Are Bean Bags Safe for Dogs? [Expert Answer]

When it comes to our furry friends’ comfort, we often find ourselves seeking alternatives to traditional pet beds. One such option that has gained popularity is using bean bags as a cozy resting spot for dogs.

However, the safety of bean bags for dogs remains a concern among pet owners. In general, yes, bean bags are safe for dogs. Your paw friend can easily stand up after a rest thanks to the height of a bean bag. As it is more comfy and remarkably durable than other types of mattresses, it can be the ideal bed for your dog. 

Continue scrolling to learn about the pros and cons of using bean bags for dogs, various potential risks, benefits, and best practices.

Benefits of Bean Bags for Your Dog

Bean bags are soft, squishy chairs that are known for their comfort and adaptability. These pieces of furniture can conform to the shape of the occupant’s body, offering a snug and supportive space for chilling out.

This adaptability has led pet owners to consider bean bags as an appealing option for their canine companions, as they can provide a cozy experience. It means they can utilize a bean bag as a seating choice for their pet-friend as well.

Here are some of the benefits of bean bags for dogs:

Own Space

Your dogs can have their own place with bean bags. Giving your dog a bean bag bed of their own gives them a sense of privacy and security similar to having their own bedroom. Knowing they will have an uninterrupted nap helps them sleep better as a result.

Clean Dogs

If your dog stays on bean bags for a long time, its paws will stay clean and free of dirt. It will also let you keep your floor clean and tidy. Plus, if your floor is already dirty, using a bean bag will protect your dog from getting its paws dirty.

A Lot of Shape and Size Choices

Bean bag beds are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. It’s crucial to select a bean bag that matches your dog’s size perfectly. If the bean bag is too small, your dog won’t have the room to stretch out and unwind comfortably. In the opposite to that, if the bean bag is excessively large, your dog might feel overwhelmed or lost within it.

Choosing the ideal bean bag tailored to your dog’s size and preferences is a delightful experience for dog parents. For instance, for those with larger dogs, a bigger bean bag with ample space for your pet to move around is the best choice. On the other hand, if you have a small dog, opting for a smaller, more compact bean bag is perfect.

Joint Support

Bean bags can provide valuable joint support for dogs, especially those suffering from arthritis or other joint-related issues. The cushioning effect of bean bags can alleviate pressure on joints, promoting comfort and potentially improving mobility.

Easy to Clean

Cleaning bean bags is a very simple task. When choosing a high-quality material for your dog’s bean bag, pick an option that is stain-resistant and simple to maintain. The cloth that some bean bags use is flea-resistant. Such a fabric has no soft fibers, which prevents fleas from reproducing.

Appealing to Dogs’ Eyes

Bean bags are frequently made of cushy, soft materials, which appeals to dogs even more. This is another great reason to use a dog bean bag. Understanding what appeals to our canine companions is crucial for pet owners. Why? It is so that we are able to give them exactly what they want and need at the same time because of this.

Isn’t that what all pet parents strive for? Your pets may be drawn to a bean bag for many reasons depending on its color and shape choices. 

Temperature Regulation

Bean bags can help regulate a dog’s body temperature. The beads in the bean bag allow for air circulation, preventing overheating during warmer months and providing warmth during colder seasons.

Versatility and Durability

Bean bags are strong and adaptable. If you pick the appropriate material, Your dog’s bean bag will withstand all of their biting and scratching thanks to the marine quality vinyl fabric used in dog bean bags, and it will stay in your home for years.

Because of its versatility and durability, it can be used outdoors and indoors for doggie rest. In other words, in addition to serving as a bed, it will become your dog’s new best buddy.

Help with Dog Anxiety

A bean bag might be the ideal way to assist your dog in relaxing if they have anxiety. Their anxiousness will be greatly reduced and they will feel much more secure thanks to the bean bag’s soft and inviting feeling.

Don’t forget that it’s important to think about what your dog might want in order to maximize their happiness and take advantage of what you’re providing for them. It’s not just about meeting their fundamental needs. After all, it’s about producing a great and gratifying experience rather than just the bean bag itself.

