Best Dog Beds for Anxiety

Do you have a dog that suffers from anxiety? If so, you know how difficult it can be to help them be comfortable and relaxed. One way to make them feel a little better is by giving them a calming dog bed specially designed for their needs. Check out the best dog beds for anxiety below!

1. Nest Bedding Bolstered – Best for Small Breed Dogs with Anxiety

The company’s name says it all, as Nest beds are perfect for your pup to snuggle in and feel safe and secure. You can think of these beds as squishy donuts, as they’re round and soft but surrounded by sidewalls. The middle doesn’t sag, though. Small and medium dogs are supported by up to 8” of cushioning.

Nest beds are ideal for dogs with separation anxiety, surrounding them with bolsters that not only feel like a hug but provide pressure point relief. And, if you’re worried about leaving your fur baby alone with their new bed, Nest is an eco-friendly manufacturer. So, if determined pups make their way through to the juicy core, they won’t bite into anything toxic.

Bottom Line – All you have to do is glance at this bed to see how it could be calming to dogs with anxiety. And while many soft beds tend to wear quickly, these bolstered models are well-made and should last for years. The one downside is the lack of a removable cover. When it’s time to clean these light-colored beds, you have to pop the entire thing into the washer.

2. Casper – Best for Nervous Dogs who Dig or Scratch

The Casper dog bed is one of the best for nervous dogs as it provides a unique feature that will be tough to find anywhere else.

At first glance, the simple rectangular bolstered bed looks pretty ordinary. But get closer, and you’ll see a sleeping surface that doubles as a play area. Casper designed their only dog bed model for pups who like to paw and dig, perfect for nervous dogs exhibiting the same behavior.

Combine the innovative water-resistant cover with bolsters and an orthopedic double-layer mattress, and you’ve got a winner for dogs with anxiety or puppies who just like to play.

Bottom Line – Casper isn’t the most inexpensive dog bed for anxiety, but it can provide quite a bit of relief and ease some of the symptoms. Whether you have a dog with separation anxiety, depression, or nervousness, they can self-soothe by pawing in bed or curling up and feeling supported with pillows on every side.

3. FurHaven Snuggery Burrow – Best for Large Dogs with Anxiety

FurHaven’s Snuggery Burrow is an excellent choice for any dog who could use a private hideaway. But, as many pet suppliers focus on these types of tent-like beds for small dogs, it’s our pick for large dogs with anxiety with its 44” round option. 

The hood resembles a tent when your pup isn’t using it, as a built-in plastic hoop gives it some structure. But that hoop is functional, as it lets your dog slide into their cozy retreat and then collapses, so they’re automatically snuggled under a blanket.

This particular FurHaven model comes in five colors, and you have a choice of three mattresses. So, you can kill two birds with one stone, opting for orthopedic, memory, or cooling gel foam, as the right kind of mattress is also anxiety-reducing.

Bottom Line – FurHaven has an expansive line of dog beds, but we prefer this Snuggery Burrow option for large dogs with anxiety. It’s a successful recipe for relief with a collapsible cover, three mattress options, and a generous 44” diameter.

4. PetFusion Calming Cuddler – Best Calming Dog Bed

The PetFusion Calming Cuddler is an excellent choice for small to medium dogs, as it has a unique feature reminiscent of the Casper dog bed. Instead of a pawing spot like Casper provides, PetFusion has a sleeping area resembling a squished-up blanket. While your pup could do a little digging, it’s also a great place for them to curl up and hide from the world.

Despite the super-soft surface, a memory foam mattress hidden beneath provides plenty of support. That means that your fur baby isn’t going to sink to the bottom. Pups have plenty of options to support themselves through the inner cushion and sidewalls that cradle their neck or legs.

Bottom Line – This particular PetFusion model is a good one for puppies who need some soothing. They’ll feel the unique blanket top surround them in every direction. Our one criticism is that this Calming Cuddler is for small and medium dogs only. Larger breeds might appreciate the opportunity to burrow, too!

How can my pup benefit from a dog bed for anxiety?

If you’ve investigated dog beds for anxiety before you came across our post, you might have noticed some patterns. Cuddlers, igloo beds, and slipper beds provide some enclosure to pups with anxiety to curl up and hide. And, yes, your fur baby might appreciate that type of bed. However, a dog bed for anxiety (any dog bed for anxiety) is beneficial by providing their own designated space. Your pup has a go-to spot where they feel safe and secure, and that can be enough to ease their nervousness.

What are signs my fur baby could use a dog bed for anxiety?

As in humans, anxiety manifests in many different ways in dogs. Some pups will tear at furniture or dig at the carpet. Others will destroy their bed, toys, or anything else that’s convenient. You might notice trembling or excessive barking. But even if they’ve already damaged a bed, it doesn’t mean the right one won’t alleviate their nervousness. A bed gives your dog a place that’s all their own, and calming beds have unique comforting features.

How do calming dog beds work?

Calming dog beds have been specifically designed to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. They’re often made with a weighted bottom or have a tent-like cover above to create a cozy hideaway. Some calming dog beds are infused with lavender or chamomile, while others are intended to withstand pawing, digging, or biting.

What types of beds are best for dogs with anxiety?

There are a variety of dog beds for anxiety, but their effectiveness depends on your pup’s symptoms. Some of the most popular include igloo beds, slipper beds, cuddlers, and donuts. They’re more snuggly and perfect for pets who calm themselves through a hideaway. If you’ve got a pooch whose symptoms include biting or clawing at things (like your furniture!), then we advise turning to specific pet providers, like Casper or PetFusion. They’ve developed exclusive dog beds for anxiety with covers that resemble loose gravel or tall grass. They give your pup a combination play and sleep area.

Is it possible to find a calming bed for large dogs with anxiety?

The pet industry caters to small over large dogs, with expansive lines of small donut beds or snugglers. But, don’t lose heart, as there are some options for large dogs with separation anxiety or other nervous symptoms. Brands like FurHaven offer ovals, cups, hideaways, and burrows in large and jumbo sizes. You can also turn any dog bed into a calming one by adding warming or cooling blankets and extra pillows.

Tips for Buying the Best Dog Beds for Anxiety

Details Matter – Before you click the purchase button or head to the register, we recommend putting a must-have list together. You’ll need your dog’s height, length, and weight, so you buy the correct size. Additionally, when you’re shopping for dogs with anxiety, don’t rely entirely on a label that says “calming.” What’s soothing to one pup might not be for another.

Soft and Soothing – Unless you’ve got an incontinent or accident-prone pop, the best beds for nervous dogs have a soft surface that’s soothing to the skin.

Consider the Symptoms – Anxiety manifests in several different ways in dogs. So, buy a bed according to your pup’s symptoms. For example, if they tend to hide when they feel anxious, a tent-style, slipper, or igloo-type dog bed is preferable. But, if they’re scratching at your furniture or digging into your carpet, it’s a different story. It’s best to look for a mattress that’ll withstand or even encourage pawing and playing, so they can expend some energy and self-soothe.

Don’t Neglect the Crate – When you have a nervous dog, create a comfortable atmosphere in their crate. You’ve got an enclosed space, so they’ll feel safe and secure. But adding a warming or cooling mat and a soft blanket is even better.