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If your dog is a bed shredder, we feel your pain. Coming home to the remains of yet another “indestructible” bed is disheartening, to say the least. You might be wondering: Are there genuinely any indestructible dog beds out there? Or is it all just marketing hype?
Experts agree: The unfortunate truth is that no bed will be universally indestructible for every type of dog. But it’s almost always possible to find a bed that will hold up to your unique dog and their particular style of destruction. The key to finding a truly durable bed is identifying your dog’s go-to mode of attack, like chewing, scratching, or digging, and selecting a model designed for that specific type of wear and tear.
It also helps to recognize what’s driving your dog’s destructive behavior in the first place.
To learn more, we consult two veterinarians and ask them to share their take on what compels dogs to decimate their beds, plus how to discourage the habit and how pet parents can match a nearly indestructible bed to their dog’s particular patterns of demolishment.
Why Do Dogs Destroy Their Beds?
Understanding the reason your dog destroys their bed can help you address and correct the behavior. First, it’s important to rule out any health issues, like dental problems or gastrointestinal discomfort, which can lead to destructive chewing.
Veterinarian Dr. Tehreem Puri recommends observing your pup for other clues once your vet confirms medical problems are not to blame. “Pay attention to when the destructive behavior occurs because identifying patterns can reveal the underlying cause,” she says.
Here are six common causes of destructive behavior, with advice on how to spare your dog’s bed.
1. Anxiety
According to Dr. Puri, nervous dogs may destroy their beds (among other things) as a form of self-soothing. “Separation anxiety, fear, or other sources of stress can lead dogs to seek comfort through destructive chewing,” she tells us. Dogs with separation anxiety may also urinate in the house, whimper, bark, try to escape, or damage areas around doors or windows.
Separation anxiety can be heartbreaking, but training can help. While not a cure-all for anxiety, calming toys can also provide a stimulating distraction. In addition, Dr. Ellen Russell, DVM, a veterinary consultant for The Malamute Mom, recommends situational aids like a Thundershirt or calming treats to help reduce stress levels.
2. Boredom
Chewing and digging are mentally and physically stimulating to dogs. This might explain why your pooch is keen on annihilating every last bed: it gives them something to do! Additional signs of a bored dog include restlessness, jumping or pawing for attention, barking, and digging in the yard.
To bust boredom, pet parents should provide adequate mental stimulation, enrichment activities, and physical exercise. Give your dog an extra long walk, leave out puzzle toys, or offer them a treat-filled KONG. You might also consider hiring a dog walker or asking a friend to drop in for a visit to break up the day’s monotony.
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3. They’re curious
If you’ve recently brought a new bed home, your pooch will probably want to investigate this novel object. “Dogs naturally want to explore their environment and may chew on their bed out of curiosity,” says Dr. Russell. They may use their paws or mouths to do so, which can spell disaster for plush fabrics and bedding.
4. Teething
Teething puppies often chew on items to relieve discomfort—and beds are an easy target. During this time, you might find blood on chewed items or catch your pup drooling.
The solution to destructive teething is twofold. First, it involves teaching your pup what they can chew on and what they can’t. Second, puppies should have plenty of puppy-approved chew toys.
5. They’re hungry
A hungry dog sometimes chews on things in an attempt to find extra food, Dr. Russell tells us. Make sure your dog is getting the right amount of food: active and growing dogs will have different calorie needs than more sedentary pups. Additionally, try to keep your feeding routine consistent to prevent a chewing spree.
6. They’re simply chew-happy pups
Oftentimes, a dog will chew … well, just because. Chewing, digging, and shredding are all normal dog behaviors—and they might be your dog’s idea of a good time. For dogs who find joy in chewing and tearing, it helps to provide appropriate outlets for play and to supervise them when possible. There are also some beds that will be significantly less fun to chew than others—like the K9 Ballistics and other elevated beds.
Elevated beds, like the K9 Ballistics, hold strong against chewers.
Do Indestructible Dog Beds Exist?
