Does your dog prefer to sleep in an enclosed space? If so, a cave bed (also known as a hooded or enclosed dog bed) could make him feel safe and secure. Here are five of the best pet caves that your dog will love.
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This behavior probably dates back to your dog’s wolf ancestors. In the wild, wolves make tight and cozy homes to stay safe, which is why many dogs feel less anxious in “dens.”
A great way to replicate this feeling of safety is with a cave bed. These hooded beds can reduce anxiety and provide a cozy place for your pup to sleep.
Many canine companions enjoy the feeling of a cave dog bed, but they are particularly useful for dogs with anxiety or those who like to burrow. Some dogs may also find them warmer than a regular bed, although you may want to check out heated pads or heated beds if your pet gets cold.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of low-quality cave beds on the market. While these are relatively cheap, they are usually weak and uncomfortable for your pet.
For this reason, I’ve put together a list of the best pet cave beds to help you choose the right option. I’ve included several different styles, but each provides a warm, cozy and covered sleeping spot for your pet.
Note: Cave beds have a variety of names. Some of the most common include hooded, enclosed, nesting, burrow, dome and covered beds. While these names technically mean different things, they are often used interchangeably. We also have pages about the best beds if you think your pet would prefer a regular sleeping spot.
Our #1 Pick: Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave
Comfortable dog that’s great for burrowers
If your dog loves to burrow into blankets, the Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave is my #1 pick. It’s a durable bed with a plush design and machine-washable cover. It also provides a good balance between a rigid opening and a blanket design.
How to Choose a Hooded Dog Bed
There are different types of cave dog bed. Some have rigid designs to provide a covered sleeping area without the “cozy” feel. Others have a floppy roof to allow a dog to burrow.
The right option depends on your dog’s preferences. If he loves burrowing or sleeping under the duvet, he’ll probably enjoy a softer nesting bed (such as the Snoozer Luxury below). If he likes sleeping in a crate but doesn’t enjoy snuggling into a blanket, he’ll prefer dog beds with a rigid roof.
Other factors to consider when choosing cave dog beds include:
- Durability. Most hooded dog beds are not chew-proof, but they should still be durable. The best cave beds can withstand the occasional chewing (or digging) and won’t lose their shape in the wash.
- Size. I usually recommend getting a large bed for your dog, so he has plenty of space to stretch out. This is still true for a cave bed, but if it’s too big your dog won’t get the full benefits of a cozy sleeping area. Most manufacturers provide guidelines for size depending on your dog’s weight, so make sure you follow these.
- Support. Orthopedic beds (like the ones here) support a dog’s joints by spreading their weight across a larger area. This is more comfortable for any dog, but particularly those with joint pain. If your pet has arthritis or hip dysplasia, look for a cave bed with an orthopedic pillow.
- Machine-Washable. Many cave dog beds have removable covers that can be machine washed. These are much more convenient than beds that can only be spot cleaned.
It’s worth mentioning that cave dog beds are usually only suitable for small breeds (or cats). There are some larger options on the market, but most hooded beds have a relatively small and tight sleeping space.
5 Best Enclosed Dog Beds
Listed below are five of the best dog cave beds on the market at the moment. If your pet is a snuggler, I’m sure he’ll love these beds!
| Rank | Name | Rating | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave | (TOP PICK) Luxury feel and easy to wash | $$$$ | |
| #2 | Ethical Pets Sleep Zone Cuddle Cave | Great for burrowers and excellent value | $$ | |
| #3 | PLS BIRDSONG Original Cuddle Pouch | Comfortable bed with a waterproof bottom | $$ | |
| #4 | Snoozer Orthopedic Luxury Bed | Expensive but orthopedic support | $$$$$ | |
| #5 | PLS BIRDSONG Pointy Cave | Not snuggly but great for dogs who don't like burrowing | $$ |
My top pick for a dog cave bed is the Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave. It’s a soft “blanket-style” enclosed bed, with a supported entrance and soft Sherpa interior. If your dog enjoys snuggling under a blanket, he’ll probably love the Snoozer.
