The 7 Best Dog Beds For Winter

Do you like to bundle up in warm and cozy blankets during the winter? Do you like to stay nice and toasty on cold stormy nights? Chances are, so does your pup.

Some dog breeds have thick coats and extra insulation that will keep them warm all year round, but a majority of dogs still get cold during the winter. This is especially true if you live in a cold climate and your pup sleeps on a hard floor or sub-standard bed. Looking for the best bed for your dog can mean all the difference to their health and well-being. With so many different types of beds out there, which one is right for your pup?

The good news is there a TON of great winter dog beds out there that will keep you pup nice and toasty all winter long. The key is finding the one that is the best fit for your dog. Read on for tips, reviews, and your shopping guide to the best dog beds for winter!  

The 7 Best Winter Beds to Keep Your Dog Warm

PRODUCT	PRICE	SIZE  *inches	MATERIAL	WASHABLE
Blueberry Pet Overstuffed	Check Latest Price	S 25 x 21 x 10M 34 x 24 x 12	Microsuede  Microfiber	Removable Cover is Machine Washable
Beautyrest Cozy Cuddler	Check Latest Price	M 31 x 25 x 8 inches L 42 x 31 x 9 inches		Removable Cover is Machine Washable
Aspen Pet Self – Warming	Check Latest Price	4 x 30 27 x 36 30 x 24 35 x 27 19.5	Mylar & Faux wool	Removable Cover is Machine Washable
K&H Self- Warming	Check Latest Price	M 24 x 30 L 32 x 40	Heat reflective outer &  Recycled Plastic bottle inner	Whole Bed Is Machine Washable *No Removable Cover
K&H ThermoSnuggler	Check Latest Price	M 26 x 20 L 31 x 24	Polyester	Removable Cover is Machine Washable
SofantexPetCave	Check Latest Price	S 25 inches M 30 inches	ultra plush polyester Sherpa lining	Removable Cover is Machine Washable
K&H Lectro-SoftOutdoor	Check Latest Price	S 14 x 18 M 19 x 24 L 25 x 36	Soft foam- filled vinyl  nylon coating	Removable Cover is Machine Washable

Review of the Best Winter Dog Beds

1. Blueberry Pet Heavy-Duty Pet Bed

About:

The Blueberry Pet Heavy-Duty Pet Bed is equipped with a bolster designed to keep your dog warm while also providing support. The cover is durable and scratch-resistant. The cover has a zipper closure for easy removal and is machine washable.

Features:

• 2 sizes available
• Multiple color options
• Inner filling is 100% recyclable & eco-friendly

Tips:

This dog bed usually ships unassembled. When you get it, just stuff it with the included filling. For best results, wash the cover with cold water in the gentle cycle and dry it in the dryer on low heat.

2. Beautyrest Cozy Cuddler

About:

The Beautyrest Cozy Cuddler is equipped with wraparound bolsters that are filled with cotton for super thick support for your pup. This bed also comes with an orthopedic foam interior, which makes it perfect for older dogs that suffer from joint pain and arthritis.

Features:

• Polyester bolster
• Whole bed is machine washable

Tips:

Vacuum this bed to keep it looking clean and fresh in between washes. There is NO removable cover. 

3. Aspen Pet Self Warming Beds

About:

The Aspen Pet Self Warming Bed is equipped with heat-reflective Mylar material that keeps your dog warm by deflecting your dog’s own body heat back to him. This bed does not need electricity to warm your pup.   

Features:

• Corduroy cover
• Skid-resistant base
• Faux wool interior
• Multiple shapes and sizes available

Tips:

The reflective material keeps your pup warm, but it also makes crinkly noises when your dog moves. This aspect may bother some pets and either scare them or cause chewers to want to chew up their beds. If you have a skittish pup or a chewer, you may want to try another option.  

4. K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper Bed

About:

The K&H Pet Products Self Warming Lounge Sleeper is equipped with multiple layers to keep your pup nice and toasty. The outer layer gives your dog insulation, while the inner layer is a reflective material to bounce your dog’s body heat back to him.

Features:

• Eco-friendly interior filling made from recycled plastic bottles
• Anti-skid base
• Self-warming material radiates heat back to your pet
• No electricity needed
• Comes with a one-year limited warranty

Tips:

The K&H dog bed does NOT include a removable cover. For best results, machine wash the whole bed in cold water on the gentle cycle. Air dry, or use a low heat setting on your dryer.

5. K&H Manufacturing Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper

About:

The K&H Manufacturing Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper comes with a plush pillow and a 5-inch-thick bolster for support and comfort. This is an electric heated dog bed. The internal heating element is removable so you can easily wash the bed when needed.

This dog bed is ideal for dogs who sleep in outdoor dog houses, basements, or garages. This bed is not recommended for use directly outside where the electrical element could be exposed to snow or rain.

Features:

• Bolster
• Removable internal heating element
• Polyester

Tips:

This bed is not recommended for dogs that are prone to chewing, as you don’t want them to chew into any of the electrical wires.

6. Sofantex Plush Pet Cave Bed

About:

The Sofantex Plush Pet Cave Bed is designed for dogs who like to burrow and nest in their beds. This bed is made with ultra-plush Sherpa material that will keep your dog cozy and a removable zippered cover that will give your dog sleeping options.

Features:

• Non-skid base
• Zippered dome is removable
• Cover is machine washable

Tips: You can remove the cover when your pup is feeling more social, or during the warmer months. This makes this bed one that can be used all year round.

