for different sizes and breeds. Whether your dog is large or small, make sure that the bed can accommodate its weight and that the dog’s body won’t hang off the sides when it lays on top of it.

If the bed you pick is too small, your dog will have trouble curling up inside, much less stretch out.

Your Dog’s Anxiety Triggers

Is there a specific thing that causes your dog anxiety? If it’s the sound of thunder or fireworks, then consider snuggle beds or beds with bolsters so that your dog can feel safe.

Your Budget

Not all dog beds are created equal, which means that the prices will vary too. Make sure to find a bed that falls within your budget, but don’t go too cheap because you will end up regretting it.

Bed Type

Dog bed bolster example

Different types of dog beds out there include:

  • burrow beds (dog can completely conceal itself under a hood)
  • orthopedic
  • mattress
  • donut (small and round with raised sides)
  • mat (ideal for crates)

Cover

Because anxious dogs may be inclined to have accidents on the bed, the lining should be waterproof. In addition, it’s all but essential to get a dog bed with a removable and machine-washable cover so you can clean up messes as they appear.

A washable cover will ensure that the bed remains clean and tidy. There are also anti-allergenic fabrics available on the market.

Comfort

The ultimate purpose of a bed is to offer your dog comfort and safety while it sleeps, and this is especially true for dogs with anxiety.

A good dog bed should be soft, supportive and comfortable. You can also look for orthopedic beds which provide additional support to the joints.

What is a calming dog bed?

Canine anxiety can cause dogs to have restless nights, where they won’t get the rest they need.

A calming dog bed is a dog bed that is specifically designed to reduce a dog’s anxiety. Such an anti-anxiety bed can come in many different forms including orthopedic, bolstered, and self-warming.

Sleep Surface

The sleep surface material of a calming bed impacts its price, and each material has its benefits and drawbacks. Here is a list of the most common materials available on the market:

  • cotton: a natural material that is very comfortable and resilient. It wicks away moisture from the dog’s body and has good airflow. If your dog suffers from allergies to other materials, cotton is the best choice.
  • fleece: a soft material that provides a great sleeping surface for dogs that don’t like to lie on concrete or metal floors. It can also be used as an additional covering over hard surfaces.
  • vinyl: this material is waterproof, so in case of incontinence or other issues, you’re able to keep the inner core of the bed clean and dry.
  • wool: this natural material is very comfortable, resistant to dirt, and naturally resists ticks, dust mites, and other parasites. It’s one of the best materials for dogs with allergies, but some dogs might not like lying on its rough surface.

Size & Shape

Downtown Pet Supply Premium Donut Dog Bed

Always consider the size of your dog, or the size it is expected to grow into. Some dog beds are designed for large breeds, while others tend to be better for smaller dogs.

Larger beds will have more space to stretch out, but they will also weigh more, so it’s important to choose a calming bed with a durable construction. Larger dog beds will also cost more compared to smaller sizes.

Here is a list of the most common dog bed shapes on the market:

  • crate: this rectangular shape offers plenty of room for your dog to stretch out when it sleeps. It’s best suited for dogs that prefer to sleep alone if they don’t like group beds.
  • round: if your dog doesn’t like sleeping in a crate, it can sleep in a round bed, which tends to enclose them and make them feel safer.
  • rectangular: this is the most common type of shape and accommodates both ends of the weight spectrum. For example, your large dog can fit comfortably on one end while your smaller dog can use the other end.
  • cylinder: this is best suited for small breeds that like to feel safe when they sleep. It has a circular shape which works well for dogs who don’t like corners or tight spaces.

Additional Features To Check

Some calming beds come with additional features which make them more attractive to their users. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • removable cover: it’s highly recommended to look for a bed with a removeable cover because it allows you to put it in the washing machine. This way, you can keep your dog’s sleeping surface clean and fresh at all times.
  • machine washable: to save yourself some time, choose beds with a machine-washable cover. This will make the clean-up process a lot more convenient.
  • reversible: some bed cushions can be turned around so that both sides are usable. This helps reduce the wash frequency and also allows your dog to benefit from different sleep surface temperatures.
  • non-skid base: this helps a dog bed stay firmly planted on the ground as your dog lays on it.

Conclusion

The best, most popular dog beds for dogs with anxiety tend to be donut cuddlers with a warm, cozy, fur sleep surface. Other great options are beds with bolsters on at least three sides, self-warming beds, and beds with hooded blankets.

Ultimately, the best dog bed for anxiety will depend on the dog’s size, body type, habits, and individual needs. Your dog may like many or all of the beds listed here, and they may even like other beds that are not traditionally considered “anxiety” beds.

Regardless, when you decide to buy one, the dog beds reviewed above along with our buying guide will help you come to a good decision.

It’s also beneficial to read customer reviews of dog beds and/or get the opinion of experts, if possible. This can help you a great deal in the decision-making process.


Thanks for reading this guide. Does your dog have anxiety? Which bed are you considering? Feel free to leave questions or comments below.

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