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A calming dog bed with over 41,000 Amazon reviews? I got one for my puppy to see if he liked it. Here’s our review.
Like a lot of Americans, 2020 was the year I got a puppy. A Yorkshire Terrier Maltese mix named Louie, to be exact. It was also the year I spent way too much money on a fancy dog bed he completely ignores.
After months of sharing my bed with him, while the fancy dog bed went unused, I researched best-selling dog beds on Amazon and came across the Best Friends by Sheri Original Calming Donut dog bed. It has over 41,000 reviews and hundreds of happy pet parents sing its praises. I had to get one—especially since there are mixed opinions about whether dogs should be sleeping in your bed. Here’s what my dog thought.
Best Friends by Sheri Original Calming Donut dog bed review
Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy to (sometimes) share my bed with Louie. And he’s happy to chill out in his crate when I’m not home. But according to the dog experts at the American Kennel Club, dogs really should have their own bed. Louie is a tiny five pounds. Small breeds tend to have separation and anxiety issues—they’re called Velcro dogs for a reason—so having spaces of his own builds security. And keeps dirty paws off my pillows.
I chose Louie’s first (unused) bed based on size, style, and the soft velvet-like material. The bed is hand-made in Los Angeles so I waited a few weeks for it to arrive. Louie sniffed it, licked it, and pretty much ignored it for six weeks. He’d only go in there if I lured him in with treats and told him to “stay.” In the meantime, he napped on my bed—the overpriced dog bed mocking me from the floor. And yes, I tried putting the fancy dog bed on top of my bed but that didn’t work.
Another thing I noticed is that Louie usually sleeps curled up like a donut. The vet explained that the dog bagel sleeping position retains warmth—here’s more about what your pup’s sleep position will tell you. When I saw the circular shape of the Original Calming Donut dog bed, it made more sense than the rectangular shape of his ignored bed. I chose the calming bed because of the practical donut shape, that it’s machine washable and looks super soft. It was worth a shot.
What my dog thought of the Calming Donut dog bed
The Original Calming Donut dog bed arrived in shrink-wrapped plastic. A few minutes after I freed the bed, it fluffed up to its shape. The first thing I noticed was how large the bed is. There’s a weight and size chart on the Amazon order page, and Louie obviously fell in the small 23 x 23 size. I measured the bed and it’s really closer to 26 inches. Other dog owners have also recommended sizing down when choosing a dog bed size.
The taupe color is a nice neutral and has some darker flecks in the shag. There’s also a frost color which is off-white, but I worried that any stains and dirt would be too obvious. Other bold color choices include pink and chocolate. The shag itself is soft, and I mean soft. The raised border provides a sense of security and a place for Louie to rest his head. He can also burrow down into the bed, and hide his toys. (So that’s where he’s been hiding his rawhide!)
How did Louie like the bed? I lured him in with a treat, and he jumped right in, sniffed around, and jumped back out. I decided not to make a big deal of forcing the dog bed and placed it on my bed. Within an hour, he had found his way in and was sleeping like a dog. By the way, here’s why your dog likes to circle before lying down.
This afternoon, I glanced over my shoulder and found Louie curled up like a dog donut in his calming donut bed. Sound asleep, his tennis ball and plush lamb tucked in the corner.
Washing the Calming Donut dog bed
It didn’t take long before Louie got sick in his Calming Donut dog bed. Poor guy! But, it gave me a chance to test out how the bed holds up to washing. I spot cleaned the mess with a paper towel to pick up any chunks (sorry, gross) and then just tossed the entire dog bed in the washing machine with my regular laundry detergent on the cold cycle. The stains came right out, and I put the bed in the dryer on the low cycle. It completely dried in about 30 minutes. The shape stayed and the fluffiness was refreshed. Don’t let the dog bed air dry, it will mat the shag.
Original Calming Donut dog bed pros
- The donut shape and raised border encourage burrowing and makes dogs feel safe.
- Super soft filling is ideal for cuddling up on, and extra nice for dogs with arthritis and hip problems.
- Airloft fibers don’t clump over time and provide extra support.
- This dog bed is machine washable. The smallest size can go right in the wash, the larger sizes have removable, washable shells.
- Faux shag fur holds warmth and is meant to mimic a mother’s coat. Aww!
- Fits all breeds; the bed is available in four sizes from small to extra-large (up to 150 pounds).
- Water and dirt-resistant bottom stop any messes from reaching your floors.
- Filled with non-toxic pet-safe materials. No flame retardants or formaldehyde.
- Ships from Los Angeles, and there’s a responsive customer service team on hand.
- Prices range from $32 to $110—that’s an affordable price point for a premium pet bed (especially the smaller beds).
- Cats like it too!
