Removable Cover Pet Beds

Removable cover materials and wash frequency for dog beds

Does shedding season leave your dog’s bed looking worse than the floor around it? A dog bed with a removable cover means the outer fabric can be machine washed without dealing with the entire bed, which is especially useful during heavy shedding or after a muddy walk. Most covers zip off in seconds and are designed to handle repeated washing at 30 to 40 degrees without losing shape or colour, well above the everyday wash frequency most dogs actually need.

For most dogs, washing the cover every one to two weeks is enough to control odour and reduce allergens, though a dog with a skin condition, or one that spends a lot of time outdoors, may need it washed weekly instead. If the bed’s looking rougher than it should for its age, start here.

Place a rug under or near the bed to protect the floor between washes and add a soft landing spot for paws.

Sizing a dog bed cover and choosing the right fill

To size a cover correctly, measure your dog from nose to tail tip while lying down and add at least 20cm, which gives them room to roll or reposition overnight. Most dog bed sizes are listed by outer bed dimensions rather than the inner sleeping area, so it’s worth accounting for any raised edges or bolsters in that measurement.

The most common fills are polyester fibrefill, memory foam and high-density foam. If your dog is over seven years old or has arthritis, a memory foam insert of 5 to 10cm is worth prioritising, as it offers firmer support than a standard fibrefill core.

Add a cushion nearby as a small styling touch that ties the pet bed’s spot into the rest of the room.

Materials that hold up to chewing and hard use

If your dog is rough on their bedding, Oxford fabric and canvas outer covers are worth choosing over a plush or velvet alternative, because they resist snags and pill less after repeated washing. Still, no cover is fully chew-proof regardless of material. That said, if your dog chews through bedding regularly, replacing just the cover is far more cost-effective than buying an entirely new bed, which is the main advantage this style offers over a fixed-cover bed. Most quality beds include a non-slip rubber or grip fabric base that keeps the bed in place on tiles and timber floors, but if yours doesn’t, a cut-to-size non-slip mat solves the problem immediately.

For collars, leads and other everyday pet accessories, check out our pet range , a handy way to round out the setup around the bed.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I wash a removable dog bed cover?

For most dogs, washing the cover every one to two weeks is sufficient to control odour and reduce allergens. Dogs with skin conditions or those that spend time outdoors may need their covers washed weekly.

What temperature can I wash a removable dog bed cover at?

Most removable pet bed covers are rated for machine washing at 30 to 40 degrees Celsius. Washing above 60 degrees can shrink the fabric or damage the zip fastening, so always check the care label before putting it in a hot cycle.

Are removable cover dog beds suitable for dogs that chew?

Heavy-duty Oxford cloth and canvas covers offer better chew resistance than plush or velvet fabrics, though no cover is fully chew-proof. If your dog chews through bedding regularly, replacing only the cover is far more cost-effective than buying an entirely new bed.

What fill types are used inside pet beds with removable covers?

The most common fills are polyester fibrefill, memory foam, and high-density foam. Memory foam inserts typically range from 5cm to 10cm thick and are recommended for dogs over 7 years old or those with arthritis.

How do I stop a dog bed cover from slipping on hard floors?

Most quality pet bed bases include a non-slip rubber or grip fabric base that keeps the bed in place on tiles and timber floors. If your bed does not have this feature, a non-slip mat cut to size and placed underneath the bed solves the problem immediately.