Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
A washable dog bed makes everyday pet care much easier. Muddy paws, loose hair, drool and the occasional accident are part of life with dogs, so a bed that can be cleaned properly is far more practical than one that looks good only when it is new.
This guide is for mainly UK dog owners who want a comfortable bed that is easier to keep fresh without making the room feel cluttered or overly practical. The recommendations include flat mattresses, bolstered sofa beds, waterproof options and more supportive designs for older dogs, with a focus on removable covers, washable materials and sensible everyday maintenance.
Why washability matters more than it seems
The RSPCA advises choosing dog beds that are comfortably padded and easy to wash. That matters because a bed sits close to the floor, collects hair and dirt quickly and may need more frequent cleaning during wet weather. A removable machine-washable cover is often the easiest solution, especially on foam beds that cannot simply be put in the washing machine as one piece.
For dogs that come in wet from walks, a water-resistant or waterproof layer can also help protect the filling from dampness. Older dogs or dogs with reduced mobility may benefit from a supportive bed with easy access, but the right choice still depends on the individual dog’s size, sleeping position and health needs.
If you are organising the wider pet area as well, the Quiet Abodes Pet-Friendly Home Organisation Ideas for Stylish Living guide has more ideas for keeping pet belongings contained without making the room feel busy.
What to look for before buying a washable dog bed
- Removable cover: a zipped cover is usually much easier to wash than a bulky one-piece bed, especially with foam-filled designs.
- Machine-wash instructions: check the actual care label. Some covers need a cool cycle and air drying, while others can tolerate more frequent washing.
- Water resistance: a waterproof liner or resistant outer layer helps protect foam from damp paws, spills and minor accidents.
- Size: your dog should be able to lie in its normal sleeping position without hanging over the edge. Measure the dog and the intended floor space.
- Support: flat foam mattresses suit dogs that stretch out, while bolstered beds give somewhere to rest the head. Older dogs may prefer easy, low entry.
- Non-slip base: useful on wood, laminate and tiled floors, particularly for dogs that step into the bed quickly.
- Durability: washable does not mean chew-proof. If your dog digs or chews bedding, look for tougher fabrics and reinforced seams.
- Replacement covers: if available, a spare cover can be surprisingly useful because the bed stays in service while one cover is drying.
Recommended washable dog beds
Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Beds Large – 89x63cm Extra Thick Supportive Large Dogs Sofa with Waterproof Washable Cover, Pet Bed Sofa with Soft Plush Sherpa and Nonskid Bottom, Dark Grey
This Bedsure sofa-style bed is a strong all-round choice for owners who want a washable cover, a more supportive foam base and raised sides in one design. The listing describes a waterproof washable cover, soft plush Sherpa sleeping surface and a non-slip base, while the bolstered shape gives dogs somewhere to rest their head or curl against.
Best for: medium to large dogs that prefer a sofa-shaped bed rather than a completely flat mattress. The removable cover is the main practical advantage in a busy home because the foam can stay in place while the outer fabric is washed. The raised sides make the bed cosier but also add seams and corners that collect hair, so regular vacuuming between washes helps. It is also bulkier than a flat crate mattress and needs more floor space: https://link.amazon/B03jBCFKF
EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Dog Beds Large Mattress with Removable Washable Cover for Crate, Grey, 91x68x9cm
The EHEYCIGA mattress is the simpler flat-bed option in this guide. Its listing describes an orthopaedic foam mattress with a removable washable cover, and the 91 x 68 x 9 cm format is useful for large crates, open floor spaces or dogs that prefer to stretch out without bolsters around them. The flat shape also makes it easier to vacuum around and generally creates fewer corners for hair to collect.
Best for: dogs that dislike raised sides, crate users and owners who want straightforward cleaning. Compared with the Bedsure sofa bed, it is less cocooning but more flexible in where it can be placed. The main drawback is that dogs that enjoy resting their head against a bolster will need a separate cushion or may simply prefer another bed style: https://link.amazon/B0d4UBpgU
Silentnight Orthopaedic Pet Bed – Medium Dog Cat Bed – Contoured Foam for Support, Machine Washable Cover, Non-Slip Base, Grey
The Silentnight Orthopaedic Pet Bed is aimed at dogs that need a more supportive sleeping surface without losing the familiar feel of a cosy nest. Its contoured foam is designed to spread weight more evenly, while the high sides create a secure edge and the dropped front makes access easier. The removable machine-washable cover and non-slip base are particularly useful in homes with hard floors or dogs that track in dirt from outside.
Best for: older dogs, dogs with reduced mobility and pets that prefer a bed with sides. Compared with the flat EHEYCIGA mattress, it feels more enclosed and gives extra support around the edge. The trade-off is that it takes up more visual space and the shaped sides create more fabric to clean. If your dog has ongoing stiffness or joint pain, a vet should guide any health-related bedding decisions: https://link.amazon/B0iF8Uuii
Dogbed4less Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed with Waterproof Liner and Removable Cover
The Dogbed4less bed is the more protective foam option, pairing an orthopaedic memory-foam mattress with a waterproof liner and removable outer cover. That layered construction is useful in homes where accidents, damp paws or spillages are a realistic concern because the liner adds protection around the foam rather than relying only on the fabric cover.
Best for: older dogs, larger dogs and households that want a foam bed with an extra barrier against moisture. The waterproof liner is its clearest advantage over simpler washable mattresses, while the removable cover makes routine cleaning easier. The downside is that foam beds can be heavy and slower to reassemble after washing, and the inner foam itself should be cared for exactly as the manufacturer directs rather than soaked or machine washed: https://link.amazon/B02OdX0wX
Bedsure Waterproof Large Dog Bed – L 89x56cm Washable Dog Mattress, Outdoor Dog Crate Mat with Oxford Fabric Removable Cover, Water Resistant Anti-slip Flat Pet Pillow Bed for Crate Mat, Grey
This Bedsure waterproof mattress is the practical choice for dogs that come home wet, use a crate in a utility space or need a bed that can cope with more everyday dirt than a plush indoor sofa bed. The listing describes an Oxford-fabric removable cover, water-resistant construction and an anti-slip base in a flat 89 x 56 cm format.
Best for: muddy dogs, utility rooms, crates and homes where easy wipe-down care matters more than a soft decorative finish. Compared with the Sherpa Bedsure sofa bed, this version is less cosy-looking but easier to place in practical areas. The flatter profile is also useful for dogs that prefer to stretch out. The compromise is that tougher Oxford-style fabric can feel less plush than fleece or Sherpa, so dogs that strongly prefer soft nesting surfaces may favour another option: https://link.amazon/B0gDKRuLp
Buying guide: size, materials, cleaning and durability
Start with size. Measure your dog while it is lying in its usual sleeping position and allow enough room to stretch without falling off the edge. A bed that is too small may look neat in the room but will not be comfortable, while an oversized bed can dominate a small living space and be awkward to wash around.
For materials, think about your dog’s routine. Plush and Sherpa surfaces feel warm and cosy but collect more hair. Oxford-style covers are less soft but easier to wipe after muddy walks. Foam can offer useful support, but it needs protection from moisture because the insert itself is rarely machine washable. A waterproof liner is valuable if accidents are likely.
Cleaning is easiest when the cover comes off fully and the zip is easy to reach. Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, close zips before washing where advised and let every part dry properly before rebuilding the bed. A spare cover can make a washable bed far more practical because your dog does not lose its sleeping place while laundry dries.
Durability depends on behaviour as much as fabric. Dogs that scratch, nest or chew can damage even a well-made washable bed. Tougher fabric and reinforced seams help, but no soft bed should be treated as indestructible. For value, prioritise correct size, easy cleaning and a cover you can realistically remove and refit without frustration.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a dog bed be washed?
There is no single schedule that suits every dog. Beds used by muddy, shedding or incontinent dogs may need more frequent cleaning than beds used by short-haired indoor dogs. Vacuum hair and crumbs regularly, wash the cover when it becomes dirty or develops an odour, and always follow the care label.
Can you put an entire dog bed in the washing machine?
Only if the manufacturer specifically says the whole bed is machine washable. Many supportive beds contain foam that should not be machine washed, so the normal routine is to remove and wash the outer cover while cleaning the insert separately according to its instructions.
Is a waterproof dog bed better than a washable one?
They solve slightly different problems. A washable cover helps remove hair, mud and odours, while a waterproof liner helps keep moisture away from the filling. For dogs prone to accidents or wet walks, having both features is particularly practical.
What type of washable bed is best for an older dog?
A supportive bed with a low entry can be easier for an older dog to use, particularly if climbing over high sides has become awkward. Foam-based designs may offer more even support than lightly stuffed cushions, but any dog with persistent stiffness, pain or mobility changes should be assessed by a vet.
How do I stop a washable dog bed smelling?
Remove loose hair regularly, deal with dampness quickly and wash the cover before odours become deeply established. Make sure both the cover and inner bed are completely dry before putting them back together, as trapped moisture can create its own smell.
Final verdict
For most homes, the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Beds Large sofa is the strongest all-round choice because it combines a removable washable cover, waterproof protection, supportive foam and raised sides in a familiar bed shape. The EHEYCIGA mattress is better for crates and dogs that prefer to stretch out, while the Silentnight Orthopaedic Pet Bed is the clearer fit for older dogs that benefit from low access and a more enclosed shape. Dogbed4less stands out where protecting the foam from moisture is a priority, and the waterproof Bedsure mattress suits muddy dogs and practical utility spaces.
The best washable dog bed is ultimately the one you can keep clean without making daily life harder. Choose the right size, check exactly which parts are machine washable, think about how your dog sleeps and favour removable covers if muddy paws are a regular feature of your home. For more practical ideas for a calm pet-friendly space, browse the Quiet Abodes Pet Living section.
