Bolster dog beds have a raised pillow-type edging that not only gives him a place to rest his head but also gives him a secure “hugged” feeling that can make anxious or nervous dogs feel more secure.
Because dogs descend from wolves, they have that instinct to be in a cave-type structure when they sleep. That is why so many fur babies love having a crate to sleep in. It is his own personal cave or den.
A bolster dog bed is also great for pups that like to curl in a ball when they sleep. After carefully reviewing more than 100 bolster beds, I found that “JOYELF Orthopedic Dog” is the best bolster dog bed overall.
The JOYELF Orthopedic Dog is thick, cushiony and the orthopedic features of this bed are pawesome. It is even safe for the washing machine, so you can give it a deep clean when needed.
But I understand that you might have different needs, whether you have a giant breed, or you’re looking for an ergonomic design for your dog’s joint health. That is why I prepared a shortlist of the top bolster dog beds that address different conditions and needs.
Below, in the review section, we listed 10 of our favorite bolster dog beds in every group to help you narrow down your choices. But first, we will talk about why some dogs prefer a bolster bed and 12 rules of thumb of how to choose the best bed that fits best for your furbaby & you.
Why Do Some Dogs Prefer a Bolster Bed?
A bolster bed is a dog bed that has a long cushion or pillow around two or three of the edges of your pup’s bed. This is not just for decoration, although it does give it an attractive sofa-style look. A bolster has other impawtant uses for your pooch to enjoy. For example:
A Headrest: Many fur babies enjoy resting their heads on a raised surface when they sleep. Rather than giving him a pillow that moves all over the place, these pups would love a bolster to be used as a pillow. Especially those with memory foam or another soft filling to cushion his head.
Feels Like A Hug: Your dog may also like the feeling of having a cushion behind or around them when they sleep. It feels like a warm hug or sleeping next to littermates like he did when he was a puppy.
Give Him Some Security: Besides feeling like a hug, the bolsters around your pooch can make him feel like he is in a nest or den, which is a secure feeling for any dog.
Cozy But Not Restrictive: An enclosed or donut bed provides that secure feeling too but some dogs may feel too restrictive in those kinds of beds. The bolster can give your pooch the enclosure without the restrictive feeling.
Not For All Dogs: While bolster beds may be pawfect for many dogs, some just do not like them. For example, if you have a dog who likes to hang his head off the bed or needs to stretch out more, they may not like the bolsters.
12 Rules Of Thumb When Buying a bolster dog bed
When it comes to finding the right bolster bed for your dog, there are certain things you need to know. For example, you need to know the size, whether your dog’s sleeping habits will accommodate him, whether it has orthopedic features, and how easy it is to clean. You should also check to see if it is waterproof, whether the cover is removable, what it is made of, how durable it is, and if it will stand up to your dog’s antics. It is also good to know if it has a warranty and where it is made.
- Your Dog Sleeping Habits: If your fur baby likes to sleep curled up in a ball or with his head on a pillow, this bed would be perfect. But if you have a large dog that needs to stretch out his legs when he sleeps, a bolster bed probably will not be right for him.
- Bed’s Size: Measure your dog before buying to make sure he will fit. Just measure from nose to tail and add six to 12 inches. Then measure from shoulder to shoulder and add six to 12 inches.
- Bed’s Height: Your pooch has to be able to get up and down from his bed without help so make sure to measure your dog’s height and the height of the bed. Measure his legs to see how far he can step into the bed.
- Orthopedic Features: All dog’s like a little cushion, but older fur babies and those with orthopedic issues need to have some type of orthopedic feature to allocate the pressure from his joints to the rest of his body.
- Ease Of Cleaning: Is it machine-washable? Can you put it in the dryer? Or can you just hose it off in the backyard? Make sure you know how easy it is to clean before you buy it.
- Waterproof Fabric: Having waterproof fabric is important for those dogs who tend to have accidents, and it is essential if you plan to use your dog’s bed outside. Try to find material like vinyl, faux leather, Cordura, and canvas.
- Removable Cover: Removable covers are great for keeping your dog’s bed clean, and they are also good for dogs that are a bit “ruff” on their beds. That way, you can replace the cover rather than the whole bed if you need to.
