Buying guide
Dog Beds Australia: How to Choose the Right Size, Style and Material
Most dog beds are returned for one of two reasons: they were the wrong size, or the wrong material for the climate they ended up in. This guide covers both, using the same sizing and material checks we apply before a bed goes into our LIFE collection.
Step 1: Measure before you shop
Wait until your dog is asleep, then measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while they are stretched out on their side. Add 15–20cm to that number — that is your minimum internal bed length, not the external dimension printed on the box. For bolster beds, the sleeping surface inside the walls is the measurement that matters. If your dog sleeps curled, measure the widest point of the curl instead and add the same margin.
Puppies should be sized for their expected adult frame, or given an inexpensive washable mat until they stop growing.
Step 2: Match the style to the sleeper
| Style | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bolster bed | Dogs who curl up or rest their head on an edge | Raised sides give a sense of security and head support. Warmer, so best for cooler months or air-conditioned rooms. |
| Flat mat | Sprawlers, hot sleepers, crates and car boots | Lightweight, easy to wash and easy to move between rooms. Little joint support unless the foam is thick. |
| Orthopaedic foam | Senior dogs, large breeds, dogs recovering from injury | A dense foam core spreads weight instead of compressing to the floor. The heaviest and least portable option. |
| Elevated / trampoline | Verandahs, humid climates, heavy shedders | Airflow underneath keeps dogs cool and the fabric hoses clean. Not cosy enough on its own in winter. |
| Donut / calming bed | Anxious dogs and small breeds who burrow | Deep plush walls to nestle into. Check the whole bed is washable, not just a cover panel. |
Step 3: Choose the fill and cover
| Material | How it feels | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| High-density foam | Firm, supportive, holds shape | Thin foam flattens quickly — look for a core you cannot compress to the floor by hand. |
| Memory foam | Contours to pressure points | Retains heat, so pair it with a breathable cover in warmer states. |
| Polyester fibre fill | Soft and light | Compresses over time; best for light or small dogs rather than large breeds. |
| Canvas / ripstop cover | Tough, wipeable | Ideal for diggers and outdoor use, less cosy indoors in winter. |
| Sherpa or plush cover | Warm and soft | Traps hair and heat — great in winter, less so for a Queensland summer. |
Whatever the fill, insist on a fully removable, machine-washable cover with a zip that runs along at least two sides — spot-clean-only beds do not survive a shedding season.
Where to put the bed
Dogs sleep best where the household is, not tucked away in a spare room. Place the bed against a wall or in a corner so your dog can see the door, away from air-conditioning vents and direct afternoon sun. Households with more than one dog should have one more bed than they have dogs, so no one has to negotiate for a spot.
Frequently asked questions
What size dog bed do I need?
Measure your dog nose-to-tail while they are stretched out on their side, then add 15–20cm. If they sleep curled, measure the diameter of the curl and add the same margin. When your dog falls between two sizes, size up — a bed that is slightly too big is always more comfortable than one that is slightly too small.
Which dog bed is best for hot Australian summers?
Flat mats and elevated (trampoline) beds allow air to move around and under your dog, so they stay cooler than deep, walled beds. Many households use an elevated bed or thin mat through summer and switch to a bolstered or plush bed in winter.
Do older dogs need an orthopaedic bed?
Dogs with stiff joints, arthritis or a heavy build benefit from a thick, supportive foam base that does not bottom out under their weight. If you can press the bed flat to the floor with one hand, it is too thin for a senior or large dog.
How do I keep a dog bed clean?
Choose a bed with a fully removable, machine-washable cover and wash it fortnightly, or weekly for dogs that swim or shed heavily. Vacuum the inner core between washes and dry covers fully before refitting to avoid mildew.
How long does delivery take within Australia?
Australian orders are delivered in 3–7 business days, and delivery is free on Australian orders over $99 AUD. Beds can be returned unused in their original packaging within 14 days.
Free Australian delivery over $99 · 14-day returns
Feeding time next? Read our ceramic dog bowls guide or the 10 must-have dog accessories.