Can we really use dog beds to reduce anxiety?
I know, it’s a strange idea, but it makes sense if you think about it!
We humans have all sorts of soothing blankets, pillows and more, so why not an anti-anxiety dog bed?
Today, we’ll talk about what to look for in one, then we’ll check out my top five picks!
Related: Casper dog bed review: Is it worth it?
What to Look for in an Anti-Anxiety Dog Bed
If you take a look at any anti-anxiety dog bed, whether it’s the popular Absolut soothing pet bed, the Mellow dog bed, or any of my top picks from Amazon below, you’ll notice a couple of things.
- For the most part, they all have a “cuddler” style to them. In other words, your dog sinks right into the bed.
- They also use super plush materials like faux fur or Sherpa.
- Each bed also engulfs and surrounds your dog in one way or another.
So, what can we deduce from these features?
Basically, the best anti-anxiety dog bed is one that surrounds your dog in a sea of plush goodness & makes him feel more secure.
If you look at the dogs in the product pictures, they sure look totally blissed out! Do they really work, though?
Related: Best dog bed for Pitbulls
Do anti-anxiety dog beds really work?
The answer totally depends on what’s causing your dog’s anxiety!
If your pooch gets a bit upset when you leave for work and needs a little help calming down, then yes, an anti-anxiety dog bed might do the trick.
Likewise, if Rex tends to get overwhelmed easily by the hustle and bustle of your everyday family life, a well-placed soothing bed could give him a peaceful escape.
On the other hand, if Fido is positively petrified of everything that moves and has extreme anxiety, a bed alone won’t do the trick.
However, it can be a great part of your overall treatment regimen!
It’s just important to manage your expectations. Don’t buy a dog bed to reduce anxiety and expect it to work magic all on its own.
That said, these awesome beds below are great even if your dog doesn’t have major anxiety issues, so you have nothing to lose by trying them out!
Best Dog Beds to Reduce Anxiety
As always, check out the table below for a quick look at my favorite dog beds to reduce anxiety, then read on for more details.
FYI: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.
1. Best Friends by Sheri Calming Shag Vegan Fur Donut Cuddler Review
I’ve been looking for a way to fit the Best Friend’s by Sheri bed into a dog bed buying guide ever since I laid eyes on it!
Seriously, I am madly in love with it and kind of want one for myself! It’s definitely my #1 pick for the dog beds to reduce anxiety!
Features & Pros
- The round donut shape helps support better sleep, especially for dogs who like to curl up.
- Raised rim gives dogs an added sense of security while also supporting their head and neck.
- Plush filling along the rim is soft and soothing on aching joints & muscles.
- As the name implies, every part of the bed is made with vegan materials.
- Comes with removable zippered shell with three zippers to make it easier to deal with.
- However, if you don’t want zippers, you can get it without!
- Shell is water and dirt-resistant, and the whole thing is machine-washable.
Cons
- Not suitable for puppies or other chewers (honestly, none of the beds on this list are)
- The zipper-free version only comes in one size.
- Not very supportive in the middle (it’s like a donut, nearly flat in the center).
- It’s not at all odor-resistant.
Recommendation
As much as I love this bed with a fiery passion, my dog can’t have it because she’ll eat it.
She’s finally stopped chewing everything in sight but the plush material will just be too tempting.
However, if your dog isn’t destructive, this is definitely my favorite anti-anxiety dog bed!
It’s not only super plush & comfy, but very stylish as well!
If you’ve seen Absolut pet bed reviews and wished you could find something similar on Amazon, this is the one you want.
2. FuzzBall Fluffy Luxe Pet Bed Review
It’s easy to see where the FuzzBall anti-anxiety dog bed gets its name! It looks just like a giant cotton ball, doesn’t it?
Features & Pros
- Donut shape gives dogs that added sense of security during naptime.
- Anti-slip silicone on the bottom keeps it from sliding around.
- Water-resistant base fabric protects your floors from mild accidents.