- Material: Studies found that some beds made in different countries have traces of toxic materials in them. Some of these dangerous chemicals are used as fire retardants or insect repellents like antimony, arsenic, formaldehyde, chlorine, and bromine.
- Durability: Besides being safe, you also want to know if the bed is durable enough to stand up to your pup. You know dogs are notorious for being “ruff” on their beds.
- Is your dog a heavy chewer?: While no material is chew-proof, some are chew-resistant. Look for materials like canvas, ripstop nylon, thick denim, Cordura, and firehose material.
- Warranty: If the company does not offer a decent warranty, they probably do not expect their product to last very long. Look for a warranty over 30 days at the least.
- Made In The USA: The USA has strict guidelines and rules that manufacturers have to go by so you can feel more comfortable if the bed is made in the USA. However, there are plenty of excellent dog beds made in other countries as well.
Our 2024 Review For 10 Best Bolster Dog Beds
After reviewing more than 100 bolster dog beds using the criteria mentioned above, we chose 10 that we think are essential to your fur baby getting the proper rest that he needs. We even classified them to help you choose the best for your fur buddy’s essential healthy sleep.
JOYELF Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Bed Size: 27L x 20W x 6H to 47L x 33W x 10H inches
- Bed’s Height: 6 to 10 inches
- Material/Fabric: Polyester and memory foam
- Ease Of Cleaning: Machine washable cover
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Removable Cover: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
Best for: Top Overall Pick
Joyelf loves your pup almost as much as you do so not only do they make a quality bolster bed for him but they also give him a free squeaker toy. The bed is thick and cushiony with a faux fur sleeping space, non-slip base, and waterproof liner.
It only comes in one color, but it has five sizes. The small is 27L x 20W x 6H inches for dogs up to 30 pounds, the medium is 31L x 22W x 7H inches for dogs up to 50 pounds, the large is 36L x 27W x 8H inches for pups up to 75 pounds, x-large is 40L x 30W x 9H inches for dogs up to 90 pounds, and xx-large is 47L x 33W x 10H inches for dogs up to 110 pounds.
What We Like:
- Machine washable cover
- Waterproof liner
- Non-slip base
What Dogs Love about it?
- Free squeaky toy
What We Don’t like:
- Not big enough for giant breeds
Amazon Basics Cuddler Bolster Bed
- Bed Size: 18.5L x 14.5W x 7H to 35L x 27.5W x 8H inches
- Bed’s Height: 7 to 8 inches
- Material/Fabric: Oxford and microfiber
- Ease Of Cleaning: Machine washable and dryer safe
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Removable Cover: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for one year
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: affordable
Amazon Basics makes this pawsitively adorable pink polka-dot bolster bed with so much cushion you will want to sleep on it yourself. The cushion is removable and reversible and has about three inches of foam for orthopedic support. And the whole thing is machine washable and dryer safe.
Although there are four sizes, they can only accommodate dogs up to 30 inches long. The small is 18.5L x 14.5W x 7H inches for dogs up to 20 pounds, the medium is 24L x 19W x 7H inches for dogs up to 30 pounds, the large is 29.5L x 23W x 7.5H inches for pups up to 50 pounds, and x-large is 35L x 37.5W x 8H inches for dogs up to 70 pounds.
What We Like:
- Washer and dryer safe
- Removable pillow
- One year warranty
What Dogs Love about it?
- Thick and fluffy
What We Don’t like:
- Not waterproof
Long Rich Reversible Rectangle Dog Bed
- Product Details: $19.99 to $27.99
- Bed Size: 24L x 20W x 8H inches
- Bed’s Height: 8 inches
- Material/Fabric: Faux suede and polyfil
- Ease Of Cleaning: Machine washable
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Removable Cover: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: Small & Medium dogs
This Long Rich bolster bed is adorable as well as dependable with a thick pillowy insert for orthopedic comfort. The insert is faux fur on one side for extra warmth in the cold and cool faux suede on the other side for warm days.
Unfortunately, the bed only comes in one size, which is 24L x 20W x 8H inches so it will only accommodate small and medium-sized dogs. But it comes in eight cute colors that will go well with any decor. And the best thing is that you can throw the whole thing in the washing machine when it gets dirty.
