Dogs don’t all sleep the same. A golden retriever who stretches out across the floor, a Yorkie who burrows into a blanket, and an older lab with sore joints all want different things from a bed.

In this guide, we go beyond simply picking the right bed. We also look at how beds are made and highlight potential toxins—some linked to health issues like cancer—that could affect your pet over time.

This guide skips the fluff and explains what dog beds are made from, where to look for quality, what happens when you wash bolsters and foam, when you truly need a dog bed, and which bed shapes match common sleeping styles.

Why a Dog Bed May Actually Matter

We understand that farm dogs do not have beds but even farm animals look for hay or something that provides support to sleep in. For dogs that spend a lot of time outside, it’s useful to remember they may often instinctively seek comfort, warmth, or a familiar “den.”

For dogs living in homes, a well-chosen bed can offer:

• Joint support & posture: Proper foam or bolstered edges help distribute weight and reduce pressure points especially for large breeds, seniors, or dogs with arthritis or hip-dysplasia.
• Hygiene & protection: Beds collect hair, dirt, oils, and dander in a replaceable item, instead of ruining your sofa and are often easier to clean or replace
• Safe denning behavior: Many dogs sleep better when they have an assigned spot. Bolsters create a den-like feeling that reduce stress, improve sense of security, and encourage better rest.
• Longevity of your home furnishings: When dogs have their own comfy bed, they’re less likely to claim your furniture.

In short, a bed isn’t a “luxury” — for many dogs, it’s a practical and kind necessity. It may also aid with health issues such as joints and osteoarthritis and behavioural issues.

When Do You Really Need a Dog Bed?

Always useful: A bed gives hygiene, comfort and training benefits for most dogs.

Essential / Highly Recommended If Your Dog Is:

• A puppy (for crate training, house training)
• A senior or has joint problems (arthritis, hip dysplasia, orthopedic support helps)
• Anxious or easily stressed — bolstered, den-style beds give comfort and security
• Often travelling or crate-trained — portable beds help them rest comfortably in unfamiliar spaces

Optional but recommended:

• Dogs that have already claimed furniture — giving them their own bed helps protect your furniture and establishes a personal space.
• Dogs in apartments or condos — compact foam beds with washable covers make maintenance easier.

Quick Dog Bed Buying Checklist (Before You Buy)

• Is the cover removable & machine-washable? (Essential.)
• Is there a waterproof liner between cover and fill? (Strongly recommended.)
• What is the fill material and can it be spot-laundered? (Avoid washing solid foam.)
• Are materials certified (OEKO-TEX, CertiPUR, GRS)?
• Where is it manufactured and how transparent is the brand about components?
• Is the firmness appropriate for your dog’s age/weight?
• Does the bed come with a warranty or replacement policy?
• Are replacement covers/inserts available?

What Dog Beds Are Made Of — Pros, Cons & What They Feel Like

Core / Fill Material	Pros	Cons
Memory foam (solid)	Excellent pressure relief, molds to dog’s body — ideal for arthritis/elderly dogs.	Heavy; can trap body heat; lower-quality foam may off-gas VOCs or degrade over time.
Orthopaedic / High-density foam (non-memory)	Firm support, often more breathable than memory foam, durable.)	Less contouring; quality varies widely.
Polyurethane Foam (Shredded foam / solid foam/ memory foam)	Moldable, often lighter — good for “nesting” dogs. Quite inexpensive.	Can clump or flatten unevenly over time. May off-gas VOCs, may contain flame retardants, can break down into dust
Polyfill / Polyester batting (common in bolsters/edges)	Lightweight, fluffy, cozy — inexpensive.	Flatten or lose support sooner; absorb odors and moisture.
Recycled PET fiber	Eco-friendly, similar feel to polyfill, often hypoallergenic.	Quality highly variable
Natural fills (wool, cotton, kapok)	Natural. Breathable, moisture-regulating — good for dogs with sensitivities.	Quality depends on manufacturer. Usually more expensive; may demand special care.
Cooling-gel inserts / phase-change materials	Great for heat-sensitive dogs or warm climates.)	More expensive; cooling effect limited over time.

