Many dogs struggle with incontinence — especially older individuals or those experiencing health problems.
In these cases, it is helpful to select a bed that is both waterproof and easy to wash.
Waterproof beds will undoubtedly hold up better for dogs who have tinkle troubles, and those that are easy to launder will stay looking and smelling better over the long-term too.
We’ll explain some of the things to look for when picking a bed for an incontinent or accident-prone dog and identify a few of the best ones on the market below!
Best Waterproof Dog Beds: Quick Picks
- #1 Brindle Waterproof Dog Bed [Best Overall Bed for Incontinent Dogs] — Featuring a 4-inch-thick memory-foam core and a machine-washable cover, this dog bed will provide canine comfort and durability for years to come.
- #2 Barkbox Memory Foam Bed [Best Budget-Friendly Option] — If you need a high-quality but affordable bed for your incontinent dog, the Barkbox Dog Bed is easily the best option on the market.
- #3 Coolaro Elevated Pet Bed [Best for Dogs with a Chewing Problem] — If your pooch is not only struggling with frequent accidents but also a tendency to chew things up, the Coolaro is a great choice that’ll hold up to your canine’s chompers.
What Should You Look For When Picking a Bed for an Incontinent Dog?
If your dog is incontinent or simply accident-prone, it’s important to pick out a bed that will hold up to repeated wet-dry cycles and still provide the kind of comfort your pet deserves.
Here are a couple of key factors to take into consideration while picking out Buddy’s bed.
- The Basics — As you would with any dog bed, make sure you pick one of the proper size for your pooch. You’ll also want to ensure that the bed is providing the right amount of support for Spot; generally, 4-inches of cushioning is a good minimum thickness. Additionally, you should consider other helpful features, like non-skid bottoms.
- Your Dog’s Sleep Style — Dogs tend to have a favorite sleeping position, from the spread eagle “Superman” to the curled up ball. If your dog prefers to curl up and have pressure against him, opt for a bed with bolsters.
- Waterproof — You’ll want to make sure that the dog bed is truly waterproof, not merely water resistant. While water resistant beds are able to prevent liquid penetration to some degree, waterproof beds should not absorb any liquid whatsoever, making them the superior selection.
- Washable — Make sure Fido’s bed is fully washable so that you can keep it looking and smelling great over time. At the very least, make sure the bed has a removable cover that you can throw in the washing machine as needed.
- Quiet — You’ll also want to avoid beds that make loud crinkling noises. Though some of these beds may be waterproof, they can be startling to some dogs. It doesn’t matter how waterproof your dog’s bed is if he won’t use it.
The Best Dog Beds for Incontinent Canines
Without further ado, here are some of our favorite beds for incontinent dogs (or those who’re still mastering the potty-training basics).
1. Brindle Waterproof Pet Bed
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Brindle Waterproof Pet Bed
4-inch-thick, machine-washable bed
About: This waterproof pet bed from Brindle has an internal waterproof layer, a stylish and washable outer cover, and a non-skid bottom to keep it from sliding across your floors.
A great pick for dogs weighing under 70 pounds, this bed also boasts a thick, dual-material core that’ll keep your canine comfortable while he snoozes.
Features:
- Generously cushioned dog bed featuring both embedded memory foam and high-density support foam
- 4-inch thickness with 5 different color options
- Removable zippered cover is safe for the washer and dryer
- Comes with a non-skid bottom
- Brindle supports local shelters
PROS
Dog owners were impressed by the value of this bed and appreciated the support its 4-inch-thick core provided to their pups. The removable zipper cover is easy to throw into the wash and the waterproof inner cover seemed to hold up well for most dogs.
CONS
A couple of users note that the fabric sheds a little the first couple of times it goes through the wash. If you choose this bed, it might be worth giving the cover a thorough wash before having your dog try it out.
2. Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed
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Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed
Gel-infused memory foam dog bed
About: This memory foam dog bed by Dogbed4less is great for incontinent dogs who could benefit from some extra support, thanks to its gel-infused memory foam core. The bed features an internal waterproof cover that’ll protect the mattress core from accidents, as well as two outer covers, so you can wash one while using the other.
