The best anti-anxiety dog beds are essential for nervous dogs - as just like us, feeling anxious or unsafe can make sleeping difficult for dogs. Dogs can be anxious for many reasons, including change of routine, illness, and experiencing trauma. Feeling safe is important for them to get proper rest, and finding the best anti-anxiety dog bed can make the world of difference to your pooch.
After all, all dogs love curling up and having a good snooze, and the average adult dog can sleep up to 14 hours a day and larger breeds tend to kip for even longer if they fancy it. Sleep is essential to their quality of life and let’s be honest, they look so sweet doing it.
Best anti-anxiety dog beds at a glance:
• Best anti-anxiety dog bed overall: Silentnight Donut Pet Bed Grey - Medium to Large - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best anti-anxiety dog bed for dogs that like to spread out: FurHaven XL Orthopedic Dog Bed Plush - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best anti-anxiety dog bed for senior dogs: Wainwright's Puppy Adventurer Self-Warming Square Dog Bed - Buy now on Ebay
• Best anti-anxiety dog bed for larger dogs: JOYELF Large Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed - Buy now on Amazon UK
From products like calming plug-ins and anxiety pet coats, there are loads of anti-anxiety products to choose from for your pup. Anti-anxiety pet beds are comfy and cosy, plus they’ll help your dog do what they do best, nap. A good night’s sleep is only a couple of clicks away.
The best anti-anxiety dog beds
Best all-round anti-anxiety dog bed
There for humans and pets, Silentnight has produced a calming dog bed that'll appeal to your pet's natural nesting instinct. This super-soft plush dog bed is comfy and will give your dog a sense of warm security, and reduce stress and anxiety levels when they're home alone. The raised rim is designed to make your dog feel physically supported and safe. It's non-slip, durable, and fully machine washable to keep it smelling fresh.
Customer Review: "I bought this dog bed a while ago my dog loves it to bits, it's so comfy please make an adult size I'm jealous."
Pros
- Quality brand
- Super soft, plush material to comfort your pooch
- Machine washable
- Decent size and is available in Small-Medium
Cons
- Only available in one colour
Best anti-anxiety dog bed for dogs that like to spread out
If your dog is prone to flopping on the floor, stretching out and lazing in the sun then this chaise lounge style bed will be the ultimate chill-out space for them. Orthopaedic dog beds prioritise comfort and this one is super soft and will support their head and joints for ultimate secure cosiness. The design gives them a nestling nook so they have a calm zone for sleeping. This velvet bed is also machine washable which is a dream.
Customer Review: "I am SO glad I ordered this bed. My lab is about 100 lbs and this bed is PERFECT. There is room to spare and he really likes using the pillow. The bed is 4 inches thick and the pillow area is 7 inches thick. The Stone Gray colour is beautiful…very nice looking bed!"
Pros
- Available in a range of colours and patterns
- Jumbo size — good for larger dogs (or two small dogs)
- Pillow area
Cons
- Will need a decent bit of space to accommodate this bed
Best anti-anxiety dog bed for senior dogs
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Older dogs nap a lot more so getting a bed they feel safe in is a great investment in their quality of life. This bed is self-warming so if your older pooch gets chilly, this bed will get them snuggled up in no time. In the summer, you can reverse the cushion so they don't overheat. It's a good size so your dog can get as comfortable as possible in whatever position they want. The raised sides will make them feel safe but they can also perch their head on them so they can see their surroundings.
Customer Review: "I love this bed, keeps my whippet very cosy, and he loves curling up in it; in fact, I am thinking of getting one for my cats too!"
Best anti-anxiety dog bed for small dogs
If your dog is a smaller breed then this doughnut-shaped bed will provide them with a secure and soft sleeping spot. It's really fluffy but also relieves muscle pain with its shape. It's machine washable and perfect for anxious little dogs that like to curl up. It's essentially a safe nest for your dog.
Customer Review: "My puppy loves this bed! I bought a size medium bed. My puppy is a Goldendoodle and is around 11 weeks old in the photo. As you can see, it's quite big for her but she loves spreading out in it. So, I'm glad I got this size (plus the shell grow into it). I was worried this bed would pull apart easily as my puppy is a bit of a chewer/biter but this bed is very durable there are no marks on it at all after one month of use; no bits have come off or anything. It also fits in really nicely in our living room and doesn't look too much like a dog bed (if that makes sense). She definitely finds it extremely comfortable and falls asleep in it all the time. Highly recommend!"
