Pet Beds & Furniture

A bolster or donut-shaped bed, like the Dubex Cheesecake Dog Bed, gives a dog that likes to curl up something to lean against, and tends to suit smaller or older dogs looking for a sense of enclosure. A flat mat, such as a four-sided washable dog bed, suits a dog that sprawls out rather than curling, and is often easier to wash and dry.

Cats generally favour something raised or enclosed over a flat mat, which is why hammocks and hooded beds, like a cotton linen hanging cat hammock, are common in the cat range even though the same flat-mat option exists for cats too.

A washable cover matters more than most other features, particularly for a bed used daily, since fur, dirt and the odd accident are simply part of pet ownership. Look for a removable, machine-washable cover rather than assuming the whole bed needs replacing when it gets dirty.

Where the bed sits matters too. A bed near a draughty door or on a cold floor benefits from a raised base, like a woven rattan elevated pet bed, which keeps a dog or cat off the cold surface rather than directly on it.

A bed that is too small will not be used, and a bed that is oversized for a small dog can feel exposed rather than cosy. As a rough guide, a dog should be able to lie fully stretched out with a little room to spare, whichever shape of bed you choose.

If you are unsure between two sizes, sizing up is usually the safer choice for a growing puppy or a dog whose adult size is not yet clear, since an oversized bed is a minor inconvenience compared with one that is outgrown within months.

Memory foam bases, like a memory foam bolster dog bed, add extra support and are worth considering for an older dog or one with existing joint stiffness, since they spread weight more evenly than a standard cushion fill. Heated or self-warming options can help an older or thinner-coated dog through a cold winter.

None of these features replace a properly sized bed in the first place, so it is worth getting the size and shape right before adding extras on top.