Outer fabrics & coverings matter too (durability, comfort, washability):

• Micro-suede, sherpa/faux-fur — cozy and attractive; good for dogs that burrow and are heat-seekers.
• Canvas / ripstop / heavy nylon — durable and often water-resistant; good for heavy-use homes.
• Waterproof liners or TPU laminates — essential if you have puppies or incontinent/senior dogs or want easy cleanup after accidents.
• Natural fibres (cotton, hemp, wool): Breathable and eco-friendly; attractive but can stain and may require careful laundering.

Toxic Chemicals in Pet Bedding: Potential link to Dog Health Issues

Dogs spend many hours sleeping, often directly on their bed. Choosing a bed with certified, high-quality materials can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and support your pet’s long-term health.

Foam-filled dog beds such as memory foam or polyurethane foam can sometimes contain or release certain chemicals. Not all foam beds are unsafe, but the quality and certification of the materials make a big difference.

1. Flame Retardants in Dog Beds

• Historically, some polyurethane and memory foams did use added flame retardants (including halogenated and organophosphate types) to meet older flammability requirements.
• Modern foams—especially certified ones—often avoid these chemicals or restrict which types can be used.
• Whether flame retardants are present today varies by manufacturer, country, and certification status.

Why people worry:
Certain flame retardants are associated with indoor air pollutants and have been phased out of many consumer goods. Some classes have been associated with endocrine disruption and possible carcinogenic effects in long-term exposure studies. Check with your manufacturer

2. PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) in Dog Beds

• PFAS are a group of thousands of substances utilized for their ability to repel liquid and, therefore, stains.  They are used in fabrics, not foam, specifically for liquid resistance and stain repellency.
• The presence of PFAS in pet bedding depends on what the outer cover is made from and whether it has been treated for stain resistance.
• PFAS are extremely persistent in the environment and are currently under scrutiny globally.

Why people worry about PFAS:
PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or the body. Over time, they can accumulate and have been linked in studies to potential health concerns such as hormone disruption, immune effects, and certain cancers. Because PFAS are used in many stain- and water-repellent fabrics (including some pet products), people worry about long-term exposure — especially for pets who sleep, lick, and breathe close to these materials. Check with your manufacturer.

3. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in Dog Beds

• VOCs can be released (“off-gassed”) from polyurethane foam used in mattresses, sofas, and dog beds.
• VOCs are gases — often invisible and odorless — that contribute to indoor air quality concerns.
• The level of VOCs depends on the foam formula and whether the manufacturer follows low-emission standards.

Why People Worry About VOCs in Dog Beds
Exposure to VOCs may irritate the eyes, nose, or respiratory system, and long-term exposure to some VOCs has been linked to more serious health concerns. Many pet parents prefer beds with low-VOC or certified foams to reduce potential risk for their dogs.

Certifications to Prevent Toxic Chemicals in Dog Beds

These certification labels help consumers identify products tested for certain chemicals — but they differ in scope.

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100

Global Recycled Standard (GRS)

The Best Canadian-Made Dog Bed

One brand worth highlighting is Bowsers Dog Beds (based in Ontario). What stands out:

• Uses high-density furniture-grade CertiPUR-US foam inserts, and eco-friendly polyfiber bolsters that resist flattening.
• Covers are made of upholstery-grade OEKO-TEX fabrics (micro-suede, jacquards, durable cotton blends) — designed for longevity and daily living.
• Removable covers with OEKO-TEX strong zippers: bolsters and inserts can be replaced or refreshed rather than replacing the whole bed.
• Different designs to match sleeping styles:
  • Sprawlers: Orthopaedic foam mattresses or loungers with wide sleeping surfaces.
  • Curlers/heat-seekers: Donut and nest beds with high bolsters and sherpa or plush covers.
  • Dogs sensitive to heat: Canvas and cotton covers that are breathable and cooler than faux-fur.
• Because they’re made in Canada: easier for customers here to get replacements, service, and lower shipping footprint.