Original Calming Donut dog cons
- It may not be supportive enough for giant breeds.
- Must be dried in an electric or gas dryer; air drying will mat the shag.
Where to buy the Original Calming Donut dog bed
The Original Calming Donut dog bed is available on Amazon and direct from the retailer. On Amazon, it comes in four sizes: small, medium, large and extra-large. The bed is available in the neutral or bright colors.
Best Original Calming Donut dog bed Amazon user reviews
My dog isn’t the only happy sleeper! Here are a few five-star Amazon reviews from obsessed verified buyers.
Christine Tutor: “My Goldendoodle has been through eight beds. All of them have been ruined by her chewing through them or making a mess on them. This bed is cozy and comfortable. She absolutely LOVES it! She made a mess on it a couple of weeks after we got it, but I washed it, and it came out just fine! I bought the large, but I almost wish I had bought the smaller one because the large is HUGE. I’m still very happy with my purchase. She has not chewed through it, as the zipper is well hidden. I’m so glad I finally found a good dog bed that is long-lasting!”
Rainforest: “Day one—Grizzy absolutely loves this bed. He is 15 years old and still active. I was hesitant about buying another bed at this stage, but I’m so glad I did. This bed is awesome, cozy, lightweight, washable, and best of all…a winner in the eyes of our precious senior boy. He actually gave lots of kisses of approval (clearly excited) and has fallen asleep in it (snoring!) twice already today. No regrets whatsoever. Update: A couple of weeks later, I’m still very happy with the purchase. Highly recommend!”
Jorge Roman: “My dog CARRIES her bed with her! This is her favorite thing and the only bed she will sleep in. Before this bed, she wouldn’t sleep in any bed, and since getting this she won’t go without it. Our first finally started getting rough after about 10-14 months of hard use. We got our second one and she was so happy. Cleans super easy. We kept the second for outside because she loves to take her bed out and sun in it.”
Source:
- AKC: The Importance of a Good Dog Bed
Key Points
- The #1 Best Overall calming dog bed is the Best Friends by Sheri the Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler.
- Calming dog beds are designed to reduce anxiety in pups by providing a secure, comfortable sanctuary from stressful situations like fireworks or thunderstorms.
- These types of beds are available in five types: donut-style, bolster, cave-style, self-warming, and orthopedic dog beds.
Humans aren’t the only living beings that can experience stress and anxiety. Man’s best friend can feel anxious as well. Some of the conditions that can cause a dog to feel stressed include thunderstorms, fireworks, being left alone, and new visitors in the house. Calming dog beds are just one of the tools that you can use to help your pooch relax. These are specially designed beds that provide your pet with a soothing sanctuary — a place where he feels secure, warm, and comfortable.
There is also a science behind these types of beds related to a dog’s sense of touch. The soft faux-fur in a calming dog bed helps replicate the feel of other puppies snuggled up against your dog. This can help evoke feelings of safety and security your dog felt when it slept with its mom and litter.
Unfortunately, not all of the products available in the market are suitable. Hours of research and testing enabled us to create a shortlist of the best calming dog beds for you to choose from.
The Top Picks for the Best Calming Beds Today
#1 Best Overall: Best Friends by Sheri the Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler
Our pick for the best overall calming dog bed is Best Friends by Sheri the Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler. This shaggy thing is beloved by pet parents because it provides comfort to anxious pups.
This bed features soft, vegan, faux shag fur and comes in a variety of natural colors. Coupled with its versatile design, this is one bed that will complement your décor whatever it might be. It’s quite thick and filled with non-toxic Airloft fibers that provide that extra cushion for more comfort and additional support. The edges of the bed feature double overlock stitching to make it more durable. However, this wouldn’t hold up against moderate to aggressive chewers. While this is not really a high-end product (we’ve found other dog beds that cost a lot more), it still has a considerable price tag that you wouldn’t want to pay only to get a real hole in the donut in just a matter of days.
There are four sizes available, by the way, from small to extra-large. Yes, this calming dog bed is not just for small dogs. Its biggest size can handle dog breeds weighing up to 150 lbs. The smallest one is completely machine-washable. The rest of the sizes come with removable covers that can also be laundered using the washing machine. It’s easy to clean, comfortable, and really calming, with enough sizes to suit dogs of all ages and breeds. It’s really no wonder why so many pet parents buy it.
Pros and Cons of the Best Friends by Sheri the Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler
ProsConsThis calming dog bed is made of super soft vegan shag fur.This dog bed is not suitable for moderate to aggressive chewers.It comes in a variety of colors.This bed is filled with non-toxic Airloft fibers for extra cushioning and support.The edges feature double overlocked stitching for durability.Four sizes are available, from small to extra-large.The smallest one is machine washable and the other three sizes have removable, washable covers.