Note that this bed is available in larger sizes than most of the others we discuss here, so it’s the no-brainer pick for owners of big pups.
Features:
- Gel-infused memory foam core helps keep the bed cooler when temperatures are high, and warmer when it’s cold
- Comes with two external covers: one made from microsuede and one made from denim
- Equipped with an internal, waterproof cover to protect the bed’s core from liquids
- Memory foam design helps relieve pressure on your doggo’s joints
PROS
By and large, most owners loved this bed and reported that — unlike some others — it really was waterproof, and the internal cover protected the core very well. Dog owners also loved that these dog beds were spacious enough for really big doggos. The memory foam was great for dogs who also suffer from joint issues.
CONS
This might not be the best pick if your pooch likes to chew, as some owners found that their curious canines made quick work of the denim cover. In addition, only the cover is washable so this bed might be more difficult to keep thoroughly clean if the internal cover becomes wet.
3. The Original Elevated Pet Bed by Coolaro
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The Original Elevated Pet Bed by Coolaro
A durable option for incontinent dogs
About: This elevated bed by Coolaro isn’t techinically waterproof, but it’s super easy to clean, thanks to its HDPE fabric and steel design.
If Fido has an accident, simply hose it off, let it dry, and then it’ll be ready to go again! This also means this bed works great indoors or outdoors, providing additional flexibility.
Like most elevated dog beds the Coolaroo is great for keeping dogs cool and comfortable in hot weather, since it provides excellent air flow beneath the bed.
Features:
- Elevated bed is well suited for indoor and outdoor settings
- Bed material can be hosed down for easy clean up
- Suspended design helps relieve joint pressure
- Well-suited for dogs up to 100 pounds
PROS
These beds are not only easy to clean and therefore good for incontinent dogs, they’re also extremely durable, making them great for dogs who are prone to chewing. The breathable design makes this a great choice for dogs living in hot climates.
CONS
Since these beds have a unique elevated design, you may have to coax your canine into giving it a try. Some owners found that their dogs would only use the bed once a blanket or towel was added to the surface.
4. Millard Dog Bed with Waterproof Cover
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Millard Dog Bed
4-inch-thick bed with dual-foam core
About: The Millard Dog Bed is another great choice for incontinent dogs, as it features a waterproof cover to keep the core dry.
And speaking of that core, it’s made from a combination of support foam and memory foam, which will help it provide support and keep its loft for years.
While it’s not available in sizes large enough for colossal canines, it will work well for most pups, including tiny terriers and leggy Labradors.
Features:
- Thick 4-inch bed is super supportive, perfect for older dogs
- Exterior cover is washable and has a non-slip base
- Interior layer is fully waterproof, protecting the memory foam from leakage
- Resilient foam doesn’t sag over time
PROS
Owners were impressed with this dog bed’s ability to hold up firmly over time. The removable cover made it easy to keep this bed smelling and feeling fresh (even after accidents), and dogs seemed to love the bed’s plush, cushy feel.
CONS
Some owners noticed that stains could penetrate the protective layer if the cover wasn’t removed within a couple hours, so be sure to respond to accidents promptly (but this is good advice for most of the beds discussed here).
5. Barkbox Memory Foam Platform Dog Bed
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Barkbox Memory Foam Platform Dog Bed
Quality at a budget-friendly price
About: This memory foam bed by Barkbox boasts a price tag that belies its quality. Featuring a waterproof, removable cover for easy cleanup and a memory foam core, this bed is designed to work well in your canine’s crate or on its own.
Note that you’ll need to allow this bed to “decompress” for about 72 hours before use, as it comes packed in a vacuum-packed package.
Features:
- Breathable memory foam core
- Machine-washable and waterproof cover
- Comes in 7 neutral style options
- Pressure relieving design for dogs with joint problems
- Squeaky toy included with purchase
PROS
While results varied a bit, most owners found that this bed’s cover was pretty waterproof. Owners were also impressed with the value of this bed and appreciated Barkbox’s excellent customer service. Dogs, for their part, seemed to love the bed.
CONS
Some owners found that this bed ran somewhat small. If you’re planning on selecting this dog bed, it may be worth ordering a size up just to be safe. Also, there were a few complaints about the bed failing to “fluff up” after being removed from the package.
DIY Option: The Dogbed4less DIY Pet Pillow
If you’re willing to find your own stuffing or bed insert, you also have the option of purchasing a waterproof dog bed cover from Dogbed4lss, rather than a complete bed.
This will not only save you a few bucks, it’ll give you the ability to customize the amount of cushion you provide.
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Dogbed4less DIY Pet Pillow
Perfect choice for DIY owners
About: This DIY pet pillow cover by Dogbed4less is not only waterproof, but it’s super durable too! This makes it a great choice for dogs who like to dig or chew. You can easily fill this bed with repurposed bed pillows to give your pooch a flexible sleeping solution.
Note that while this is a great option for typical dogs, it is not the best choice for dogs who’re old, overweight, or experiencing joint problems.
Features:
- Waterproof cover is super durable for long-term use
- Cover can be machine washed and dried
- Easy to fill with repurposed bed pillows
- Fabric doesn’t hold in doggie odor
PROS
Owners found these covers super easy to clean and appreciated the durable design. The liners are easy to fill with old bed pillows, and this is certainly a budget-friendly option for owners who want to save a few bucks.
CONS
Some owners noted a slight crinkle sound due to the waterproof liner that may startle some dogs. In addition, these bed covers don’t provide enough space for extra-large breeds like Great Danes.
Maintaining Your Incontinent Dog’s Bed
While waterproof beds do make cleaning easier, they don’t eliminate the cleaning process entirely. But, by employing the tips discussed below, you can help keep Fido’s bed fresh.
- Timing — When it comes to cleaning your dog’s bed, time is of the essence. It’s much easier to clean accidents immediately after they occur than trying to remove a set-in stain. While this isn’t always possible (especially with dogs who pee while sleeping), always try to clean up accidents as soon as you see them.
- Consider Using An Enzymatic Cleaner — A simple trip through the wash may be enough to eliminate odors in some cases, but others will require the use of an enzymatic cleaner to fully remove any remnants of Fido’s accidents. Otherwise, Fido might smell lingering pee-pee odors and be encouraged to eliminate in the same spot again.
- Keep Your Pooch Clean — Make sure your pooch is on a regular bathing schedule to keep him as clean as possible. It might also make sense to give him a quick wipe down after an accident. That way, urine remnants aren’t caught up in Fido’s fur and he’ll be ready to return to his clean, cozy bed.
Other Tools and Supplies That’ll Help with Incontinent Dogs
Whether you have a potty-training puppy or an older incontinent pooch, here are some key supplies to have on hand.
- Doggie Diapers — Doggie diapers are just like human diapers but they have space for your four-footers tail. Both reusable and disposable options are available.
- Belly Bands — Belly bands are somewhat similar to doggie diapers, but they’re designed specially for male dogs. They won’t contain poops, but they’ll help limit any pee-pee messes your doggo causes.
- Pee Pads — Even if your pooch is sleeping on a dog bed, you can always put down a pee pad to protect the floor.
- Floor Cleaner– As mentioned above, an enzymatic cleaner is your best friend when your pooch is incontinent. It might be worth investing in a pet safe floor cleaner as well to clean up any spills outside of the bed.
- Keep A Regular Cleaning Schedule — You’ll want to be extra vigilant when it comes to cleaning your house if you have an incontinent canine. You can also check out these additional cleaning hacks to eliminate doggie odor from your humble abode.
Why Do Dogs Suffer from Incontinence?
There are many reasons why your pooch may suffer from incontinence. It’s important to set up an appointment with your veterinarian to determine the root cause, but here are a couple of common ailments that are associated with the condition:
- UTI — Incontinence could be a sign that your pooch has developed a urinary tract infection or UTI. These infections are more common in female dogs but male dogs can also develop them. You might notice your pooch straining to urinate, dripping urine, exhibiting a general lack of bladder control, or producing exceptionally odorous urine if he has a UTI. Urinary tract infections can be diagnosed with a urinalysis, and they’re usually treated with canine antibiotics.