If you care about support, longevity, and Canadian manufacturing — Bowsers (or a similar local brand) is a smart choice.

Cost vs. Quality of a Dog Bed: Why a Certified Bed Is Better for Your Dog’s Health (and Wallet)

It’s easy to judge a dog bed by two things: the price tag and how soft it feels on the shelf. But those surface impressions leave out the most important factors — your dog’s long-term health and how long the bed will actually last.

Most budget beds (like many big-box or warehouse brands) keep costs down by using 100% polyurethane foam and low-grade polyester fill, materials that often come without safety certifications and are frequently made in factories overseas where environmental and chemical-use standards vary. These foams can off-gas VOCs, may contain chemical additives, and tend to break down quickly, flattening within months — meaning more replacements and more exposure to cheap materials.

Higher-quality beds — such as Bowser, or brands using CertiPUR-US® foam, OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics, or naturally safer fills — cost more upfront because they invest in cleaner, low-emission materials, responsible manufacturing, and durable construction. These certifications ensure the foam is low-VOC, free from harmful flame retardants and heavy metals, and tested for long-term environmental safety. The result is a bed that not only supports your dog’s joints and comfort better but also reduces their exposure to unnecessary chemicals.

In addition, because they have removable covers, you don’t have to wash the whole thing and end up with flattened or clumped dog beds.

When you look at the full picture — health impact, reduced chemical exposure, longer lifespan, fewer replacements, and better support for your dog’s body — the “expensive” bed often ends up being the smarter, more economical choice. A well-made, certified bed can last your dog’s entire life, while also helping protect their health every night they sleep on it. From experience, we own 2 different types of Bowser Dog Beds that still have maintained their shape and original covers for the past 6-8 years.

To shop for dog beds in Canada, see our selection. Note that not all the beds we carry are certified to provide different price points for customers.

Caring for Dog Beds — Washing, Maintenance & Lifespan

Understanding how washing and usage affects a bed can help you extend its life:

• Washable covers (machine wash gentle): Ideal. Use mild detergent; avoid fabric softeners — they can damage waterproofing. Tumble dry low or air-dry.
• Polyfill bolsters: Spot clean when possible; full washing or frequent washing will compress fill over time, leading to flattening and loss of loft. Fluff thoroughly after washing, air dry completely to prevent mildew.
• Solid foam cores (memory or orthopaedic): Never toss in washer/dryer — foam structure can be damaged, compressing permanently. Instead, spot clean with mild soap/water; for odour, a baking-soda sprinkle + vacuum or mild vinegar wipe works. Air dry fully if wet.
• Shredded foam inserts: Some are removable; follow manufacturer’s care instructions. Be prepared to redistribute filling or top up as they compress.
• Waterproof liners: These make foam protection easier — just wipe clean, air dry. Great for lighter maintenance or accident-prone pets.

What happens during washing: polyfill flattens and clumps; foam can lose rebound and support if saturated or tumbled aggressively.

Best Dog Bed Should Match How Your Dog Sleeps

Best bed if your dog is a sprawler (stretches out fully)

• Look for: rectangular mats, memory/orthopaedic foam, or large flat mattresses.
• Why: Provides full-body support and room to extend limbs without hanging off bolsters.
• Material tip: High-density foam or solid memory foam (ventilated if heat is a concern).

Example

Best bed if your dog curls (into a ball / likes to nest)

• Look for: donut or nest beds with high bolsters and soft liners (sherpa/faux-fur).
• Why: Bolsters simulate a den and allow the dog to tuck head and paws in.
• Material tip: Shredded foam or dense polyfill bolster for comfortable hug.

