A waterproof dog bed might not seem like the cosiest environment for a good night’s sleep, but there are plenty of reasons why they might be the ideal choice for your pooch. Waterproof does not mean uncomfortable. The best waterproof dog beds have deep-fill cushions, are stylish, durable and extremely practical. Some waterproof beds feature an inner cushion which is waterproof on one side – flip it over, and it’s covered with soft Sherpa fleece, giving your dog the best of both worlds.
For those of us with mud-loving, splashing, adventure-seeking dogs, a waterproof bed is highly suitable. The exterior is usually wipe-clean, and will not allow water and mud to penetrate the inner lining. They tend to be resistant not only to moisture, but also hair, odour and dirt, and are often hypoallergenic, too. Look out for beds with removable and machine-washable covers. Another great feature is the quality of the waterproof fabric – some make a lot of rustling noise which can be fairly annoying, so you want to find a softer, “quieter” material.
Waterproof dog beds are also practical for puppies and older dogs, who might have the odd accident, as their urine won’t go saturate the entire bed and the cover can easily be washed. Bear in mind, however, that many fabric dog beds marketed as “waterproof” are in fact more likely to be water-repellent.
Best waterproof dog beds
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
P&L Waterproof Softee Bed
Sizes: Medium, large or jumbo
Colours: Black, grey, burgundy, green, blue or brown
Shape: Basket/rectangle
RRP: From £80.95
If you want a really robust, heavy-duty bed that is genuinely waterproof, this is the one. The exterior is made from a 100% polyester waterproof material, treated with a water-repellent coating. The proof of its waterproof qualities is that instead of washing in a machine, you simply hose it down or even pressure-wash (on a low setting). Or you can hoover it!
While not plush and fluffy, the high sides do provide a sense of security for dogs that like to snuggle down. It is filled with thermal polyester fibre to provide insulation and warmth. The robustness and resilience of this bed is fantastic.
This padded bed ticks loads of boxes. It’s orthopaedic, with a 10cm thick mattress filled with high-quality pet-safe fibres. You can wash the cushion and cover, and the water-repellent 100% Oxford fabric is soft and comfortable.
The tufting helps stop the filling from clumping and keeps it looking smart as it’s not easy to deform.
Strictly speaking, this is more water-repellent than fully waterproof. The water does bead if you sprinkle it on, but there is some absorption.
Colours: 19 colours, including plain with trim, and tartan
Shape: Rectangle
RRP: From £39.99
If your dog is prone to incontinence, this therapeutic bed includes a waterproof mattress protector to catch any accidents. Its main feature is its orthopaedic properties to provide relief to dogs suffering from or predisposed to joint conditions and help them sleep soundly. So while it’s not waterproof on the outside, the memory foam – which includes 5cm of high-density foam over a solid 10cm base of high-stability support foam – is protected by the waterproof inner.
Sizes: M–XL | Colours: Grey, black or tweed | Shape: Basket/round | RRP: From £80 |
This is a nice option for dogs that like the security of a high-sided bed. It is a good mix of comfort with practicality. The inner cushion is soft, removable and reversible – so one side is made of waterproof polyester, and the other of soft and cosy sherpa fleece. It certainly gives a soft and luxurious feel.
The fabric is premium heavy-duty waterproof polyester, which is machine-washable.
Colours: Grey, burgundy, black, olive green, taupe or blue
Shape: Rectangle
RRP: From £60
Ivy & Duke does a great range of superior waterproof dog beds, and this is their travel mat version – perfect for country trips, sticking in the crate or the boot to give some comfort after a muddy walk. If you’re after a fully waterproof mat, this is brilliant.
It is made of a 5cm slab of memory foam, which allows the dog to rest and regulate body temperature.
The cover is fully waterproof and machine washable. The memory foam inside is protected by a separate, thinner waterproof cover.
A real bonus is that the material is almost silent, so the dog won’t drive you mad rustling on the waterproof fabric.
This basic-style bed is 100% waterproof and heavy-duty, with a ventilated base to keep your dog cool on hot days. Made from strong reusable PP plastic, this is built to last, hygienic and easy to clean. No problem if your dog has an accident, and you can make it comfortable with soft blankets – although I find my springer spaniel is quite happy to sleep in this without any cosy additions; it certainly looks much more comfortable with at least a fleece.
Another major plus is the price – much cheaper than the plusher options. However, do check the measurements on the sizes carefully – the “small” is only 50cm, which can only accommodate a tiny pooch.
Dog owners are seeking different qualities when they’re looking to buy a waterproof dog bed. Some want fully waterproof, some just water repellent. Those that have a senior dog might be after a waterproof mattress, with the emphasis on orthopaedic comfort. A range of budgets is also important. Some dogs like to rest their head, so a raised rim is preferred, while others just want a mat to stick in the car for journeys. We’ve found a great range, and there should be something for every pooch.
What are the benefits of waterproof dog beds?
Waterproof dog beds have benefits for both humans and hounds, but their main asset is their practicality.
A waterproof bed is hygienic because, over time, moisture and even urine work their way into the fabric of a non water-resistant dog bed, which can then create a breeding ground for bacteria. This will smell and is unhygienic in the short term, and will rot the fabric in the long term.
Waterproof material not only ensures a dry place to lie down without moisture seeping into the bed padding, but it tends to be more durable, which means the padding stays more comfortable for the dog’s sleep.
Which dogs are waterproof beds suitable for?
Any dog can benefit from the advantages of a waterproof bed. They come in all sizes and are not specifically designed for certain breeds or ages. But they really come into their own for certain types. It is much more practical – and less stressful – for a senior dog with incontinence problems because the urine won’t soak into the padding so it is easier and quicker to clean. At the other end of the scale, a waterproof bed is ideal for a puppy undergoing house-training. He’ll do his best not to pee on his bed, but accidents happen. They’re also typically more durable for those going through a nibbling phase.
Waterproof beds are handy for dogs who like to sleep on the terrace outside or in the garden. A non water-resistant fabric will quickly soak up the damp outdoors, while the more durable waterproof fabric will last longer and be quicker to clean off the inevitable outdoor dirt.
Finally, we all know those energetic dogs that roll in puddles and come home soaking wet and muddy but desperate for a lie-down. The waterproof bed is your friend.
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
TOPICS
CATEGORIES
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
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.
