The 7 Best Calming Dog Beds Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024
Written By Olivia De Santos | Canine Coach, Professional Writer & Video Content Creator.
Edited & Fact Checked By Renae Soppe | Double B.A Journalism & Science.
Last Updated: 17th January 2024
Having an anxious pup on your hands can be challenging. It’s quite a process to soothe them. Particularly if they are an adult dog already set in their anxious ways. A calming dog bed can help. It’s a tool that allows your dog to feel safe and secure on a subconscious level.
This article is all about the best calming dog beds available in Australia. To discover the best of the best, we teamed up with an independent panel of experts comprising of veterinarians, canine behaviour experts, and dog parents alike. We spent months testing several dozen calming dog beds and finally agreed on this list of Australia's finest options. Ahead, we’ll talk about how calming beds work and how to make a solid purchasing decision. But first, let's take a look at our best calming bed recommendations for your dog.
Quick Picks - The Top 3
Our Number 1 Pick -
Calming Dog Bed 2.0 by Fur King
- Comfortable faux-fur exterior
- Comes in many sizes
- Machine washable
- Good value for money
Runner Up -
Fur King "Nap Time" Calming Dog Bed
- Extremely fluffy pillows
- Soft faux-fur exterior
- Light and dark versions available
- Machine washable covers
- Good value for money
- Includes a warranty on stitching and zippers
Third Choice -
PaWz Donut Calming Dog Bed
- Reasonably priced
- Nice range of colours
- High-quality materials
- Non-slip base
Australia's Best Anxiety Calming Dog Beds Reviewed
Soon we will give you the full brief so you know what we’re looking for in a calming dog bed. Here are some suggestions for the best calming dog beds available in the Australian market. These are the cream of the crop that rose to the top of the list after being extensively trialed by our independent panel of experts. Let's check them out:
#1: Best of the Best: Calming Dog Bed 2.0 by Fur King
What sets this product apart from the rest?
Dr Kathryn Rosalie Dench - M.A VetMB MRCVS.
Gentle Dog Trainers Expert Reviewer
"Calming dog beds can be a good tool to help combat canine anxiety and our tests showed the Fur King Calming Dog Bed 2.0 was the standout option."
The Fur King is one of the best dog beds you can find in Australia full stop. Well-priced and well-made, this bed shows that quality comes at all budget ranges.
One of the things each member of our team of researchers loved most about this bed is the wide range of sizes. As I’ve remarked several times in my reviews, the pet industry has a small dog complex. That is - everything is made for small dogs! But the Fur King is fortunately made in four sizes from Small to XXL. It’s great to see extra-large dogs represented. Big dogs get anxious too!
Related: Fur King Calming Dog Bed Review
The doughnut shape is perfect for a snuggly hug feeling that you want from a calming dog bed. Likewise, the inside is slightly dipped, and the edges have a lifted lip. This makes it comfortable for your dog to rest their head on the side of the bed without straining their neck.
The Calming Dog Bed 2.0 by Fur King being tested by our independent expert team
The dense shaggy faux-fur is warming and comforting. Super soft to touch that will soothe any anxious pup.
Fully machine washable and durable, this bed promises to retain its shape over time. It’s great for puppies too as it has a water-resistant lining. Any accidents are repelled quickly.
Overall, this bed is inexpensive, high-quality and pretty good looking! What more could you want?
This Fur King bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to large dogs like a Husky.
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#2: Runner-up: Fur King "Nap Time" Calming Dog Bed
The Nap Time bed from Fur King is the definition of a cuddly dog bed. There is no way a pup will stay nervous once they get to dive into this pile of fluffiness!
So what makes this bed so pawsome? First of all, there are the extremely plush pillows. Filled to the brim with soft PET fibre, these pillows are soft but dense enough to never go flat. Once your dog gets into the bed, the pillow will conform to her body to create a soft, warming cocoon.
The Fur King "Nap Time" Calming Dog Bed being tested by our independent expert team.
Moreover, the bed is shaped like a doughnut, with one large pillow in the middle and a circular bolster pillow around it. That way, once your pooch jumps in, the external pillow section will act as a calming barrier to the outside world!
To complete the fluffy landscape, the external cover is made of shaggy faux-fur. Like our number one choice, the cover is removable and can be washed in the washing machine which makes life much easier. Just remember that it’s not safe to tumble dry it!
The bed is available in two colours - brindle and grey. This not only lets you choose the version that fits into the colour scheme of your home, but also one that fits your dog’s coat. All that unavoidable shedded hair will be a lot less visible if the bed is in a matching colour.
