Updated October 17, 2026 · Written by Olivia Isabella, PetBuyLab editorial team
A washable dog bed sounds simple, but the label hides a trap. A cover you can throw in the machine is not the same as a bed that keeps liquid out of the foam, and a “water-resistant” coating washes off within weeks. If your dog is a muddy puppy, a leaky senior, or just a drooler, the right bed saves the foam, the smell, and your sanity. This guide gives you the best washable and waterproof dog beds, explains what the labels really mean, and helps you match the level of protection to the mess you actually have.
Disclosure: PetBuyLab is reader supported. When you buy through links on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks, and we do not take payment for placement. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice.
For real protection, you want two things: a removable, machine-washable cover and a separate waterproof inner liner that stops liquid reaching the foam. A water-resistant coating on the outer fabric is not enough, because it wears off. Match the level to the mess: a washable cover for general freshness, a waterproof liner for puppies and mud, and a fully waterproof setup for incontinence. Use the finder below to see which level you need.
- “Washable” usually means the cover, not the foam. “Waterproof” should mean a liner that protects the foam.
- A water-resistant coating wears off after a few washes, so for accidents insist on a separate waterproof liner.
- Match protection to the mess: cover only for freshness, liner for puppies and mud, fully waterproof for incontinence.
- Never soak a foam core. Wash the cover, wipe the liner, and let everything dry fully before reuse.
- For a leaky senior, a bed is only half the fix. See your vet, because incontinence usually has a treatable cause.
We judge these beds on what actually keeps them clean: whether the cover is truly machine washable, whether there is a real waterproof liner protecting the foam, and how well the whole thing holds up to repeated washing. We are blunt that a water-resistant coating is not a waterproof liner, and we flag beds that rely on one. We cross-check verified owner reviews, weigh drying time and odor control, and never take payment for placement. PetBuyLab is affiliate supported but editorially independent, and this is general information, not veterinary advice.
Waterproof Level Finder: how much protection do you need?
Pick the main mess you are dealing with, and this tool tells you the level of protection to buy, what to look for, and how to care for it. It stops you overpaying for a tank of a bed you do not need, or under-buying one that soaks through.
Washable vs waterproof: what the labels really mean
These two words get used loosely, and the difference matters. A washable bed usually just means the outer cover unzips and goes in the machine. That keeps it fresh, but on its own it does nothing to stop a puddle soaking straight through to the foam. A waterproof bed should have a separate inner liner, a sealed layer that wraps the foam so liquid never reaches it. The catch is that many beds advertise a water-resistant coating on the outer fabric instead. That coating repels a light splash at first, but it wears off after a few washes and does nothing once liquid finds the seams. So the gold standard is both: a machine-washable cover you refresh often, over a genuine waterproof liner that protects the foam for the life of the bed.
The 6 best washable and waterproof dog beds
These are the beds that get the layers right, wash well, and dry without a fuss, with a pick for most dogs, a value and a budget option, big and small dogs, a bolster, and the crate. Each earns strong owner reviews.
How the washable and waterproof beds compare
| Bed | Protection | Best for | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Dog’s Bed | Liner + washable cover | Most dogs | True waterproof liner under a washable cover |
| Bedsure Washable | Washable cover | Value | Easy-wash comfort at a fair price |
| Waterproof Bolster | Waterproof + walls | Dogs who lean | Protection with a headrest to rest on |
| Crate Pad | Waterproof, washable | Crates | Thin, reversible, fits a crate tray |
| Washable Large | Removable cover | Big dogs | A big, easy-clean bed with ortho foam |
| EHEYCIGA (Small) | Waterproof | Small dogs & seniors | Waterproof protection sized for little dogs |
What you get at each price range
Washable basics
A washable cover or a simple waterproof pad. Great for crates, small dogs, and general freshness, but check whether the foam is actually protected.
The sweet spot
A washable cover plus a real waterproof liner, in sizes for big dogs. The best balance for puppies, mud, and the occasional accident.
Full protection
A durable bed with both a quality washable cover and a sealed waterproof liner, built to survive heavy, repeated washing for years.
Which washable or waterproof bed is right for you?
Run the level finder first, then follow the first line that matches.
Match the protection to the mess
- General freshness: a removable, machine-washable cover is enough. Wash it every couple of weeks.
- Puppy and potty training: a waterproof liner, because accidents are a when, not an if.
- Muddy or outdoor dog: a waterproof liner and a tough, quick-drying cover.