Example

Best bed if your dog likes heat (seeks warm places)

• Look for: faux-fur, sherpa tops, or self-warming beds (reflective thermal layers).
• Why: These trap heat and provide a cozy microclimate.
• Material tip: Faux-fur on removable covers for easy washing.

Example

Best bed if your dog dislikes heat (panting, seeks cool floors)

• Look for: elevated mesh beds, cooling gel top layers, breathable cotton or canvas mats.
• Why: Elevation increases airflow; cooling gels dissipate body heat.
• Material tip: TPU or gel inserts combined with breathable outer fabric.

Example

Best bed if your dog chews/destructs

• Do NOT buy a dog bed with fill. Wait for your dog to grow out chewing phase. Technically, beds cannot withstand chewing.
• Elevated dog beds with meshes might be an option.

Size, Thickness & Firmness — Quick Rules

• Measure your dog lying naturally and add 10–20% for comfort.
• Large breeds / heavy dogs: thicker high-density foam (2–4 inches minimum; many orthopaedic beds use 3–4+ inches) for proper support.
• Small breeds: thinner foam or padded nests are fine.
• Puppies: choose a bed with a removable and washable cover; smaller sizes that fit crate training.

Which Dog Bed Works Best — By Scenario

• Senior or joint pain: solid memory foam or high-density orthopaedic foam mattress + waterproof liner.
• Curler/Anxious dog: donut-style bolstered bed with sherpa/faux-fur top.
• Hot-climate or heat-sensitive dog: elevated mesh bed or cooling-gel mattress.
• Chewers/heavy-use: heavy canvas cover, reinforced seams, chew-resistant options, or beds with replaceable covers.
• Apartment/condo living: medium-thickness foam with removable cover (compact storage) and noise-minimizing materials.

What to Check When Buying — Why It Matters

Where and how a bed is made can affect quality more than price tag alone. Here’s what you should look at when buying a dog bed:

• Manufacturing origin (“Made in Canada” or locally made): Local manufacturing usually means better oversight on materials, easier warranty/returns, and lower shipping carbon footprint. Great for customers who want to support Canadian businesses.
• What to verify:
  • Are the covers and inserts both made where the label says? (Sometimes covers are local but fill is imported.)
  • Are materials certified (OEKO-TEX, GRS for recycled content, CertiPUR for foam)? Certifications signal lower chemical exposure and better manufacturing standards.
  • Warranty and replacement policy — easier to exercise if manufacturer has local presence or clear return channels.
• Certifications: Look for standards like OEKO-TEX (for fabric safety), CertiPUR (for foam safety), or other signals of transparent, non-toxic manufacturing.
• Removable, washable covers: Non-negotiable — dogs shed, drool, and sometimes have accidents. Making cleaning easy keeps the bed hygienic.
• Waterproof or water-resistant liners under covers: Especially important for puppies, older dogs, or homes with accidents.
• Size, thickness, and firmness tailored to your dog: Large or heavy dogs need thick, supportive foam (2–4 in, or more, depending on breed/weight). Small dogs or puppies require appropriately sized beds (too big may feel insecure).

Final Thoughts — Why It’s Worth Investing in a Good Dog Bed

If you’re living in Canada (or anywhere with seasonal climate changes), a high-quality bed can make a big difference. Seasonal cold and indoor heating, humidity, and temperature swings — dogs feel them too. A good bed offers comfort, support, hygiene, and longevity.

Supporting a Canadian-made bed (or a brand transparent about materials and supply chain) means easier returns, better quality control, and often, better durability. Especially if you want reliability, long lifespan, and sustainability — local manufacturing is a bonus.

Ultimately — whether you have a puppy, a senior dog, a big breed, or a small companion — the right bed is worth it. It’s one of the best ways to give your pet a safe, comfy, and healthy place to rest while saving your furniture at the same time.