Best Calming Dog Beds for Anxiety: 7 Beds to Help Your Pup Relax (2025)

Understanding Dog Anxiety and Sleep

Anxious dogs often struggle to settle down and sleep deeply. Whether it’s separation anxiety, noise phobia, or general nervousness, anxiety disrupts the sleep that dogs need to stay healthy and happy.

Signs Your Dog May Have Anxiety:

• Pacing or inability to settle
• Panting when not hot
• Trembling or shaking
• Excessive licking or chewing
• Hiding or seeking constant contact
• Whining or barking when left alone
• Destructive behavior

While calming beds aren’t a cure-all, they can be a valuable tool in managing anxiety. The right bed creates a safe, comfortable space that triggers your dog’s natural nesting instincts and helps them feel secure.

Quick Picks:

• Best Overall: Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Bed — $35-$85
• Best Value: FurHaven Calming Cuddler — $25-$65
• Best Premium: PetFusion Calming Cuddler — $69-$119
• Budget Pick: JOEJOY Donut Dog Bed — $20-$45
• Best Cave Bed: Snoozer Cozy Cave — $79-$149

How Calming Dog Beds Work

The Science of Comfort

Calming beds leverage several psychological and physical mechanisms:

Deep Touch Pressure: Like weighted blankets for humans, the surrounding bolsters provide gentle pressure that can help reduce anxiety. This cocooning sensation is associated with feelings of comfort and security.

Nesting Instinct: Dogs instinctively seek enclosed spaces that feel safe. The donut shape mimics a den or nest, satisfying this primal need.

Warmth and Softness: Soft, warm materials mimic the comfort of contact with other dogs or humans. This is especially soothing for dogs who were separated from their litter too early.

Head Support: The raised bolsters give anxious dogs a place to rest their head while keeping their surroundings in view—allowing them to feel safe while staying alert.

What to Look For

Raised Bolsters: The defining feature of calming beds. High, supportive walls create a sense of enclosure and provide chin rest options.

Ultra-Soft Materials: Faux fur, sherpa, or microfleece that feels comforting against skin. Many dogs find fluffy textures particularly soothing.

Deep Center: A recessed middle that dogs can sink into, creating a cozy nest feeling.

Non-Slip Bottom: Prevents the bed from sliding when dogs jump in or circle before lying down.

Machine Washable: Anxious dogs often drool more or have accidents—washability is essential.

The 7 Best Calming Dog Beds for Anxiety

1. Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Bed — Best Overall

Price: $35-$85 | Rating: 4.5/5 (125,000+ reviews)

This is the bed that started the calming bed craze, and it remains the best option for most anxious dogs. With over 125,000 reviews and countless viral videos, the Sheri has earned its reputation.

What Makes It Special:

The deep crevices around the rim create perfect burrowing spots—anxious dogs can wedge themselves into the bolster and feel completely surrounded. The vegan faux fur is impossibly soft, and the raised bolster supports head and neck while providing security.

The air-loft fiber filling is designed to stay fluffy through use and washing. Unlike beds that go flat after a few months, the Sheri maintains its shape remarkably well.

Specs:

• Sizes: 23” to 45” diameter
• Fill: Air-loft fiber
• Cover: Vegan faux fur
• Base: Non-slip, water-resistant

Pros:

• Deep crevices satisfy burrowing instincts
• Vegan faux fur is incredibly soft and durable
• Raised bolster supports head and provides security
• Machine washable (gentle cycle)
• Maintains shape well through washing

Cons:

• Can be too warm in hot climates
• Filling may shift to one side over time
• Sizing runs slightly small

Best For: Dogs who love to curl up, nervous dogs who seek enclosed spaces, dogs with separation anxiety.

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2. FurHaven Calming Cuddler Bed — Best Value

Price: $25-$65 | Rating: 4.4/5 (45,000+ reviews)

FurHaven consistently delivers quality at accessible prices, and their Calming Cuddler is no exception. Available with or without a memory foam base, this bed offers flexibility for different needs and budgets.

What Makes It Special:

The optional memory foam base sets this apart—most calming beds rely solely on fiber fill, but the foam version provides orthopedic support alongside the calming bolsters. This makes it ideal for senior anxious dogs or those with joint issues.

The removable cover simplifies washing, and the range of sizes (up to Jumbo Plus) accommodates even giant breeds.

Specs:

• Sizes: Small to Jumbo Plus
• Fill: Fiber fill or memory foam base options
• Cover: Faux fur, removable and washable
• Base: Non-skid

Pros:

• Memory foam base option for orthopedic support
• Sizes up to Jumbo Plus for large breeds
• Removable cover for easy washing
• Excellent value for quality
• Multiple color options

Cons:

• Foam base sold separately on some listings
• Bolsters may flatten faster than premium options
• Fiber-only version provides less support

Best For: Budget-conscious buyers, large dogs, senior dogs needing orthopedic support with calming features.