Pros
- Available in small, medium, large, X-large and XX-large
- Available in a range of colours, including Silver Grey, Chocolate Brown, Biscuit Beige, Ice White, Jet Black, Rose Pink, Steel Grey and Teddy Bear Brown
- Machine washable
Cons
- None
Best anti-anxiety dog bed for larger dogs
Bigger breeds need a good supportive, large bed that can spread out on and this bed is perfect for that. It's easy to clean and made from high-quality materials but the star of this is the really comfortable memory foam. The sides are raised for support and a feeling of safety that will help them sleep properly
Customer Review: "I have a really large dog and have trouble finding him a nice big bed; this one fits the bill perfectly. When this arrived he got straight into it once it was set up and went to sleep!"
Pros
- Available in small, medium, large, X-large and XX-large
- Available in two colours, beige and grey mix
- Decent bed for big-breed dogs
- A removable washable cover makes the bed easy to maintain
Cons
- Some reviewers say the bed sizes were smaller than they expected so make sure to check the dimensions before you order
FAQs
What should you consider when buying an anti-anxiety dog bed?
When making this purchase, make sure to consider your dog’s age and size, plus what their sleeping preferences are. If they tend to pick floors as their sleeping spot then a flatter bed might be a better choice for them. If they need extra support for their joints or head then that can affect your options too. You should also bear in mind where in the house the bed will live for sizing and durability. If your dog is really struggling with anxiety and anxious behaviour, give your vet a call, you’ll feel better about it
Where should a dog bed go in your home?
So your dog can have a peaceful night's sleep, make sure their bed is in a private, calm and warm spot. Dogs having their own little private den can really help reduce their anxiety.
Anti-anxiety dog products: Tips from an expert
Of course, there are loads of other products on the market that you can get your hands on, not just dog beds. These pet calming products help to have multiple methods of anti-anxiety, so your pooch doesn't need to be on their bed just to feel safe. We spoke to Karen Heskin, Head of Pets with Pets at Home, who gave us all the top tips on pet calming products. Here's what she had to say:
"While treats and toys may be enough to distract and calm some pets, for more anxious dogs and cats you may have to explore alternative methods such as anti-anxiety products...
"Pet owners can also try pheromone products such as collars, sprays or plug-in diffusers which replicate natural chemicals released by animals to send a comforting message. For dogs, they will replicate those released by their mother after giving birth to relax their offspring and let them know they are in a safe space.
"For pets who experience anxiety all year long, supplements or tablets can sometimes be the best solution but it’s always best to seek advice from an expert – either by booking an appointment with your local vet or speaking to the pet care advisors in-store at Pets at Home."
How do anti-anxiety dog beds work to calm dogs?
Anti-anxiety dog beds are designed with features such as raised edges and soft, plush materials that create a sense of security and comfort for dogs, mimicking the feeling of being cuddled or swaddled, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
What types of dogs can benefit from an anti-anxiety dog bed?
Dogs experiencing separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or general nervousness can benefit from the soothing comfort of an anti-anxiety dog bed. Additionally, rescue dogs or dogs adjusting to a new environment may find these beds helpful in easing their stress.
How do I choose the right size anti-anxiety dog bed for my pet?
Measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, and from the top of their head to the ground when lying down. Add a few inches to these measurements to ensure the bed is spacious enough for your dog to stretch out comfortably.
Recommended anti-anxiety buys
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Karen recommended this Thundershirt, saying: "ThunderShirts are a good option, they are anxiety jackets that apply mild but constant pressure to soothe distressed pets in a non-intrusive way. It's best to introduce your pet to this by wearing it for short intervals at a time in the run-up to Bonfire Night."
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Adaptil is scientifically proven to help support dogs during stressful situations, such as socialisation and training, or during travel and going to the vets. It is also suitable for dogs that experience fears and anxiety regularly, and rescue dogs. Available in sizes S/M and M/L.
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
This calming spray mimics GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) which is a natural calming agent present in all mammals, reptiles, and birds. Available in two sizes (15ml, £6.50 and 200ml, £18.50).
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Zylkene contains a natural ingredient derived from casein, which is a protein in milk well known to promote the relaxation of puppies and kittens after breastfeeding. Available in capsules for cats and small dogs, medium dogs or large dogs.
Eve Miller is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours and Mother&Baby, working for Bauer Media for over two years. She is passionate about beauty, creative writing, and women’s healthcare.