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Whether your dog is a wet-weather adventurer or just a bit accident-prone, your dog bed is going to get damp. A waterproof dog bed offers a solution, stopping moisture from sinking into the bed and causing damage. If you need to deflect water, mud, urine, and more, a waterproof dog bed is just what you need.
There are two types of waterproof beds. Some have a waterproof base to prevent liquids from seeping through and causing damage to the surface underneath the bed. Others go a step further and have a waterproof lining, protecting the bed’s filling from water-damage and mold.
Waterproof dog beds offer a rugged alternative to conventional beds. They are easy to wipe clean, and often are made with a weather-resistant cover for outdoor use. Should anything more serious than water be spilled on the bed, they are also typically machine washable. A waterproof bed is reliable and long-lasting, offering your best friend a clean and cozy place to rest for years to come.
Our Top Picks
1. The Dog’s Bed
This is the choice bed if your dog needs therapeutic support. The bed helps with hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, osteochondritis, patella luxation, torn ligaments, and other health issues. Its support is also useful with younger dogs to prevent arthritis later in life.
The bed’s backbone is a thick mattress—2 inches of memory foam plus 4 inches of dense support foam. It forms to your dog’s body for maximum support, and includes a waterproof liner. A wide surface area means your dog can splay out comfortably. On top of the mattress goes the cover, a minimalist design which is available in an easy-clean version or a range of soft, plush versions.
The cover is removable, washable, and water resistant. Replacement covers are available separately, cheaper than buying a whole new bed. There is a selection of colors for the cover, all matching the clean design, including a variant with a headrest.
2. PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
If you want a cozy bed your dog can snuggle up in, this is for you. It features a U-shaped ring of pillowed edging around the mattress, which comes with a waterproof liner. The edging offers support and comfort and is built into the removable cover.
The cover is a soft polyester-cotton, available only in shades of grey. It is tear-resistant, water-resistant, and washable for a mess-free experience. The cover has two zippered sections, one for the mattress and one for the edging, so it can be easily removed for cleaning.
This bed comes in a range of sizes for any dog breed. It is especially well-suited for aging and mature dogs, providing joint support as well as comfort. The edging also provides a soft pillow for your dog to rest their head on.
3. Brindle Waterproof Designer Memory Foam Pet Bed
A combination of elegance and modernity in the design makes this bed a showstopper. It has a wide-open surface area for lounging. The mattress is available in a number of models to suit your budget, differing in the thickness and density of the foam. Out of those choices, the best include a waterproof mattress liner and are made with 2 inches of memory foam with 2 inches of support foam.
The bed cover is removable for cleaning and is made of a soft velour material. It is also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, useful for those who get sneezy with dust.
As for design, the bed is sleek and easy to look at. You can match it to your home’s interior, as the cover is available in several fun, colorful patterns. It is a great choice if you want your dog bed to have a bit of flair.
4. PetFusion BetterLounge Dog Bed
Meeting halfway between a perfectly flat bed and an edged bed, this choice features more than enough surface area to lay on as well as a pillowed corner. With this bed your dog has the choice of lounging free of snuggling up onto the pillow.
It includes a 3.5 inch thick memory foam mattress with a waterproof liner. Overtop is a water-resistant cover that holds the pillowing. The cover is washable micro suede fabric, offering both comfort and easy cleaning.
This bed is great for your dog to curl up on, and has a simple, clean design. It only comes in grey, but its overall design is subtle and pleasant.
5. Laifug Dog Bed with Pillow and Durable Water Proof Liner
This bed is a good all-rounder, adapting to your dog’s needs. It has a wide lounging area with a support pillow on either end. One is thicker than the other, so your dog can choose which height it wants its head resting at when it sleeps. The mattress also has a waterproof liner. Laifug guarantees the quality of its mattresses, so the bed will retain its shape with minimal warping for 3 years.
The cover is made of water-resistant microfiber, which is soft and machine washable. It is also removable for an easy clean. This bed is a good choice if your dog has arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint, bone, or muscle disorders.
