Labrador retrievers and pugs have different needs when it comes to dog beds. The same applies to lab puppies and adult labs. They have different weights, sizes, as well as sleeping styles and preferences.
Do they chew through materials? Do they tend to bring dirt, mud, and water into your house? Do they feel hot or cold?
That’s why you need to pay close attention to their needs when choosing the best dog bed for Labrador puppy. It is to ensure that they would feel comfortable in the bed, considering the time they also spend sleeping.
This buying guide will help you find the right dog bed for your new lab puppy or adult pooch. Today, I’m highlighting the top picks in every category and factors to look into when choosing from among the best dog beds on the market.
So, ensure your dog’s life would be the happiest and most pleasant with the right dog mat crate or bed for them. Keep reading to learn more in the following.
Type of dog bed for Labrador
When choosing a bed for your Labrador, there are different choices you have because you will find a wide range of dog bed types for your furry pal. Here’s an overview of them.
Orthopedic dog bed
Pet owners choose orthopedic dog beds for their pets because these products often are made with orthopedic memory foam. It can support a Labrador’s joint, while relieving pressure on their muscles and bones.
Senior dogs that are suffering from joint issues can benefit from these orthopedic beds that can help prevent pain in an older dog.
Orthopedic bed is popular among dog owners with Great Danes and other breeds that tend to have joint pains. They can provide support for the bones, neck, and back and can support dogs of all ages.
Fiber-filled dog beds
These beds are made with poly fill fibers; thus, they’re comfortable and soft, too. However, dogs with joint issues and arthritis might not get much support from these beds.
They’re obviously more affordable than an orthopedic bed, but they’re not as supportive for dog’s joints.
Elevated dog bed
Among the best dog beds for labs, elevated types are one of the most popular choices.
These cot-shaped best dog beds are ideal for relieving joint pressure and are made of tough fabric. If your pet tends to chew or sleep outdoors, you might want to check out this dog bed for them.
Basic cushion best dog beds
They’re like pillows that are fluffy and soft, although not very supportive. These cushion beds are great additions to a couch or a bed where your lab tends to sleep a lot.
Nest like best dog beds for Labradors
Anxious and nervous dogs would love the feeling of lying down in a nest-like bed that could remind them of their younger puppy stages.
Typically, these dog beds for labs are made with bolsters, which can be removed as needed. You’ll find those that only have soft filling, while the rest may have orthopedic support.
Memory foam bed
Older dogs can benefit from comfortable and supportive dog beds for labs, while they’re sleeping.
The premium memory foam is specifically shaped or molded to the body of your pet, helping them sleep comfortably at night, while reducing any pressure points.
Sofa dog bed
Dogs love our sofas, so they can feel good with a comfortable and soft sofa dog beds.
Pups or older dogs can experience superior comfort in a sofa bed that allows them to have a sound sleep at night, while also helping reduce any joint pain.
Donut shaped bed for a Labrador retriever
Some Labradors also love donut dog beds for labs, although not all of them would fit in one. These beds have a unique design that doesn’t only look good but also offers joint support and comfort for your Labrador.
Cave style best dog beds for labs
Not all labs would love this type of bed, but this can be the best dog bed for those that want to feel cozy or to sleep under blankets/feel cold.
Pillow style dog bed
These dog beds for labs are essentially like a pillow, which can be the choice for pet owners that want simple bedding for their Labrador. It’s easy to clean and maintain, although not supportive like an orthopedic dog bed.
Heated dog bed
During the winter, having a heated bed for your doggie would be helpful because it can keep them warm. Most labs love this dog bed that you can also combine with another type of bed for your pup or older dog.
But take note that many heated dog beds are run by electricity; thus, you shouldn’t leave one turned on unattended.
Things to consider when choosing a dog bed for Labrador
There is no question that there are a lot of the best dog beds available in different styles, sizes, and types. However, not all dog beds would be suitable for your dog.
