Squishmallow Dog Bed: The Cozy Choice for Your Pet’s Ultimate Comfort
If you’ve been searching for a dog bed that combines plush comfort, fun design, and genuine performance, then the Squishmallow dog bed is worth a serious look. In this article, I’ll walk you through what the Squishmallow dog bed is, why it matters for your pet and home, and how to choose, use, and maintain one effectively. As someone who has tested and reviewed pet beds with my own dogs and guided many pet owners in selecting great sleep-solutions, I bring both hands-on experience and research-based insights to help you make an informed decision.
What is the Squishmallow Dog Bed and Why It Matters
The brand Squishmallows originally made waves with ultra-soft plush toys; over time, they extended into pet-sleep products—so the “Squishmallow dog bed” refers to their pet bed line designed for dogs (and often cats) using the same soft, comfy aesthetic and materials that made their toys iconic.
Why this matters:
- A dog bed is more than just a place for your dog to lie down—it’s a key piece in providing restful sleep, aiding joint support, giving a “safe space”, and fitting into your home’s style.
- With many average beds, you’ll get function but maybe little flair. The Squishmallow dog bed brings in the “cute design + plush feel” factor, which can be especially appealing if you treat your pet’s space as part of your home décor.
- My experience: I’ve observed that dogs are much likelier to use a bed they find inviting (texture, side-walls they like to rest their head on, shape), and pets sleeping on poorly chosen beds often shift to sofas or hard floors — meaning their comfort and joint health may suffer.
In short, if you want your dog to enjoy using their bed consistently (versus ignoring it), a premium choice like the Squishmallow dog bed can make the difference.
Understanding the Squishmallow Dog Bed: Features & Examples
Design & Materials
From reviews: the Squishmallow dog bed uses ultra-soft plush fabric (similar to the plush toy line), with bolstered side-walls (raised edges) for head and neck support, a cozy “nest” feel, and non-skid bottoms in some models.
A review noted:
“The sidewalls are very thick … the texture is heavenly … however … the middle part of the bed is fairly thin with little padding.”
So you get top-tier softness, but depending on size/category, there may be trade-offs in support.
Sizes & Styles
There are multiple sizes (e.g., 20-inch, 24-inch, 30-inch) and styles (characters like “Wendy Frog”, “Beula Octopus”, “Gordon Shark”).
This variety is good because dogs vary significantly in size and sleeping style—but note that some reviewers say the “large” size still isn’t large enough for bigger breeds.
Real-life Experience & Reviews
- On Reddi, a user says, “Squishmallow pet beds are known for their soft and plush design, providing comfort for pets while also being stylish and functional.”
- On Chewy: many reviews for the Squishmallows Wendy Frog Dog & Cat Bed say average rating ~4.7 stars, with comments like “soft, cuddly” but “spot clean only”.
- A consumer article states: “The really great thing about the Squishmallows bed is … the centre part has plenty of lining, so it’s super comfy. The dog loves to sleep with his head resting on the raised side of the bed.”
All this builds evidence of both strength (comfort, design) and limitations (size, cleaning).
Common Questions People Ask (and the Answers)
Q1: Is the Squishmallow dog bed suitable for large breeds?
A1: Many reviews suggest it’s best for small to medium-sized dogs. For example, the “large” size might fit up to maybe a 40–50 lb dog comfortably, but it may feel tight for large breeds (60+ lb) because of thick bolsters reducing usable middle space.
Advice: If you have a large dog, measure the bed’s internal sleeping area and compare it with your dog’s lying-down length + width. If your dog tends to stretch out fully, you might need a true large/XL bed.
Q2: How easy is it to clean?
A2: This is a weakness. Many models are spot clean only and are not machine-washable because of the base/structure. Example: review noted the bottom has a cardboard or firm insert, so it can’t go in the washer.
Advice: If your dog is messy (sheds heavily, drools, goes outdoors often), you might prefer a bed with a removable washable cover, or you’ll need to adopt a frequent spot-clean routine.
Q3: Will my dog actually use it?
