Unchewable Dog Beds

5 dog beds which are (practically) impervious to teeth

First, 5 dog beds which the manufacturers are confident can’t be damaged by chewing.

Fiocco Dog Cot

Dog cots are a distinct category of dog bed that consist of a tough canvas platform stretched over a metal frame. This construction isn’t completely unchewable, the tension in the fabric means that your dog won’t be able to grab mouthfuls of it. So it’s less satisfying than chomping on a soft padded bed. This example from Fiocco(paid link)* is great value for money and comes in several sizes.

Fiocco Heavy Duty Dog Cot With Cooling Mesh

Similar but slightly different, this variation on a dog cot(paid link)* has breathable mesh panels in the canvas platform. This is practical for any dog who struggles to keep cool when they sleep. Dog owners who have bought this bed before were impressed by how easy it was to put together, and its durability. But, like the previous example, it does have some weak spots. Truly committed chewers are likely to have a go at the binding on the corners of the platform. Or perhaps the Velcro fastening on the underside.

Duckygoo Elevated Dog Bed With Headrest

A big problem with cot-style beds for some dogs is the lack of sides. My dog, like many others, prefers to sleep wedged against the vertical side of his bed. So an elevated platform with no sides just doesn’t offer a good night’s sleep. Enter the Duckgoo bed*.(paid link) This cot bed has just enough of a vertical lip at each end for a dog to rest against it. The bed is made out of the same durable materials as the ones above, so it should stand up against significant chewing efforts. But the tradeoff for those sides is a larger area of exposed fabric edge at the corners.

Kopeks Chew Proof Memory Foam Bed

Finally, a bed with some padding(paid link)*. Inevitably, when you give a Lab a mattress with a fabric cover, they’re going to be able to get the edges into their mouth. So this bed is undeniably able to be chewed. But the manufacturers claim the fabric is supremely robust and impervious to toothy attack. Previous purchasers have had mixed experiences, so it seems this bed is tough enough to deter a casual chewer, but not a really dedicated one.

TJSouler Cooling Dog Bed

This chew proof bed(paid link)* is a bit of a combination of the elevated dog bed and a more traditional cushion style nap zone. The mesh coating is designed to put off keen chewers and bed diggers.

3 chew proof dog beds for inside crates

Lots of pet parents who have problems with destructive chewing manage the problem in part by crating their pup when they can’t be around to supervise them. So, these next three unchewable dog beds are designed for putting into crates.

Sytopia Indestructible Dog Bed

This mattress is made from a thick, densely woven fabric (paid link)* which the manufacturers are confident make it impenetrable by naughty teeth. They might be overstating the truth just a little, but lots of buyers have been happy with how it has stood up to being wrestled, twisted and bitten by their pet.

Hombys Chew Proof Dog Bed

Upping the ante a bit, this product is somewhere between a mattress and a pillow(paid link)*, made out of super tough, heavyweight, puncture proof fabric. Whilst people who have bought it before are largely satisfied with its chewproof credentials, a lot of them do mention the fabric being stiff and uncomfortable for the dog to rest on as a result. Nonetheless, it’s probably better than nothing for a dog who can’t be trusted with more delicate bedding!

Mabozoo Chew Proof Crate Mat

This durable dog mat(paid link)* is stretching the definition of ‘bed’ a little. It’s very thin indeed. But for heavy chewers, that means no fiberfill stuffing to pull out of it and scatter around the room they sleep in. And like a foam sleeping mat when you go camping, it’s warmer and more comfortable than sleeping directly on the hard base of a crate. Since they’re absorbent and washable, these pads are a smart investment for parents of teething puppies who can’t help chewing up their bedding too.

4 more ways to save a dog bed from destruction

Destructive chewing that continues after your puppy has finished teething is usually the result of an unmet physical or emotional need. For example a dog who isn’t getting enough physical exercise might dig and chew their bedding to burn off some energy. Another dog who isn’t getting enough mental stimulation might methodically destroy their bed in order to give themselves something to do. This is especially true of dogs from working breeds, who are hardwired to enjoy having tasks to complete. And thirdly, a dog who struggles with anxiety might chew their bedding as a release for their distress.

In all of these scenarios, chewing their bed is a symptom of an underlying problem. Buying a bed that can’t be destroyed doesn’t solve that problem. Here are some strategies people have been successful in using to combat the underlying problem.

1. Bitter Apple Spray?

I’m raising this first because it gets a lot of interest. But I’m ruling it straight out too! Lots of people are interested in whether spraying anti-chewing sprays directly onto their dog’s bed will make the bed unchewable. But they will also make the bed a miserable-smelling place for your pup, and possibly put them off ever using it again. And like a bed which is designed to be unchewable, it doesn’t actually solve the underlying cause of the chewing.

2. Chew toys

One of the simplest ways to redirect your hound’s chewing efforts is to give them something they can chew instead. For example, one of these wooden gorilla chews from Ware(paid link)*. Lots of dogs love wood’s balance between hard and soft. But only ever give them wooden chews which have been specifically designed for dogs. These woods crumble rather than splinter, so that your pup doesn’t end up with any nasty puncture wounds.

Alternatively, try leaving them with a Kong Extreme(paid link)*. Kongs can be filled with wet food, softened kibble, or high value treats like plain yogurt mixed with peanut butter and mashed banana. Emptying them is a good challenge for dogs’ physical and mental stamina.

3. Dog Calming Pheromones

Dog appeasing pheromone, or DAP, is produced by nursing female dogs. It has a soothing effect on both puppies and adult dogs. There is some evidence that it may reduce anxious behaviors in stressed adult dogs too, and a synthetic copy of it is the active ingredient in Adaptil diffusers(paid link)*. The evidence for it is far from settled though, so use your diffuser alongside other solutions such as counter conditioning.

4. More training

Training is the most effective way to bring about meaningful, lasting changes in your dog’s behavior. Incorporating more training games into their routine is an important source of mental stimulation, and a tired dog is a calm dog! Training games also build dogs’ confidence, so that they are less likely to suffer from anxiety. Here are four fun games to play with your dog that will get them moving and thinking!

Training doesn’t just mean teaching actions like obedience or agility either. The training umbrella includes crate training, and teaching dogs that they don’t need to be fearful of being left alone.

So What’s The Verdict?

An ‘unchewable dog bed’ is a bit of a misnomer. Some dogs will chew anything they can fit in their mouth! But their are several ultra-durable dog beds on the market which can withstand being chewed without sustaining any damage. As well as investing in one of these, it’s wise to consider what is motivating your dog to chew their bed in the first place. What else can you do to address that underlying cause?

The products included in this article were carefully and independently selected by the Labrador Site team. If you decide to purchase one of them using the links provided, we may earn a small commission on that sale. This is at no extra cost to you.