Calming Beds For Dogs: Are They Worth It?

Anxiety affects 20-40% of dogs in Australia. Whether it’s fear-related, separation or ageing, it can be a distressing experience for everyone

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Just how do we solve the dog anxiety epidemic? Well, one popular way to do so is with the assistance of dog calming beds. These beds can be beneficial to those that pant, whine, shiver or burrow as anxious behaviour.

What are calming beds?

Calming beds are just as they sound – beds intended to calm your dog down. They are designed to alleviate stress and bring restfulness to your dog.

You can get the most out of these beds when other tools such as calming supplements and training techniques are used alongside them.

Calming dog beds offer comfort and security to a distressed dog. Many include orthopaedic padding, self-heating properties and places for hiding or burrowing.

What type of calming beds are there?

There are different kinds of calming bed to address different issues and sizes of dog. You probably wouldn’t want to put a Great Dane in a donut!

One of the most popular calming bed is a cave-style bed. This one has raised rims and resembles properties as its name – like a cave. It’s perfect for burrowing into and making your dog feel protected. Many brands use fur that closely mimics a mother, bringing them maximum comfort and a safety net.

Bolster beds are ideal for large dog breeds although they are suitable for all sizes.

They come in many sizes and designs such as outdoor beds, raised platforms and furniture covers. Bolster calming beds have supportive pillows surrounding the main bed with some being raised higher than others, depending on your dog’s preferences. They provide an option for semi-enclosed spaces with an extra point of comfort with the supportive sides.

Donut-style calming beds are, you guessed it, donut shaped. They provide a headrest in all directions and are perfect for those dogs who like to curl up when they sleep. They are generally fluffy with a sturdier base so to support your dog’s weight.

Orthopaedic dog beds are designed to relieve pressure on your dog’s joints. Pain can often cause anxiety in a dog, by relieving joint pain, we may be left with a more relaxed dog. These beds are for any dog but especially helpful for senior dogs, dogs that suffer from arthritis or hip dysplasia or those recovering from surgery. The memory foam mattress allows pressure points to be relieved and provides maximum comfort.

Self-heating beds work by reflecting a dog’s heat back to them. They contain a reflective insert that allows your dog to be heated up by… well, themselves! The warmth and cosiness of their own body heat helps to provide a relaxing environment for them to nest into. This type of bed is ideal for dog breeds that get stressed when they are cold.

What should you look for in an anxiety bed?

Now we know that there are many different options for you to choose from, we have to make sure you choose the right fit for you and your dog. 

You’ll want a few non-negotiables when it comes to choosing the right bed for your dog. These include those that are odour resistant, have a waterproof lining and are machine washable. Having these three options will ensure maximum comfort for your dog and keep their hygiene up to scratch. You wouldn’t like sleeping in a smelly or dirty bed and neither does your dog! Easy to clean dog beds are definitely more favourable.

Other things to consider are non-slip bottoms and the perfect size bed for your dog. If you’re unsure which size is suitable, just ask the brand you are hoping to purchase from for a little help.

Who needs a calming dog bed for anxiety?

Dogs that feel more at ease when they have a safe space and miss a mother’s touch will do well in dog beds like the ones listed. The reminder of what it’s like to snuggle into a parent and have a sense of hugging often relieves anxiety.

Don’t forget that calming beds are merely a tool for easing anxiety and the root of the problem should be addressed. You can use the help of dog trainers or behaviourists for this.

Calming beds, further training and other focus tools such as calming powder supplements are a recipe for getting the to bottom of anxiety.

Anxiety treatment takes time and requires your consistency and patience. If you have an anxious dog, take the appropriate action to help put them at ease again.