- Medications — Some medications can cause incontinence as a side effect. Whenever your pooch is on a prescription, be sure to discuss any changes in his behavior or health status with your veterinarian.
- Kidney Problems — Incontinence could be a sign of serious kidney issues, which is why it’s so important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian at the first sign of urinary problems. If your pooch has a known kidney disease or disorder, incontinence might be something he experiences on a regular basis.
- Old Age — As Fido earns his grey snout, he might also lose control over some of his basic functions, including bladder control. Having a washable dog bed is one of the many things that will help keep your wise woofer comfortable throughout his golden years.
- Anxiety — Some dogs may eliminate out of anxiety or fear. So, be sure to take note whenever your pooch urinates at odd or unusual times. He may be reacting to a certain set of stimuli that should be brought up with a trusted trainer. Your pooch might also need time to adjust to his environment.
- Spinal Problems — Dogs with spinal issues might have difficulty controlling their bladder and dribble or “leak” urine throughout the day. This is because they have difficulty sending messages from their brain to their urethral sphincter, making it tricky to control elimination.
- Hormone Issues — Estrogen and testosterone are partially responsible for maintaining muscle tone in your dog’s urethra. When there is an imbalance in hormone levels, it can lead to incontinence, since your pooch won’t have as much control over his equipment.
- Canine Cognitive Dysfunction — CCD, often referred to as “dog dementia” can lead to incontinence as well as improper elimination. This condition is most common in senior dogs and is unfortunately untreatable in many cases.
- Stones — Dogs can develop bladder stones which can be incredibly painful to pass and may lead to incontinence. These stones put pressure on your dog’s bladder which may make him need to pee more often. Bladder stones are made out of mineral deposits and are typically identified through dog X-rays.
- Diabetes — Canine diabetes can cause your pooch to drink excessive amounts of water, which can make it hard for him to “hold it” all night long. Diabetic dogs may also experience leakage while sleeping.
Whenever you notice a pattern in irregular bladder behavior, be sure to give your veterinarian a call to set up a thorough exam.
Don’t have easy access to a vet? You may want to consider getting help from JustAnswer — a service that provides instant virtual-chat access to a certified vet online.
You can discuss the issue with them, and even share video or photos if need be. The online vet can help you determine what your next steps should be.
While talking with your own vet — who understands the ins and outs of your dog’s history — is probably ideal, JustAnswer is a good backup option.
Picking a Bed for an Incontinent Dog: FAQs
Are you still having trouble finding the right bed for your pooch? Here are some common questions owners often have about picking a bed for an incontinent canine.
What’s the difference between water resistant and waterproof?
Water resistant means that the material is somewhat permeable by liquid. Waterproof implies that the material should be impermeable.
However, even the most “waterproof” dog beds or covers may let liquids seep through after a certain period of time. Therefore, it’s important to clean up your dog’s mess as soon as you’re aware of the accident.
How do I get my dog to like his new bed?
If your pooch isn’t so sure about his new bed, take things slow and make it a positive experience.
Praise and reward your dog with treats whenever he sniffs or interacts with the bed in any way. You can also put your t-shirt or some of your dog’s favorite toys on the bed to make it seem more familiar.
If my dog wets the bed, does he need to see a vet?
If your dog wets the bed once, it may just be a fluke. However, if you’re seeing a recurring issue of improper or accidental elimination, it’s important to set up an appointment with a veterinarian as soon as possible to rule out the root cause.
Is dog incontinence always age-related?
Dog incontinence is not always age-related, though it’s generally more common in older dogs. Nevertheless, several health problems can lead to recurring accidents in dogs of any age.
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Dealing with doggie incontinence is not easy by any means, but washable dog beds can make your cleaning routine a whole lot easier. Our furry friends are worth the extra effort, so make sure your incontinent canine has a comfy place to sleep!
Does your dog suffer from incontinence? How do you keep Fido feeling his best? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!
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