When my husband suggested a Casper mattress for our dog four years ago, I had serious reservations. Memory foam for a dog? It seemed extra at the time, but I was quick to change my mind once I saw my dog lounging in it immediately. The memory foam is sturdy, the cover is removable and washable, and the design is subtle enough to match most home decor. My pup Winston loved it for two years, but my other dog Parmesan peed on it more than we could keep up with in her puppy days. 

The Casper Dog Bed comes in three different sizes (small, medium, and large), in a few different colors, and is up to about seven inches thick at its thickest section. It's pricey, but in our research, licensed veterinarians like Lisa Mausbach recommend using memory foam beds to protect joints and muscles and warned that beds too high could be problematic for a dog that's arthritic or has other physical struggles. It's a great safe option if you're unsure on what to get. 

You know how nice it is to burrow under a blanket after a long day? Some dogs like doing exactly that, which might be an ancestral trait of living in the security of a den, according to the American Kennel Club. The Furhaven Snuggery is great for this. My pups tried the memory foam version (there's a Cooling Gel Foam and Orthopedic Foam model as well), and it's supportive and covered by faux sheepskin. The top is convertible, with a removable tube that allows the cover to act as a blanket or sit upright and sturdy as an easier entryway. 

Furhaven has several sizes to choose from, and the product page has recommendations on what model to buy depending on your dog's weight and breed. 

Dogs may originate from the great outdoors, but domesticity suits them better. If it's super hot where you live, Jamie Richardson, head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Veterinary, suggests getting a bed that lifts your dog off the ground to circulate the air underneath them. The Coolaroo dog bed has helped keep my dogs cool and comfortable for more than two years. There are tons of colors and a few sizes to choose from. The only visible signs of wear after years in the sun, snow, and rain are some slight rusting at the metal joints.

Packing up a wet dog bed after camping is more difficult (and gross) than you might imagine—at least that's what WIRED senior associate reviews editor Adrienne So tells me. She recommends Snow Peak’s dog cot, a cotton canvas bed that sits atop a stainless steel frame. You can easily remove and wash the canvas, getting rid of all your dog’s sweat and stink after your adventure. However, it’s only 24 inches wide, so this is not meant for larger breeds but for pooches that are under 30 pounds. It’s decently raised above the ground, so it’s also not great for tiny pups or dogs with joint issues unless you plan on airlifting them in every time.

My French bulldogs are on the smaller end of the dog size spectrum. That said, Parmesan loves to squeeze her way into the same bed as Winston all the time (much to his dismay). They both hopped on the Yeti Trailhead when I pulled it out, and just as quickly as they started playing, they started snuggling comfortably with enough space to substantially stretch out. This is a big bed—about 39 by 29 inches—offering plenty of room for a large dog or multiple small dogs. Like the Casper, the cover is removable; just be sure to detach the waterproof bottom and foam before tossing it in the wash, as they’re both spot-treat only. If you’re taking your dog on a trip, the centerpiece detaches and can easily be placed in a crate, carrier, or camp.

Each dog is different, and what my dogs like may not be what's best for your pups. If none of the options above are for you, then here are some tips when shopping for a dog bed, courtesy of licensed vet Jamie Richardson.

Taller dogs can tolerate higher beds. It may seem obvious, but the height of the bed is important. Smaller dogs may put too much strain on their joints trying to reach a bed that's too tall, which can lead to issues down the line. 

Arthritic dogs need a supportive mattress. If your dog has arthritis, get them a memory foam or orthopedic bed for support. You'll also want to make sure the bed is low to the ground to reduce the effort they need to get on it. 

Consider your pet's preferences (and your own). If your dog is a burrower, then a snuggle bed with a cover might be a great option for them. My dogs get hot really easily, so they can only use blankets and covered beds in moderation. Your needs are important too. If the task of spot-cleaning their messes is too much for your schedule, opt for a bed with a removable cover so you can just toss it in the wash. If you travel a lot with your dog, maybe get a bed with a removable insert that fits into a carrier.