Dogs are just as prone to allergies as we are, perhaps even more so because of the extreme reactions these allergies can sometimes provoke as your pup struggles to get rid of the contaminants. From sneezing, itchiness, irritability, lack of appetite, stomach upsets, diarrhea and more, the symptoms can be alarming and above all painful and uncomfortable for your pup. To make sure your home is the healthiest and safest environment for your furry friends, it’s important to keep the spaces they tend to spend the most time in – such as their bed or play area – free of allergens like mold, dust mites, dander and fleas. Luckily, some pet beds are specifically designed to be hypoallergenic, built to resist allergens and be easy to clean and maintain over time. Here are our top picks for the best hypoallergenic dog beds for our pooches.
KEN’S PICK
Dogbed4less Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
Available in seven sizes for puppy pals of all sizes and breeds, this durable dog bed is designed to make life for you and your dog easier – the dense memory foam of the bed comes with two layers of covers, the internal cover a waterproof zipper case to keep the memory foam safe, and hardy but soft external covers in either denim or microsuede, both removable and machine-washable for long-lasting use.
Compared to cotton-stuffed bedding, the high density memory foam is a better hypoallergenic material for a dog bed, since it resists gathering dust, dander and mold in the way cotton does. Memory foam is also great for older dogs, since it adjusts to support the aching joints and limbs of pooches afflicted with conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis, as well as being a comfy sleep-pad for pups with very particular preferences for certain sleeping positions. The superior grade foam of the mattress (five times as dense and four times as heavy as standard foam) not only ensures the best in quality and comfort to your dog, but also promises to last you many years on end, not flattening or losing shape over time.
Note that while the denim material of the external cover is made of 100% cotton, the amount of allergens building up on it can be kept in check more easily through regular laundry sessions without having to wash the bed as a whole, the internal cover keeping the memory foam clean. If you’re concerned about the external cover exacerbating your pup’s allergies, though, it can be swapped out for the synthetic microfiber cover included with the bed instead.
KEN’S BUDGET PICK
Brindle 4 Inch Solid Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Bed
Available in three size options so you can pick the right fit for your pup, this dog bed comes with 4 inches of hypoallergenic foam – the upper half is a comfortable, body-conforming memory foam so your pups have a plush bed to snuggle down in, while the lower half is a high density support foam to bring relief and comfort to older dogs in need of a little orthopedic treatment. The bed’s ability to resist allergens is further improved by the waterproof, anti-microbial polyurethane cover encasing the foam, giving it an extra layer of protection to prevent it getting soaked or damaged, or otherwise harvesting allergy-causing mold, mildew or bacteria.
The outer covering of the bed is ultra-soft velour, a hypoallergenic material that resists collecting dust and dander and can be removed and tossed into the wash for a good clean down when need be.
RUNNER-UP
Dogbed4less Orthopedic Gel Infused Cooling Dog Bed
Certain breeds of dogs, like French and English bulldogs and pugs, are naturally prone to overheating, while others with thick long coats or a personal tick to overheating may not appreciate being too warm either, especially when in bed. This dog bed, from the same brand as our top pick, is not only hypoallergenic but also inherently built for cooling, the high density 100% gel infused memory foam built for maintaining the most comfortable temperatures for your dogs to roll about in. The orthopaedic structure of the mattress helps relieve joint pains and pressure points, arthritic aches and other conditions, while the hypoallergenic microsuede of the outer cover collects less dander and dust than fibers made of cotton.
Like our top pick, this bed also comes with an internal waterproof cover to protect the integrity and longevity of the memory foam without developing into a breeding ground for germs and other allergens, while the outer cover can be removed and chucked into the washing machine, its extra stitching and a gusset style, heavy duty zipper ensuring it can last plenty of wear and tear.
RUNNER-UP
KOPEKS Extra Large 7″ Thick Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
With premium grade memory foam rivalling that of top-grade mattresses, this therapeutic bed spoils your pup just right with its 7 inch thick height – to relieve your dog’s pressure points and avoid putting strain on their joints – and a 3 inch pillow for those dogs who like to nestle their heads on something when sleeping. Memory foam – in this case a combination of both comfort and support foam – helps support aching and sore limbs and joints for our older pooches, its hypoallergenic attributes enhanced by a waterproof inner cover to ward off the chances of bacteria, mold, mildew and other allergens breeding on the bed. The outer cover, an extra-soft microsuede one, is not just comfortable but convenient to zip off and wash up when need be, the synthetic material also hypoallergenic and much less likely to accumulate dust, dander or other allergens. The bed also comes with an anti-slip rubber bottom, to keep it from skidding off across the floor if your pup takes an overenthusiastic leap at it.