What makes it stand out from other cave beds though?
The Luxury Cozy Cave provides a soft and comfortable sleeping surface for your pet. The combination of Sherpa interior (which has a similar feel to wool) and poly filling creates a luxurious feel that most beds can’t match.
While a plastic rod holds open the entrance, the back of the “roof” isn’t supported. This means it acts more as a blanket over your pet, so it’s great for dogs that like to sleep under blankets. If your pet prefers to be enclosed without direct contact with a blanket, look for a bed with a fixed roof instead.
On a practical level, it’s easy to clean due to the machine-washable cover. This is a bit fiddly to remove, as you’ll need to take out both the plastic rod and interior filling, but is easy to wash and shouldn’t shrink.
It’s worth noting that the poly-filled cushion does not provide orthopedic-level support. Many dogs will enjoy sleeping on it, but if your pet suffers from joint pain it’s probably not the best choice.
The Snoozer provides a luxurious sleeping environment for your pet. It’s great for dogs who enjoy sleeping under blankets and is easy to wash. If you’re looking for a cozy cave for your pet, this is the one to buy.
- Machine Washable?: Yes (Cover)
- Material: Poly Cotton Exterior
- Sizes Available: Small, Large, Extra Large
- Price Range: $$$$
- Luxury feel
- Machine-washable cover
- Lots of color options
- Only suitable for dogs that enjoy sleeping under blankets
- Not orthopedic
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the Snoozer, the Cuddle Cave could be an option to consider – especially for small dogs that like to burrow.
The Cuddle Cave is a simple dog bed that’s made with a poly fill interior and soft surface. It doesn’t provide orthopedic support, do I don’t recommend it for dogs with joint pain, but it provides a comfortable surface that many pets will love.
The biggest difference between this bed and a regular cave is that it doesn’t come with a rigid tube to hold open the door. Instead, the entire bed is made from fabric, so it’s specifically designed for burrowing pets. You might need to show your pet how to lift up the door a few times, but once they get the hang of it many will love cuddling up inside on cold days.
It’s also available in several colors and is machine-washable. As there is no inner tube, the whole bed can go into the washer.
The biggest drawback to this cave dog bed is that it’s only suitable for dogs up to 10lbs. I think slightly larger dogs could use it if they enjoy burrowing into their bed, but it’s certainly not suitable for even medium-size breeds.
It’s also not the most durable pet bed on the market. If your bed is a chewer or digger, look for a tougher option.
The Sleep Zone Cuddle Cave is a great pet bed for small breeds that like to burrow. The hooded design and plush interior makes it a comfortable sleeping spot. It’s also machine-washable.
- Machine Washable?: Yes
- Material: Recyclable Poly Fill
- Sizes Available: Small
- Price Range: $$
- Soft interior that’s great for burrowing
- Provides good value for money
- Machine washable
- No rigid structure, so only suitable for dogs that like to burrow or sleep under a blanket
- Only suitable for small dogs (<10lbs)
The Cuddle Pouch is another bed that burrowers will enjoy. It’s made of two parts, an interior cushion and separate cave, but there’s no support for the cave walls. Instead, it’s up to your dog to push it open and burrow inside – something that many small breeds will love.
The first thing that stands out about the Cuddle Pouch is the plush and attractive design. It’s a soft dog bed with a comforting external fabric and polyester fill. It’s not orthopedic, but healthy dogs should find it easy to get comfortable on this bed.
One of the great things about the Cuddle Pouch is the machine-washable design. The cover of the pillow can be removed for washing, while the entire cave section can be put in the washer. It also has a waterproof bottom to protect floors if your dog has an accident.
Unlike some of the other burrowing beds on this list, the Cuddle Pouch is suitable for dogs of up to 25lbs (if you buy the medium version). It’s not the most durable option and is more expensive than the Cuddle Cave, but is an option to consider for dogs that are too big for the other bed’s 10lbs restriction.
The Original Cuddle Pouch is a plush and comfortable hooded bed. The cave walls aren’t supported, as this encourage dogs to snuggle up inside, so it’s probably not the best choice for pets who don’t like blankets. Burrowing dogs will love the soft interior though.