What We Like:
- Inexpensive
- Cute colors and design
- Machine washable
What Dogs Love about it?
- Very thick reversible pillow
What We Don’t like:
- Only comes in one size
Big Barker 7″ Pillow Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Bed Size: 48L x 30W x 7H to 60L x 48W x 7H inches
- Bed’s Height: 7 inches
- Material/Fabric: Microfiber and memory foam
- Ease Of Cleaning: The cover is machine washable
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Removable Cover: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 10 years
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Best for: large breeds (orthopedic bed)
Big Barker made this huge bed extra supportive with three layers of foam. Two inches of comfort foam with three inches of support foam and another two inches of comfort foam on top of that. And the bolster is made of four inches of contoured foam for extra support. In fact, a study done at the University of Pennsylvania showed better mobility and less pain in dogs that used these beds for 28 days.
The 10-year warranty is also impressive, and these beds are huge enough to accommodate giant breeds. They come in four colors and three sizes. The large is 48L x 30W x 7H inches for dogs up to 100 pounds, the x-large is 52L x 36W x 7H inches for pups up to 180 pounds, and the giant is 60L x 48W x 7H inches for dogs that are 200+ pounds.
What We Like:
- Huge enough for giant breeds
- 10-year warranty
- Clinically tested
What Dogs Love about it?
- It eases pain and increases mobility.
What We Don’t like:
- Not waterproof
- Very expensive
PetFusion Ultimate CertiPur-US Memory Foam Bed
- Bed Size: 25L x 20W x 2.5H to 50L x 40W x 6H inches
- Bed’s Height: 2.5 to 6 inches
- Material/Fabric: Polyester and cotton twill with memory foam
- Ease Of Cleaning: The cover is machine washable
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Removable Cover: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Durability: Durable
- Warranty: Yes, for three years
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Best for: giant breeds
You can rest easy, just like your dog, knowing that this bed is safe for him because it is made with recycled green Certi-PUR-US memory foam. No dangerous chemicals like phthalates, formaldehyde, lead, or mercury. Not only that, but it is also extremely comfortable with solid memory foam in the bed and shredded recycled memory foam in the bolsters.
You can get this bed in three colors and four different sizes. The small is 25L x 20W x 2.5H inches for dogs up to 50 pounds, the large is 36L x 28W x 4H inches for pups up to 100 pounds, xarge is 44L x 34W x 4H inches for dogs up to 150 pounds, and jumbo is 50L x 40W x 6H inches for dogs up to 200 pounds.
What We Like:
- Accommodates pups up to 200 pounds
- Waterproof liner
- It has a three year warranty
What Dogs Love about it?
- Extra thick and comfortable
What We Don’t like:
- The cover is not very durable
MidWest Bolster Pet Bed
- Bed Size: 18L x 12W x 2H to 54L x 37W x 4H inches
- Bed’s Height: 2 inches
- Material/Fabric: Polyester fleece
- Ease Of Cleaning: Machine wash and dry
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Removable Cover: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for one year
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: Crates
This MidWest bolster bed is one of the most affordable beds on the market and has the most sizes to choose from so any dog can have one or two. Get one for the crate and one for the car. You can even get one for the beach at these prices! And don’t worry about it getting dirty because the whole thing can be machine washed and dried.
This bed is available in five colors and eight sizes. The x-small bed is 18L x 12W x 2H inches for dogs up to 6 pounds, small is 22L x 13W x 2H inches for dogs up to 12 pounds, the medium is 23L x 18W x 2H inches for dogs up to 25 pounds, the large is 30L x 21W x 2.5H inches for pups up to 40 pounds, x-large is 36L x 23W x 3H inches for dogs up to 70 pounds, xx-large is 42L x 26W x 3H inches for dogs up to 90 pounds, the xxx-large is 48L x 30W x 4H inches for pups up to 110 pounds, and the jumbo is 54L x 37W x 4H inches for dogs over 110 pounds.
What We Like:
- The price is amazing
- It is machine wash and dry
- Has eight sizes
What Dogs Love about it?
- It is comfy and has a small bolster for a pillow.
