How to Choose the Right Dog Bed: A Canadian Buyer’s Guide
A good bed does more than look nice in the corner — it protects your dog’s joints, gives them a den to retreat to, and keeps your couch fur-free. With dozens of shapes and fillings out there, here’s how to choose one that actually fits your dog (and your home).
1. Measure your dog before you shop
Measure your dog nose-to-tail and add 15–30 cm so they can stretch out. A bed that’s too small forces them to curl, which is fine for nesters but tough on older joints.
Watch how your dog sleeps: sprawlers need a flat mattress or large rectangular bed, curlers love bolstered or donut beds, and burrowers do best with a cave or hooded bed.
2. Match the support to your dog’s age
Puppies and young adults are happy on most cushioned beds. Senior dogs and large breeds benefit from orthopedic memory-foam that keeps pressure off hips and elbows — it can make a real difference for arthritis.
For heavy chewers, look for tough ripstop covers and avoid loose-fill beds they can tear open.
3. Prioritize washability
If a bed isn’t machine-washable, you’ll regret it by week two. Look for a removable, zippered cover and a fill that holds its shape after washing. Water-resistant liners are a bonus for puppies and seniors.
4. Think about your Canadian home
Cold floors in winter? A thicker, insulated base keeps your dog off the chill. Have a crate? A right-sized crate mat doubles as a travel bed for the car or the cottage.
Browse our dog beds and crates — all non-food essentials, shipped across Canada.