This Fur King "Nap Time" Calming Dog Bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to large dogs like a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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#3: Third Place: PaWz Donut Calming Dog Bed
PaWz is a great brand for reasonably priced dog gear. This doughnut calming dog bed is no different! With a wide array of colours and sizes, the offering here is hard to beat.
It is made from a very high-quality polyester that holds up against cleaning. The interior is plush, soft cotton to create that de-stressing feeling. It’s also high density which allows the bed to maintain its shape over time. Where much thinner beds would fail, this one prospers.
I really loved how the lining is waterproof to prevent spills and accidents from seeping through. The base has a non-slipcover too for practicality.
It’s worth noting that a cheeky puppy could probably pierce the outer lining and rip out the inner filling. They’ll enjoy it too! So bear that in mind.
Best of all, the PaWz range of calming dog beds is very inexpensive. The price varies depending on size and colour. That is to say that more in-demand colours can be more expensive. However, the budget range is very reasonable no matter what size or colour you want.
One thing to note is there isn’t a great option for extra-large dogs, unlike our first two options. The XL size is only 80 cm in length with a 60 cm sleeping surface.
This Pawz bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to medium dogs like a Blue Heeler.
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#4: Budget-friendly Pick: AmazonBasics Round Self Warming Pet Bed
Even though calming beds for dogs are relatively inexpensive in general, they could be even cheaper! Enter Amazon Basics. It’s worth saying off the top that Amazon Basics are always a case of “you get what you pay for”. However, if you can get a decent bed for $20 and free shipping, it’s surely a win-win situation. So let’s talk about it.
Amazon’s calming bed is doughnut-shaped like many of the others on this list. They also have a rectangular bed with the same materials. This gives you the flexibility to customise which bed would work best for your dog’s favourite sleeping position.
Though instead of the faux-fur model which works incredibly well for the calming effect, Amazon chose the Sherpa fleece lining. This is equally comforting and can work better for long-haired breeds. In fact, our team of independent experts note that it’s still warming but not as warm as faux-fur.
The bed comes in five sizes. The smallest is 45 cm and the largest is 80 cm in length. Not ideal for extra-large dog breeds, like our first two choices, but it can certainly cover a decent range.
The beds have a self-warming quality as the material reflects your dog’s body heat to them. This warming sensation is comforting and calming.
Overall, this is a good pick for those on a tight budget. But remember, it may not last you forever!
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#5: Best Heated Calming Bed: K & H 1913-60 Watt Thermo Snuggler
If you want a calming bed that is electronically warming, the K&H Thermo Snuggler is not a bad option at all. This plug-in system is great for temperature control. It’s a calming, warming spot for your dog to cuddle up in when they feel stressed. It also doubles as a great winter dog bed, unlike the other choices on this list.
It comes in one size for 65 cm in length. It’ll work well for puppies, small dogs and some medium dogs. Unfortunately, it’s not a great fit for large and extra-large dogs.
The heating pad is removable. You can therefore wash the cover.
Our panel of researchers offered a slew of top reviews that attest to how great this is as a warming bed!
This K & H 1913-60 Watt Thermo Snuggler is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to medium dogs like a Blue Heeler.
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#6: Best Calming Cave Bed: FurHaven Pet Dog Bed
Onto a cave bed! The FurHaven cave bed is one of the best out there. It is a soft-hood cave bed with a faux lambswool lining. Warm and snuggly for any dog, keep in mind that it may be a little too warm for long-haired dog breeds.
The base is an orthopedic foam mattress that is bound to make your pup feel cosy and comforted. It’s spongy while also supporting your dog’s joints.
The bed comes in five colours: blue, pink, brown, cream and grey. There are also four sizes to choose from. The largest size is 110 cm and the smallest is 45 cm. I appreciated that my larger-sized dog was able to snuggle up comfortably to this bed. So many dogs will find this a suitable, calming, resting place.
This bed has machine washable covers so it’s super easy to maintain. Best of all, the FurHaven range is easy on the purse strings. Economical and high-quality, this is our panel's top pick for a calming cave bed.
This FurHaven Pet Dog Bed is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to large dogs like a Husky.
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#7: Best Calming Bed for Large Dogs: Ambient Lounge®
For large and extra-large dogs, we have the perfect option for you. The Ambient Lounge is a veritable plush haven for any big dog. It combines support with soft comfort, making it very relaxing for any anxious pooch.
The top faux fur cover is soothing to the touch. I also love that it’s removable, in case it may be too warm for your dog.
The round doughnut shape allows your dog to curl up comfortably and rest their head on the side without strain.
