If your pup has separation anxiety or is happier with a snuggly dog bed, you have a lot of choices. Most can help soothe your pup to sleep or just hang out when they’re feeling insecure. My old rescue dog, Bonkers, is an ex-street dog, and he loves nothing more than snuggling into his calming dog bed for ultimate comfort. My calming dog bed reviews give you some of the top-rated stress-relief dog beds to help your pup feel safe and secure.
| Best Overall | For Large Dogs | For Burrowers | Hooded | Couch Bed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
| Best Friends By Sheri | Coohom | PetFusion | FurHaven | Blunique |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
5 Factors To Consider When Shopping For Calming Dog Beds
When shopping for a bed for restful sleep for your dog, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that you choose the right fit for your furry friend. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Size & Fit. Select a dog bed that is appropriately sized for your dog. It should be large enough for your dog to stretch out comfortably but not so large that they feel insecure. All the beds I recommend come in multiple sizes.
- Material. Calming dog beds are made from high-quality, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic materials, such as memory foam, orthopedic foam, or plush fabrics. These materials provide support and comfort.
- Design. Some calming dog beds are designed to mimic the feeling of being cuddled or swaddled, which can help reduce anxiety.
- Washability. Most of the beds I picked have removable, machine-washable covers or liners. Dogs can be messy, and keeping the bed clean and fresh is essential.
- Your Dog’s Preferences. Pay attention to your dog’s preferences and behavior. Some dogs prefer softer beds, while others like a firmer surface. Take your dog’s favorite sleeping positions into account.
5 Best Calming Dog Beds
On the surface, many calming dog beds look like the same donut-shaped product, but there are some differences in quality and design. I’ve dug into the features of each of the most popular anti-anxiety dog beds to find the ones I think are the best for your needs.
Best Overall: Best Friends By Sheri The Original Calming Donut Dog Bed Review
The Best Friends By Sheri bed is my overall pick for the best anti-anxiety dog bed for most dogs. It has a round shape and slightly raised rim and is made from soft material to give your dog a comfy place to burrow down and curl up. The bed cover comes in two material options: long faux fur or textured lux plush, which are both self-warming, soft, and snuggly. It comes in six sizes and 17 colors to choose from, so there’s a color for every decor.
The specially designed CoziLOFT fiber filling holds up over time, keeping the bed full and fluffy even after washing. You can put the smaller beds into the washing machine, and the larger options have a removable cover you can machine wash. The bottom of the bed has a water and dirt-resistant back to help keep it cleaner and fresher and prevent damage to your floors. Best Friends By Sheri is an extremely popular calming dog bed with excellent customer reviews. Watch this short segment from the Hallmark Channel that discusses the benefits of calming dog beds and features my best overall pick.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality, durable, and comfortable materials | Some complaints about it being too thin on the bottom |
| Non-toxic materials (Consumer Product Safety Commission tested and certified) | |
| The small bed is machine-washable & larger beds have a removable, machine-washable cover | |
| Water and dirt-resistant bottom | |
| Comes in 6 sizes & 17 colors | |
| Matching blanket available |
My Personal Experience With Best Friends By Sheri
Photo by Emma Braby for Canine Journal, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2024.
I have two dogs, a medium-sized Bull Terrier mix named Bonkers and a small Doxie named Chips. I recently upgraded their bed to a Best Friends By Sheri. I chose the long shag fur option as my older dog, Bonkers, has a preference for this material and a larger size so that it accommodates them both as they like to sleep together. The material is super soft, and the fiber filling is thick and hasn’t flattened yet after six months of use. I imagine this bed is going to last us a very long time. I love that the bed cover is removable for easy cleaning and fits perfectly in our plastic dog bed. I know that Bonkers loves this bed more than the ones before because he often chooses to rest in it over a snuggle with me on the sofa.
Price
- Starts at Check Amazon for availability
Best For Large Dogs: Coohom Oval Calming Dog Bed Review
If you have a large dog and don’t think the round, donut-shaped beds are ideal, this Coohom bed could fit the bill. This bed’s oval shape is better for larger dogs who like to stretch out while sleeping. It comes in three sizes, and the XXL calming dog bed accommodates dogs weighing up to 100 pounds and features an eight-inch high rim for head and neck support. Oval dog beds help to save a little space in your room. It’s stuffed with vegan cotton fiber, and the cover is soft faux fur.
Coohom’s oval pet bed is a better choice if you’re looking for a calming donut bed for your dog’s crate than a traditional circle donut. This bed has a non-slip bottom and comes in eight colors. It is also well-priced compared to similar products. However, this bed doesn’t have a removable cover. So, although it can be washed in the machine, some owners found the larger option was too large to fit into their washer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The oval shape is ideal for larger dogs | It doesn’t have a removable cover |
| Vegan cotton fiber filling | Some users say the base could be thicker |
| Non-slip bottom | |
| It comes in 3 sizes & 8 colors | |
| Good price point | |
| Better shape for a dog crate |
Price
- Starts at: $82.99
Best For Burrowers: PetFusion Calming Cuddler Dog Bed Review
If your dog finds comfort from burrowing, this soothing pet bed could be a perfect choice. It comes in two sizes and has a loose, soft blanket attached to the bed, so your burrower won’t fling it off. It’s also a top choice for dogs who like to bury their toys and treats or hide them from other dogs in the home. The high-walled bolster side provides support and security, has a non-skid bottom, and its shape means it could fit well inside a dog crate. The two-inch CertiPUR-US memory foam base offers good support and is protected by a waterproof inner liner. The neutral gray and ivory colors suit most homes, and the material is pet-safe. You can remove the bolsters and machine wash the covers. Unlike the other beds in my reviews, this calming dog bed has a one-year warranty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for burrowers | No large sizes |
| Made with pet-safe materials | On the pricey side |
| Memory foam inner layer | |
| Removable machine washable cover | |
| Waterproof inner liner and tear-resistant cover | |
| Non-skid bottom | |
| Could fit well in a crate | |
| Has a 1-year warranty |
Our older dog Lily loves PetFusion’s Calming Cuddler dog bed. She enjoys digging around to make the perfect nest and the memory foam helps her arthritic body. She starts snoring almost the second she is burrowed in.
– Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Mom & Co-Founder of Canine Journal
Price
- Starts at: $59.95
Best Hooded: FurHaven Round Snuggery Pet Bed Review
Some dogs prefer some cover to feel soothed. This round FurHaven cave bed has an attached blanket your dog can snuggle under. You can add the plastic tubing to convert the blanket into a hood if that’s a better option for your pup. The bed comes in three sizes with a thick three-inch egg-crate memory foam base that contours to your dog’s body and can help soothe joint pain. It’s lined with insulated sherpa for a cozy, warm sleeping environment, and the outer shell is a luxurious suede material. There are seven color options, and the cover is removable for easy machine washing. Only a few customers found the plastic tubing isn’t sturdy enough.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Blanket hood design helps provide a soothing space | Some complaints that the tubing is flimsy and doesn’t stay in place well |
| CertiPUR-US memory foam made in the USA | |
| Thick, wooly lining for warmth | |
| Machine-washable removable cover | |
| Comes in 3 sizes & 7 colors |
Our Personal Experience With FurHaven Snuggery Bed
As soon as it’s dark outside, Barley is ready for lights out. FurHaven’s Snuggery bed offers all the cover he needs to keep him warm and hide his eyes from inside lights, allowing him to sleep in complete comfort at any hour of the day.
– Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Mom
Price
- Starts at: $43.99
Best Couch Bed: Blunique Calming Couch Bed Review
This option differs from my other choices because it isn’t a standalone dog bed. Although you can put it on the floor, it’s designed to be placed on the couch or bed. So, if your dog feels calmer being on the couch or snuggled up to you, they get the best of both worlds. You can also place it in the trunk of your car, which can help pups feel less anxious while traveling. It has three bolstered sides to support their neck and head and offer an extra sense of security.
This bed comes in three sizes and six colors to suit any couch. The cover is made from soft faux fur, has a non-slip bottom, and is scratch-resistant. It is also waterproof to help protect your furniture from liquids and other messes. You can remove the three bolsters and wash the cover in the machine. Some customers felt it wasn’t as thick as they’d liked, but this bed is designed to be placed onto a couch or bed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Designed to offer extra comfort on the couch or bed | The base isn’t as thick as others |
| Can help with travel anxiety | |
| Soft faux fur & non-slip bottom | |
| Has 3 bolsters for support | |
| Comes in 3 sizes & 6 colors | |
| The material is scratch-resistant & waterproof | |
| It is machine washable |
Price
- Starts at: $39.99 ($39.99 / Count)
Frequently Asked Questions
We know that some of our readers still have questions about calming dog beds and how to reduce anxiety in dogs. If you have a question not listed below, let us know in the comments section, and we’ll find an answer for you.
What Makes A Calming Dog Bed Calming?
If you’re wondering, “How Do Calming Beds Help With Anxiety And Stress?” there are a few ways. Calming dog beds are designed to help dogs feel safe and secure by adding features that go beyond a traditional dog bed. Most calming dog beds have soft material, like faux fur, that mimics being cuddled by their mother or other pack members, offering a sense of comfort. These materials also retain heat better for the same reasons. They often have a bolstered side, an attached blanket, and a hood providing the shelter most dogs naturally crave.
What’s The Best Calming Dog Bed For A Crate?
The best calming dog bed for a crate is one that soothes your anxious pup and fits inside the crate you have. If you’re looking for an option that fits your crate, you need to measure the bed and crate dimensions. Some of my choices above, such as Coohom’s Oval Bed or PetFusion’s Snuggery Bed, are suitable for most dog crates. If you haven’t got a crate yet, we have a guide on the best dog crates for anxious dogs with more advice.
Should I Consider CBD To Help My Anxious Pup?
Instead of putting pups on medication, many pet parents are turning to all-natural cannabidiol (better known as CBD) pet products to help ease their dog’s anxiety. Learn more about CBD for pets in our reviews of the best CBD oils for dogs. We also review the best CBD dog treats and the best calming treats.
Do You Need Another Type Of Dog Bed?
All anxious dogs deserve multiple sleeping places, whether they feel scared or need restful sleep. We have numerous articles on the best types of dog beds for whatever you’re looking for. See our reviews of the best dog beds for various needs and preferences, the best orthopedic dog beds, and the best raised dog beds to see if these products are a good fit for your pup.
Does your pup feel less anxious with one of my recommendations above? Perhaps you use another dog bed you think I should add to my list. We love hearing from our readers, so please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. Bonkers is a senior dog who craves comfort, and Chips is an anxious Doxie, so she knows the importance of having a comfortable and calming dog bed. Before joining the Canine Journal team, she was a professional dog sitter, so she and Bonkers have got to try and test dozens of different dog beds. Emma works with a dedicated team to ensure that Canine Journal remains a current and trusted go-to resource for all things dog.
