Recommended Free Tools
Neither arrangement is best for every dog. If you and your dog both sleep comfortably, sharing your bed is generally reasonable. Choose a separate dog bed—often near yours—if either of you loses sleep, allergies worsen, your dog has trouble climbing, or bed-sharing creates a safety or behavior concern. Decide based on the needs of your dog and household, not a blanket rule about dominance.
How to decide where your dog should sleep
Start with three questions: Are both of you sleeping well? Is it physically safe and comfortable for your dog to get on and off the bed? Can your dog rest without guarding the bed or reacting dangerously when disturbed? If the answer to any of these is no, give your dog a separate sleeping place and address the underlying issue.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Veterinary guidance from VCA Animal Hospitals, last updated July 23, 2024, frames the choice around both the dog’s and owner’s health. Tufts veterinary behaviorist Stephanie Borns-Weil likewise says most dogs can sleep in their owners’ beds if both prefer the arrangement. Neither source presents bed-sharing as a requirement: dogs can also become accustomed to a crate, dog bed, or another sleeping area.
| Consideration | Sharing your bed may work when… | A separate dog bed may work better when… |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep | You both rest well and have enough room. | Movement, kicking, scratching, snoring, or heat wakes either sleeper. |
| Health and comfort | Neither person’s health nor the dog’s comfort is affected. | Allergies flare, the dog has mobility problems, or a low, supportive surface is easier to use. |
| Safety and behavior | Your dog is comfortable with the arrangement and can be moved safely if needed. | Your dog guards the bed or a person, or growls or bites when disturbed at rest. |
| Preference and routine | You both seem comfortable, and the household agrees on the rules. | Your dog prefers a cooler floor or its own space, or you prefer a dog-free bed. |
| Practicality | The bed has enough space and access is safe. | You want a separate resting area that is easier to maintain or keeps hair and outdoor dirt off the bed. |
This comparison is a decision aid, not a diagnosis. Ask a veterinarian about pain, mobility, allergies, parasites, or other health concerns; seek qualified behavior guidance for guarding or aggression.
#1 Best Overall
- Polyurethane Foam: The EHEYCIGA orthopedic dog bed features memory foam and egg crate foam to provide even support and pressure relief. It offers a good balance of softness and support, making it particularly suitable for elderly dogs to alleviate joint pressure.
- SOFA BED DESIGN: This bolster dog bed is designed with 3-sided bolsters to offer additional support for your pet’s neck and head, promoting restful sleep. The surrounding sides encourage your dog to snuggle in and enjoy a comfortable night's rest.
- WATERPROOF COVER: A waterproof film is positioned between the fleece surface and the bottom fabric, ensuring the dog bed remains dry. However, the sides are not waterproof.
- EXTREME COMFORT & MULTIPLE SIZES: The sleeping surface is covered with cozy fleece, creating a soft and inviting sleeping area for your pet. Whatever the size of your dog, we have a dog bed suitable for medium, large, and extra-large breeds.
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Remove foam, machine wash cover separately in cold water only, on a delicate cycle.Do not bleach, tumble dry low, and reshape as needed. Do not machine wash or dry the foam core. Allow the bed to expand for 24-48 hours after unpacking.
What bed-sharing can mean for sleep
Some people find a dog’s presence calming or reassuring. Others wake when a dog changes position, kicks, scratches, snores, or takes up space. The dog’s sleep matters too: some dogs want to move between resting places or prefer a cooler floor or room. A shared bed is only a good fit if both sleepers can rest comfortably, not simply because one of them enjoys the closeness.
There is no basis in the cited guidance for promising that bed-sharing will improve sleep overall. An American Kennel Club article summarizes a Mayo Clinic Center for Sleep Medicine survey of 150 pet-owning patients: 74 respondents (56%) allowed pets to sleep with them at night, and 41% said their pet either did not disrupt sleep or helped improve it through warmth, contentment, or relaxation. The survey year is not given in the AKC summary, and this was a clinic-patient sample—not a population-wide estimate or a dog-only result. It cannot establish that sleeping with a dog improves sleep for most people.
Pay attention to what happens in your own bedroom. If either of you regularly wakes, try a nearby dog bed for a few nights and compare how well you both rest. A separate bed can preserve proximity while giving each sleeper room and a distinct surface.
Rank #2
- Luxurious Padding Support - Filled with 3-1/2" premium polypropylene fiber through 6 keyhole fixation, excellent elasticity supporting and long-lasting recovery ability, effectively comforts dogs with strong supports to bony and joint areas, pressure relief, relieve joint pain, body aches, arthritis.
- Ultra Soft Rose Velvet - Adopt heavy weight deluxe plush material make it super soft, cozy and not easy to shedding, full stuffing to ensure your little furry friend surrounded by love & warmth, helps them to calm down faster, ease anxiety, and sleep well.
- Non-Slip Pad Design - This KSIIA dog crate bed equipped with ANTI-SLIP & ANTI-SCRATCH bottom, prevents your dog kennel pad from moving when your pet steps on or off, they will feel secure and happy.
