Just like us, dogs can suffer from anxiety and stress. Relieving anxiety in dogs is a long and difficult process. A little over 70% of dogs from around the world manifest anxiety-like behaviors. Anxiety can lead to other behavioral problems and decrease your pet’s quality of life.
An anxious or stressed dog will need training and medication to manage to overcome stressful situations. Calming dog beds are a great tool to start with. Besides being fluffy and warm, they also provide dogs with a sense of security.
Calming bed dogs are also a great option if your dog has joint and muscle problems or you just want to make sure it sleeps comfy – they sleep on an average of 12-14 hours per day.
In this article, you will find out how great calming dog beds are if they actually work, how are calming dog beds different from other dog beds, and more.
To see the list of our best calming dog beds reviews, check out this page.
To see the list of our calming dog beds for large dogs reviews, check out this page.
What Are Calming Dog Beds?
Calming dog beds come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, colors, and materials for pets of all ages and sizes. The most common ones are made out of soft, fluffy faux fur.
They are specially designed to alleviate stress and anxiety in dogs and aid with other behavior or medical problems. Some calming dog beds have features such as:
- Orthopedic support (padding) to help with joint and muscle pain,
- Self-heating, fluffy dog beds with self-warming properties to help soothe puppies or very anxious dogs,
- Bolstered edges,
- Hiding places for burrowing.
In other words, calming dog beds offer pets a sense of security, relieve anxiety, and provide support for different orthopedic problems.
Pets can become anxious or stressed due to a variety of reasons. Some will develop separation anxiety if their owner is gone for too long, while others are scared of thunderstorms or fireworks. Other times, pets can become stressed if you move to a new environment, such as when you are changing homes.
In all these cases, providing your pets with calming dog beds will help bring some comfort in these stressful situations.
Calming bed dogs would not replace medication or training, but they will definitely bring some physical and mental comfort to your pets. They can bring comfort to:
- Dogs that display burrowing behaviors
- Dogs that display hiding behaviors
- Dogs that exhibit excessive jumping
- Dogs that suffer from very mild separation anxiety
- Dogs that suffer from thunderstorm or fireworks phobias
- Whining dogs or dogs that shiver when not being held
- Dogs that are panting due to nerves
- Dogs that suffer from orthopedic problems
- On some occasions, dog shedding can also be a sign of stress
Are All Dog Calming Beds the Same?
There are many types of calming dog beds on the market, each with one or more purposes. The most popular beds that calm dogs are:
- Donut-style dog beds
- Orthopedic dog beds
- Self-heating dog beds
- Bolster dog beds
- Cave-style dog beds
Donut-style dog beds
The raised margins provide head and neck support for your pet, including cats. It is suitable for pets suffering from mild anxiety, making them feel as if they are next to their mother or littermates.
Fluffy Donut Dog Bed with Anti-Slip & Water-Resistant Bottom calming bed dogs come in a wide variety of sizes. They are easy to use, help reduce pet anxiety, can keep your pet warm and comfortable in the cold weather, and also provide it with better sleep. These beds are practical for pets that like to curl up and can help them when you are changing environments.
Orthopedic dog beds
Orthopedic dog beds are calming dog beds that are made out of memory foam. It can help your pooch relieve pressure on sore joints and muscles, and even dogs with arthritis.
Joint and muscle pain can also cause anxiety in dogs. The orthopedic bed can help relieve your dog’s pain, making it less anxious and helping it to relax.
Orthopedic calming dog beds are suited for senior dogs but can also be used for pets that just went through orthopedic surgery.
Finding a bed suited for your dog’s medical conditions can help it relax by relieving its pain. If your dog is in pain due to sore muscles or joints, or just went through surgery, you can ease its pain with Memory Foam Mattress.
To see the list of our best orthopedic dog beds reviews, check out this page.
Self-heating dog beds
As with the donut-style calming dog beds, self-heating beds can help your pet stay warm in the cold months. The warmth will also provide your pet with a sense of security, helping it relax and relieve anxiety. If you want to spoil your fluff on the cold winter days, Self-Warming Dog Bed will do the trick.
To see the list of our best Self Heating Dog Beds reviews, check out this page.
Bolster dog beds
This type of bed has three raised edges that can provide head and neck support for your pet, making it feel safer and relaxed.
Bolster calming dog beds are great for dogs that like to curl up or lean-to something while they sleep. If your dog is one of them, Furhaven Pet Bed for Dogs and Cats comes in a wide variety of sizes and colors and can help your dog sleep better.
To see the list of our best Bolster dog beds reviews, check out this page.
Cave-style dog beds
The pocket or hood this bed has makes it ideal for dogs that like to hide or burrow. They come in a wide variety of shapes, such as sleeping bags, a bed with a cover, or miniature tents. Cave-style calming dog beds are best suited for households with small dogs but can help also help reduce anxiety in larger breeds. These calming dog beds are great in the cold season also. For your small or medium breed dog, Dog Bed with Hooded Blanket for Warmth and Security can help it relax and keep it warm.
To see the list of our best cave dog beds reviews, check out this page.
What to Look For When Buying Dog Calming Bed
If your pet suffers from anxiety and you are looking for a bed that can help it relax, you have to keep in mind a few essential things, such as:
- Odor resistant
- Anti-slip
- Machine washable
- Size
- Waterproof lining
Odor-resistant: Most calming dog beds are made out of faux fur that mimics the mother’s fuzzy and soft coat. Look for the ones that have anti-bacterial fabrics as they can help with resisting odors.
Anti-slip: Look for beds that have non-slip material on the bottom. If your dog is suffering from muscle or joint pain, you do not want to cause it any more pain with a slippery bed.
Machine washable: It is easier to throw the whole bed in the washing machine and let it do the job.
Size: Size does matter, especially if you have a large dog. The bed should be suited for your dog’s size, in order to do what calming bed dogs are supposed to do, calm your dog. A Great Dane would not fit in a Bulldog size dog bed. The bed should be big enough for your pup to be able to curl up. For dogs that suffer from orthopedic problems, the bed should be large enough for the dog to completely stretch out without its feet hanging over the edges.
Waterproof lining: For senior dogs that have a bathroom problem and can no longer walk outside, a waterproof lining is existential. It will make cleaning easier and your dog can have a dry place to sleep in.
Bottom Line
Calming dog beds can represent a good start if your dog is suffering from anxiety or stress. Along with the right medication and training, these kinds of beds can help your dog relax, calm, and relieve anxiety. They are also great when you are changing homes.
Calming dog beds are not the solution to anxiety but can alleviate your pet’s stress.
To facilitate your dog’s sleep and sense of security, massage the side of its face or torso, chest, and ears. They will make the blow flow and help your dog calm down before sleep.
These beds are also great in the cold weather as the majority of them are made out of warm fluffy faux fur. This fabric is not chosen at random; it mimics the mother’s soft and fuzzy fur, which can help dogs that suffer from mild anxiety to relax.
