Choosing pet bedding: size, materials and washing

A good bed gives your pet a spot of their own and saves your couch. There are lots of shapes and fabrics out there, so here's what to check before you buy. We stick to fit, materials and care. For anything about your pet's health, your vet is the right person to ask.

1. Measure your pet first

Guessing size is the most common slip-up. Watch how your pet sleeps: - Stretchers sprawl out, so they usually need a longer, flatter bed or mat. - Curlers like to tuck in, so a round or bolstered bed may suit them.

Measure your pet from nose to the base of the tail while they're lying in their usual position, then compare that with the bed's inside measurements, not just the outside. Many brands use their own "small, medium, large" sizing, so always check the actual dimensions on the listing.

2. Think about where it'll go

• Indoors: consider the space you have and whether the bed will sit on tiles, timber or carpet. A non-slip base can stop it sliding around.
• Outdoors or in a kennel: look for covers made for outdoor use and a raised or water-resistant base if the area gets damp.
• In the car: look for something that's easy to lift out and shake off.

3. Compare materials

• Covers: common options include cotton, canvas, polyester, faux fur and fleece. Canvas and tougher woven fabrics are often chosen for pets that dig or scratch. Soft, plush covers feel cosy but can hold more hair.
• Fillings: foam, fibre fill and shredded fill all behave differently. Foam usually holds its shape. Loose fill can flatten and clump over time.
• Raised (trampoline-style) beds: a fabric sling on a frame, which keeps your pet off the floor and lets air move underneath.

Read the product description for what the cover and filling are made of, and check reviews for how they hold up over time.

4. Check how it washes

This is the one that matters most after a muddy week. Check: - Removable cover. Is there a zip so the cover comes off? - Machine washable. Does the care label say the cover, or the whole bed, can go in the washing machine? Check it'll fit in yours. - Drying. Some fillings take a long time to dry. A second cover means the bed stays in use while one dries.

Follow the care label on the product. If there isn't one, ask the seller before you buy.

5. Look at build quality

Check the stitching, zips and seams in photos or in store. A chewer can make short work of loose threads or exposed zips. Watch your pet with a new bed until you know how they treat it.

6. Leave health questions to your vet

If your pet is older, recovering, has sore joints or has any health condition, ask your vet what kind of bed suits them. We don't make any claims about beds helping with health problems.

7. Check returns and guarantees

Pets can be fussy. Check the retailer's returns policy before you buy, especially for larger beds. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law still apply whatever the store's policy says. See the ACCC consumer guarantees.

The short version

• Measure your pet in their usual sleeping position.
• Compare inside dimensions, not size labels.
• Choose materials to suit where the bed will go.
• Check for a removable, machine-washable cover.
• Ask your vet about any health needs.

We don't list prices here, because they change depending on where you are. Check the retailer's site for the current price where you are.