The largest size is a whopping 150 cm long, making it suitable for giant dog breeds. The large is 117 cm. The medium is 90 cm. The smallest is 65 cm. So in all cases, our panel of independent experts felt this bed is ideal for sprawlers and coiled sleepers.
Unlike the other choices on this list, the base is chew resistant which is rare with calming dog beds. So even chew happy puppies won’t destroy this one.
The covers are machine washable and replaceable to keep clean. The base is built to be comfortable but ultimately breathable. Keeping your dog off the ground helps with ventilation and supporting heavy joints.
It sounds great - so what’s the catch? Well, the price. This is the priciest bed on the list. It’s stylish, comfortable, and incredibly relaxing for any pup. But that luxury comes at a price tag. If you can stretch to it, you’ll never look back. This is the pinnacle of luxury doggy comfort!
This Ambient Lounge® is suitable for small dogs like a Chihuahua to large dogs like a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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A Short Word on Canine Anxiety
So why might you need a specific calming bed for your dog? According to the vets and canine behavioural pros on our panel, canine anxiety is more common than we think. (1) There are several reasons why your dog may be anxious.
They are afraid of something or someone
This is a very natural cause for anxiety in any living thing - fear. Of course if a loud noise like fireworks, the vacuum cleaner or a summer thunderstorm frightens your dog, they’ll display some signs of anxiety. It’s nothing really to worry about. It’s a totally natural reaction to being scared and doesn’t need to be trained away.
However, if your dog fears mundane things and it’s causing them a huge amount of daily stress, it may be worth investigating how you can help them. A professional dog trainer may be able to help you desensitise your dog’s fear response over time.
They have separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is a specialised kind of anxiety triggered by being alone. This is particularly pervasive if you work from home most of the time and then suddenly switch to an office job. It’s more common in young dogs. Older dogs tend to adjust over time.
Puppies are the worst culprits for separation anxiety. Equally, puppies are more readily trained to self soothe their separation anxiety.
Debra Horowitz from VCA Hospitals advises “Puppies need to learn how to have alone time and amuse themselves with their toys. When you bring your puppy out of alone time to socialise with the family, make sure that you only get him when he is quietly playing with his toys. Reward the behaviours that you want your puppy to continue.” (2)
A calming bed and an inviting crate setup can help anxious pups feel more secure when alone in the house.
They have doggy dementia
Old age is another cause of anxiety. As dog’s age, some develop Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome or CCDS. (3) That is essential doggy dementia. It’s quite heartbreaking to see.
Anxiety and night terrors are part and parcel of this affliction. Your dog may feel bewildered and confused by their surroundings all of a sudden and start to panic. A dog calming bed can be helpful for elderly dogs too. Firstly, they are very supportive and gentle on joints which is important for ageing dogs. Secondly, the warm snuggly feeling will put them at ease when they are stressed.
As a personal note, I have a dog with doggy dementia. When she is pacing with night terrors, I cuddle her and encourage her to go to her bed. Once she sinks into her bed, she feels much more comforted and relaxed.
What Makes A Bed Calming?
When your dog is anxious, their nervous system is spinning. In puppyhood, their mother was a source of comfort and warmth in times of stress. Much like humans - dogs love a good cuddle.
As our independent team of experts note, calming beds for dogs work in these ways:
- They are soft. The softness calms your dog’s nervous system, allowing them to relax.
- They are supportive. This mimics the feeling of a puppy laying on their mother’s stomach.
- They have a shape that holds your dog in a specific way. It feels like a warm occlusive hug.
In the next section, we’ll expand on each of these points. You will have already noticed our list of recommended beds tick all of the above boxes. How you can find the best qualities of each in your next calming bed purchase.
What I Look For In A Good Quality Calming Bed
Durability
All beds worth their salt need to stand the test of time. Though the best dog beds of any category are generally changed every couple of years, you still need a product with longevity.
The reason I put this first in the lineup is because calming dog beds are notorious for losing their shape. They are designed to be soft and squishy which can lead to being bent out of shape over time.
It’s like those cheap microfibre pillows you get from the supermarket. They last maybe one wash before they are lumpy and unusable. They no longer provide the support and comfort you bought them for.
This is a real danger with calming beds for dogs. They get bent out of shape really quickly.
We recommend the following two solutions to this as you embark on your search:
- Be mindful of reviews. If the bed only lasts one wash or doesn’t hold its shape, a reviewer will surely let you know.
- Buy a cheap bed. If you’re not too worried about longevity, at least opt for a low-cost option. Then you can replace it without breaking the bank.
