Dog beds for small dogs
Small dogs are not all the same when it comes to bedding — a nervy rescue terrier, a laid-back pug and an elderly dachshund with stiff joints all want something different from a bed, even though all three would technically fit a bed labelled 'small'. Choosing by what your dog actually needs, rather than by size alone, is what makes the difference between a bed that gets used and one that sits empty.
Matching the bed type to the dog
A donut or cave bed with raised sides suits a small dog who likes to curl up tightly, feels the cold easily, or seems to want a sense of enclosure — many small breeds fit this description, particularly short-coated ones.
A flatter, cushioned bed suits a dog who prefers to stretch out fully, and it is usually easier to wash and dry quickly, which matters for a bed that gets used daily. A calming bed, with soft, raised sides specifically designed to feel secure, is worth considering for a small dog who is anxious around noise, being left alone, or general changes at home.
Coat, age and temperature
A short-coated small dog feels the cold more than a thicker-coated one of a similar size, and often does better with a raised, enclosed style or added bedding than an open, flat cushion in a draughty spot.
An older small dog with stiff joints benefits from a supportive, well-padded bed placed somewhere they do not need to jump or climb to reach, while a young, warm-blooded dog in summer may prefer a cooling mat over anything padded and enclosed.
Placement and practical care
Where the bed sits matters as much as the bed itself — a small dog's bed near a draughty door, in direct sun for hours, or in the middle of household traffic tends to get used less than one somewhere warm, quiet and out of the way.
A removable, machine-washable cover is worth prioritising for any bed, since small dogs are just as capable of shedding, tracking in mud or having the occasional accident as larger dogs, and a bed that cannot be washed easily tends to be replaced sooner than one that can.
Having a second bed for a different room, or a smaller travel-friendly version for the car, is worth considering once you have found a style your dog genuinely settles into, rather than assuming one bed has to cover every situation.
What we stock
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Pressure-Activated Pet Cooling Mat
Press down, feel the cool — this pressure-activated mat absorbs body heat and stays up to 10°C cooler than the room, with no freezing required.
From£34.99
Ice-Silk Cooling Dog Bed with Bolster Edge
A breathable ice-silk cooling bed with a soft bolster edge and a cool-touch centre panel that helps your dog stay comfortable through warm weather. No need to freeze or refrigerate, it cools naturally on contact.
From£12.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Waterproof Pet Furniture Protector Blanket
A quilted waterproof throw that shields beds and sofas from hair, mud and accidents.
From£11.99
Quilted Cotton Pet Floor Mat
A soft, washable quilted cotton mat that gives cats, dogs and small pets a cosy place to rest. Lightly padded with a pretty patterned finish, it lies flat over floors, crates or pen bases and machine washes easily.
From£10.99
Four-Sided Washable Dog Bed
A cosy bolstered dog bed with raised sides for a sense of security and a fully removable, machine-washable cover. The layered cushion and mattress lift out for easy cleaning, ideal for autumn and winter.
From£46.99
Round Plush Pet Bed with Attached Hooded Blanket
A soft round pet bed with a fleece-lined hooded blanket attached, so cats and small dogs can burrow in and stay cosy. The raised bolster sides offer a sense of security for calmer, warmer sleep.
From£23.99
Ice-Silk Cooling Pad for Pets
A breathable, anti-slip ice-silk cooling mat that keeps cats and dogs comfortable on hot days, no freezing required. It rolls up neatly for travel and the cool-touch surface helps reduce overheating at home or in the car.
From£8.99
Padded Pet Crate Mat with Corner Ties
A padded crate mat with corner ties that stays put inside a cage or carrier.
From£8.99
Enclosed House-Shaped Pet Bed
A cosy house-shaped enclosed pet bed in soft, water-resistant down-jacket fabric, with a padded roof and removable cushion. The snug cave design keeps cats and small dogs warm and gives them a private place to retreat.
From£24.99
Cooling Bolster Pet Sofa Bed
Supportive bolster pet bed with a breathable cooling top that keeps dogs and cats comfortable in warmer weather. Raised sides cushion the neck and the cover fully detaches for easy washing.
From£65.99
Reflective Dog Cooling Vest
A lightweight cooling vest that helps keep your dog comfortable on hot-weather walks. Soak it, wring it out and fit it over the back; the breathable fabric and reflective trim aid temperature control and visibility.
From£17.99
Common questions
- What type of bed is best for an anxious small dog?
- A calming bed with raised, soft sides, designed to give a sense of enclosure and security, is worth trying for a small dog who is anxious around noise or being left alone. It will not resolve anxiety on its own, so speak to your vet or a behaviourist if it is significant.
- Do small dogs need a warmer bed than large dogs?
- Many do, particularly short-coated breeds, since a smaller body loses heat more easily. A raised, enclosed style or added bedding can help a small dog who seems to feel the cold more than others in the household.
- What bed suits an older small dog with stiff joints?
- A supportive, well-padded bed placed somewhere they do not need to jump or climb to reach is generally more comfortable for an older dog with stiff joints than a thin or unsupportive cushion. A vet is worth involving if stiffness is new or worsening.
- Should I get a cooling mat for a small dog in summer?
- It can help a small dog who runs warm or struggles in hot weather, offered alongside their normal bed rather than as a full replacement, since most dogs still want a soft place to settle once they have cooled down.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.