Dog / Pet Bed Reviews & Ratings Summary -- Based on Data From Over 3,500 Actual Owners

Page last updated: December 2009



 

What You Need To Know
Pillow-type dogs beds are the top sellers, but they rate significantly below several other types in customer satisfaction.

The highest rated types of dog beds tend to be the most expensive, mainly because they typically have more padding / cushioning.

Don't necessarily dismiss lower rated dog beds; they may meet your pet's individual needs better than higher rated ones.

The different brands and models within each dog bed category tend to have similar customer satisfaction.

Be sure to view the dog bed comparison grid.


About Our Research
Our research findings are based on at least 3,500 actual dog bed owner reviews / comments collected from diverse sources including online message boards and product review sections on retailers' websites such as Amazon, Walmart, Fetchdog, iDogBeds, Overstock and others.


Owner Satisfaction of Dog / Pet Beds
 Each bed type below has a sample size of at least 140 actual owners. Click on a dog bed type for detailed information / ratings based on owner experiences.

Donut / bagel   94%
  93%
Sofa / couch   91%
Crate   91%
Elevated / raised   87%
Bolster   87%
Nest / burrow   85%
  84%
Lounger   81%
Pad / mat   74%





Main Dog Bed Complaints by Owners
Too small. About 16% of owners say that their dog bed is too small for the size of their dog. This is more the fault, however, of the owner than the dog bed itself. To ensure that you buy a bed that is the right size, you should measure your dog and take into account how he or she sleeps (stretched out or curled up). Also, several bed types have extra padding around the sides which can be used by the dog to lie against; the dimensions of this extra padding should not be considered sleeping area.

Too thin. About 15% of owners say that their dog bed does not have enough padding. This is a main complaint for virtually all dog bed types, but is especially a complaint for the lower rated beds (and tends to be the main cause of them being lower rated). Usually, but not always, a more expensive dog bed will have more and higher quality padding / cushioning than a less expensive one.

Poor durability. About 7% of owners say that their dog bed does not hold up well. This often refers to the bed not holding up to chewing by the dog more than it refers to normal wear. No type of dog bed, however, should be expected to withstand moderate to aggressive chewing.

Dog does not use. About 6% of owners say that their dog does not use the dog bed. This tends to be a problem more with beds that do not have much padding or have a lumpy uneven surface.





Quick Summary of Dog / Pet Beds (alphabetical order)
Bolster Dog Bed
Pros: Usually thick; soft; generally durable
Cons: Some shedding possible; not the easiest type of dog bed to wash
Read full Bolster dog bed review / rating >>>

Crate Dog Bed
Pros: Low price; value; easy to wash; fairly durable; lightweight and travel friendly
Cons: Often too thin / not enough padding; may shed
Read full Crate dog bed review / rating >>>

Donut / Bagel Dog Bed
Pros: Supportive sides; generally durable; can be suitable for all sizes of dogs
Cons: Too thin / not enough padding in some cases; fairly pricey; not the easiest dog bed to wash; usually not travel friendly
Read full Donut/ bagel dog bed review / rating >>>

Elevated / Raised Dog Bed
Pros: Off ground -- warmer in winter, cooler in summer; outdoor and kennel friendly; generally easy to clean; lightweight; usually durable; low price; value
Cons: Dog may not take to it right away; needs assembly; not especially soft
Read full Elevated / raised dog bed review / rating >>>

Lounger Dog Bed
Pros: Usually easy to clean; sides can provide some privacy for dog; usually lightweight
Cons: Often too thin / not enough padding; sides can be flimsy; mediocre durability
Read full Lounger dog bed review / rating >>>

Nest / Burrow Dog Bed
Pros: Generally thick padding; reasonably durable; usually easy to clean
Cons : Often not sturdy, burrow / cave collapses; pet may not immediately take to it or use at all
Read full Nest / burrow dog bed review / rating >>>

Orthopedic Dog Bed
Pros: Generally thick, soft & supportive; generally easy to clean; often durable; substantial height which helps pet get on and off
Cons: Bulky and difficult to stow / transport; may flatten at least somewhat over time; pricey; pet may fall off due to height; memory foam varieties may be thin and off gas
Read full Orthopedic dog bed review / rating >>>

Pad / Mat Dog Bed
Pros: Easy to clean; easy to stow; travel friendly; crate friendly; low price
Cons: Thin / lack of padding; questionable durability / longevity
Read full Pad / mat dog bed review / rating >>>

Pillow Dog Bed
Pros: Usually easy to clean; lightweight; fairly easy to stow and transport
Cons: Often too thin / not enough padding; inside fill can clump, shift and develop hollow spots; mediocre durability
Read full Pillow dog bed review / rating >>>

Sofa / Couch Dog Bed
Pros: Appearance / design; usually thick padding; bolster support
Cons: Pricey; not easy to move or stow; not travel friendly
Read full Sofa / couch dog bed review / rating >>>