2. Best Calming Dog Bed for Large Dogs: Majestic Pet Poly-Cotton Sherpa Bagel Dog Bed for Dogs
Our pick for large dogs is the Majestic Pet Poly-Cotton Sherpa Bagel Dog Bed for Dogs. While the Original Calming Donut Dog Bed has an extra-large size, the cushion isn’t thick enough for giant breeds like Great Danes. That’s why we searched until we found this cozy bagel bed that’s perfect for the big guys.
This anti-anxiety bed is a much more durable option when it comes to supporting large dogs. At 10″, the padding is definitely thicker, while the “walls” of the bed measure a good 14 inches. We liked that is bed is oval instead of round like most calming beds. This shape will accommodate even Great Danes to stretch out fully.
The bolster is made of poly/cotton twill. The stuffing is premium high-loft polyester fiberfill. The cushion is covered in faux Sherpa while the bottom of the bed is made of heavy-duty, water-resistant 300/600 denier fabric. All of that combined makes for a really comfortable bed. One that we wouldn’t mind nesting ourselves in when we’re feeling stressed or anxious!
Aside from comfort, you’ll be happy to note that these beds are very stylish. They’re available in a variety of colors. While this is not really a huge deal, it certainly doesn’t hurt that your newest piece of furniture is nice to look at. And at this price, it’s already a steal.
What about cleaning? Well, the entire bed is machine-washable, which is great. However, you can’t remove the cover. So, you’ll need to put the entire bed inside your washing machine. Please note: Washing and tumble drying will take a while. It’s definitely not convenient. As for chewers, the jury is still out on this one. The bolsters have a thick cover which isn’t easy for a dog’s teeth to penetrate. But the cushion isn’t as tough.
Pros and Cons of the Majestic Pet Poly-Cotton Sherpa Bagel Dog Bed for Dogs
ProsConsIts oval shape allows giant dogs to stretch out.You need to wash the entire bed since there isn’t a removeable cover, and washing and drying takes a long time.It’s more durable than some other options, with 10″ padding and 14″ walls.The cushion may not stand up to chewers.The bolster is crafted from poly/cotton twill, the stuffing is premium high-loft polyester fiberfill, the cushion is covered in faux Sherpa, and the bottom is made of heavy-duty water-resistant 300/600 denier fabric.These calming dog beds are available in a variety of colorsThe entire bed is machine-washable.
Best Calming Dog Bed for Large Dogs
Majestic Pet Poly-Cotton Sherpa Bagel Dog Bed
- This durable option is suitable for large dogs
- Includes thicker padding and higher bolsters
- The oval shape is better than round for large dogs that like to stretch out
- Made of Poly/Cotton Twill
- Stuffed with high-loft polyester fiberfill that maintains its shape after multiple uses
Check Amazon
3. Best for Burrowers: Furhaven Round Snuggery Hooded Dog Bed
According to our research, the Furhaven Round Snuggery Hooded Dog Bed is the best cave-style dog bed on the market. Nothing else will meet the needs of dogs that like to burrow as well as this one does.
This anti-anxiety bed first caught our eye because of its versatile design. Yes, it does provide a cave for your dog to burrow into and store his precious toys in. But cuddlers can also use the hood as a blanket just by removing the plastic snuggery tube. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it looks pretty stylish and luxurious with its micro-velvet fabric. And it won’t even break your budget to buy it.
The sleep surface looks plush and feels incredibly soft. The egg-crate orthopedic foam base, which is CertiPUR-US Certified Foam, by the way, provides just the right amount of support to help relieve aching joints and loosen tight muscles.
Dogs weighing up to 80 pounds, like a Golden Retriever, can make use of this bed. While it is durable enough for most dogs, it is not suitable for chewers.
Pros and Cons of the Furhaven Round Snuggery Hooded Dog Bed
ProsConsThis cave-style calming dog bed is perfect for burrowers.It’s not suitable for chewers.You can remove the plastic snuggery tube so your dog can use the hood as a blanket.This stylish dog bed is crafted from luxurious micro-velvet.The sleep surface is plush and soft, the orthopedic foam (CertiPUR-US Certified Foam) provides much-needed support to aching joints and tight muscles.Dogs weighing up to 80 pounds can use this bed.
4. Best Budget: Nononfish Anti-Anxiety Dog Bed
The Nononfish Anti-Anxiety Dog Bed is our choice for best budget anti-anxiety bed because it’s extremely affordable and effective. After all, not everyone can afford high-end calming dog beds. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for cheap just because you have a limited budget.
This calming dog bed is a great option if you want to test out a donut bed with your dog. The smallest size costs less than $20 which won’t make you feel bad if it ends up not liking it.