PRO TIP: Don’t expect any calming dog bed to be chew-proof at all! These beds are soft and malleable. They very rarely stand up to chew happy puppies. Bear that in mind as you review your options.
Softness
You want your pup to get a huge snuggly hug from their calming bed. It’s how that bed works its magic after all. Nothing worse than a bed that is scratchy or uncomfortable. Simply put - your dog won’t use it!
Now softness needs to be balanced with support. It can’t be so soft that the bed has no integrity at all and collapses as soon as your dog sits on it. Again, reviews will let you know if this happens so pay attention to them.
However, you want your dog to have a slight sinking feeling when they use the bed. Melting away the stresses of the day.
Support
Our panel of independent experts also want to remind you that dogs of all ages need a supportive bed. For elderly pups, they need a strong bed to support their joints in the best way. For young dogs and growing puppies, a supportive bed is vital for the maintenance and growth of their bodies.
Having an unsupportive bed can lead to early-onset osteoarthritis (OA). And yes, that affects dogs of all ages.
“By most estimates, 25% of all dogs (regardless of age) are affected by OA, and possibly 60% of dogs will show x-ray evidence of the disease in their lifetime. As a result, this makes OA the most common chronic disease they face.” – VCA Hospitals [4]
That is frightening! Don’t let your dog become part of that statistic by providing them with inadequate bedding. You can tell if a bed is going to be supportive by the materials and bedding. What is inside ensuring the bed maintains its integrity and shape?
Speaking of shape...
Size & Shape
Finally, the size and shape of the bed are extremely important for it to be comfortable for your pooch. Most calming dog beds are round and we have featured a few 'doughnut-shaped' ones in our recommendations. This is to mimic that all-encompassing “hugging” feature that we tend to seek in this style of bed.
Another shape that works well is the cave bed. Dogs are denning animals. They find caves and hide-y holes comforting. So a cave dog bed may be perfect for your pooch.
Related How To Choose The Right Size Dog Bed?
With cave beds, it’s worth mentioning that they rarely cater for extra large dogs. You also want to think about the level of warmth. Cave beds may be a little too warm for long-haired breeds. They may prefer a soft doughnut-shaped bed with no covering that is a little more breathable for them. Likewise, a short-haired breed that tends to get cold at night may love the extra blanket-like covering that a cave bed provides. You know your dog best so keep them in mind as you search.
As for sizing, it’s not an exact science. It mostly depends on how your dog sleeps as opposed to their standing size. Your best bet is to measure the length of them as they sleep in their favourite position.
One of my dogs likes to curl up in a tight coil. Even though he is a medium-sized dog, the bed he sleeps in is likely smaller than you’d expect. But he loves it.
On the other hand, my other dog is a sprawler. She is a large dog breed but because of how much she spreads out, she has an extra-large memory foam bed. Do what works best for your pooch rather than blindly following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
My Final Say
Finding the right bed for your anxious pup is a step towards soothing their anxiety. We hope this list and buying guide was helpful for you overall.
If you were to ask us our team of independent experts the very best option, we would hands down recommend the FurKing. It has a good size range. It’s high quality. We love the look of it too. If you want to treat your dog and splash out a little, then we think the Ambient Lounge is pure luxury. Your pup is a pampered pooch indeed!
FAQ
Your dog’s anxiety can come from many sources. What you do to soothe them is dependent on the source of their anxiety.
For example, if your dog is anxious from fear, the best thing you can do is identify the source of the fear. If it’s an acute situation like a fireworks display, avoidance is the best policy. You can also create an inviting crate environment for them to hide in while the fireworks are happening. We have more tips in this article.
For separation anxiety, it will take some training. Desensitisation is generally the best course of action. To do this, you slowly introduce being “separate” from your dog for small time intervals.
For dogs with dementia, there isn’t a whole lot you can do. What I’ve found is to improve the environment as much as possible to make your dog comfortable. A calming dog bed helps. So does keeping one of your old t-shirts in their bedding to make them feel safe and comfortable.
References
- Kriss, R. February 3, 2023. “Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Dog Anxiety”. American Kennel Club. Retrieved December 17, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-dog-anxiety/
- Horwitz, D., Landsberg, G. “Separation Anxiety in Dogs”. VCA Hospitals. Retrieved December 17, 2023. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/separation-anxiety-in-dogs
- Grzyb, K. November 22, 2019. “7 Signs of Dog Dementia”. PetMD. Retrieved December 17, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/5-signs-dog-dementia
- Williams, K., Downing, R., Weir, M. “Helping Your Dog with Osteoarthritis”. VCA Hospitals. Retrieved December 17, 2023. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/helping-your-dog-with-osteoarthritis