For example, small luxury dog beds won’t be appropriate for large dogs.
So when selecting among the bed dog beds, you must consider several factors that include the following.
Lab’s weight and size
Can the entire bed support and accommodate the weight and size of your lab?
For example, a small bed is not appropriate for an adult or older Labrador. In the same way, a large bed won’t be a good one for a small breed dog like a Chihuahua.
Larger breeds like a Labrador or German Shepherd would need a large dog bed made of a more durable and thicker material than a smaller dog breed that would suit the bed dog bed of a small size.
A Labrador retriever would need a bed about 36 inches in diameter. It’s the ideal size for a fully grown lab weighing between 32 and 36 kilograms.
Meanwhile, a lab puppy will be comfortable in a more spacious bed than their body.
It must have between eight to 10 inches more space than the width of their shoulder. This will allow them to spread out in the pup bed.
To get the right size, take their measurements from their nose to the base of their tail.
Easy to clean and wash
Whether for small or larger dogs, pet beds must be easy to clean and wash, like machine washable, because you would have to clean regularly, ideally twice a month, in order to get rid of any dirt buildup, foul odor, and fleas/bugs.
Also, some accidents can still occur even if your lab pup has been potty trained. Some viruses may cause dog diarrhea.
That’s why it would be wise to get a bed, which you can easily clean and wash. One with a washable cover is also good.
It would be a good idea to have a backup bed or maybe a dog’s crate so that your pooch will have a place to sleep when you’re washing their bed.
Lab pup or dog’s sleeping style
Does your pet love to snuggle up or cuddle up in the dog’s bed? Does your pooch sleep on their back, side, or front?
Determine your pet’s sleeping style to understand and determine the level of support and space they need for comfort.
There are labs that can be moving a lot while sleeping on the dog’s bed.
If your lab does, you must get a dog bed that is big enough to accommodate a lot of movement while also allowing your doggie to move their legs and stretch a bit for a restful sleep.
Before getting a dog crate or bed, it is important to consider this factor as it has to do with the level of comfort your pooch will get from their bed.
For pets that love to stretch out and need some more space
The best beds for these dogs are rectangular and unrestrictive best dog beds, which allow them to move with freedom and not be restricted in a very limited space.
Typically, these types of bed will have no sides in them, allowing your furry pal to move around.
An active dog will also love such a bed because it gives their legs more room to move during the night and have a restful sleep. If your dog doesn’t like to sleep curled up, but moving around, this bed may be what you need to pick for them.
Does your dog love cuddling up, like in pillows or sofa cushions?
I suggest getting a donut bed or a bolster for them.
One with a bolster/cushioned sides would allow your pet to rest their head on it, while also making them feel cozy and safe.
A donut bed would also be good if you have a nervous dog.
For Labs that play a lot outside
The best dog bed for this type is a waterproof bed, which is easy to clean and maintain.
This bed with a waterproof liner commonly may be your best bet for your active lab puppy or adult lab. It can help stop your floor from becoming smelly and muddy.
For older dogs that have incontinence issues, waterproof beds are also the go-to choice among dog owners. Again, they’re easy to clean and maintain.
For sick, older, or unwell pets
Is your lab unwell or sick? Or maybe has undergone a medical or surgical procedure?
For senior dogs or sick dogs, like those with hip dysplasia, owners usually go for beds with supportive foam that is not only soft but also can offer support for your pet’s body.
It can be a firm, solid orthopedic foam, which can lessen joint and muscle pressure and provide orthopedic support.
Memory foam beds are not the most affordable option, but a sick or senior dog would appreciate you spending a bit more for a comfortable and supportive bed for them.
For Labs that feel hot or cold
A dog’s body heat can make your pet feel uncomfortable and cause them to wake up in the middle of the night. Your dog will be feeling cool with a raised cooling bed!
This type of bed is raised from the floor, allowing for ventilation and cooling especially in the summer.