Letting Dogs Sleep on Bean Bag Beds

Humans require sleep to get fully recharged and feel good and energetic for the day in the morning. Similarly, our canine companions crave a restful night’s sleep to be at their absolute best and maintain optimal health.

But, their slumber requirements vary based on factors like personality, breed, and age, allowing them to snooze and nap for a generous 14 hours per day – a luxury many of us humans secretly envy on occasion!

Your dog, much like yourself, possesses unique sleep habits. Given the choice, they’d undoubtedly opt for the coziest, most inviting spot available – the very reason they’re so keen on sneaking into your room and hopping onto your bed.

Without a doubt, your dog will develop a deep attachment to their bean bag, quickly making it their preferred spot to jump onto, nestle in, and dream away. The amount of time they spend on their bean bag might intrigue you, so let me shed some light on why dogs wholeheartedly embrace an inviting plush and comfy bean bag.

For them, their bean bag isn’t just a piece of furniture; it’s a sanctuary of warmth, snugness, and above all, security. It’s where they rejuvenate, catching up on the essential rest they so desperately need. This is the reason why your furry friend adores their bean bag bed so much.

Your dog’s well-being hinges on getting enough sleep, substantiating the age-old adage, “let sleeping dogs lie.” They need undisturbed Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, a crucial phase where their eyes move rapidly and randomly. This phase revitalizes their energy and relieves stress.

Insufficient sleep leads to lingering stress hormones in their system, impacting their demeanor and conduct, occasionally triggering destructive, hostile, or aggressive behavior while awake. If your furry friend is interrupted during this vital sleep stage, they might unexpectedly snap or even unintentionally nip.

Most of the time, smaller breeds like Bichon Frisés, Chihuahuas, Havaneses, or Pomeranians manage with around 10 hours of sleep daily. Larger breeds such as Irish Wolfhounds, German Shepherds, Leonbergers, and Great Danes require more sleep, clocking in up to 18 hours a day. Additionally, a few breeds of dogs that engage in work, such as farm or police dogs, need less slumber while some may nap during the day purely out of boredom.

In short, let your dog enjoy all the sleep it requires, benefiting everyone’s stress levels involved. While you’ve probably observed your pup lounging around during the day, it’s essential to recognize that they can’t simply snooze whenever, wherever, and however they desire.

What About Pups?

As far as the question “Are bean bags safe for pups” is concerned, generally, it depends on the puppy you have. Assuming some puppies will eat anything including shoes, remotes, phone cases, furniture, electrical cables, etc. keeping it away from bean bags or anything within the puppy’s reach for a few months is the right thing to do.

It is also possible that either in the early months of your pup or as your pup grows, they may or may not like the bean bag. So, you have to frequently notice whether your puppy loves the bean bag or not and act accordingly. You should start observing from day 1, and wait till 1 month, 4 months, 6 months, 10 months, and 1 year to finally figure out if your pup is a fan of bean bags or not.

If puppies are saved for bean bags, try not to leave them unsupervised around the bean bags. Also, inspect your bean bag thoroughly from time to time for chew marks. Also, you may have to look for pee stains and clean your bean bag as well as it will surely get peed.

Furthermore, some pups love shredding the carpet or other similar things with their sharp teeth. It means you should also see what fabrics or textures your puppies are obsessed with. In case your pup loves chewing or biting the outer shell of bean bags, use bean bags that are made for outdoors as they have strong and sturdy fabrics such as

1. Marine grade vinyl
2. Cotton
3. Polyester
4. Olefin
5. 420D nylon
6. 1680D polyester

Regardless of your bean bag cover’s fabric or texture, never leave your pup unsupervised. In case they don’t leave the bean bag, you can use vinegar spray or anything else that makes the dogs go away.

Dog Bed Treatments and Coatings

Extra coatings can offer significant advantages when it comes to bean bag dog beds, having the following essential features:

UV Protection

If you are willing to use your bean bag bed outdoors, opting for a UV-protective coating on the fabric will ensure the vibrant colors remain vivid and the overall appearance stays sharp even under the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

PU/PVC Coating

Applying an outer layer of either polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) brings notable benefits, such as enhanced durability and increased weather resistance. PU coatings exhibit properties similar to rubber, offering breathability while being able to withstand a wider range of temperatures. In contrast, PVC does have its limits, especially under direct sunlight, it’s not as breathable. 

