Best Dog Beds For Labradors [2024 Dog Bed Guide]
Searching for the ideal bed for your Labrador can be challenging, with so many options available on the market, it can be difficult to decide what your dog will prefer and what they actually need.
Choosing the right bed for your Labrador will depend on various factors such as size, material, durability, and your dog’s specific needs. It’s important to take the time to research and consider different options to ensure you get the best bed that will provide comfort and support for your furry companion.
But in this post, you’ll see which dog beds we recommend, as well as:
- What different types of dog beds are out there (and which ones are the best for your Labrador)
- What makes a good dog bed
- What to consider when choosing a bed for your Labrador puppy (they can be a little rough on their beds!)
- Answers to FAQs about the best bed for your Labrador
- And much more
Let’s dive in!
3 Best Types Of Dog Beds For Labradors
There are several types of dog beds that you might be considering, but here are our favorite three:
- Orthopedic beds
- Beds for crates
- Cots
There are many different options within these types, as well as crossovers between them, but here are our favorites:
Best Orthopedic Dog Bed For Labradors
Orthopedic dog beds are a great option for your Labrador as they provide extra support for their joints and bones, which can help reduce pain and discomfort. They are also designed to be comfortable and provide adequate cushioning for your dog’s needs.
They are ideal for dogs who are older or have arthritis, or other joint issues. Not only they are beneficial for the health of your Lab but also provide a cozy and comfortable spot for them to rest.
Here’s what we recommend:
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
This bed is a great choice for both adult and senior Labradors, it offers the perfect balance of comfort and durability.
The bed is designed to provide a comfortable spot for your dog to rest, and it’s also easy to clean, which is an added bonus for the pet parents.
The bed is also built to last, making it a great investment for the long-term. Your Lab will love the softness and comfort it provides, while you’ll appreciate its durability and ease of maintenance.
Pros:
- 4″ memory foam base for extra comfort and joint protection
- Bolsters on all sides for your Lab to use as a pillow or bury their head under
- Removable liner you can easily take off and throw in the washing machine
- Waterproof liner to protect against pee, drool or vomit
- Rubber-lined bottom for stability on tile or wood floors
Cons:
- Not chew-proof
- More expensive than other beds
Runner Up For Best Orthopedic Dog Bed: BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper
It’s comfortable and provides a good spot for your dog to relax, like the PetFusion bed. However, it is more budget-friendly. It doesn’t have a waterproof liner, but it is still a great option for those looking for a comfortable bed for their adult or senior Labrador that won’t break the bank.
Pros:
- 4″ orthopedic foam base for extra comfort and joint protection
- Bolsters on all sides for your Lab to use as a pillow or bury their head under
- Removable liner you can easily take off and throw in the washing machine
- Rubber-lined bottom for stability on tile or wood floors
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Not chew-proof
- Not waterproof
Best Crate Bed For Labradors
Crate beds are specifically designed to fit inside crates and provide a comfortable and cozy spot for your Labrador to rest while they’re in the crate.
They are made to fit snugly in the crate, ensuring that your dog has a comfortable and supportive place to sleep while they’re confined.
Here’s what we recommend:
MidWest Bolster Crate Bed
Pros:
- Fits snugly in a 42″ crate
- Bolsters on all sides for your pup to use as a pillow
- Reasonably priced
- Machine washable and dryer friendly
Cons:
- Not chew-proof
- Not as plush as an orthopedic bed
Who this bed is for:This bed is great for puppies and younger dogs who spend time in their crate.It can also work as a bed for around the house and is more friendly on your wallet than an orthopedic bed.
Best Cot Bed For Labradors
Cots aren’t exactly beds, but they’re great for your Lab to lay on outside on the patio or when camping, and they’re great for teaching your Lab a “place” command.
Plus, your Labrador will find the mesh fabric pretty comfortable.Here’s what we recommend:
Amazon Basics Cot
Pros:
- Cool and breathable
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to clean
- Easy breakdown and setup for transportation
- Mesh fabric is comfortable
Cons:
- No bolsters for the sides
- Not as comfortable as the orthopedic beds on this list
Who this bed is for:If you want to teach your Lab “place,” or you spend a lot of time outside, this cot is perfect for you and your Labrador.