Now if your dog sleeps in a place without carpeting, it can ensure that they won’t be feeling cold during the winter.
Appearance
Okay, dogs don’t mind what color or design their bed would be, so the choice is yours to make!
For pet parents that place a dog bed in their living room, they choose one that blends well with their decoration.
Nevertheless, if the looks or aesthetics of a pet bed is important for you, select one that matches your preference.
You won’t run out of choices anyway because there are so many aesthetically pleasing beds, like crate beds, for your furry pal.
Mattress
The best beds, such as those made with a memory foam filling mattress, which is both comfortable and supportive.
As if you’re buying a bed with a poor quality mattress, your dog might suffer from issues like hip and elbow dysplasia.
You must compare and get a quality bed that will make your pooch feel comfortable and without having sores when they wake up the following day.
A comfortable dog bed for small or big dogs can help your doggie keep a good health, too.
Durable
Labradors are known as active dogs that want to spend their energy playing around and out of the house, which is why you have to get a bed that is both comfortable and durable.
Tough materials can be hard for them to chew through, so you also need to consider this when choosing a dog bed. But it shouldn’t only be chew-proof but should also have a durable surface, especially if your pet tends to scratch a lot.
Hypoallergenic beds
A lab pup might suffer from skin conditions, like atopic dermatitis, which can be from several factors like genetics.
Labrador retrievers are one of the breeds that are likely to develop the skin disease. It would help labs with sensitive skin to use a bed that is made of hypoallergenic materials.
You’ll find most dog beds featuring heavy-duty and tough materials but not a lot of them have hypoallergenic materials to avoid itchiness and skin irritation.
6 Best Dog Bed for Labrador Puppy: in-depth Reviews
1. Best overall: Friends Forever Memory Foam Filling Orthopedic Dog Bed
The Friends Forever is a machine washable dog bed that has a non-skid bottom and has a machine washable cover for its overview of features.
Owners choose this pet bed so that their lab would have a restful sleep in a cozy bed.
It is made of human grade mattress foam that has been tested and proven to not only be soft but also long lasting and durable, giving you the most value out of your investment.
The aesthetically pleasing bed that also looks good as a home decor and has a wide sleeping surface of 24 inches by 27 inches, which also makes it suitable for a few smaller dogs or pets.
The wide sleeping area is also comfortable for a medium or large dog like a large Labrador dog weighing up to 75 pounds.
When choosing a dog bed, you also have to consider the support it can provide especially for Labradors that are prone to joint problems. It can offer excellent support for your dog’s hip, bones, and head.
It also has a non-slip bottom, ensuring it will stay in place and has a soft and comfortable mattress for supreme comfort.
The manufacturer also includes a one-year warranty on this Friends Forever orthopedic dog bed.
Finally, this pet bed comes with a cover that is machine washable.
Pros
- Designed with non skid bottom
- Comfortable and soft mattress
- Comes with a one-year warranty
- Can offer support for the bones, hip, and head
- Large sleeping surface for medium/large dogs
Cons
- Comes with a new smell to it
2. Best Orthopedic Dog Bed: Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed
The Big Barker orthopedic dog bed is available from large to XXL sizes and different colors for your choosing. This particular model we’re reviewing is the burgundy variant for large and extra large dog breeds and has the size of 52 by 36 by 7 inches.
The pillow bed is another top choice for owners that want to make their dog’s life comfortable with an orthopedic bed.
This Labrador bed is recommended for breeds like Akita, Newfoundland, Irish Setter, among others, aside from Labradors.
It is made of orthopedic foam that is known for not only being cozy and comfortable but also supportive of the dog’s joint, hip, and head, preventing joint issues.
This bed is also made of long lasting microfiber material, which is high in quality. It’s soft and thick, ensuring it will remain functional over the years.
If your lab likes curling up, stretching, or resting on a couch or bed, then you might want to check out this one from Big Barker.
It also has a raised design that offers relief for joint pain, while also enhancing your dog’s ability to move around.