While you’re working on solutions to discourage your dog’s destructive tendencies, it definitely helps to have a sturdy bed. Some pet brands make pretty bold claims about their product’s ability to withstand canine abuse. But many of these promises have left pet parents feeling sorely disappointed.
So, do indestructible dog beds actually exist?
For Dr. Russell, the outlook is optimistic yet realistic. “There are many strong and durable dog beds on the market designed to handle tough wear and tear,” she says. “Some brands even offer chew-resistant features such as heavy-duty zippers, reinforced seams, and thick stitching.” She adds that the strongest beds are made of sturdy materials like memory foam, ballistic nylon, and microfiber fabric.
However, even with these features, no bed will be 100% indestructible in every scenario. “Some dogs may still be able to damage the bed if they become particularly determined or persistent,” Dr. Russell concedes.
At the end of the day, there’s really no such thing as an indestructible bed that can stand up to every dog out there—but you can usually find a bed that can stand up to your particular dog and their method of destruction.
How To Match Your Dog with the Right Indestructible Bed
To identify the best type of indestructible bed for your destroyer, first consider your pup’s size and weight. “If you have a larger dog or one that is particularly strong, it’s very important to choose a bed designed with extra strength and durability,” says Dr. Russell.
For bigger dogs, she recommends sturdy orthopedic or memory foam beds that support the weight of heavy dogs without breaking down. The Big Barker, for instance, features a thick foam construction and a tough microsuede fabric designed specifically for large pups.
“For those with puppies or lighter-weight dogs, a bed made from ballistic nylon or microfiber fabric is usually ideal, as these materials are still strong but typically more lightweight than other options,” adds Dr. Russell.
Along with their size, you’ll also need to consider your dog’s typical destroying style.
What beds are best for chewers?
Relentless chewers may meet their match with heavy-duty ballistic nylon or microfiber fabrics. These materials tend to be more chew-resistant than cotton or polyester, which Dr. Russell says are prone to tearing. “If your dog is a particularly determined chewer, look for beds that feature reinforced seams and thick stitching to help resist their gnawing,” she advises.
Elevated beds are one of the best options for power chewers. These cot-like beds feature sturdy frames that hold the fabric taut, leaving no excess material for dogs to sink their teeth into. The K9 Ballistics Elevated Bed, for example, is made with an aluminum frame and chew-resistant ripstop ballistic fabric. This bed has a solid reputation for resisting heavy chewing.
What materials hold up best to diggers and scratchers?
“Beds with strong, tightly woven fabric or materials like ballistic nylon can be good options for diggers,” Dr. Tehreem Puri tells us. Orthopedic memory foam—true memory foam—also does a pretty solid job of holding up to intense scratching and digging.
For dogs naturally inclined to burrow, Carhartt offers a nearly indestructible dog bed made with durable duck canvas and triple-stitched seams. It won’t do for heavy chewers, but it should hold up well for dig-happy Dachshunds and Terriers. Elevated beds are also resistant to scratching.
This durable Carhartt dog bed is made of duck canvas and reinforced with triple-stitched seams.
How to discourage bed-destroying behavior
For perfectly healthy dogs who simply like to chew or dig, a bit of training and positive reinforcement can help. Dr. Russell explains that pet parents should encourage good habits by offering a treat whenever pups successfully choose a preferred behavior to destruction. Dr. Puri also recommends teaching dogs a “leave it” or “drop it” cue. “This helps them learn to avoid or release items they shouldn’t chew on,” she explains.
Moreover, Dr. Russell advises pet parents to redirect their dog’s attention away from the bed when they’re caught in the act. Try offering a favorite toy or taking them outside to keep their minds off destroying their bed. As a final strategy, bitter sprays or deterrent sprays can be applied to the bed to discourage chewing. These are harmless but have a bitter taste that dogs find unpleasant.
How We Chose
The durable dog beds featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews, and interviews with veterinary experts. We focused on dog beds made with heavy-duty materials proven to withstand tearing, shredding, chewing, or digging. Additionally, we prioritized brands with strong reputations and with good money-back warranties. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