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3. PetFusion Calming Cuddler Dog Bed — Best Premium

Price: $69-$119 | Rating: 4.5/5 (4,800+ reviews)

PetFusion brings their signature quality to the calming bed category, combining anxiety-reducing design with genuine orthopedic support.

What Makes It Special:

The 4-inch memory foam base is the key differentiator. While other calming beds focus only on the psychological benefits of bolsters and soft fabric, PetFusion adds substantial orthopedic support. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified and won’t flatten over time.

The microfleece cover stays surprisingly cool despite its plush appearance—a common complaint with calming beds that PetFusion has thoughtfully addressed.

Specs:

• Sizes: Large (32x27x8”), X-Large (38x32x10”)
• Fill: 4-inch memory foam base + polyester bolsters
• Cover: Premium microfleece, removable
• Base: Water-resistant, non-skid

Pros:

• 4-inch memory foam provides real orthopedic support
• Premium microfleece stays cooler than faux fur
• Water-resistant base protects foam
• CertiPUR-US certified foam
• Maintains shape for years

Cons:

• Higher price point than most calming beds
• Heavier—harder to move and wash
• Only two size options

Best For: Dogs with anxiety AND joint issues, owners who want premium quality, dogs who overheat in standard calming beds.

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4. JOEJOY Donut Dog Bed — Budget Pick

Price: $20-$45 | Rating: 4.4/5 (28,000+ reviews)

Proof that calming beds don’t have to be expensive. The JOEJOY delivers the essential features—soft faux fur, raised bolsters, and a cozy donut shape—at a price anyone can afford.

What Makes It Special:

At under $25 for a medium size, the JOEJOY makes calming beds accessible. The faux fur is genuinely soft (not scratchy like some budget options), and the water-resistant bottom protects floors from accidents.

Multiple color options let you match your decor, and the variety of sizes accommodates dogs from tiny to medium-large.

Specs:

• Sizes: 16” to 36” diameter
• Fill: PP cotton fiber
• Cover: Faux fur
• Base: Water-resistant, non-slip

Pros:

• Incredible value under $25 for medium size
• Soft faux fur rivals more expensive options
• Water-resistant bottom protects floors
• Multiple colors available
• Lightweight and easy to move

Cons:

• Filling compresses faster than premium options
• Sizing often runs smaller than listed
• May need more frequent replacement

Best For: Budget-conscious buyers, trying calming beds for the first time, multi-dog households needing several beds.

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5. K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper — Best Self-Warming

Price: $35-$60 | Rating: 4.4/5 (12,000+ reviews)

For anxious dogs who also seek warmth, K&H’s self-warming technology provides gentle heat without electricity.

What Makes It Special:

The self-warming layer uses your dog’s own body heat, reflecting it back. This creates a subtle warmth that many anxious dogs find deeply comforting—similar to the warmth of sleeping in a pack.

The bolstered edges provide security while the warming layer addresses another anxiety trigger. No cords or batteries means no safety concerns.

Specs:

• Sizes: 20x16” to 37x24”
• Technology: Self-warming radiant layer
• Cover: Soft microfleece
• Base: Non-slip bottom

Pros:

• Self-warming reflects body heat for gentle warmth
• No electricity or batteries needed
• Bolstered edges provide security
• Machine washable
• K&H quality and reliability

Cons:

• Not ideal for dogs who already run hot
• Less plush than traditional donut calming beds
• Rectangular shape offers less “nest” feeling

Best For: Dogs who seek warmth, cold climate dogs, anxious dogs who shiver, dogs with arthritis who benefit from gentle heat.

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6. Bedsure Calming Dog Bed — Best Faux Fur

Price: $25-$55 | Rating: 4.4/5 (35,000+ reviews)

If your anxious dog is drawn to texture, the Bedsure’s extra-fluffy shag faux fur provides maximum sensory comfort.

What Makes It Special:

The shag faux fur is longer and fluffier than standard calming beds, creating an almost fur-like texture that many dogs find irresistible. Dogs who like to knead or nuzzle particularly love this material.

The non-slip, waterproof bottom is sturdy enough to prevent sliding even on hardwood floors, and the donut shape provides classic calming bed security.