Antimicrobial Treatment

Antimicrobial and antifungal agents can be applied to the raw fabric and woven into the bean bag to resist the growth of bacteria, mold and algae, which can be helpful not only for your health but also for the health of your pets.

For an added layer of protection, some bean bag dog beds come treated with antimicrobial and antifungal agents. These agents are integrated into the raw fabric and woven throughout the bean bag, effectively resisting the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and algae. This not only contributes to your own health but also ensures the well-being of your beloved pets.

These coatings go beyond mere aesthetics, providing crucial elements that prolong the life and utility of your bean bag dog bed, especially if it’s intended for outdoor use or if you prioritize health and hygiene in your pet’s resting space.

Can Dogs Sleep on a Bean Bag?

Absolutely yes, dogs can sleep on a bean bag. A dog bean bag bed serves as a regular, well-deserved sanctuary for our furry friends. While some dogs make do with the floor or an aging bed lacking support and softness, choosing a bean bag bed for your dog offers a wonderful solution. You’re granting your loyal companion a plush, inviting, and resilient spot to rest and sleep, all while safeguarding their overall health and mitigating potential joint issues.

Given the choice, any dog would naturally opt for the coziest option available – a preference that often leads to their desire to conquer your bed! You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the significant amount of time your dog will happily spend on their bean bag bed. It becomes their haven, offering the perfect blend of coziness and support, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and making it a choice they adore.

Many dogs end up with the wrong beds, be it due to size constraints or extreme fluffiness. This can indeed pose a problem, as overly soft beds fail to provide the necessary support for a dog’s body, resulting in that uncomfortable sinking sensation instead of the security and comfort they truly crave.

Safety Concerns of Bean Bags for Dogs

Here are some of the safety things that you should consider when letting your dogs use a bean bag:

Ingestion Hazard

One of the primary safety concerns associated with bean bags and dogs is the risk of ingestion. Bean bags are typically filled with small beads that a curious dog might mistake for food. Ingesting these beads can lead to choking or intestinal blockage, posing a serious threat to your pet’s health.

Chewing and Clawing

Dogs are known for their chewing and scratching behaviors. Bean bags, while comfortable, may not withstand a dog’s enthusiastic chewing or clawing, leading to potential damage to the bean bag and ingestion of harmful materials.

Best Material for a Dog Bean Bag Bed

When it comes to selecting the best material for a bean-bag-like product such as your dog’s bean bag bed, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind, ensuring both convenience and your furry friend’s well-being.

Most reputable manufacturers of high-quality bean bag dog beds prioritize stain-resistant materials, significantly easing the cleaning process for you. These materials also boast flea resistance, a crucial factor in maintaining your dog’s overall health and cleanliness.

The ideal material choice often centers around vinyl. This material offers easy cleaning, and its lack of soft fibers makes it an unfavorable breeding ground for fleas. Furthermore, vinyl is remarkably resilient against rot, mildew, and mold.

PVC, vinyl, and many other materials can even be conveniently jet-washed in your garden, providing a practical cleaning solution at your convenience. And yes, your pup is likely to find the water play delightful, making the cleaning process fun for both of you.

If you opt for a fabric-based dog bed, cotton stands as a fantastic choice, providing a soft and breathable surface for your furry companion. However, regular cleaning is essential to keep it fresh and sanitary. When investing in a dog bed, it’s crucial to ensure the chosen material doesn’t contain toxic dyes or harmful chemicals that could pose a threat to your pet.

While fuzzy bean bags may seem cozy, they can also offer hiding spots for fleas. Opting for a smoother surface is a smart move, providing an added layer of protection against unwelcome parasites.

Some bean bag dog beds come equipped with washable covers that are machine-friendly, such as plush, cotton, polyester, and corduroy. Toss it in the washing machine, and let the machine do the rest – it’s as easy as can be!

Choosing the right material for your dog’s bean bag bed ensures both your convenience in cleaning and your pet’s comfort and health, making it a valuable investment in your furry friend’s overall well-being.