The design is clean and minimalist. It is the kind of bed that looks so good it could be mistaken for a human mattress. The covers are available in a handful of muted and classy colors.
What To Know Before Buying a Waterproof Dog Bed
When shopping for your dream dog bed, here are our tips to keep in mind.
Size
As cute as a chihuahua on a king-sized mattress might seem, getting the right fit for your dog is important. Always double-check the bed’s measurements before you buy, as the meaning of sizes like medium or large can vary between brands.
Getting the right size helps your dog sleep comfortably. Too big and your dog is isolated, too small and they are spilling over the edges. Buying the perfect size also helps you, making sure you conserve floorspace.
Materials
Different dogs want different feels from their beds. An older dog with joint paint might like orthopedic memory foam, one of the most durable and therapeutic materials available. Sometimes memory foam is too firm for other dogs, as well as being more expensive. Puppies and small dogs might appreciate fluffy, soft materials to relax in.
The bed covers are also available in a range of materials, from plush blanket-like covers to hardy and vacuumable synthetic covers.
Durability
You are buying a long-term bed for your dog, so it needs to last. Make sure the bed’s material can stand up to repeated use. If your dog likes to chew, ensure the material is tear-resistant.
Related: 5 Best Indestructible (And Comfy) Dog Beds For Heavy Chewers
A mature dog who likes to lounge in bed all day may be suited to a soft, snuggly bed. But if you have an energetic puppy who likes to destroy everything it sees, a soft bed might end up as a chew toy. Consider how your dog will use the bed and match the durability to its needs.
Breathability
This is a feature of some waterproof covers. To avoid excess body heat building up in the bed and the floor it sits on, look for this. Breathability is especially important for older dogs, who lose their ability to regulate their body heat, leading to overheating. A breathable cover can make sure the heat is not building up.
Design
A dog bed is still a piece of furniture, but you do not need to ruin your interior design to make your dog comfortable. Many beds come in a variety of designs, so you can find one which matches your décor. You can often choose between a number of colors and shapes to pick a bed that you will be proud to have in your home.
Price
If you are buying a bed as a place for your dog to relax, you can find an excellent waterproof dog bed at a reasonable price. On the other hand, if your dog needs extra support for things like joint pain, investing in a therapeutic bed may not only help your dog, but save you money on future vet bills.
Consider why you are buying a bed, and what the price range is of beds which fill that need. You may be surprised to find a number of beds for any budget.
Why Buy a Waterproof Dog Bed?
Waterproof dog beds can help solve a number of pet-ownership troubles.
When the bed inevitably gets dirty, traditional beds can be a hassle to clean. Water and urine damage can permanently ruin expensive beds, like those with memory foam. The wet filling can grow mouldy, creating a disgusting smell and possibly affecting your dog’s health.
These are a number of examples which a waterproof dog bed can help with:
- Housebreaking — New puppies are as exciting as they are excitable. Accidents happen, especially at this age when the dog is still being housebroken. If they spend a lot of time in their bed, a waterproof upgrade can thwart potty-training accidents.
- Incontinence — As dogs age, they lose some control over their bladder and often have leakages. These are especially common while sleeping, so their bed is often a victim of these accidents. A waterproof bed makes clean-up a breeze.
- Outdoor Lounging — If you have a porch where you like to relax with your dog, you may consider having an outdoor dog bed. Waterproof beds are especially well-suited to the outdoors because of their protective layer.
- Vomiting Dogs — This is a common problem for curious dogs who may eat things they are not supposed to. The liquid in the vomit can damage a traditional bed, as well as any stomach acid. A waterproof layer can protect the bed against this.
- Adventurous Dogs — Dogs who play outdoors will want to rest outdoors. When they come back to their bed after splashing through puddles, you will appreciate a durable, easy-clean waterproof bed.
- Messy Dogs — Spills happen, whether it is your dog trailing water from their water dish into the bed, or even just if your dog knocks your coffee mug over. Waterproof dog beds are spill-resistant and prevent spilled liquid from sinking into the bed’s filling.