- Machine Washable - Thanks to the 6 keyhole fixation and high quality filling, our kennel pad can be fully washed by hand or washing machine and can remain shape after times wash. Easy care: wash gentle with cold, then tumble dry low. Let your pets enjoy a breathable, clean and hygienic crate bed.
- Multi-Purpose Dog Bed - This durable dog crate mat measures 35"L x 23"W x 3-1/2"H, for dogs up to 60 lbs, it can be used as a crate bed, dog pillow, kennel bed, cage bed, crate pad even as a dog travel bed in a car or truck. It arrives as a vacuum packed bed in a box, so pat it or let it inflate for about 24 hours before your dog use it!
Health, allergies, and mobility can change the answer
Human allergies and exposure
Close contact can aggravate human allergy symptoms. VCA notes that dogs can bring dust and pollen onto bedding, and that co-sleeping increases exposure to certain parasites and ticks. If symptoms worsen in the bedroom, try keeping the bed dog-free and discuss persistent symptoms with a medical professional.
VCA suggests practical exposure-reduction measures: reduce outdoor pollen and dust on the dog’s coat, wash bed linens, and consider HEPA filtration. These steps may help reduce exposure, but they are not a substitute for medical advice or a guarantee that symptoms will resolve. For parasite prevention, ask your veterinarian what is appropriate for your dog and local risks.
Arthritis, climbing, and other physical limitations
A dog with arthritis or another mobility problem may struggle to climb onto a bed or jump down from it. VCA also identifies incontinence as a health and practical consideration. Observe whether your dog hesitates, struggles, or seems uncomfortable around the bed, and discuss a change in mobility or comfort with a veterinarian.
Rank #3
- Orthopedic Dog Bed for All Life Stages: Designed to provide pressure and pain relief for dogs with arthritis, joint pain, hip dysplasia, or mobility issues, this supportive dog bed features egg crate foam that helps distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on joints
- 2-Sided Bolsters: Designed with supportive 2-sided bolsters, this dog sofa bed gently cradles your dog's neck and head, creating a comfortable resting position from multiple angles, helping relieve pressure and promoting deeper, more restful sleep
- Designed for Modern Pet Homes: Ideal for busy pet parents in apartment living or family-friendly homes this calming dog bed creates a secure space for dogs who love curling up including senior or anxious pets. Features safer materials easy-clean surfaces for muddy paws while blending seamlessly with minimalist decor
- Available in Multiple Sizes: 30”x20” for small dogs up to 25 lbs Chihuahua Toy Poodle, 36”x24” for medium dogs up to 45 lbs Beagle Cocker Spaniel, 42”x28” for large dogs up to 80 lbs Border Collie Bulldog, and 48”x30” for extra large dogs up to 110 lbs Golden Retriever German Shepherd, 56”x40” fits almost all pets. Ideal for senior dogs, puppies, and adult dogs in living rooms, bedrooms, crates, and kennels for all seasons
- Care Instructions: The removable cover of the dog bed is machine washable just simply machine wash and tumble dry; please note that the egg crate foam is not washable; as the foam is compressed it will take about seventy-two hours to expand
A low, supportive dog bed on the floor may be the safer choice for a small or senior dog, especially if the human bed is tall. Pet stairs or a ramp may be considered when bed-sharing is otherwise appropriate, but an access aid does not make every bed safe for every dog. Choose the sleeping setup around the dog’s actual ability and comfort.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →When a separate sleeping place is the safer choice
Bed or person guarding
If your dog guards the bed or a person, use a separate sleeping area and seek help from a veterinarian or qualified behavior professional. Tufts, VCA, and the American Kennel Club all treat guarding or aggression around resting places as a reason to reconsider bed-sharing. Do not frame the problem as a contest for household leadership: access to a bed does not make a dog dominant.
Growling or biting when disturbed
A dog that growls or bites when disturbed while resting needs an undisturbed place to sleep. Do not try to force the dog off the bed or treat a growl as a dominance dispute. Move to a separate sleep arrangement without provoking the dog, then ask a veterinarian or qualified behavior professional for guidance. A new or worsening reaction can warrant veterinary attention as well as behavior support.
Rank #4
- Orthopedic Support: Our orthopedic dog sofa is designed to give your pet unparalleled support for a deep, dreamy sleep. High-density egg-crate foam helps distribute weight evenly and provides the perfect amount of pressure relief and joint support.
- Enhanced Comfort: The 4-sided bolster design promotes ultimate comfort and security, offering your pet a variety of cozy positions to snuggle. The cushioned bolster shape is deeply filled to support your pet’s head and neck for a more restful sleep. And the lowered entrance protects your pet's knees and promotes accessibility.
- Waterproof & Easy Care: The cover features a laminated waterproof layer that helps protect against spills and accidents. Simply unzip and remove the cover for quick machine washing and easy care.