Best Size for Bean Bag Bed for Dogs

Size is undoubtedly a significant consideration when choosing bean bags including those for pets like dogs. But the beauty of a bean bag bed is that it takes away much of the size-related stress. When deciding on the perfect dimensions for your bean bag dog bed, the key is to avoid selecting a size that’s too small.

If you happen to go for a bean bag chair for your pet that’s a bit on the larger side, no worries – your furry friend will still find it comfortable. However, if you’re mindful of conserving floor space, taking a moment to measure your canine companion ensures that the bean bag pillow bed for dogs won’t occupy excessive legroom.

With a bean bag bed, it’s all about providing a cozy spot for your pup without the headache of precisely matching their size. As long as you avoid going too small, your dog is sure to enjoy the comfort it offers.

Here are the suitable bean bag bed sizes for small and big dogs:

Recommended Bean Bag Bed Size for Big Dog Breeds

Dog Breed	Average Weight (kg)	Average Height (inches)	Recommended Dog Bean Bag Bed Size
Great Dane	45-59	30-32	XL
Saint Bernard	54-81	28-30	XL
Newfoundland	45-68	22-28	L
English Mastiff	54-104	27-35	L or XL
Bernese Mountain Dog	31-52	22-27	L

Recommended Bean Bag Bed Size for Small Dog Breeds

Dog Breed	Average Weight (kg)	Average Height (inches)	Recommended Dog Bean Bag Bed Size
Pomeranian	1-3	8-11	S
Saint Bernard	3	8-9	S
Miniature Dachshund	4.5-13	4-7	S or M
Shih Tzu	4-7	4-7	S
Pekingese	3-5	12-17	S

Best Shape for a Bean Bag Dog Bed

Dog bean bag beds are available in various shapes, with rectangular and round designs being the most favored options.

Rectangular beds are perfect for dogs that prefer to stretch out and utilize the full space available. They are particularly well-suited for larger breeds like the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, English Mastiff, or Bernese Mountain Dog, providing ample room for their size.

On the other hand, round bean beds are an excellent choice for dogs that enjoy curling up while they sleep. Although typically associated with smaller breeds, modern sizes now enable even larger dogs to experience comfortable sleep on a generously proportioned round bed.

Best Practices for Using Bean Bags Safely

Following are some tips that will help you in taking care of your dogs and bean bags at the same time.

Opt for Quality

Investing in a high-quality bean bag is essential if you’re considering using it for your dog. Look for bean bags with sturdy materials and reinforced stitching to minimize the risk of tearing and bead exposure.

Supervision

Supervise your dog while they are using the bean bag. This will help prevent any chewing or tearing, reducing the likelihood of ingestion or damage.

Best Filling for a Bean Bag Dog Bed

As per the experience of users, it has been discovered that virgin EPS beads (expanded polystyrene) are among the best fillings for a bean bag dog bed. Their durability and lightweight nature, coupled with the ability to maintain shape over an extended period, make them a fantastic option. Many reputable manufacturers even guarantee up to a year of shape retention of these fillers before a refill is necessary. 

When determining the ideal firmness for your dog’s bed, you have control. Younger dogs often prefer softer surfaces. On the other hand, older dogs or those with joint issues tend to favor orthopedic or memory foam beds, allowing them easy entry and exit.

If your dog’s bed is already filled with EPS beads but needs additional firmness, putting shredded foam (crumb foam) can be an excellent solution. The combination of these two materials is an excellent choice when seeking to enhance cushioning.

Furthermore, it slows down the compression of the beads, extending their lifespan. However, a word of caution is to maintain a balanced ratio of foam to beads. It is so because crumb foam has a lower density, which means larger dogs might compress it excessively, resulting in a bed that’s uncomfortably close to the floor.

When refilling the dog bed, ensure your furry friend isn’t present, as they might consider the filling bags as playthings, potentially tearing them open or chewing on the contents. This can be hazardous, as inhaling or ingesting bean bag filling poses risks to animals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of bean bags for dogs can offer both comfort and potential benefits, but it comes with certain safety considerations. While bean bags can provide joint support and temperature regulation, the risk of ingestion and damage must not be overlooked. If you decide to introduce a bean bag into your dog’s living space, prioritize supervision and quality to ensure their safety and well-being.