Related: Best Backpack Carrier For Labrador Retriever
Other Types Of Dog Beds
The above beds aren’t the only types of dog beds available.You’ve also got:
- Calming dog beds (which are big and fluffy, like this bed)
- Chew-resistant and water-repellant dog beds (which are super tough, like this Maxx dog bed)
Best Dog Beds For Labrador Puppies
There are several things to consider when thinking about what type of dog bed to get your Labrador puppy:
- Will they pee on it?
- Will they chew it up?
- Will it be the right size?
These are important questions, so let’s check them out.
Will your Labrador puppy pee on their bed?
Dogs are clean animals, and they don’t like to pee where they sleep.So chances are, your Labrador puppy won’t voluntarily pee on their bed.
However, if you leave them in their crate for too long, they might have an accident.And it’s not just pee you have to worry about.
Puppies are more prone to vomiting and diarrhea because they still haven’t quite yet learned to not eat everything in sight.
Will your Labrador puppy chew their bed?
Puppies love to chew just about everything, so it’s definitely not out of the question.
Will it be the right size for your Labrador puppy?
One day, your Labrador puppy will be 10 pounds, then you’ll blink and they’ll be 60 pounds.
Since they grow so fast, it’s tough to get a bed that’s just the right size for more than a week.
You could either get a smaller version of the beds listed above, or just get the adult-sized beds and let your Labrador puppy grow into them.
Getting the Right Puppy Bed
When shopping for a bed for your Labrador puppy, keep in mind that they may pee on it, chew it, or outgrow it.
We just went with a crate bed when Charles was a puppy (we went through a few of them, so I’m thankful that they’re cheap), then when he grew up, we got him a nice orthopedic bed that he loves.
No matter what beds you choose, puppies sleep a lot, and they’ll just be happy to lay down somewhere comfortable.
Labrador Dog Bed FAQ
How big should a dog bed for Labradors be?
Beds around 40 inches long will be good for your Labrador.If you’re getting a crate bed, be sure to get a bed that has similar dimensions to the crate so there’s not a lot of unused room in there.
Where should you keep your Labrador’s bed?
Labradors are social dogs and love to be around their families.Most people will keep their dog’s bed in their bedroom, but they may also have one for their living room or kitchen, or wherever they spend their time during the day.
How do you wash a dog bed?
To get your Lab’s bed extra clean and protect them from harmful bugs or parasites, wash it in your washing machine with hot water and pet-safe laundry detergent.
Some beds, like the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed, have removable covers that you can wash.With other beds, like the MidWest Bolster Crate Bed, you’re safe to throw the whole thing in the washing machine.
What makes a good Labrador dog bed?
Here are four factors that you want to look for when choosing a bed for your Labrador:
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Appropriate for the dog’s life stage (i.e. your old Labrador will really appreciate an orthopedic bed)
Your Lab will probably also like a bed with bolsters on the sides to lay their heads on.
Do Labradors even sleep on dog beds?
Yes, your Labrador may like to sleep on the floor, couch, your bed, or even the sunny lawn outside, but they do appreciate having their own space, too.
Should a dog bed be waterproof?
Having a dog bed with a waterproof cover will make cleanup easy if you have an old Labrador who might start to have accidents in the house again.
With a puppy, a waterproof cover will be helpful, or you could also have two washable crate beds in case of an accident, similar to how you would have a spare set of sheets for a child.
What happens if my dog doesn’t like their bed?
Your Labrador may not love their new bed at first.It might take some time to get used to the feel and smell, but you can encourage them to like it by praising them when they get in it, or tossing toys or treats in it.
Of course, they could also just be boujie and want a more comfy bed.
Does my Labrador really need an orthopedic bed?
Foam cushioning can help protect your Lab’s joints from laying on the hard floor.Plus, it’ll be more comfortable for them.When we got Charles his first orthopedic bed, we kept his old crate bed in our room, too.He slept in the orthopedic bed every night, but we rarely saw him in the crate bed.
Do Labradors like blankets?
Many Labradors do like blankets, but they seem to prefer to lay on them rather than under them.Also, your puppy may enjoy tearing a blanket up more than cuddling with it, so be careful about leaving one in the crate with them.
Conclusion
There is no one perfect bed for Labradors, but they’ll probably go through and enjoy a mix of orthopedic beds, crate beds, and cots.
Here are the ones we recommend:
And when choosing a bed for your Labrador, make sure to get one that’s easy to clean, comfortable, durable, and appropriate for whatever stage of life they’re in.
What’s your Lab’s favorite bed?Have any questions about picking a bed for your Labrador?Let me know down in the comments!