- Machine Washable? : Yes
- Material: Short Floss Fabric & Polyester Fill
- Sizes Available: Small, Medium
- Price Range: $$
- Soft interior and padded cushion
- Cave walls and cushion cover are machine washable
- Nonslip & waterproof bottom
- Not the most durable dog bed
If you like the look of the Snoozer Luxury Bed but are worried it won’t provide enough support for your pet, the Orthopedic version is an option to consider.
It has many of the same features, such as a hooded design and Sherpa interior, but with a 3″ layer of orthopedic foam to relieve joint pain and provide a more comfortable sleep.
There’s also a microsuede exterior (on certain models) and a rust-proof brass zipper for removing the cover. The cover is machine-washable so it’s easy to keep the bed clean.
Like many of the products on this list, the Snoozer Orthopedic is designed for dogs that like to burrow. If your pet regularly burrows under blankets or duvets, it’s a great choice. If you’re not sure your dog likes burrowing, however, then look for an option with a rigid roof.
The biggest downside is the cost. It’s an expensive dog bed – especially if you need the Large or X-Large versions. If your dog could benefit from orthopedic support, however, it’s one of the best hooded dog beds on the market.
The Snoozer Orthopedic combines the great features of the standard Snoozer Luxury Bed with a 3″ layer of foam. This makes it a great choice for burrowers who need extra support for their joints. It also has a plush interior that many dogs love sleeping on.
- Machine Washable?: Yes
- Material: Soft micro-suede
- Sizes Available: Small, Large, X-Large
- Price Range: $$$$$
- 3″ orthopedic foam layer for extra support
- Machine-washable cover
- Plush and comfortable design
- Expensive
- Only suitable for burrowers
If your pet doesn’t like to burrow but still prefers covered sleeping spots, the Pointy Dog Cave by PLS Birdsong could be an option to consider.
There are three versions of the Pointy Dog Cave: small, medium and large. The biggest option is suitable for dogs weighing up to 35lbs, so it’s a good choice for breeds like Cocker Spaniels or French Bulldogs.
An interesting feature of this bed is that there are two modes. The standard mode with the pointy roof is great if your dog likes a covered environment and helps retain heat during cold weather. There is a zip around the top section, however, so you can remove it and use it as a regular nesting bed.
Other features include a faux-fur soft interior fabric, washable design (more on that in a moment) and suede exterior. The bed also comes with a plush pillow for added comfort.
It’s important to be aware that this isn’t the best choice for every dog. The round cushion design means it’s brilliant for dogs that like to curl up and snuggle against a wall, but it’s not the right shape if your pet prefers to stretch out.
The roof is also more rigid than the typical cave bed. This makes it much better suited to dogs that don’t like burrowing, but comes with the drawback of not being machine-washable. While the cushion cover can be washed in a machine, the point top and base must be washed by hand.
On the plus side, the Point Cave is sturdy and well-built. It’s also not too expensive considering the quality and unique design.
If your dog doesn’t like blankets but still enjoys sleeping in a covered bed, the Point Dog Cave is a great alternative to the other caves on this page. It has a more rigid cone and soft base, plus you can remove the top part during warm weather.
- Machine Washable?: Yes (Cushion Only)
- Material: Faux Fur (Interior) & Suede Fabric (Exterior)
- Sizes Available: Small, Medium, Large
- Price Range: $$
- Comfortable bed with three available sizes
- Soft cushion
- Cone can be removed via a zip
- Only pillow cover can be machine-washed – the rest must be washed by hand
Summary
If your dog loves to burrow under the duvet or sleep under a desk, he’ll probably love a cave dog bed. These beds mimic the “dens” that canines look for in the wild, which is why they can provide a feeling of safety and security (similar to a dog teepee).
My top pick for a cave bed is the Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave. It’s a plush bed with a machine-washable cover, soft sleeping surface and a variety of color options.
I hope this article has helped you choose the best dog cave bed for your pet. If you have any questions or comments, please use the comments section below.
