Best dog beds in Australia: how to choose
Updated 2026-10-16. General information, not veterinary advice.
Ask your vet. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. It does not diagnose or give doses. Your vet knows your dog and your area, so ask them about anything specific.
A good bed gives your dog a place to rest away from the action. The best one is the one your dog actually uses, which depends on size, age, climate and whether they chew.
What the RSPCA says about resting places
The RSPCA Knowledgebase advises giving your dog a clean, comfortable, dry, draught-free and quiet place to rest, with washable bedding that is cleaned regularly. A dog kept outdoors needs a weatherproof shelter that is off the ground and protected from sun, wind, rain and heat.
What to check before you buy
- Size. Measure your dog stretched out and curled up, then compare with the maker’s size guide.
- Washability. A removable, machine-washable cover is easier to keep clean, which matters for allergies, mud and smells.
- Chew risk. Puppies and some adult dogs shred bedding. Swallowed stuffing or fabric can be an emergency, so see your vet if you suspect it. Read our puppy teething and safe chews guide and consider chew toys as an outlet.
- Support. Older dogs and large breeds may like thicker foam. Ask your vet if your dog stiffens after rest.
- Heat. In Queensland and other warm areas, a thick bed can be hot. Offer a flat mat option, a cool tiled spot and shade. See hot weather safety.
- Non-slip base. Helps on tiles and timber.
- Outdoor use. Use materials made for outdoors and keep them dry.
Beds and crates
If you use a crate, the bed must fit inside it. Add bedding once your puppy is reliably clean and not chewing it, and see best puppy crates and crate vs playpen.
Getting your dog to use the bed
- Place it somewhere quiet that is still near the family.
- Reward any interest with a treat, such as a sniff, a paw on it or lying down.
- Add a chew or stuffed toy on the bed so it is a nice spot.
- Never send your dog to the bed as punishment.
Our settling an adult dog guide has more on teaching relaxation. Browse crates and beds for listings. Check size guides and current prices with Australian retailers before buying.
Product types worth comparing
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- Washable flat mat or cushion: A simple, cheap first bed for puppies who chew. Wash regularly.
- Orthopaedic-style foam bed: Often chosen for older dogs or bigger breeds. Ask your vet whether your dog needs extra support.
- Cooling mat: A summer option some owners use. Not a substitute for shade, water and air flow.
- Spare cover: Makes washing easier. Keep a second one so the bed is never out of use.
Check current price, size guides and availability with Australian pet retailers such as Petbarn, Pet Circle or Petstock.
FAQs
What size dog bed should I buy?
Choose by your dog's size when stretched out and curled up, and check the maker's size guide against your dog's weight and length. Allow room to grow if you have a puppy, but not so much that the bed is hard to use.
Should I buy a bed for a puppy that chews?
Start with something cheap and washable, and supervise. If your puppy is chewing and swallowing bedding, remove it and ask your vet or a trainer for help. See our teething guide.
Where should the bed go?
The RSPCA advises a clean, comfortable, dry, draught-free and quiet resting place. Many owners put a bed near the family but out of walkways.
How often should I wash the bed?
Follow the care label and wash when it is dirty or smelly. A cover you can remove and machine wash makes this easier.