If you’ve ever pulled a dog bed cover out of the wash only to find it shrunk, pilled, or won’t zip back over the cushion, you know the frustration. Washable dog bed covers in 2026 have gotten a lot better at surviving repeated laundry cycles, but not all of them are built the same, and picking the wrong one means you’re back to square one — or worse, replacing the whole bed — within a few months. Below we break down the covers that actually hold up, plus what to look for so you don’t end up with a stretched-out, matted mess after wash number three.
Top Washable Dog Bed Covers for 2026
Furhaven Snuggery Orthopedic Dog Bed with Removable Cover
- Full-perimeter zipper for easy removal
- Machine washable, tumble dry low
- Bolster edges hold shape after repeated washing
- Zipper pull can be small for larger hands
- Cover shrinks slightly if over-dried
Bedsure Calming Donut Dog Bed Cover
- Fast-drying fleece blend
- Affordable enough to buy a spare
- Fits multiple size variants
- Faux fur mats slightly after 10+ washes
- Zipper is on the underside, a bit fiddly
Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed Replacement Cover
- Heavy-duty microfiber suede resists tearing
- Sold as standalone replacement, extends bed life
- Washes without losing water resistance
- Pricier than most stand-alone covers
- Limited color options
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed Replacement Cover
- Waterproof inner layer protects foam
- Plush outer washes and dries quickly
- Zippers are reinforced and don't snag fabric
- Outer fabric can feel warm in summer
- Only fits PetFusion-brand bases well
K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Dog Bed Cover
- Durable canvas-style weave
- Handles dirt and debris well
- Reasonably priced for the durability
- Feels less plush than fleece options
- Colors are limited and utilitarian
MidWest QuietTime Deluxe Bed Cover
- Simple pull-on design, no fiddly zippers
- Sized to fit standard crate mats
- Withstands frequent washing without pilling
- Not ideal for bolster-style beds
- Elastic edges loosen over years of use
K9 Ballistics Tough Dog Bed Cover
- Reinforced fabric resists scratching and digging
- Machine washable without losing strength
- Zipper guard prevents chew access to the zipper
- Higher price point
- Slightly stiffer texture than plush covers
Why the Cover Matters More Than the Bed Itself
The foam or filling inside a dog bed rarely wears out first — it’s almost always the cover. Between drool, shedding, muddy paws, and the occasional accident, the fabric layer takes the brunt of daily use. A cover that’s easy to remove, washes without shrinking, and holds its shape can add years to a bed’s usable life. That’s why more owners are shopping for replacement or washable covers specifically, rather than tossing an entire orthopedic bed because the fabric got funky.
What to Look For in a Washable Dog Bed Cover
Zipper Placement and Quality
A full-perimeter zipper makes cover removal dramatically easier than a partial zip or a stretch-to-fit design, especially on bolster-style beds. Look for zippers with a fabric guard flap, which keeps a curious dog from chewing on the pull and also protects the foam base from snagging during removal.
Fabric Type
Microfiber suede and canvas-style weaves tend to resist scratching and hold up best over many wash cycles. Faux fur and plush fleece feel cozier to the dog but mat down faster in the wash, especially on high heat. If your dog is a digger or a nester, prioritize durability over softness.
Waterproof or Water-Resistant Liners
A cover with a waterproof inner liner does double duty — it protects the foam from accidents and spills, and it means you’re washing a lightweight cover instead of trying to dry out a soaked cushion that can take days to fully dry and may develop odor in the meantime.
Wash and Dry Instructions
Almost every cover on this list is machine washable, but drying is where things go wrong. Tumble drying on high heat is the number one cause of shrinkage and fiber damage. Low heat or air drying preserves elasticity and shape far better, even if it takes a bit longer.
Fit Compatibility
Replacement covers sold separately from the bed base only fit that specific brand and model reliably. If you’re buying a cover to fit an existing bed rather than a bed-and-cover set, double-check the dimensions against your current cushion before ordering.
Comparison at a Glance
| Cover | Best For | Fabric | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furhaven Snuggery | Overall use | Plush with full zipper | $$ |
| Bedsure Calming Donut | Budget/weekly wash | Faux fur fleece | $ |
| Big Barker Replacement | Large breeds | Microfiber suede | $$$ |
| PetFusion Replacement | Accident-prone dogs | Waterproof-lined plush | $$ |
| K&H Original Bolster | Garage/outdoor use | Canvas-style weave | $ |
| MidWest QuietTime | Crate mats | Simple slip-on fabric | $ |
| K9 Ballistics Tough | Diggers/chewers | Rip-stop reinforced | $$$ |
How Often Should You Wash a Dog Bed Cover?
Most vets and groomers suggest washing dog bed covers weekly to every two weeks for average use, and more often if your dog has allergies, sheds heavily, or spends time outdoors. A dedicated cover you can swap out while the other is in the wash keeps your dog from ever sleeping on a bare cushion.
Related buying guides
- All dog bed reviews and guides
- Bed sizes and dimensions guide
- Cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
- How we test beds and bedding
- Bed frames with storage
- About Talk Beds
Ready to stop dreading laundry day?
Compare top washable dog bed covers and find the fit for your pup.
Check price on AmazonCan all dog bed covers go in the washing machine?
Most modern covers are machine washable, but always check the tag first — some waterproof liners or foam-attached covers require spot cleaning or hand washing to avoid damaging the water-resistant coating.
How do I keep a dog bed cover from shrinking?
Wash in cold or warm water rather than hot, and dry on low heat or air dry. High heat is the main culprit behind shrinkage and stiff, brittle fabric over time.
Should I buy two covers for one dog bed?
Yes, if your budget allows it. Having a spare means your dog always has a clean bed to sleep on while the other cover is being washed and dried.
Do waterproof liners make a cover less comfortable?
Not usually. Most waterproof liners sit beneath a soft outer layer, so your dog still gets a plush surface while the liner quietly protects the foam underneath from moisture.
Can I use a regular pillowcase-style cover for a bolster bed?
No, bolster beds need covers shaped to fit around the raised edges. A flat pillowcase-style cover won’t stay in place and will bunch up quickly.
What fabric holds up best to scratching and digging?
Microfiber suede and rip-stop or canvas-style weaves resist scratching and digging far better than faux fur or standard cotton-poly blends.
How do I know if a replacement cover will fit my existing bed?
Match the exact brand and model when possible, since covers are cut to that bed’s specific dimensions. If buying generic, measure your current cushion’s length, width, and height before ordering.
Are washable covers worth it for orthopedic dog beds?
Absolutely. Orthopedic foam is the expensive part of the bed, and a washable, removable cover protects that investment so you don’t have to replace the entire bed when the fabric wears out.
Sophie Laurent
Sophie Laurent is TalkBeds' Beds & Bedroom Editor. With more than ten years covering home and furniture, she leads everything on the site that isn't the mattress itself: bed frames, platform beds, headboards, bunk and kids' beds, sizing, and the interiors decisions… Full profile & sources →