The Nonofish Anti-Anxiety Dog Bed is covered in faux fur while the interior is stuffed with premium-quality virgin pearl cotton. The bottom of the bed is made of high-density waterproof fabric with sticky beads that provide a non-slip grip. The wrap-around bolster provides support for the head and neck while your dog lounges on the bed.
Compared to all our other picks, this bed isn’t as thick. The bolsters are only 7 inches tall. While this is nothing to sneeze at, large dogs might sink right through the center. However, it’s still comfortable enough to lie in, especially for small dogs.
As for cleaning, the entire bed is machine-washable and you can spot clean as needed. However, the manufacturer recommends hand-washing to make sure that it remains fluffy afterward. Overall, this donut bed has a lot going for it as long as you keep in mind that you get what you pay for.
Nononfish Anti-Anxiety Dog Bed
ProsConsThis budget option is surprisingly effective.The manufacturer recommends hand-washing the bed to retain its fluffiness.The smallest size costs less than $20.This donut-style bed is covered in faux fur and stuffed with premium-quality virgin pearl cotton.The bottom is made of high-density waterproof fabric and has sticky beads that provide a non-slip grip.A 7 inch bolster wraps around the bed to support your dog’s head and neck.The entire bed is machine-washable and you can spot-clean it as necessary.
What to Look for in Calming Dog Beds
To find the calming dog bed that suits the needs of your furry friend, you’ll need to consider several important factors.
Style
Anti-anxiety beds for dogs can be divided into several categories: donut-style, bolster, cave-style, self-warming, and orthopedic dog beds.
- Donut-style dog beds are ideal for small breeds. This round bed has raised sides all around to create a nest-like feel, perfect for curling up and snuggling in. The edges are also ideal for providing head support in any direction.
- Bolster dog beds feature raised edges on three sides that can serve as a pillow where your dog can rest his head. These edges also provide your dog with something to lean on while they snooze, giving them a feeling of security. This type of anti-anxiety bed is best for large dogs.
- Cave-style dog beds feature a “pocket” that allows your pooch to burrow into the bed and hide. This type of anti-anxiety bed has a few different designs. Some look like sleeping bags while others resemble a dome. The interior lining of the bed is typically made of soft Sherpa fleece or similar material that reminds your dog of the times he spent cuddling next to his littermates and his mom.
- Self-warming beds are beds that use the dog’s body heat to generate warmth, creating a cozy environment for your dog to relax in.
- Orthopedic dog beds contain memory foam that helps relieve pressure points and provide support. These are ideal for senior dogs and those who are suffering from mobility issues. Pain can cause dogs to feel anxious, so a bed that helps relieve joint pain and loosens their tight muscles can help them calm down.
Size
Some calming dog beds are better suited to certain breeds. Donut-style beds, for example, are more suitable for small dogs. A bolster bed will be more comfortable for large dogs. However, it’s still important that you check the dimensions of the bed you’re going to buy. You’ll want to get something that has a bit of extra space, so your dog can move around a bit. But you don’t want to get a calming dog bed that’s too big because it will not have the cocooning effect. If you’re getting an orthopedic bed, however, you need to get one that has enough space for your dog to stretch out completely without any part of his body hanging out of the bed.
Machine-Washable
Look for a bed that comes with machine-washable fabric to make cleaning the bed easy. At the very least, it should have a removable cover that can be washed.
Waterproof Lining
For your dog to feel comfortable, his bed needs to be dry and cozy. With a waterproof lining, cleanup is much easier should any accidents occur.
Odor-Resistant
Look for a calming bed that uses materials that are antibacterial to prevent odors from sticking to the bed. Faux fur, for example, is not only similar to a dog’s fuzzy coat, it is also antibacterial.
Non-Slip Bottom
Make sure that the bed doesn’t slide whenever your dog tries to get in or out of the bed. Not only can this cause an accident and possibly injure your dog, it can also add stress to your pooch.
Benefits of a Calming Dog Bed
The most obvious benefit of calming dog beds is the fact that it helps alleviate any stress or anxiety that your dog may be feeling. Take note that this bed is merely a tool that can help reduce anxiety, but it is not the solution. You will need to combine the bed with some training or conditioning. Help your dog calm down before he sleeps by making him relax. Gently stroke the side of his face in a circular motion. You can do the same on his chest. Massaging his ears also works to promote relaxation. You can even do this while he’s lying on the bed to help him associate feeling relaxed and happy with his new bed.
Aside from reducing anxiety, a calming bed can provide other benefits:
- Your dog will learn how to handle stress better.
- The raised edges will help prevent stress on the neck and other joints.
- Your dog will fall asleep quicker and get more restful sleep.
- Restful sleep will help improve his immune system.
- Sleep can also help improve brain development, memory, and learning capacity.