This model also has a headrest that can support the head of your dog, while moving around in the spacious sofa bed.
For easy cleaning, this dog bed has an easy to wash micro suede cover, which is also smell-resistant. Its fabric material can also handle nesting, digging, and rubbing.
The Labrador retriever bed also has an easy to remove zippered machine washable cover for easy cleaning and replacement.
The design can also prevent chewing because its zipper is tucked in and the seams are incorporated properly, preventing your pup or dog from easily chewing the materials.
Pros
- Easy to clean and machine washable cover
- Intuitive design to prevent chewing
- Aesthetically pleasing bed
- Suitable for large to extra large breeds
- Wide sleeping surface
Cons
- Cover can be hard to put back
3. Best Elevated Dog Bed: Veehoo Cooling Elevated Dog Bed
Does your dog easily get hot? Do you want to keep him warm in the winter when placed in a room without carpet? You might want to check out this cooling dog bed that has an elevated design.
Now, you don’t need to let your lab sleep on the floor with this elevated dog bed that can make them feel comfortable without feeling cold especially in the winter.
This portable raised pet cot is also easy to move and transport especially if you love traveling with your dog. It’s the perfect bed for outdoor adventures, camping, training, and picnic.
It has a large capacity in that it can accommodate dogs up to 150 pounds or 68 kilograms. It is recommended for breeds like Golden retrievers, German Shepherds, and Akitas, too.
I also liked the ventilation in the design of this bed that has a mesh fabric in its center portion. It allows air to flow, keeping your pet cool while relaxing even in the summer.
In addition, this bed has a textilene fabric that is breathable, heat-resistant, and durable. For the assembly, it’s so easy that you don’t need any special tools to set it up. You just use the plug-in to assemble it.
It won’t also collapse because it is made with steel tube, non-slip rubber feet, and heavy-duty textilene fabric.
Pros
- Portable for your outdoor adventures
- Won’t collapse for its sturdy materials
- Can keep your dog comfortable even with season changes
- Breathable and well-ventilated design
- Can accommodate dogs weighing up to 150 pounds
Cons
- Skidding issues
4. Best Dog Chairs with Removable Bolsters: K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot
The K&H PET PRODUCTS elevated bed is another top choice among pet owners for its superior design and durability. For an overview, its color is chocolate/black mesh and has a medium size of 25 by 32 by 7 inches.
The elevated pet cot is made of heavy and waterproof cover denier fabric for easy cleaning and washing. This product comes with a plush bolster, which can offer security and comfort.
In addition, its design allows your dog to stay cool when the weather is hot because it has good ventilation.
It lets the air circulate for its raised ground clearance of 7 inches. This also helps your pet stay warm in the winter because they no longer have to sleep on the floor.
This pet cot is also strong and has a high capacity in that it can accommodate more than 200 pounds. It’s been tested and proven to carry this weight.
More so, the lab bed is also easy to assemble/disassemble, and you don’t need any special tools, like wrenches to complete its set up or assembly. This is why the dog cot is suitable for lab owners that want to travel with their pet frequently. It’s good for camping and picnics.
This model has a removable cover and bolster are both machine washable. The removable bolster also makes it easy to convert this product into a pet cot.
You can also clean this lab bed outside. In addition, this dog bed has a breathable mesh cover, which makes it perfect for indoor or outdoor use.
More so, this pet cot has slip-resistant rubber feet to keep it in place and to protect indoor flooring. It also has a mesh center that can repel moisture.
Pros
- Removable cover and bolster
- Portable and suitable for outdoor use
- Breathable mesh cover
- Made of durable materials
- Designed with anti-slip rubber feet
Cons
- Can be noisy
5. Best Pillow Dog Bed: Majestic Pet Super Value Dog Bed
The Majestic Pet large dog bed is an eco-friendly poly cotton material pet bed with dimensions of 46 inches by 35 inches by 7 inches. It’s recommended for pets weighing from 45 to 70 pounds.
