As much as we might love to settle our dog down to sleep in one of the softest, fluffiest, best dog beds, some of our canine friends see this as an invitation to rip the stuffing out of it. Not all dogs are aggressive chewers, but for those who’d rather eat their bedding than sleep on it, you’ll need to look out for the best dog bed for chewers – or else you’ll be buying a new one each week. Not to mention hoovering up the expensive fluffy remnants…
A bed made out of a metal frame with a heavy-duty fabric mattress is one way to ensure your dog cannot shred his bed. However, if you a chew-proof dog bed that looks a little cosier there are other options. Heavy-duty fabrics, such as canvas or PVC are especially durable, and can resist some fairly persistent chewing, so if you’ve not solved the problem of how to stop dogs chewing, these fabrics are your friend. Like the best waterproof dog beds, these chew-proof beds are usually pretty easy to clean, too.
Most chew-proof dog beds tend to look less appealing to human eyes, with durability the key concern. However, do bear in mind that no fabric is completely indestructible. But if it’s almost impossible to chew, then the dog will find little reward (unlike shredding a soft bed with all that gratifying ripping and de-stuffing!), and hopefully move on to one of the toughest chew toys instead.
Best dog bed for chewers: what are the chew-proof choices?
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Bunty Anchor Dog Bed
Sizes: S–XL
Colours: Black, blue, purple or red
RRP: From £29.99
Bunty describe this hard-wearing dog bed as great for “even the most enthusiastic pets” and we all know what they mean by that. It’s built for longevity and has double stitching for strengh, while is also fully washable, water-resistant and easily wipeable.
It has a rubber-grip base for stability and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
This durable dog bed is made from tightly woven polyester Oxford fabric with a waterproof coating on the underside. It has tough, quality YKK zips, which are hidden to prevent dogs thinking this would be a good place to start chewing.
The filling is designed to provide premium orthopaedic comfort, ideal for dogs who suffer from joint issues.
It is an excellent choice for active dogs, who tend to get wet and muddy as it can easily be wiped or vacuumed clean. Replacement covers are available.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Maximum Pet Products Tough Chew Dog Crate Bed
Sizes: S–XXL
Colours: Black, blue, brown, green, orange, purple or red
RRP: From £24.95
These mattresses might look more like a gym mat but they are fabulously durable. The manufacturer describes the bed “as tough and rugged as they come”. It’s marketed “for the diggers, the working, the dirty and the wild dog”. The waterproof, easy-wipe-clean cover is odour and dirt-repellent, as well as being super tough and durable. The filling is soft/medium density so gives a comfortable night’s sleep.
It is designed to fit inside a dog crate, but can equally go straight on the floor. And there is a large range of sizes and colours to suit all tastes.
This chew-proof bed is composed of powder-coated steel and textilene mesh fabric (PVC-coated woven polyester non-stretch yarn). The bearing pipes in contact with the floor are coated in anti-slip rubber to help keep the bed stable.
The elevated design is believed to keep dogs cool, hygienic, and free of odours. It is easy to clean – you can hose it with water and allow to dry, or wipe with a wet cloth – and is easy to assemble with no screws.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Henry Wag Elevated Dog Bed
Sizes: S–XL
Colours: Grey
RRP: From £54.99
While not specifically designed to be chew-proof, this design is ideal for dogs who like to eat through their bedding. The tubular steel frame is strong, durable – and 100% chew-proof. It has a firm wooden base to ensure the bed will not sag. The sewn cover is easily removed and replaced for washing, while the elevated position – 14cm off the floor – and side wall panels keeps the draughts, cold floors and condensation away, so your dog stays cool in summer and warm in winter.
The tightly woven fabric cover does not absorb moisture from your dog and has a quick drying surface, while helps eliminate a build-up of bacteria, reducing odour and keeping your dog’s bed fresh.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Bunty Outback Corner Mattress
Sizes: XS–XL
Colours: Green, blue, black, red or pink
RRP: From £54.99
Save space with this bed that fits into corners nearly. It’s heavy-duty, waterproof and wipeable, making it really easy to clean. It has a PVC outer and medical grade orthopaedic foam inner, making it kind on joints, too.
This is made out of chew-resistant, reinforced PVC tarpaulin material for the cover, which ensures great strength and durability. It is also hypoallergenic.
The heavy duty cover is waterproof, and easy to remove, or you can wash it with a cloth and hot water. The material is 100% stain-proof.
There are no zips or extra accessories that your dog will want to grab, because they are sealed with a hook and loop tale to ensure maximum safety and minimum opportunity to chew.
Many customers add a fleece on top for extra comfort. Designed to be used in a crate, but can equally be placed on the floor.
Why does my dog chew his bedding?
Dogs don’t chew their beds for any one reason in particular. Rather, there are a multitude of factors that might lead to a dog gnawing his bedding. These include a lack of exercise or mental stimulation, dental issues, fear or separation anxiety, or even instincts such as territory marking or nesting.
It can be really frustrating if your dog destroys a brand-new bed you’ve bought with his comfort in mind, but considering the ‘why?’ and doing some research will help lead you to a solution.
How do I stop my dog from chewing his bed?
If you’ve read all our tips on how to stop a dog chewing his bed, but the chewing has become a habit, it will take dedicated and consistent training to help.
Some trainers recommend teaching dogs to swap items they’re chewing for treats and or another toy, while others say reinforcing a strong recall command is best to encourage your dog to cease undesired behaviour and come to you for some other reward. It’s advisable to consult a dog behaviourist if you’re not sure where to start or don’t have experience dealing with chewers. Above all, it’s a good idea to remove your dog’s bed when he’s not supervised so that your hard work isn’t undone when you’re out. Offer and alternative such as a blanket in its place.
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Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