What We Don’t like:
- It is not waterproof
Furhaven Ergonomic Pet Bed
- Bed Size: 21L x 14W x 4H to 58L x 42W x 9H inches
- Bed’s Height: 4 to 9 inches
- Material/Fabric: Polyester microvelvet and medical-grade foam
- Ease Of Cleaning: The cover is machine washable
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Removable Cover: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 90 days
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Best for: ergonomic design
This bed is also made by Furhaven and with its ergonomic shape, it will be perfect no matter how your dog likes to sleep. Even those dogs that like to stretch their legs off the bed can be comfortable on this bed. The bolsters are rounded and raised from four to nine inches, so he has a pillow if he wants one too. The cover is removable and machine washable, and they sell a waterproof liner you can buy separately.
It comes in 12 colors and six sizes. The small is 21L x 14W x 4H inches for dogs up to 12 pounds, the medium is 30L x 20W x 5H inches for dogs up to 23 pounds, the large is 36L x 24W x 5.5H inches for pups up to 36 pounds, the jumbo is 45L x 30W x 6H inches for dogs up to 75 pounds, jumbo plus is 51L x 36W x 8H inches for dogs up to 150 pounds, and the giant is 58L x 42W x 9H inches for dogs up to 180 pounds.
What We Like:
- For all dogs, including giant breeds
- Machine washable cover
- They offer a waterproof liner
What Dogs Love about it?
- Very thick and comfy
What We Don’t like:
- Not waterproof unless you buy the liner
Furhaven Pet Dog Bed
- Bed Size: 20L x 15W x 5.5H to 44L x 35W x 8H inches
- Bed’s Height: 3 to 4 inches
- Material/Fabric: Polyester with memory foam
- Ease Of Cleaning: Machine washable cover
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Removable Cover: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Durability: Very durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 90 days
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Best for: removal-cover dog bed
The medical-grade egg crate memory foam in this Furhaven bed eases your dog’s pressure points while increasing the airflow for a more comfortable sleep. The sofa-style bolster offers comfort and security as well as orthopedic support for your pup’s neck. The main cushion is coated in fluffy faux fur for a cuddly surface.
This bed is available in six colors and four sizes The small bed is 20L x 15W x 3H inches for dogs up to 20 pounds, the medium is 30L x 20W x 3H inches for dogs up to 35 pounds, large is 36L x 27W x 3H inches for dogs up to 55 pounds, and the jumbo is 44L x 35W x 4H inches for pups up to 95 pounds.
What We Like:
- It has egg-crate orthopedic foam
- The cover is machine washable
- Comes in four sizes and six colors
What Dogs Love about it?
- It is furry and soft.
What We Don’t like:
- Not waterproof
K&H PET PRODUCTS Bolster Elevated Bed
- Bed Size: 22L x 17W x 7H to 42L x 30W x 7H inches
- Bed’s Height: 7 inches
- Material/Fabric: 600 denier fabric and mesh
- Ease Of Cleaning: Machine washable cover
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Removable Cover: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: Yes
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: machine washable
K&H makes this special bolster bed that is elevated and can be used indoors or out. Although it does not have memory foam, it really does not need it because the firm elevated design takes the pressure off your pup’s joints better than foam. And you can either hose it off outside or take the cover and bolsters off and put in the washing machine for deep cleaning.
It is made of 600 denier fabric, which is extra tough for your ‘ruff’ pup. And it is available in three sizes. The small is 22L x 17W x 7H inches for dogs up to 200 pounds, the medium is 32L x 25W x 7H inches for pups up to 200 pounds, and the large is 42L x 30W x 7H inches for dogs up to 200 pounds.
What We Like:
- Extra durable
- Easy to clean
- Waterproof
What Dogs Love about it?
- Has mesh for extra cooling
What We Don’t like:
- It cannot accommodate giant breeds
The Final Woof
The JOYELF Orthopedic bolster dog bed is not furfect for all dogs, but we think it is the best bolster dog bed overall.
We reviewed over 100 bolster beds, and this one has every one of the best features for most fur babies:
The bed is thick and cushiony with a faux fur sleeping space, non-slip base, and it comes in 5 different sizes.
Also, you don’t need to worry about accidents because the JOYELF Orthopedic bolster dog bed is machine washable..