This pet bed is filled with high quality loft polyester fill, which is both hypoallergenic and environmentally-friendly, ensuring it’s not only comfortable but also safe for your pet’s skin. This material doesn’t also harm the environment.
In addition, this dog bed is machine washable, ensuring ease in washing off stains and dirt. Just remember to set the washing machine on a gentle cycle and cool. Avoid machines with agitators.
This Super Value Pet Bed is also made affordable for budget conscious lab owners and comes in a wide range of colors for more options.
It also has a cushion height of 7 inches that is just the right thickness for long-lasting performance. This bed can also accommodate dogs weighing between 45 and 70 pounds.
Overall, this product deserves consideration for its solid features, affordability, and nice design. You might want to check it out if you’re looking for a budget-friendly dog bed for Labradors.
Pros
- Cozy and soft bed
- Eco-friendly materials
- Hypoallergenic to prevent skin issues
- Pocket-friendly product
- Easy to wash and clean
Cons
- May not be the most comfortable bed around
6. Best Dog Crate Mat: Downtown Pet Supply Cat Bed & Dog Crate Mat
The Downtown Pet Supply dog and cat crate mat is available from small, medium, and large sizes and wide range colors for more options.
This thermal nap mat is insulated and padded for more comfort for your pet.
It’s a self-warming cat bed, which features a material that can reflect the body heat of the pet back to them for its lightweight mylar layer. It is also designed with safety in mind in that it has no plugs, wires, or batteries.
It’s a thermal crate mat that generates continuous warmth through reusing your lab’s body heat.
The mat is also designed with a plush top that makes it super comfortable and cozy. This material can provide your dog with soothing comfort, ensuring them a great night of restful sleep.
This product is recommended for aging pets, kittens, cats, and other animals recovering from injury or illness. It’s also designed for outside or inside of the cage.
The dog crate can also fit common sizes of cat crates or dog kennels.
This mat is also easy to roll up for portability, making it suitable for picnics and camping.
Pros
- Offers continuous warmth
- No plugs, no wires, and no batteries
- Easy to roll up for portability
- Padded and insulated for improved pet’s comfort
- Lightweight mylar layer
Cons
- Self warming feature issues
FAQs
What size bed should I get for my Labrador?
A lab dog needs a bed because they love relaxing and curling up. However, you must choose the right size of a bed to ensure they won’t get calluses and sores or suffer from joint pain.
A lot of lab owners would go for a dog bed that measures 36 inches (diameter). It’s just suitable for a Labrador retriever weighing between 32 and 36 kilograms (adult size) for a comfortable sleep.
Or it would also be a good idea to get a medium or a large dog bed for your lab pup so that they wouldn’t outgrow the new dog bed easily.
Should I get a waterproof bed for my Labrador?
It depends on your lab’s activity. If your pet loves running around, rolling in the mud, or simply playing in damp places, it can be a sound idea to get a waterproof bed, which is easy to clean and can prevent dampness. It’s also easy to wash.
A waterproof and cozy dog bed can also help prevent your flooring from being smelly. Such dog beds for labradors may also be for you if you have a Labrador that has incontinence issues. They’re both easy to clean and can protect your floor from being wet.
But then, make sure that you’re getting a waterproof pet bed that is made from a comfortable and durable material.
Final Thoughts,
A cozy dog bed for a Labrador retriever must be comfortable and can support their body properly to prevent pain in the bones, muscles, and joint . A dog bed shouldn’t only be soft but also made of non allergenic materials to prevent skin irritation.
It’s why selecting the right size of a dog bed with durable, comfortable, and hypoallergenic materials is important. This is to ensure the quality of your dog’s life and their comfort.
Weigh your options among these great dog beds featured here and select the one that suits the needs of your lab retriever and your personal preference. Also, refer to the buying guide for essential factors to consider as well as types of dog beds.