- Tested & Dog Approved: This supportive dog bed is wrapped in our velvety soft flannel fabric, offering soothing comfort that your furry friend will find cozy and relaxing.
- Pet Safe Materials: This standard 100 by OEKO-TEX(24.HCN.46956) certified pet bed consists of CertiPUR-US certified foam and luxurious flannel, creating a safe and comfortable space for your furry friend to rest and recharge. The non-skid bottom reduces slips and protects your dog.
Puppies and infants
Tufts recommends a safe enclosure for puppies when they cannot be supervised. A puppy left unsupervised in an adult bed may not have a safe, controlled sleeping setup; use an appropriate enclosed area instead. Tufts also cautions that dogs should not be on the bed when an infant is sleeping in or near it. Keep the dog and sleeping infant in separate, supervised spaces.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to set up either arrangement
If your dog sleeps in your bed
- Agree on the household rule. Decide whether bed access is allowed and keep the rule consistent. The American Kennel Club suggests invitation-based access; this can make the routine predictable without treating the bed as a status issue.
- Check the space and access. Make sure both sleepers have room and that your dog can get on and off safely. For a small or senior dog, consider whether a floor-level bed is the safer option; use stairs or a ramp only if suitable for that dog and setup.
- Keep another resting place available. Put a dog bed or crate mat nearby so your dog can settle separately or move to a cooler, roomier surface. Tufts notes dogs can get used to a crate, dog bed, or other sleeping area.
- Review the arrangement when circumstances change. Reassess if sleep becomes disrupted, allergy symptoms worsen, climbing becomes difficult, or guarding or sleep-startle behavior appears. Make a separate sleeping area available rather than insisting on bed-sharing.
If your dog sleeps in its own bed
- Choose a location that suits the dog and household. A nearby spot can keep the dog close while preserving separate sleeping surfaces. A dog that prefers a cooler floor or more room to move may do better with its own space.
- Use a suitable surface. For a dog with mobility concerns, ask your veterinarian about a low, supportive option and where to place it. The source guidance does not specify a universal bed type or firmness that fits every dog.
- Make the arrangement predictable. Use the same sleep location and household rule consistently. A crate or crate mat is another possible sleeping area if appropriate for the dog; Tufts notes dogs can become accustomed to alternatives to a human bed.
- Keep safety issues separate from training goals. If the reason for moving the dog is guarding, biting, pain, or difficulty climbing, seek veterinary or qualified behavior advice rather than trying to solve the underlying problem by simply changing the bed.
Does letting a dog into bed cause dominance or behavior problems?
No. Tufts’ veterinary behaviorist rejects the idea that bed access makes a dog the household leader. The American Kennel Club also notes that behavior problems observed around co-sleeping may have preceded bed-sharing rather than been caused by it. The practical question is whether the arrangement is safe and comfortable—not whether the dog is claiming rank.
That does not mean every dog should share a bed. A dog that guards the sleeping space, reacts aggressively when disturbed, or cannot use it comfortably needs a different setup and appropriate professional advice. Separate sleeping is a safety and comfort decision, not a punishment or a verdict about the dog’s character.
Best Value
- Oprah Daily Award-Winning Comfort:Recognized by Oprah Daily as the perfect donut dog bed for curl-up sleepers, this round calming pet bed is loved for its extra-fluffy faux fur, raised rim for furry heads, and cozy design that blends seamlessly into any home. Petite sizes (XS–M) are fully machine washable for added ease.
- Donut Design for Calming Rest:The signature donut dog bed shape provides a soothing, secure space for pets, while the raised edge supports the head and neck. Its plush filling ensures long-lasting comfort, making this calming dog bed ideal for curl-up sleepers and anxious pets alike.
- Sweet Daydreams, Sounder Nights:From lazy afternoon naps to overnight snoozes, this calming dog bed surrounds your pet in soft, supportive comfort. The round bed design helps them feel safe and secure, encouraging deeper, more restful sleep around the clock.
- Pet-Safe & Thoughtful Details:Crafted with Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX(24.HCN.46956) certified materials, this calming dog bed is made from tested-safe fabrics gentle on pets. The sturdy, non-slip base keeps the round pet bed in place, so your furry friend can hop in and out with comfort.
- Machine Washable:Designed to look as good as it feels, this donut pet bed comes in a range of neutral hues that blend seamlessly into any space. Smaller sizes (XS–M,XL) are fully washable, while larger sizes (L) feature a removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning with minimal effort.
What the available survey figures can—and cannot—tell you
The AKC has also summarized a separate survey in which 45% of dog owners said their dog spent the night in the owner’s bed, while 20% reported a crate and 17% the dog’s own bed. The AKC summary does not provide the survey year or methodology, so these figures should be treated cautiously rather than as a current, representative measure of dog owners’ habits.
Neither this result nor the Mayo Clinic patient survey tells you which arrangement is best for your household. The decision depends on the individual dog’s health and behavior, the owner’s health and sleep, and the safety of the setup.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute
