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The 5 Best Calming Dog Beds For Every Anxious Dog

Calming dog beds mimic the feel and warmth of snuggling with mom and litter mates as a puppy. The best calming dog beds have 2 key elements.

Dogs can suffer from anxiety just like humans do. Various factors, such as changes in routine, loud noises, being left alone for long periods, or even simply feeling overwhelmed in certain situations, are the cause. Whatever the cause, it’s important to recognize when your dog is suffering from anxiety and take steps to help them cope.

You may be surprised to discover over 23,000,000 canines in America suffer from anxiety.

older dog suffering anxiety and laying in the dark

It’s scary for our pets when they don’t feel safe in their environment or are separated from their companion. Dogs need companionship, and when we leave, even if it’s just for a few minutes, it feels like forever to them.

We can help prevent anxiety attacks by creating an environment where our furry friends feel calm and secure.

Jump To Our Top Calming Dog Bed Picks

BEST OVERALL:

Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Dog Bed

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BEST FOR SMALL DOGS:

Lesure Calming Small Dog Bed

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BEST FOR MEDIUM DOGS:

BEDSURE Calming Dog Bed for Medium Dogs

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BEST FOR LARGE DOGS:

SAVFOX Plush Calming Dog Beds

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BEST FOR SENIOR DOGS:

Newton Orthopedic Pet Bed

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Unlocking the secret behind calming dog beds.

nervous yellow dog lying on blue blanket

Have you ever seen puppies right after they were born? Initially, their senses of touch and smell are the most well-developed.

Their first instinct is to snuggle up with their mother and find the warmth of their litter mates. This action breeds a sense of security, peace, and happiness.

The emotional imprints created in the dog’s mind during their first moments remain forever. Using these same principles of touch and smell, calming dog bed manufacturers can replicate that initial sense of tranquility and ease our pet’s stress and anxiety.

Is there anything we can do to help de-stress our dogs?

woman hugging her nervous brown dog sitting in her lap

When I cuddle my pet when they’re stressed or anxious, they try to burrow into me and get away from the world. This snuggling is like when they were a puppy looking for comfort from their mom. As a pet parent, this makes sense because I’m the one my dog looks to for protection and safety. So when I hug them, it gives them that same feeling of calmness and security.

I can provide a safe place for my dog, but I don’t have the same scent they associate with their mom or any other fur. This isn’t my fault, but it might make them confused and not fully settle down. They may even act up or have an accident because of this confusion.

A calming dog bed is better than me for making my pet feel comfortable.

Yellow Labrador Retriever lying in a dog bed with toys nearby

It has a warm and cozy spot with the scent of fur that my pet loves. Plus, it has pressure and warmth that they like when they are relaxing. These things help them to feel calm and more at ease.

I know how stressful it can be for my dogs when there are a ton of fireworks blasting off on New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July. That’s where I’ve seen dog-calming beds help the most. However, you should be aware that not all calming pet beds are created equal.

However, you must remember two things:

  1. They are not miracle workers for the most sensitive dogs, and:
  2. Not all calming dog beds are created equal.

The elements of the best calming dog beds

A brown and white Boxer dog lying on a tan dog bed

According to the science, a calming pet bed needs two key elements:

  1. raised sides, which can help create a sense of enclosure, plus give pressure and support to the head and neck.
  2. soft faux furs for warmth and smell, and plush filling, such as memory foam, that provide comfort and support for your dog while also providing a sense of security.

A lot of dog beds use fake fur that smells like what my pet likes. Over time, it will start to smell like my pup, which will make them feel more comfortable.

Other important features are:

  • deep crevices so my dog can burrow down into the bed.
  • sides that aren’t too high for my puppy to get out of it easily.
  • There should be fibers on the inside that provide relief from joint pain.
  • It should also have a dirt-resistant non-slip bottom.
  • The cover should be plush and removable.
  • It must be machine washable for easy cleaning.

Does it really work to help alleviate pet anxiety?

Brown and white faced small dog lying under white sheets

While there isn’t much scientific evidence available yet on the effectiveness of pet anxiety beds in reducing stress levels in anxious dogs, there is anecdotal evidence from owners who have seen positive results after using one of these beds for their dogs. Many owners report that their dog seems calmer after using an anti-anxiety bed and has fewer episodes of destructive behavior due to stress or boredom.