Specs:

• Sizes: 23” to 36” diameter
• Fill: Fiber fill
• Cover: Long shag faux fur
• Base: Waterproof, non-slip

Pros:

• Extra fluffy shag material for texture-seeking dogs
• Non-slip waterproof bottom
• Good size accuracy
• Multiple sizes and colors
• Affordable pricing

Cons:

• Shag material traps dog hair
• Takes multiple washes to get fully clean
• Longer fur can mat if not maintained

Best For: Dogs who love fluffy textures, dogs who knead before sleeping, dogs who respond to tactile comfort.

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7. Snoozer Cozy Cave Bed — Best Cave Bed

Price: $79-$149 | Rating: 4.4/5 (8,500+ reviews)

For dogs whose anxiety responds to burrowing and hiding, the Snoozer Cozy Cave provides ultimate enclosure.

What Makes It Special:

Unlike donut beds with open tops, the Cozy Cave has a hooded cover that dogs can crawl under. This creates a true den—dark, enclosed, and secure. For dogs who seek out hiding spots when anxious, this design is transformative.

The orthopedic foam base provides support while the sherpa interior and multiple fabric options let you customize comfort. Made in the USA with quality materials.

Specs:

• Sizes: Small to X-Large
• Fill: Orthopedic foam base
• Design: Hooded cave with elastic-edged top
• Made: USA

Pros:

• Hooded design creates true den-like enclosure
• Orthopedic foam base for joint support
• Made in USA with premium materials
• Multiple fabric and color options
• Satisfies burrowing instinct

Cons:

• Most expensive option in this roundup
• Some dogs don’t adapt to the hood
• Takes up more visual space than donut beds

Best For: Dogs who burrow under blankets, severe anxiety cases, dogs who seek dark enclosed spaces.

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Quick Comparison

Choosing the Right Calming Bed for Your Dog

Consider Your Dog’s Sleep Style

Curlers: Most dogs curl up when sleeping, making donut-style beds ideal. The raised bolsters provide security on all sides.

Burrowers: If your dog burrows under blankets, consider the Snoozer Cave or look for beds with extra-deep centers they can nestle into.

Sprawlers: Dogs who stretch out may prefer bolstered beds with more open centers, like the FurHaven or PetFusion.

Consider Your Dog’s Size

Calming beds work best when dogs can curl up inside the bolsters. For proper fit:

• Measure your dog curled up
• Choose a bed 4-6 inches larger than that measurement
• When in doubt, size up—dogs like room to move

Consider Additional Needs

Joint Issues: Choose beds with memory foam bases (PetFusion, FurHaven foam version, Snoozer Cave)

Overheating: Avoid extra-fluffy options; consider PetFusion’s cooler microfleece

Destructive Chewing: Calming beds aren’t typically chew-proof—address the anxiety first

Maximizing the Calming Effect

A bed alone won’t cure anxiety, but these tips help maximize its benefit:

Bed Placement

• Place in your dog’s preferred spot, not where you think it should go
• Avoid high-traffic areas that trigger alertness
• Consider multiple beds in different rooms
• Keep away from windows if outside activity triggers anxiety

Creating Positive Associations

• Introduce the bed gradually with treats
• Never use the bed for punishment or timeouts
• Add a worn t-shirt with your scent initially
• Praise calm behavior on the bed

Complementary Anxiety Strategies

• Regular exercise (tired dogs are calmer dogs)
• Consistent routine and schedules
• Calming supplements if recommended by your vet
• White noise or calming music
• Thunder shirts for acute anxiety events
• Professional training for severe cases

When to See a Veterinarian

While calming beds help many dogs, some anxiety requires professional intervention:

• Severe separation anxiety (destruction, self-harm, constant vocalization)
• Noise phobias that cause panic
• Anxiety that interferes with eating or basic function
• Sudden onset anxiety in adult dogs (may indicate health issues)
• Anxiety that doesn’t improve with environmental changes

Your vet can rule out medical causes and discuss options including behavior modification, training, and medication when appropriate.

Final Verdict

For most anxious dogs, the Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Bed is the top choice. Its deep crevices, impossibly soft faux fur, and proven design have helped countless dogs feel more secure. With 125,000+ positive reviews, it’s earned its reputation as the calming bed standard.

If your anxious dog also has joint issues, the PetFusion Calming Cuddler combines calming design with genuine orthopedic support—the best of both worlds.

For budget-conscious buyers, the FurHaven Calming Cuddler delivers solid quality at a fraction of the premium price, with the option to add memory foam.

And for dogs whose anxiety drives them to burrow and hide, the Snoozer Cozy Cave provides the ultimate enclosed sanctuary.

Remember: a calming bed is one tool in managing anxiety, not a complete solution. Combined with exercise, routine, and appropriate professional help when needed, these beds can make a real difference in your anxious dog’s quality of life.

Does your dog struggle with anxiety? We’d love to hear what’s worked for your nervous pup.