Are Bolster Beds Good for Dogs?
Bolster beds are good for dogs that like to rest their head or lean on something.
- Rests their chin on things: a bolster gives them that spot.
- Sleeps flat out, head down: a flat bed is fine.
- A bit of both: a bolster at one end gives a headrest and still leaves room to stretch out.
Updated October 2026 · By the EachPaw team, the makers of the EachPaw Orthopedic Dog Bed. Sizes, prices and policies are checked against our product page.
On this page
- What is a bolster dog bed?
- Which dogs do bolster beds suit?
- Why do dogs like bolster beds?
- When is a flat dog bed better?
- Which bolster dog bed is best?
- Does a bolster take up bed space?
- How high is the step onto the bed?
- Can you wash a bolster dog bed?
- What dog bed do vets recommend?
- What if my dog won't use the bed?
- Bolster dog bed FAQ
- Ready to choose?
What is a bolster dog bed?
A bolster dog bed has a raised, padded edge on one or more sides. Many dogs use it as a pillow or something to lean on.
| Style | Headrest | Step in | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat bed | None | Every side | Dogs that sprawl and don't need a pillow |
| One‑end bolster | At one end | Front and sides | Dogs that stretch out and like a headrest |
| Three sides | Back and sides | Front only | Dogs that lean on something |
| Round or donut | All the way around | Over the edge | Dogs that curl up tight |
Which dogs do bolster beds suit?
Bolster beds suit dogs that rest their chin on things. Watch your dog for a few nights. If they put their head on a couch arm, a pillow or the edge of their bed, a bolster gives them that spot.
If your dog always sleeps flat out with their head down, a bolster may not add much. A flat bed is fine for them.
Why do dogs like bolster beds?
Many dogs like bolsters because they can rest their head up high or press their back against something. You'll often see a dog sleep next to a wall or the end of the couch for the same reason.
When is a flat dog bed better?
A flat bed is often better for dogs that use every inch to sprawl, for dogs that avoid beds with sides, and inside a crate. A flat bed also fits more spots in the house.
Which bolster dog bed is best?
The best bolster bed for most dogs has a bolster at one end and open space for the rest. Your dog gets a headrest and can still stretch out.
Every EachPaw bed is built this way. The base is one solid piece of memory foam with no support layer underneath, and the bolster is filled with memory foam too.
Read about memory foam for dogs
Does a bolster take up bed space?
Yes, a bolster takes up some room on any dog bed, so pick a size your dog fits when stretched out with their head on the bolster.
| Size | Dog weight | Sleeping area (L x W x H) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Up to 30 lb | 36 x 20 x 3 in | $92 |
| Medium | 30 to 60 lb | 42 x 24 x 4 in | $104 |
| Large | 60 to 100 lb | 48 x 30 x 5 in | $140 |
| XL | 100 lb and up | 52 x 36 x 6 in | $188 |
H is the foam depth, which is also the height of the edge your dog steps onto. Weight ranges are a fit guide, not a limit.
How high is the step onto the bed?
The step onto the EachPaw bed is low because the front and sides are open, so your dog steps onto the foam instead of over a wall. On the Large and XL, the step-in height is the same as the foam depth, 5 in and 6 in.
Can you wash a bolster dog bed?
Bolster beds can be harder to wash because the cover is bulkier. On the EachPaw bed, unzip the cover underneath, take out the one insert, and wash only the cover. Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle; tumble dry low. Bleach is OK on the included cover only.
What dog bed do vets recommend?
The EachPaw bed is recommended by our 20+ veterinarian partners.
What if my dog won't use the bed?
If your dog won't use a new bed, give them a few nights and put the bed where they already like to sleep. The EachPaw bed has a 90‑day comfort trial, and you can exchange sizes during the trial. For reasons a dog may skip the bed, see why dogs sleep on the floor.
Bolster dog bed FAQ
Are bolster beds good for dogs?
Bolster beds are good for dogs that like to rest their head or lean on something while they sleep. A dog that sleeps flat and never uses an edge may do just as well on a flat bed.
What does a bolster on a dog bed do?
A bolster on a dog bed is a raised, padded edge on one or more sides. Many dogs use the edge as a pillow for their head or something to lean on.
Do dogs need a bolster on their bed?
Dogs don't need a bolster, but many like one. If your dog rests their chin on a couch arm or the edge of their bed, a bolster gives them that spot.
Do bolster beds make dogs too warm?
Beds with high sides all around can feel cozy and warm. The EachPaw bed has a bolster at one end only, and it doesn't sleep warm.
Ready to choose?
The EachPaw bed has a non‑slip bottom and a 10‑year warranty that covers the bed flattening. Standard shipping is free (contiguous US and DC).