- The whole bed is machine-washable (put it in the dryer after to prevent matting).
- 100% no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.
- Company is US-based and adheres to strict safety standards.
Cons
- Only comes in one size (Medium) and only fits dogs up to 45lbs.
- Like the bed above, the center isn’t very supportive due to the shape.
- Only the base layer is waterproof, so accidents will still seep into the bed (just not through to your floor).
- Cover isn’t removable so if it gets ruined you have to buy a whole new bed.
Recommendation
If you have a medium-sized dog up to 45lbs who doesn’t chew this is a good budget-friendly option.
While I like that the whole thing can just be thrown in the wash, I do wish that it came with a removable cover, though.
- 🐾 COMFORTABLE: Fluffy and luxurious donut shaped pet bed to give your best dog or cat friend the ultimate zzz’s. Comes in 3 colors, 2 sizes: SMALL 22” x 22” for pets up to 25 lbs, and MEDIUM 30” x 30” for pets up to 45 lbs.
- 🐾 USEFUL: Bottom fabric has anti-slip silicone grips to help keep the bed stationary. This fabric is also waterproof to help keep your floors clean in case your fluffball has a mid snooze accident.
- 🐾 EASY CARE: Machine washable for no headache cleanliness! No zippers to fuss with, just throw whole bed in the machine and voila, no more stinky play-in-the-mud pup smell! (To prevent matting, please be sure to dry the bed in the DRYER immediately after washing. Do not air dry.)
- 🐾 SAFE & TRUSTED: Based in the USA, we focus on quality & safety, strictly adhering to product testing requirements. Most pet products do NOT pass these rigorous tests, but ours DO!
- 🐾 GUARANTEED: Try the Fluffy Luxe Pet Bed with NO risk and 100% money back guarantee – NO questions asked!
3. Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave Pet Bed Review
The Snoozer Cave bed is a bit different from the ones we’ve seen so far because it totally envelops your dog (sans head) in a cozy cave.
Features & Pros
- Cave style gives dogs a hideaway and makes them feel totally secure.
- Made with microsuede on the outside and soft Sherpa inside.
- Pillow is filled with a polyester/cedar combo to reduce odors.
- Cover is machine-washable.
- Comes in 30+ different colors & styles and three sizes
- Orthopedic foam base adds more support than donut-style beds.
Cons
- The opening is a bit small and tight, which could discourage dogs from using it.
- You have to remove the tube that props the opening up for cleaning and it’s a bit tricky.
- Sherpa can get a bit hot in the warmer months, making this better for cooler times of the year.
- Not water-, odor- or chew-resistant
Recommendation
I am seriously considering this one for my dog since she loves to sleep under blankets (and sometimes even under couch cushions).
It’s bigger than it looks! The large is definitely big enough for a lab or Shepherd.
I love that it comes in so many styles & colors, too. While that doesn’t do much for the bed itself, it’s nice to have options that match your decor.
- Microsuede exterior, Sherpa interior
- Machine-washable luxury microsuede cover
- Poly/cedar filled inner pillow with zipper
- Extra deep sleep surface
- Rust-proof brass zipper, Available in a variety of fabric options
- X-Large: 45 in. Diameter x 4 in. Sidewall – Hood Height: Approximately 8 in. tall
4. Bagel Pet Dog Bed By Majestic Pet Products Review
The Bagel Dog Bed by Majestic Pet Products is similar to the first two on this list but with a key difference: no fuzz.
Features & Pros
- Provides the secure feeling of a cuddler-style bed without all the added fluff.
- Base is made with waterproof fabric to keep accidents from seeping through to your floor.
- Stuffing is a High Loft Polyester Fiber Fil
- Entire bed is machine washable
- Comes in 4 sizes all the way up to XL for 71+ lb dogs and 7 different colors.
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Like other donut beds, the inner part has very little stuffing.
- No removable cover, so if things go awry when you wash it, the whole bed is ruined.
- Material tends to attract dog hair, so it gets dirty fairly quickly.