Additionally, some owners report that their dog sleeps more soundly when using an anti-anxiety bed compared to other types of bedding material.

Recommendations on whether to buy the beds or not

Overall, if you have an anxious pup, then investing in a pet anxiety bed could be worth considering. It may provide comfort and security, which could help reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality for your pup over time. However, it’s important to remember that every dog is different. What works for one might not work for another. So make sure you do your research before making any purchases!

Best Overall: Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Dog Bed

Are you looking for the perfect bed to give your pet? Best Friends by Sheri, the original creator of the most popular dog bed that has surfaced on the internet in recent years, has the answer with their Calming Donut Dog Bed. There innovative design is carefully crafted with durable, vegan nylon and filled with CoziLOFT fibers that will provide luxurious comfort for your pet. Plus, the poly-fill inside this calming dog bed can stay comfortable three times longer than normal pet beds!

It also gives your pet’s neck, joint, and muscle support for a good night’s sleep or a restful daytime nap. Additionally, it has a water and dirt-resistant bottom, so messes don’t make it onto your floors. When accidents do happen, just toss it in the washing machine as long as you follow the instructions on the label so that proper care is taken. This luxurious bed looks cozy and inviting in 15 beautiful natural colors, so it will fit right into any room’s decor!

Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large | Material: Shag fur | Shape: Donut, round | Extra Features: Sure to match any decor with 15 color choices. Machine washable and dryer safe.

Amazon Rating: 4.6 out of 5 – 65,662 reviews

Verified Customer Review: Bought this for my 25lb Boston after my daughter had bought one for her cats. He loved the cat’s small bed so much that the cats gave it to him, but he looked so silly curled up in that tiny bed, so I bought him the Medium and the matching blanket, and it’s just right. He is sleeping soundly and definitely LOVES this bed more then any other bed I have bought for him. As soon as it came, I washed it and dried it, and put it out. Washed and dried perfectly. Rudy Blu highly recommends this bed! – Tuxedo

Best Dog Calming Beds For Small Dogs: Lesure Calming Small Dog Bed – Donut Round Fluffy Puppy Bed

Pomeranian in round calming dog bed for small dogs.
Credit: Amazon

This calming dog bed for small dogs is designed to provide 360 degrees of support for your pet. Its raised and floral rim wraps around your furry friend, helping to lift their head and neck for comfort.

It also offers warmth with its cozy Sherpa lining, plus cushioning from eco-friendly premium virgin fiber filling, which can help ease joint pain. The non-skid and waterproof bottom ensures stability while preventing shuffling or sliding, giving extra peace of mind if you have an older or mobility-challenged pup.

This aesthetically pleasing design comes in four colors and looks great in any setting – whether it’s a bedroom, living room, or balcony! Plus, the material is machine washable, so you don’t have to worry about messes.

Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium | Material: Polyester, Polyester Fiber fill | Shape: Round | Extra Features: Adorable floral shap with 4 color choices. Machine washable and dryer safe.

Amazon Rating: 4.7 out of 5 – 52 reviews

Verified Customer Review: Very impressed with how quickly it shipped, well packaged, no chemical smell! At this price point, I think it’s a great purchase, but as Pierre doesn’t chew on anything, can’t say whether or not it would last long with a chewy dog, lol. We’ve had it for just a day, but I am so happy with it that I think I’ll buy another in size large for my Black Lab! The 3rd picture is the day I ordered this bed… I’m puppy-sitting Pierre, gave him one of my Black Lab Sasha’s beds! Spoiled much!? 💕 – LIZG

Best For Medium Dogs: BEDSURE Calming Dog Bed for Medium Dogs

Bulldog sitting in round furry calming dog bed for medium sized dogs
Credit: Amazon

This calming dog bed has 10,000 five-star reviews. It’s the perfect place for your pet to relax and unwind.

20% plusher and softer than other beds out there, so it’s great for pets with joint and muscle pain! The faux shag fur helps your pet relax and provides support for their head and neck. It’s safe, too!

Tested by Consumer Product Safety Commission-certified labs to make sure no skin irritants or flame retardants are included. The beds are fully machine washable, or you can remove the cover and wash it separately.

Choose from 5 colors to find the perfect look for you and your pet. The non-slip bottom keeps the bed in place, so you don’t need to worry about shifting during playtime or nap time. Your pet will love snuggling up in this cozy and comfortable bed.

Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large | Material: Faux Fur, Polyvinyl Chloride | Shape: Donut, Round | Extra Features: Premium ultra-soft filling offers joint and muscle pain relief. Machine washable, with a removable, washable cover.

Amazon Rating: 4.7 out of 5 – 12,245 ratings

Verified Customer Review: We got a new puppy and the first two night she just cried and cried when we put her in her crate for the night. Then we ordered this ever so soft bed and put it in her crate and she slept ALL night! this bed is amazing and seems to be very comforting to her. Just ordered a second one! – S Ray

Best For Large Dogs: SAVFOX Plush Calming Dog Beds For Large & X-Large Dogs

Golden Retriever in dark gray round calming dog bed for large dogs with a size guide included.
Credit: Amazon

This luxurious donut bed is made with durable, much thicker plush faux fur and premium fiber fill to keep its shape 3x longer than most other beds.

This pet bed supports better sleep by providing warmth and security for your large and x-large dogs. The raised rim helps soothe them into a peaceful slumber faster. It also provides excellent support for their head and neck, relieving joint and muscle pain so they can wake up feeling refreshed. On top of all those benefits, the synthetic plush fur is comfortable and breathable to give them extra coziness in the cold winter weather. Plus, our non-slip base ensures it won’t move as your pet sleeps!

Caring for your pup’s new sleeping space is a breeze. You can machine wash the Savfox donut-shaped dog bed on a gentle cycle or handwash it easily at home. Tumble dry on low heat to fluff it back up again.

You’re covered by both a 1-year warranty and 90-day money-back policy – just in case anything isn’t quite right or if you have any questions or concerns about the product itself!

Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large | Material: Faux Fur, Cotton | Shape: Round | Extra Features: A 1-year warranty and a 90-day money-back policy

Amazon Rating: 4.6 out of 5 – 9,301 ratings

Verified Customer Review: I need y’all to know that my 14 year old hound has never had a better sleep than in this bed. I used to worry about her not having a good night’s sleep, and being on edge all the time…. After spending many (MANY) years looking for the right bed, I finally found it. She’s scared of loud noises, sometimes even her own fart, but she sleeps well finally. Don’t walk— run to the “add to cart “ button. – Holly Renee

Best For Senior Dogs: Newton Orthopedic Pet Bed

Upgrade your senior dog’s lounging and sleeping experience with a cozy, durable orthopedic dog bed. These calming beds are specially designed to support the weight of all sizes of dogs, from small to large.

Newton dog beds are designed to meet the needs of every stage of a dog’s life. If your a pet parent looking for extra joint support for a mature senior dog, or an energetic, growing puppy, these beds are ideal for your canine companion.

These calming dog beds are soft, plush, and cuddly for your pooch’s most comfortable rest. With its sturdy core that won’t sag, it creates a perfect safe haven for your furry friend.

The special Newton Wovenair beds feature a cooling and temperature-regulating fabric that won’t trap heat like memory foam beds. Making sure that your furry friend stays comfy inside, no matter what season it is outside.

Plus, the entire inner core and removable cover can be hosed off or machine washed if the unexpected senior moment or potty training issue arises. Making it a tough, scratch-proof, and cozy place for your dog to snuggle up.

Sizes: Small, Medium, Large | Material: Wovenaire | Shape: Rectangle | Extra Features: 100% soft, temperature-regulating, breathable fabric that won’t trap heat.

Amazon Rating: 4.6 out of 5 – 42 ratings

Verified Customer Review: I recently noticed that my senior dog seemed to be getting up a little bit slower than usual and was concerned about him having joint pain. After him getting this bed, I wouldn’t necessarily say that he jumps up but he seems to get up and stretch out a little more smoothly and anything that helps him feel good is a 5 star product to us! – Jessi

Chris Macias

I was raised in St. Louis and moved to Florida while a teen. Pets were always a big part of my childhood. My wife is also a huge animal lover so our first child was an adorable Doberman pup named Klaus. We are currently puppy parents to a Pitbull named Max (Maximus). I enjoy being outdoors, watching my children play sports, and building a variety of woodworking projects. I love writing about rescue animal needs and how dogs enhance our lives. CBCC-KA, CDBC.

I was raised in St. Louis and moved to Florida while a teen. Pets were always a big part of my childhood. My wife is also a huge animal lover so our first child was an adorable Doberman pup named Klaus. We are currently puppy parents to a Pitbull named…

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