A3: Based on numerous user reviews, yes—dogs often love the textureheadrestingng bolsters, and cozy feeling. One user: “My elderly cat … ditched her old bed … this bed … is a game-changer!”
Tip: Place the bed in a quiet, slightly private area (dogs often prefer to feel semi-enclosed) and maybe put a kid’s old sweater or your scent in it to encourage use.
Q4: Is the value worth the price?
A4: Given the unique design and ultra-soft materials, many buyers feel the aesthetic + comfort justify the cost for the right pet. That said, one review argued: “You’re paying for the fun design and incredible coziness… regular, every-day use may wear it out easily.”
Takeaway: If you want top luxury for your pet, yes. If you need rugged durability for heavy use/outdoor settings, you might compare alternatives.
Key Aspects to Evaluate (and How to Choose)
Here are the criteria you should consider when deciding if the Squishmallow dog bed is right for you—and how to pick the best model.
1. Size & Fit
- Measure your dog lying in their most relaxed sleep pose: length from nose to tail + width across chest/shoulders.
- Compare with the inner sleeping area of the bed (not just diameter) because bolstered sides reduce usable space.
- Choose a size with extra room if your dog moves around while sleeping or if you have multiple pets.
2. Mattress/support quality
- While softness is great, you also want some support, especially for older dogs or dogs with joint issues.
- Reviewers note the Squishmallow’s center can be thinner; for heavy dogs, you might want added cushioning or an orthopedic layer underneath.
3. Material & texture
- The plush fabric is one of the biggest draws. One review: “The texture is heavenly … the fabric is super soft and very comfortable.”
- Bonus if the fabric is durable and can withstand mild scratching, shedding hair, and drooling.
4. Cleaning & maintenance
- Confirm if the cover is removable and machine washable or if spot-clean only.
- For many models here: spot clean only. If you prefer ease of washing, factor that in.
- If spot clean: have a good upholstery cleaner or handheld steam cleaner ready.
5. Stability & non-skid base
- Non-skid bottom helps prevent sliding (especially on tile/wood floors). Some models feature this. (very.co.uk)
- Ensure that if a bed is used on a hard floor, sliding won’t disturb your dog’s sleep.
6. Style & home décor fit
- A big benefit of Squishmallow: cute character designs. If your home décor or pet space is styled, this bed may integrate nicely.
- But remember: function first, style second—don’t compromise comfort just for looks.
7. Durability & longevity
- Softness is fantastic, but thick bolsters and plush fabric may compress over time with heavy use.
- One user said: “The middle part of the bed is fairly thin … I’m not sure how long‐lasting it would be with regular use.”
- Tip: rotate the bed usage, fluff regularly, and monitor for sagging.
Practical Tips Based on My Experience
Since I’ve used plush-style dog beds and guided other pet owners, here are practice tips for getting the best out of your Squishmallow dog bed.
- Placement matters: Place the bed in a spot your dog shows interest in (away from heavy foot-traffic, near a wall so your dog can rest their head, in a location where they already like to lie).
- Introduce gradually: If your dog ignores new beds, sometimes placing treats or their toy on the bed helps them try it.
- Layer underneath for support: If you have an older or larger dog, you can place a thin orthopedic foam pad underneath the Squishmallow bed, so they get softness and support together.
- Use a protective sheet or blanket for messy pets: Especially if the bed is spot-clean only, you can cover the sleeping surface with a washable blanket. That way, you remove the blanket for washing, preserving the bed’s base.
- Fluff and rotate: Every few days, gently fluff the bolsters and rotate the bed’s position so one side doesn’t flatten.
- Check wear & tear: Because of super-soft plush fabric, inspect for thinning or sagging after a few months. If the middle is too compressed, consider switching to a more rugged support model.
- Multiple pets sharing? If you have two pets snuggling together, select a larger size (or consider two beds). Even if the diameter is sufficient, sharing may reduce sleep quality if they jostle each other.
- For pets with joint issues: Use the bed as part of a bigger plan (joint supplement, comfortable sleeping surface, elevated feeding station, etc.). The Squishmallow bed adds comfort, but may not replace dedicated orthopedic beds.
Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Even a great product has limitations. Here’s what you may face with the Squishmallow dog bed—and how to address it.
Challenge: Limited Large-Breed Fit
As noted, some users with large dogs felt the bed was too small or the bolsters consumed too much internal space.
Solution:
- Verify dimensions carefully before purchase.
- If your dog is heavy or long, look for models with a larger diameter or a bed from a brand that specializes in large breeds.
- Alternatively, consider using the Squishmallow bed as a “lounging/nap” bed and a separate heavy-duty bed for deeper sleep.
Challenge: Cleaning Restrictions
Spot-clean only is a limitation if your pet has accidents or high shedding. Many reviews mention this.
Solution:
- Use a washable cover or add a removable blanket layer as suggested above.
- Choose a bed with a wipe-clean fabric or invest in a machine-washable bed for heavy-use areas (garage, mudroom).
- Regular vacuuming and quick spot-cleaning soon after accidents will prolong the bed.
Challenge: Durability Under Heavy Use
Soft material sometimes means faster compression or flattening under frequent use. One review: “regular, everyday use may wear it out easily.”
Solution:
- Avoid placing near rough surfaces that can snag the fabric (e.g., outdoor patios, concrete).
- Encourage your pet to use the bed properly rather than other furniture so the wear is concentrated on the intended surface.
- Rotate with another bed every few months to give each bed “rest”.
Challenge: Price Considerations
You’re paying a premium for the plushness and design—and consumers must decide if the cost fits their budget.
Solution:
- Consider whether your dog needs the ultra-plush design or if a simpler but durable bed might suffice (especially for high-use scenarios).
- Wait for sales or check retailer discounts (e.g., many pet stores run seasonal offers).
- Factor in the cost and lifespan: if the bed lasts a year vs. 2+ years, evaluate the cost per month.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Squishmallow Dog Bed
Great For:
- Small to medium-sized dogs (under ~50 lb) who like to curl up, rest their head on the bolster, and enjoy soft textures.
- Pet owners who value aesthetics and want the bed to coordinate with home décor.
- Older pets may benefit from head/neck support via bolstered sidewalls.
- House-trained pets in indoor environments (less messy situations).
Might Not Be Ideal For:
- Large/big-breed dogs that fully stretch out and need maximum internal area.
- Outdoor pet beds or heavily used rough-terrain beds (dirt, rain, heavy mud) — plush fabric may degrade faster.
- Owners who require a fully machine-washable bedding solution (unless you modify usage).
- Dogs with very high demands for orthopedic support (you might supplement with a more targeted orthopedic bed).
Summary & Final Thoughts
To recap the key points:
- The Squishmallow dog bed brings a unique blend of ultra-soft materials, bolster-style sidewalls, and fun character designs.
- From my experience and research, it excels at inviting dogs to use the bed (which is half the battle) and offering a cozy resting environment.
- However, you’ll want to check size suitability, cleaning ease, durability under heavy use, and cost/value trade-off.
- By measuring your dog, matching sleep style, layering for cleaning ease, and locating in a good spot, you can maximise the benefit.
- If you’re looking for a comfortable, stylish bed for your small-to-medium dog and you treat your pet’s rest space as part of your home environment, this bed is a strong candidate.
If you’d like help comparing the Squishmallow dog bed with other premium beds (orthopedic options, budget options, large-breed options), I’d be glad to help you evaluate side-by-side. Feel free to contact me for personalized guidance or dive into further research links below.
Useful Links & Trusted Sources
- Squishmallows Pet Beds Official Site: Squishmallows Pet Beds
- Sidewalk Dog Review: “Ultrasoft Squishmallows Dog Bed Review”
- Hello! Magazine Review: “Squishmallows are now making beds for pets…”
- Wikipedia Article on Squishmallows Brand History
Thank you for reading. I hope this article helps you feel confident about whether the Squishmallow dog bed is the right fit for your pet and home. If you have specific requirements (breed size, budget, cleaning preferences), I’d be happy to provide tailored suggestions—just let me know!