7. K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed

About:

The K&H Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed is perfect for dogs who sleep outdoors during the winter. This electric bed uses a very low wattage. It comes with orthopedic foam and absorbent PVC material.

Features:

• PVC cover
• Cover is removable

Tips: This bed is not recommended for chewers.

Does Your Dog Need a Warm Bed?

Some dogs don’t need warm beds. If you live in a warm climate, have a dog breed that is built for cold weather, or your dog stays indoors in a well-heated home, you may need a regular dog bed, or even a cooling dog bed instead. However, there are a lot of dogs that will thrive in their warm winter beds.

Dogs that are Small

Small dogs tend to get cold easier than large dogs. For this reason, small dogs benefit a great deal from warming beds all year round, but especially in the winter.

Dogs with Lean Builds

Dogs with a lean build tend to get cold faster than those that are thicker. Dos breeds such as Salukis and Greyhounds for instance may benefit from a warm bed. On the other hand, dogs like bulldogs and mastiffs may not need a warm bed.

Dogs with Short Fur

Dogs with short fur such as pit bulls would benefit from a warm bed. On the other hand, dogs with long, thick coats probably don’t need a warm bed.

Dogs with Arthritis and Joint Pain

If your dog is suffering from joint pain or arthritis, cold weather can exacerbate the problem. Look for a warm dog bed that is designed specifically for dogs with joint pain.

What is the Best Type of Winter Bed for Your Dog?

There are a few varieties of winter dog beds to choose from that work in different ways to keep your pup warm. 

Traditional Dog Beds

There are a variety of traditional winter dog beds that keep your dog up off the cold, hard surface of the floor. If you are in the market for a traditional dog bed that will keep your pup cozy during long winter nights, try one that is overstuffed with over 4 inches of material, or one with bolsters.  

Enclosed Dog Beds

Enclosed beds keep your pup even warmer than traditional beds. These beds have a half-domed or covered roof that lets your dog really burrow in and stay cozy.

Enclosed beds are not a favorite for all dogs, though. Some will prefer to have more of an open sleeping area. Choose the one that will work best for your dog.

Heated Dog Beds

Self-Heating Dog Beds

Self-heating beds generate a significant heat level although they do not need any electricity and they are fairly inexpensive. These beds typically work because they contain highly reflective metal film (like that used in emergency blankets). This metal deflects body heat from your pup and redirects it back to him. 

Outdoor Heated Dog Beds

If your dog is outdoors a lot of the time, look for an outdoor heated dog bed to keep him toasty in cold weather. An outdoor dog bed needs to be more durable than indoor dog beds because it will need to withstand the elements. Look for one with waterproof PVC to withstand rain and snow.

Electric Dog Beds

Electric dog beds are equipped with heating elements that get warm when plugged in. These beds work exactly like your own electric blanket or heating pad. 

***If you have a dog that is a chewer, an electric dog bed is not recommended.

Dog Blankets

Instead of or in addition to a warm winter dog bed, you may want to also try a warm dog blanket. A lot of dogs like to snuggle up underneath a warm cozy blanket or curl up on top of a pile of blankets. Try a dog blanket made from fleece, cotton blends, or Sherpa fabrics for the softest, coziest feel.

Dog blankets come in a wide variety of sizes. A small blanket will give your pup more warming power in a dog crate will large dog blankets are great for burrowing.

Look for a dog blanket that is waterproof, washable, and has fabric that won’t unravel and pill easily. Getting a waterproof blanket is essential for potty training puppies.

Non-pill fabric will help your dog blanket last longer through all of the wear and tear of daily use. Also, dogs like to chew on unraveling or pilling materials, so this is another reason to avoid these fabrics.

A tip on washing your dog blanket (and dog bed) is to use gently soap and avoid scented dryer sheets. Overly fragrant substances can irritate your pup.

Shopping Guide for the Best Winter Dog Beds

Not all winter dog beds are built the same. Here are some things to look for when shopping for your next one. 

Look for a Thick Dog Bed

If you get a cheaply-made dog bed, it will likely turn into pancake the more your dog sleeps on it. Beds that are too flat are not as comfortable, supportive, or warm as thicker dog beds.

If you are looking for a warm winter bed for your pup, look for one that is at least 4 inches thick. If you have a large dog, you may want to look for something even thicker – anywhere from 6 inches and up.

Look for a Bed with a Removable Cover

Look for a dog bed with a removable cover that is machine washable and dryer friendly for easy maintenance. Dog beds need to be washed regularly to keep your pup and healthy – not to mention keeping your home smelling fresh.

Some small, cheap beds are fully machine washable, but typically higher-quality beds come with a removable cover instead.

Find the Right Size Bed for Your Dog

When choosing a winter dog bed that will keep your furry friend comfy and cozy, make sure to consider the appropriate size. Beds that are too small may result in your pup hanging off the side, which is uncomfortable and won’t keep him warm.

If your dog’s bed is too large, it may not retain your dog’s natural body heat as well. For this reason, you will want to choose a bed that is the right size for your particular dog’s sleeping preferences.

Typically, a good winter bed will be large enough for your pup to comfortably move around in, but not so large that he doesn’t get the snugly blanket effect.

Our Closing Thoughts

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. What works for one may not work for another.

When shopping for your next winter dog bed it may be helpful to answer a few questions and make some notes so you will have your dog’s needs in mind. Is your dog large or small? Does your dog have short fur or long fur? Does your dog have arthritis or joint pain? Does your dog sleep indoors or outdoors? Does your dog chew on everything? Answering these questions before you go shopping will help you keep your focus when you are bombarded with a multitude of options available.