Are waterproof dog beds a good idea?
While this is most common in large breed, spayed female dogs, all dogs can suffer from urinary incontinence, which means they may start leaking urine or urinate without meaning to.
Sometimes, they’re simply not able to make it outside in time. This is especially true for elderly dogs, but also for puppies and adult dogs who are learning how to potty train and can’t fully control their bladder yet, especially when lying down.
Likewise, if your dog has just been through some kind of medical procedure or is otherwise experiencing health problems, you may need a bed that will help you guard against urine.
Of course, this puts stress on you as the pet owner, but it also inevitably puts stress on your pup, as dogs prefer not to go to the bathroom in the same area they sleep in.
So what’s the solution? Going waterproof, of course!
Why Do Dogs Need a Waterproof Bed?
As mentioned earlier, if your dog has trouble controlling his bladder through the night, a waterproof bed is by far the best way to go.
While other dog beds can get ruined quickly from urine soaking into the fibers of a mattress, with a waterproof bed, you simply wipe it down, disinfect, and it’s like brand new.
But waterproof beds aren’t only great for guarding against urine, they also help deflect vomit, diarrhea, and other unpleasant accidents. Some are even suitable for outdoor adventures, such as camping.
Waterproof vs Water-Resistant Dog Beds
Be sure to read the labels, because there’s a definite difference between dog beds that are water-resistant and ones that are waterproof.
While water-resistant dog beds are certainly better than nothing, they’re made from a material that simply allows the liquid to bead up on the surface rather than whisking it away.
Waterproof dog beds, on the other hand, have a built-in barrier that locks in liquid and prevents it from spreading.
Below are some of the best waterproof dog beds available on the market today.
1. Better World Pets Orthopedic Dog Bed
This bed is incredibly plush and comfortable, and has built-in pressure point reliefs that provide support to elderly dogs or dogs with bone and joint issues. There’s also a waterproof cover that’s easy to take on and off, making it a breeze to clean.
Filled with shredded memory foam material, your dog can rest comfortably, secure against any potential accidents which may occur during the night. As an added bonus, the anti-skid texture on the bottom of the bed prevents it from moving around every time he gets up or lies down.
A perfect choice for households with larger dogs, this product also comes in a large size, which accommodates dogs between 50-80 pounds, and extra-large, which is ideal for breeds weighing up to 120 pounds.
2. Brindle Waterproof Design Memory Foam Pet Bed
This bed doesn’t have a waterproof cover, but rather a custom-built encasement that lies just beneath the surface of the fabric cover. It does, however, comes with a removable cover that’s very easy to unzip and toss in the washing machine in case of accidents or excessive hair build-up.
The 4″ thick mattress filled with soft memory foam gives your dog plenty of support in all the right areas when he lays his head down at night. It even automatically adjusts itself to your pet’s weight, so it works just as well for larger dogs as smaller. Likewise, the hypoallergenic surface means that your dog is well-protected from dust mites and other environmental allergens.
There’s also a 3-year warranty to ensure that you’re fully satisfied with the product after making a purchase.
3. Premium Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
If your dog is prone to incontinence, you can rest easy knowing that this bed is well protected. The mattress itself is made from premium-grade memory foam, which does absolute wonders to support tired, achy joints in dogs with arthritis or other medical issues. Also, the waterproof cover is a breeze to take on and off, so you can easily wash it by hand or on a gentle cycle in the machine.
The cover surface is soft and easy to snuggle into and it comes in a handsome gray color that compliments nearly every home’s décor. And the best thing? Not only is your dog all but guaranteed to get a great night’s sleep, but the product is CertiPUR-US certified to be completely chemical-free! Plus, the non-slip cover makes it a good option for outdoor use as well.
However, the bed size is probably more suitable for medium-sized dog breeds.
4. JOYELF Orthopedic Dog Bed
JOYELF is a company that takes great pride in ensuring your pets are extended the same comfort as the rest of the family. The flame-retardant memory foam base is specifically designed to conform to the individual weight and structure of your dog, so he’s able to receive support in the areas where he needs it the most.
For maximum comfort, there are built-in pillows built into the edges of the bed, so your dog can lay his head down for a good night’s sleep. It also has an anti-slip surface that keeps it from moving around and the waterproof coating is an absolute stand-out feature, helping to guard against accidents.
This orthopedic bed is available in three different sizes to accommodate dogs of all sizes, from small to large. When needed, you can simply toss it into the washing machine for easy cleanup and hang up to dry.
5. K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot
Many dog bed designs fall into one of two categories – either a square mattress shape, or something with more rounded edges, designed for curling up. Interestingly, this product almost resembles a pet-sized loveseat or mini-couch, and it’s made from polyester fabric, which is completely waterproof. Along with being great for dealing with potential accidents, the mesh center also helps with easy cleanup, as well as a way for your dog to keep cool on warmer days.
The bed itself is quite durable, so you don’t have to worry about it toppling over or breaking after repeated use. Additionally, the rubber feet will prevent any slipping around as your dog gets up and down. For ultimate comfort, there’s even a plush bolster on each end.
Due to the lack of memory foam, this might not be the best choice for dogs with arthritis who require more joint support. Otherwise, it’s a great addition to any pet-loving home.
6. Millard Premium Orthopedic Dog Bed
This simple, square design can fit dogs ranging from small to extra-large in size, and the durable, quality materials ensure you get a quality product for the money spent. Equipped with a waterproof liner that’s very easy to remove and memory foam, it’s a good option for dogs with incontinence issues, puppies, and elderly dogs with joint pain.
The bed is soft and plush, and the orthopedic memory foam provides just the right amount of support to the right areas. This product as well is certified to be free from any harmful chemicals and it boasts a non-skid surface underneath, which is a huge bonus for homes with hardwood surfaces.
For those of you with a busy lifestyle, you can simply toss the liner in the washing machine and hang it up for best results.
7. Pet Fusion Ultimate Dog Bed
Available in three classy colors, the removable cover works to resist water and provide a barrier against accidents, while the inner liner is waterproof. The bed is also incredibly comfortable and completely free of any harmful chemicals, so you can be sure your dog is sleeping as soundly and safely as possible.
The memory foam base is a blessing for dogs with joint issues and the fluffy bolsters offer another level of comfort. Likewise, there’s a non-skid surface on the bottom of the bed, so your dog can’t move it around simply by getting in and out of bed. Moreover, the material is breathable and prevents against skin irritation.
While this is a great choice for households with smaller dogs or even cats, if you have a larger breed dog, make sure to purchase the large or even jumbo version.
8. The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed
This product contains everything you’ll need, complete with a waterproof lining that protects the main bed from any damage during accidents. Also, the high-density memory foam means it’s a great choice for dogs with any kind of arthritis or dysplasia, as well as a wise option for preventative measures in younger breeds who are prone to these conditions.
The plush bolsters surrounding the bed’s edges are great for preventing your dog from rolling off the edge in his sleep, making it a comfortable place to settle in for the night. If your dog does happen to experience an accident, clean up takes only a few minutes, as you can easily remove the lining and machine wash it so it stays clean and ready for use.
Made from durable, strong materials, your dog is sure to get a lot of use out of this wonderful bed.
Bottom Line
Simply put, when looking for waterproof dog beds, you want something that’s both effective, budget-friendly, and easy to clean. Plus, you need to be sure that you’re purchasing a bed that will be as comfortable as possible for your dog.
In fact, many waterproof dog beds offer support for older dogs with arthritis, so if this is the case, you definitely want to look for a product that specifies a good level of body support.
Finally, if you’re prone to allergies or your pup has sensitive skin, pick a dog bed that can repel dust mites and other potential irritants.