Buying guide
Best Dog Beds in Australia 2025 — For Every Size and Sleep Style
From orthopaedic memory foam for seniors to cooling mats for Australian summers — we've rounded up the best beds by dog type.
4 picks, 7 min read
Our top picks
- 1
Best for Seniors
PaWz Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
View on Amazon - 2
Kazoo Dog Bed Donut
View on Amazon - 3
Paws & Claws Calming Donut Bed
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Best for Aussie Heat
All For Paws Cooling Gel Mat
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Compare at a glance
Memory foam orthopaedic
- Best For
- Seniors, large breeds, joint issues
- Not Ideal For
- Young healthy dogs (overkill)
- AU Summer Suitability
- Medium — use with cooling mat on hot days
Cooling gel mat
- Best For
- Any dog in hot weather, thick-coated breeds
- Not Ideal For
- Cold climates or winter
- AU Summer Suitability
- Excellent ✅ — activates with pressure, no electricity
Donut/bolster
- Best For
- Anxious puppies, curlers, security-seekers
- Not Ideal For
- Dogs who sprawl flat
- AU Summer Suitability
- Medium — elevated sides reduce airflow
Flat mat/lounger
- Best For
- Sprawlers, active young dogs, travel
- Not Ideal For
- Dogs with joint issues
- AU Summer Suitability
- Good ✅ — low insulation, high airflow
Elevated cot
- Best For
- Hot climates, arthritic dogs, outdoor use
- Not Ideal For
- Dogs who like to burrow
- AU Summer Suitability
- Excellent ✅ — airflow underneath and above
| Bed Type | Best For | Not Ideal For | AU Summer Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memory foam orthopaedic | Seniors, large breeds, joint issues | Young healthy dogs (overkill) | Medium — use with cooling mat on hot days |
| Cooling gel mat | Any dog in hot weather, thick-coated breeds | Cold climates or winter | Excellent ✅ — activates with pressure, no electricity |
| Donut/bolster | Anxious puppies, curlers, security-seekers | Dogs who sprawl flat | Medium — elevated sides reduce airflow |
| Flat mat/lounger | Sprawlers, active young dogs, travel | Dogs with joint issues | Good ✅ — low insulation, high airflow |
| Elevated cot | Hot climates, arthritic dogs, outdoor use | Dogs who like to burrow | Excellent ✅ — airflow underneath and above |
Small
- Typical Breeds
- Maltese, Cavoodle, Chihuahua (under 10kg)
- Bed Size
- Small
- Minimum Length
- 60–70cm
Medium
- Typical Breeds
- Staffy, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel (10–20kg)
- Bed Size
- Medium
- Minimum Length
- 80–90cm
Large
- Typical Breeds
- Lab, Golden, Husky (20–35kg)
- Bed Size
- Large
- Minimum Length
- 100–110cm
Extra Large
- Typical Breeds
- GSD, Malamute, Great Dane (35kg+)
- Bed Size
- XL or XXL
- Minimum Length
- 120cm+
| Dog Size | Typical Breeds | Bed Size | Minimum Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Maltese, Cavoodle, Chihuahua (under 10kg) | Small | 60–70cm |
| Medium | Staffy, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel (10–20kg) | Medium | 80–90cm |
| Large | Lab, Golden, Husky (20–35kg) | Large | 100–110cm |
| Extra Large | GSD, Malamute, Great Dane (35kg+) | XL or XXL | 120cm+ |
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product links on this page go to Amazon AU. Prices shown are approximate, check Amazon for current pricing.
Your dog spends about 12–14 hours sleeping every day. The right bed isn't a luxury — it's an investment in their comfort, joint health, and longevity. In Australia, where temperatures soar and humidity makes joints swell, choosing the right bed type for your dog's age, size, and sleep style can prevent arthritis pain and keep them cooler year-round.
Choosing the Right Bed Type
Best Beds by Dog Type
Best for Seniors
PaWz Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
Australian favourite for senior dogs and large breeds. 10cm memory foam moulds to your dog's body and distributes weight evenly across joints. Waterproof, machine-washable cover. Vet-recommended for arthritic dogs.
- 10cm thick memory foam
- Waterproof, machine-washable cover
- Non-slip base prevents sliding
- Available in all sizes (XS to XXL)
Kazoo Dog Bed Donut
Soft donut design with raised sides for curlers and security-seekers. Perfect for anxious dogs and puppies transitioning from their litter. Machine washable, multiple colours, compact for smaller spaces.
- Raised sides provide nesting security
- Soft microfibre fabric
- Machine washable
- Compact design for apartments
Paws & Claws Calming Donut Bed
Budget-friendly donut bed with deep sides and plush filling. Good for puppies and medium dogs. Removable cover for easy cleaning. Value option before you know your dog's sleep preference.
- Deep sides for nesting
- Plush comfortable filling
- Removable washable cover
- Good value entry point
Best for Aussie Heat
All For Paws Cooling Gel Mat
Non-electric cooling pad essential for Australian heat. Activates when pressure applied — no electricity, no noise. Lasts 6–8 hours per activation. Safe for all ages. Can place under or over any existing bed.
- Pressure-activated gel — no electricity
- Lasts 6–8 hours per activation
- Waterproof, easy-clean surface
- Safe for all ages including puppies
Sizing Guide
Australian Climate Considerations
- Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Cooling gel mat over or under any bed. Avoid memory foam alone — it traps heat. Elevated cot beds excellent for airflow.
- Autumn/Spring
- Any bed type works. Orthopaedic foam is fine with a cover that breathes.
- Winter (June–Aug)
- Memory foam or donut beds retain warmth. Add a washable blanket for small breeds. Elevated cots are cold — avoid in winter.
- Wash frequency
- Weekly in summer (humidity + sweat = mildew fast). Fortnightly in winter. Always air-dry to preserve foam structure.
Senior Dogs: Joint Support
- When to switch to memory foam
- From age 7 for large breeds, age 10 for small breeds — before arthritis is obvious, not after.
- Memory foam quality check
- Press hand into foam — should spring back slowly over 2–3 seconds. Fast spring-back = not real memory foam.
- Bed placement for arthritic dogs
- Near a warm wall in winter, away from AC vents. Cold drafts worsen joint pain significantly.
Common questions
What's the best bed for a hot Australian dog?
A cooling gel mat is ideal — they activate with pressure and require no electricity. Pair with a light, breathable flat mat or elevated cot. Avoid thick memory foam as the primary bed in peak heat unless your dog has joint issues that require it.
How often should I wash my dog's bed cover?
Weekly in summer, fortnightly in winter. Australian humidity demands frequent washing to prevent mildew and dust mite buildup. Always air-dry memory foam — tumble drying breaks down the foam structure.
Is memory foam worth the cost for a young dog?
Not usually. Save memory foam for senior dogs and large breeds prone to hip dysplasia. Young, healthy dogs do fine on comfortable flat mats or donut beds. Invest in memory foam from age 7 for large breeds, 10 for small breeds.
Can I use a human mattress topper for my dog?
Not recommended. Human beds don't account for dogs' joint angles and heat regulation. Plus, they're not designed for the wear and washability dogs need — you'll replace it frequently.
What size bed should I buy for a growing puppy?
Buy for their expected adult size, not their current size. Many puppies outgrow beds quickly. A Medium accommodates most dogs up to 20kg. Check the expected adult weight of your breed and size accordingly.
Are water-based cooling beds better than gel mats?
Gel mats are simpler and don't require water. Water beds work but need occasional refilling and can develop leaks. Both work well; gel is lower maintenance and more durable for Australian conditions.