Do Calming Dog Beds Really Work? A Vet‘s Perspective

As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, one of the most common issues I see in my canine patients is anxiety. Whether it‘s related to noise phobias, separation distress, or generalized fearfulness, anxiety can have a huge negative impact on a dog‘s quality of life. In fact, a 2020 study found that 72.5% of dogs display some form of anxiety-related behavior. That‘s a staggering number!

Sadly, living with chronic anxiety is more than just an emotional burden for dogs. It can also take a serious toll on their physical health. Dogs with anxiety often have elevated cortisol levels, which over time can lead to issues like gastrointestinal disease, skin problems, and even a shortened lifespan. That‘s why it‘s so crucial for owners to prioritize their anxious dog‘s mental well-being and provide them with a safe, soothing environment.

One popular product aimed at easing canine anxiety is the calming dog bed. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to determine whether these beds live up to the hype. As a vet, I‘m always digging into the research behind pet products to figure out what actually works. Here‘s what you should know about calming beds and how they may (or may not) help your anxious pup.

What Is a Calming Bed?

Calming dog beds are designed to provide a snug, secure space for a dog to retreat to when they‘re feeling stressed. Unlike a typical flat dog bed, calming beds usually have raised, cushioned edges that create a nest-like shape. Some even have a hooded cover that a dog can burrow under. The idea is that this "hugging" sensation can help an anxious dog feel protected and relaxed.

Most calming beds have a soft, plush filling to cradle the dog‘s body and may include a self-warming layer that reflects body heat. High-quality options are made with durable, chew-resistant materials and have a removable, machine-washable cover. Calming beds come in a range of sizes to suit every dog from tiny to extra large.

The Science Behind Calming Beds

Okay, so the concept of a calming bed sounds great in theory. But is there any actual scientific evidence to back up their use? The short answer is yes!

Several studies have looked at how dogs interact with various bed styles and found that they do indeed seem to prefer beds with bolstered edges. For example, a 2018 study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science evaluated dogs‘ preferences when given a choice between a flat mattress bed, a bolster bed with one long side, a donut bed with a 360-degree bolster, and a no-bed control.

The researchers found that the dogs spent significantly more time on the bolster and donut beds compared to the other options. They theorized that the raised edges might help dogs feel more secure and maintain a comfortable curled-up position during sleep. Interestingly, this preference held true across various ages, sizes, and breeds of dogs.

While this study didn‘t specifically evaluate anxiety levels, it stands to reason that a bed style that encourages a dog to rest more comfortably could have a calming effect. Think about the last time you tried to sleep in an unfamiliar hotel bed versus your own cozy bed at home. The more secure and snuggly you feel, the easier it is to relax.

Of course, a calming bed alone isn‘t going to cure a dog‘s anxiety. But it can absolutely be a helpful tool to promote relaxation and make stressful situations a bit more bearable. I‘ve seen this firsthand with my own dog, who has both storm phobia and separation anxiety.

When he hears thunder in the distance or sees me putting on my shoes to leave, he immediately runs to his calming bed and hunkers down. It‘s become his little safe haven where he can self-soothe until the scary stuff passes. I still use anti-anxiety medication and training to manage his anxiety on a deeper level, but the bed has made a noticeable difference in "taking the edge off" during triggering events.

Choosing the Right Calming Bed

If you‘re sold on the potential benefits of a calming bed, the next step is picking the best one for your individual dog. With so many shapes, sizes, and styles on the market, it can feel a bit overwhelming! Here are some key factors to consider:

• Size: You‘ll want a bed that‘s big enough for your dog to fully stretch out and adjust positions, but not so massive that they feel exposed. A good rule of thumb is to choose a bed that‘s at least as long as your dog from nose to tail.

• Shape: The most common calming bed shapes are donut, cave, and orthopedic. Donut beds have a classic round shape with a 360-degree raised edge. Cave beds have a partial hood that a dog can snuggle under. Orthopedic beds are rectangular with a sturdy memory foam base and usually have 1-3 raised sides. Consider your dog‘s preferred sleep style when deciding.

• Filling: Look for a durable, supportive filling like memory foam or polyester fiberfill. You want enough loft to cradle your dog‘s pressure points without letting them sink too deeply. Bonus points for self-warming materials!

• Cover: The outer cover should be made from a tough, chew-resistant fabric like ballistic nylon or canvas. A waterproof lining is essential if your anxious dog is prone to accidents. And a removable, machine-washable cover will make your life much easier when it comes time to clean.

• Bolster height: For the raised edges to be effective, they need to be high enough for your dog to rest their head on comfortably. A bolster that‘s too low won‘t provide that same secure, nest-like feel.

Some popular calming bed brands to check out include Best Friends by Sheri, FurHaven, PetFusion, and Big Barker. These companies offer a range of sizes, shapes, and price points to fit every dog‘s needs and owner‘s budget.

Encouraging Your Dog to Use the Bed

Now that you‘ve found the perfect calming bed, how do you get your dog to actually use it? Some dogs will immediately plop down and make themselves at home, but others may need a bit of encouragement.

Start by placing the bed in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home where your dog already likes to relax. You might put it in a corner of your bedroom or living room, or even in a cozy crate. Wherever you choose, make sure it‘s away from busy doorways and noisy appliances.

Next, make the bed as inviting as possible by adding a soft blanket and a few of your dog‘s favorite toys. Whenever you catch your dog investigating the bed or hopping in for a snooze, praise them enthusiastically and offer a tasty treat. The goal is to create a positive association with the bed so that your dog views it as their special safe space.

If your dog seems unsure about the bed at first, try making it into a game. Toss a handful of small treats onto the bed and encourage your dog to "find it." Or initiate a gentle game of tug with a toy while they‘re sitting on the bed. The more fun, rewarding experiences your dog has with the bed, the more likely they‘ll be to seek it out on their own.

Just be patient and let your dog warm up to the bed at their own pace. Forcing them into the bed or trapping them there will only backfire and could make them afraid of it. With time and consistency, most dogs learn to love their calming bed!

When a Bed Isn‘t Enough

As much as I wish there was a simple solution to dog anxiety, the truth is that calming beds are just one piece of the puzzle. For dogs with severe anxiety that impacts their daily functioning, a comprehensive treatment plan is a must.

I always recommend that owners of anxious dogs consult with their vet or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist to get personalized recommendations. In many cases, a combination of anti-anxiety medication, behavior modification training, and environmental management is necessary to truly give these dogs relief.

Some other products that can complement calming beds include pheromone diffusers like Adaptil, pressure wraps like the ThunderShirt, and interactive puzzle toys to provide mental stimulation. But no matter what combination of tools you use, the foundation of treatment should always be a strong, trusting relationship between the dog and their caregivers.

As a vet and dog mom myself, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate life with an anxious pup. But I also know how rewarding it is to watch them slowly blossom with the right support. If you‘ve been considering a calming bed for your own nervous dog, I say go for it! While it may not be a magic fix, it can absolutely make a difference in their comfort and emotional well-being. And what more could we want for our beloved furry friends?