- Drool and wet fur: a waterproof liner to keep damp out of the foam and odor down.
- Senior or incontinent dog: fully waterproof, washed often, plus a washable pad on top, and a vet visit.
- Sick or recovering dog: fully waterproof and easy to sanitize between washes.
Crate beds and washable mats
A crate is the one place a thick bed fights you. A bulky bed with a tall rim does not fit a crate tray, and it is a pain to pull out and wash. A thin, waterproof, machine-washable crate pad is the better tool. It lies flat, survives frequent washing, and many are reversible so your dog gets a dry side while the other dries. A washable pad is also a smart extra layer to lay on top of any bed for a puppy or a leaky senior, since it is far quicker to swap and wash than the whole bed.
What to look for in a washable or waterproof dog bed
- A machine-washable, removable cover. Check it actually unzips and fits a home washer.
- A real waterproof liner. A sealed inner layer beats a coating that wears off.
- Sealed or covered zips. Open zips are a sneaky way for liquid to reach the foam.
- Quick-drying materials. Thick foam holds water for days, so protection and fast-drying covers matter.
- A non-slip base. Useful for a dog who is unsteady or recovering.
- The right size and a spare cover. A second cover means the bed is never out of action on wash day.
How to wash a dog bed the right way
Washing it correctly is what makes a washable bed last. The golden rule: clean the layers, never soak the foam.
- Unzip and remove the cover, and shake or vacuum off loose hair first.
- Machine wash the cover on a gentle, warm cycle with a fragrance-free detergent.
- Wipe the waterproof liner with warm soapy water. Do not put the foam core in the machine.
- Air dry, or tumble dry low only if the label allows, and make sure everything is fully dry.
- For accidents, rinse and treat the spot fast, and use an enzyme cleaner to kill odor so your dog does not re-mark it.
Common washable bed mistakes to avoid
- Trusting a “water-resistant” coating to protect the foam. It wears off.
- Soaking the foam core, which then takes days to dry and grows mildew.
- Buying a thick bolster bed for a crate, where it will not fit or wash easily.
- Skipping the enzyme cleaner, so odor lingers and your dog keeps soiling the spot.
- Treating incontinence with a bed alone instead of also seeing a vet.
What vets say about incontinence and hygiene
If your dog is leaking urine, a waterproof bed manages the mess, but it does not treat the cause. VCA notes that urinary incontinence is common, especially in spayed females and large breeds, and that it usually has a treatable cause such as a weak urethral sphincter or a urinary tract infection. The AKC agrees that incontinence in dogs is rarely just old age and is worth a vet visit. So pair a fully waterproof, easy-wash bed with a check-up. Good hygiene also matters for your dog’s skin and your home, since a damp, dirty bed breeds bacteria and odor. This is general information, not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best washable dog bed?
Are washable and waterproof the same thing?
What is the best waterproof dog bed for incontinence?
Does a water-resistant cover protect the foam?
Can you machine wash a whole dog bed?
What is the best washable dog bed for a puppy?
How do I get the pee smell out of a dog bed?
What is the best washable dog bed for a crate?
How often should I wash my dog’s bed?
Are waterproof dog beds good for big dogs?
Will a waterproof liner make the bed hot or crinkly?
Is a washable bed enough for an incontinent senior dog?
The verdict
The best washable and waterproof dog bed is the one whose protection matches your dog’s mess. For general freshness, a machine-washable cover is plenty. For a puppy, a drooler, or a muddy adventurer, insist on a real waterproof liner, not a coating that washes off. For a leaky senior, go fully waterproof, wash often, and book a vet visit for the cause. Run the level finder, pick the right layer of protection, and wash it the smart way, cover in the machine and foam kept dry, and you have a clean, fresh bed that lasts.
Keep reading
Olivia Isabella is PetBuyLab’s dog specialist and a lifelong dog owner with hands-on experience caring for senior and large-breed dogs. She researches, compares and lives with the mobility, comfort and everyday-care products she writes about, so she knows the practical details a spec sheet misses: how a ramp’s length sets the real slope a stiff-hipped dog will attempt, why surface grip decides whether a nervous dog commits, and how the wrong pick ends up unused in the garage. Every recommendation is built from manufacturer specifications, documented owner feedback and reputable veterinary sources, and is organised around a specific dog’s needs, never around commission. Her guides are informational and never a substitute for professional veterinary advice.