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.
Moderna Plastic Dog Bed Warm
Moderna's Domus plastic dog bed in warm grey, moulded from over 98% recycled plastic, in five sizes from Small to Giant.
From£14.99
Dubex Nordic Dog Bed Griege
A linen dog bed in a soft greige tone, with a removable washable cover
From£33.55
Dubex Cookie Dog Bed
A velvet dog bed with bolstered sides, a non-slip base and a washable cover
From£15.35
Dubex Ottoman Oval Dog Bed
A plush oval dog bed with a removable cover and non-slip base, in green and grey
From£25.79
Raised Pet Sofa Bed with Wooden Legs
A raised pet sofa on wooden legs with a plush, waterproof cover, keeping cats and smaller dogs off cold hard floors and making an accident a wipe rather than a wash.
From£64.99
Dubex Parisian Goose Foot Check Dog Bed Green
A small oval dog bed in green goosefoot check linen, with a foam-filled bolster and front dip
£40.79
PawHut Raised Cooling Dog Bed with Canopy, 76 x 61cm — Light Grey
The small and medium version of PawHut’s elevated mesh bed, 76 x 61cm and 18cm off the ground, with a water- and UV-resistant canopy and a travel bag.
£47.99
Round Plush Calming Bed for Small Dogs and Cats
A deep, fluffy round bed with a soft long-pile rim that cats and small dogs can nuzzle into. The raised edge offers a sense of security for a calmer, cosier sleep.
From£31.99
Ancol Small Bite Teddy Donut Sage
A 70cm sage sherpa fleece donut bed with raised sides, for small dogs, puppies and cats
£29.99
Machine Washable Self-Heating Plush Dog Mat, Six Colours, Two Sizes
A plush self-heating mat that actually goes in the washing machine, which most reflective mats do not, offered in six colours and a choice of small or large.
From£19.99
Ancol Small Bite Teddy Donut Rose
A 70cm sherpa fleece donut bed with raised sides, for small dogs, puppies and cats
£29.99
Kingdom Pet Cooling Collar
A fridge-cooled collar that keeps a dog cool for up to 4 hours on hot walks
From£3.99
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.
Related
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.