Best Calming Dog Beds UK (2026 Expert Reviews)
Best calming dog beds UK 2026 include the Silentnight Donut, The Dog's Bed Orthopaedic, Best Friends by Sheri, and JOEJOY. We've tested donut beds, bolster designs, and memory foam options to find which genuinely help anxious dogs sleep better.
A calming bed won't cure anxiety, but the right one can make a meaningful difference to how your dog rests. Raised rims mimic the security of a den, soft faux fur triggers nesting instincts, and orthopedic foam supports dogs with joint pain that amplifies restless behaviour. This guide reviews the four best calming beds available in the UK, from budget donuts to premium memory foam, so you can match the right bed to your dog's needs.
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Our Top Picks
🏆 Best Overall: Silentnight Donut Calming Bed
£32.99 | Donut style | 70cm diameter
Why it wins: From the UK's most trusted sleep brand, the Silentnight Donut combines luxury plush fabric with a proven calming design. The raised doughnut rim provides 360-degree support for nesting, and the entire bed is machine washable — a rarity at this quality level. With 1,600+ Amazon reviews at 4.4 stars, it's the most consistently well-rated calming bed available in the UK.
- Type: Donut / round bolster
- Material: Luxury plush fabric
- Washable: Yes — fully machine washable
- Size: 70cm diameter (suits small to medium dogs)
- Best for: Anxious sleepers, trusted brand, everyday use
Best for Senior Dogs: The Dog's Bed Orthopaedic
£69.99 | Memory foam | Waterproof liner
Why we recommend it: For older or arthritic dogs whose pain contributes to restless nights, this premium memory foam mattress addresses both comfort and anxiety. The genuine orthopaedic foam base relieves pressure on sore joints, and the included waterproof liner is essential for senior dogs. Over 2,000 Amazon reviews confirm its durability and quality.
- Type: Orthopaedic memory foam mattress
- Material: Premium memory foam + removable cover
- Washable: Removable, machine-washable cover
- Sizes: Multiple sizes up to XXL
- Best for: Senior dogs, joint problems, large breeds
Best for Burrowers: Best Friends by Sheri Original Donut
£40.93 | Deep crevice design | 67,000+ reviews worldwide
Why it stands out: The original calming donut bed that started the trend, with an astonishing 67,000+ reviews globally. The deep crevice design and premium shag faux fur allow dogs to burrow and nestle in, triggering natural denning instincts. If your dog likes to dig, circle, and burrow into their bed, this is the one to buy.
- Type: Deep crevice donut / cocoon design
- Material: Premium shag faux fur
- Washable: Hand wash recommended
- Sizes: Multiple sizes (Small to XL)
- Best for: Burrowers, anxious dogs, den-seeking behaviour
Complete Product Comparison
| Product | Type | Sizes | Price | Washable | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silentnight Donut | Plush donut | 70cm | £32.99 | Machine wash | Best overall value |
| The Dog's Bed | Orthopaedic foam | S-XXL | £69.99 | Cover removable | Senior dogs, joints |
| JOEJOY Donut | Calming donut | S, M | £21.99 | Machine wash | Budget, small dogs |
| Best Friends by Sheri | Deep crevice donut | S-XL | £40.93 | Hand wash | Burrowers, anxiety |
Why Calming Beds Help Anxious Dogs
Den Instinct
Dogs are natural den animals. In the wild, they seek enclosed, protected spaces to rest — it's wired into their DNA. Calming beds with raised rims, bolster sides, or deep crevice designs replicate this enclosed feeling, triggering a sense of safety that helps anxious dogs settle. Research on shelter dogs shows that providing enclosed resting spaces significantly reduces stress behaviours like pacing, whining, and destructive chewing.
Raised Rims & Nesting
The raised rim design serves a dual purpose: it provides a chin rest (which many dogs find naturally calming) and creates a physical boundary that signals "safe space." Dogs who circle before lying down — a vestigial nesting behaviour — particularly benefit from donut-style beds where the rim moulds around them.
Texture & Warmth
Plush faux fur mimics the feeling of nestling against another warm body, which can be especially comforting for dogs with separation anxiety. The soft texture also encourages kneading behaviour, which releases calming endorphins similar to the effect of nursing in puppies.
Choosing the Right Size
Unlike standard dog beds where bigger is often better, calming beds work best when they're slightly snug. The dog should be able to curl up comfortably with the rim supporting their back, but the bed shouldn't be so large that the raised edges feel distant and irrelevant.
Quick Size Guide
- Small (55-60cm): Dogs up to 8kg — Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Toy Poodles
- Medium (70-80cm): Dogs 8-20kg — Spaniels, Whippets, Staffies
- Large (85-100cm): Dogs 20-35kg — Labs, Collies, Boxers
- XL (100cm+): Dogs 35kg+ — German Shepherds, Rottweilers
Placement Tips
- Quiet corner: Place away from high-traffic areas and front doors
- Against a wall: One protected side adds to the den feeling
- Away from draughts: Cold air disrupts rest and increases anxiety
- Near family: Anxious dogs often settle better within sight of their owners
- Consistent spot: Don't move the bed — routine builds security
Best Calming Bed by Scenario
😰 Anxious Sleepers
Best choice: Best Friends by Sheri — deep crevice design for maximum security
Runner-up: Silentnight Donut — trusted brand with 360-degree bolster
Dogs who pace, circle, or can't settle benefit most from enclosed, cocoon-style beds.
🐕 Senior Dogs
Best choice: The Dog's Bed Orthopaedic — memory foam supports joints
Key feature: Waterproof liner for incontinence protection
Older dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia need joint support alongside calming features.
🐶 Puppies
Best choice: JOEJOY Donut — affordable enough to replace when outgrown
Key feature: Machine washable for easy cleanup
Puppies grow fast and may chew beds. Start budget, upgrade once they're past the teething stage.
🦮 Large Breeds
Best choice: The Dog's Bed Orthopaedic (XL/XXL) — built for weight
Alternative: Best Friends by Sheri (XL) — deep crevice for large burrowers
Large dogs need beds with sufficient fill density to prevent bottoming out.
Where to Buy in the UK
All products are available on Amazon UK with fast Prime delivery:
Also available at: Pets at Home, Zooplus, and direct from brand websites.
Important Reminder
A calming bed is one piece of the puzzle. For dogs with significant anxiety, combine a comfortable bed with behavioral training, environmental management, and potentially calming supplements or pheromone products. Consult your vet if your dog's sleep disturbance is severe or sudden in onset.
The best bed for your dog is one they actually use. If your dog doesn't take to a donut style, try an orthopaedic or crevice design instead — every dog has different preferences.