- Measurements refer to the entire bed and not the inner sleep area, so it may be smaller than you’re expecting.
Recommendation
While I kind of like the fuzzy beds a bit better, I think my dog would be less likely to chew this one because it doesn’t look like a giant plush toy.
I like that it comes in sizes up to XL and the color choices are nice. I also like that it’s made in the USA.
- 52-inch Black Bagel Pet Dog Bed
- Base made of waterproof 300/600 Denier
- Stuffed with a Premium High Loft Polyester Fiber Fil, Machine washable
- Made in the USA
- Outside Dimensions-52-inch by 36-inch Inside Dimensions-46-inch by 30-inch Bolster 14-inch high,Cushion 10-inch high
5. Canine Coddler The Original Dog Anti-Anxiety Blanket Wrap Review
I know the Canine Coddler isn’t exactly a bed but bear with me because it’s still fantastic for dogs with anxiety.
Features & Pros
- The patent-pending weighted blanket is veterinarian approved to apply gentle pressure to help ease anxiety in dogs.
- Comes in one size that’s large enough for most dogs.
- Available in two weights (5lbs and 7lbs).
- Easier to use than a Thundershirt or other anxiety sweater for dogs.
- Cover is removable & washable
- A portion of the sales to towards helping needy families pay for vet bills.
Cons
- Not ideal for very small dogs (usually the opposite is true, but the 5lb weight may be too heavy for small breeds).
- It’s only really ideal for dogs who actually like sleeping under blankets.
- A smidge pricey compared to weighted blankets for people (it’s cheaper than some, though)
Recommendation
Numerous studies have shown benefits of weighted blankets for humans, so it makes sense that they’d also benefit dogs with anxiety.
While it’s not exactly a bed, you can easily fold it up to create a fluffier surface.
Just keep in mind, if your dog doesn’t really like blankets in general, he’s not going to like this one.
My dog loves sleeping under blankets. In fact, she likes MY weighted blanket, so I know she’d use this one!
- ★ The Canine Coddler weighted blanket is a patent pending veterinarian approved designed pet blanket that applies gentle constant pressure to help calm anxiety fear and over excitement in dogs. Our weighted blanket helps promotes relaxation and helps your dog or puppy regain its composure and stay mellow. Great for rescue dogs. A portion of all Canine Coddler sales go to help unprivileged families pay vet bills
- ★ 36" x 48" in size, dark grey in color and extremely easy to use with a removable machine washable cover. The covers is made of a carefully selected material tested with many breeds of dogs for ultimate comfort. The inner blanket is filled with non-toxic PVC pellets to add weight
- ★ Blanket comes in 2 different weights. One size carefully created for small/med size dogs which weighs approximately 5lbs, and one specifically designed for dogs over 50 lbs which weighs approximately 7 lbs. Great for help calming dogs in stressful situations such as thunderstorms, car rides, barking, separation anxiety and restless sleep to name a few. This is a great alternative to doggy downers, tranquilizers and other sedatives. It's also easier to use than an anxiety dog vest or sweater
- ★ Weighted blankets have been used for years to help humans with anxiety, stress, autism, restless sleep and various other ailments. We have found this works well on dogs and even cats to help promote relaxation and an alternative to pills, chews, treats, sprays or drops
- ★100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: If there is any manufacturer defects in your Canine Coddler then we will refund your money. Our world class Canine Coddler customer service wants you to be satisfied with your purchase. Absolutely no risk. The blanket comes with our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Get a blanket for your furry loved ones TODAY
Final Recommendation
While these are all great anti-anxiety dog bed picks, I prefer the Best Friends by Sheri bed just a bit more than the others!
It’s stylish, comfy, made with great materials and created by a single mom (I’m also one so I like to support others like me).
That said, I would probably buy my dog the cave-style one just because she’d be less likely to eat it.
The blanket is a great add-on to any of the beds as well as a good option for traveling!
What do you think? What are your picks for the best dog beds to reduce anxiety? Share below!
Last update on 2020-08-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API