Bedside Dog Beds & Co-Sleepers: How to Choose the Right One (2026)
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You want your dog close at night. You don't want 20 pounds of dog on your pillow at 3 a.m. A bedside dog bed, also called a dog co-sleeper, solves that: your dog sleeps inches from you, at mattress level, in a space of their own.
This guide explains the types of bedside dog beds, which one fits your dog's size, and what to check before you buy.
Quick answer
- Dogs and cats up to 33 lbs: a bed-attached co-sleeper such as the Close2Me Pet Bed keeps your pet level with you and sits firmly against the mattress.
- Small dogs, puppies and cats up to 18 lbs: a bedside nest such as the Close To Me Nest or the Oval Nest for curled-up sleepers.
- Dogs over 33 lbs: skip bed-attached co-sleepers. Put a supportive floor bed right next to your side of the bed instead.
What is a bedside dog bed?
A bedside dog bed is a pet bed that sits at or near mattress height beside your bed. The best ones attach to the bed with a strap, so they don't slide away from the mattress during the night. Your dog can see, hear and smell you, which helps anxious dogs and puppies settle, but you both keep your own sleeping space.
The three ways to keep your dog next to your bed
| Option | Height | Stays in place? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed-attached co-sleeper | Level with your mattress | Yes, secured with a strap | Dogs and cats who want to be right next to you |
| Floor bed pushed against the bed | Floor | No, it can slide | Large dogs, dogs who run hot |
| Crate beside the bed | Floor | Yes | Crate-trained puppies, dogs who need containment |
1. Bed-attached co-sleeper
This is the "sidecar" design. A frame sits beside your bed at mattress height, and a strap or belt runs under the mattress to hold it in place. Your dog sleeps level with you, at arm's reach, without being in your bed.
Look for: - A weight limit above your dog's adult weight - Adjustable height, so it lines up with your mattress - A strap or belt you can check by hand - A removable, washable pad or cover
The Close2Me Pet Bed is our bed-attached co-sleeper. It supports pets up to 33 lbs, adjusts in height to match your bed, attaches without tools, and has a securing belt. It folds into a carry bag for travel, and a Comfy Pad is included. See the Close2Me Pet Bed →
2. Floor bed against your bed
This is the simplest option and the right choice for big dogs. The downsides: the bed sits lower than you, slides on hard floors, and doesn't stop a determined dog from climbing up. Use a rug or a non-slip base, and pick an orthopedic bed for senior dogs.
3. Crate next to the bed
This is useful for crate training a new puppy. It's less cozy than an open co-sleeper, and you can't reach your dog to reassure them.
Which size do you need?
The most important number is your dog's adult weight, not their current weight.
| Your pet | Weight | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Toy breeds, small puppies, cats | Up to 18 lbs | Close To Me Nest or Oval Nest ($99.95) |
| Small to medium dogs (Frenchies, Beagles, Cavaliers, Shih Tzus…) | Up to 33 lbs | Close2Me Pet Bed ($174.95) |
| Medium-large and large dogs | Over 33 lbs | A floor bed beside your bed |
Nest or Oval Nest? Both attach under your mattress with a safety strap and fit mattresses 4–11.8 in thick. The standard Nest has padded sides. The Oval Nest has a breathable mesh surround and an oval shape that suits pets who curl up to sleep.
Safety checklist before the first night
- Respect the weight limit. A bed rated for 18 or 33 lbs isn't built for a heavier dog.
- Check the strap every night. A secure fit matters more than cushion thickness.
- Line up the heights. The sleeping surface should be level with or just below your mattress, so your dog doesn't step down into a gap.
- Close the gap. Push the co-sleeper firmly against the mattress side.
- Introduce it during the day. Treats and naps in the new bed make the first night easier.
Furmates bedside beds compared
| Close2Me Pet Bed | Close To Me Nest | Close To Me Oval Nest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $174.95 | $99.95 | $99.95 |
| Max pet weight | 33 lbs | 18 lbs | 18 lbs |
| Attachment | Tool-free, securing belt | Under-mattress safety strap | Under-mattress safety strap |
| Height | Adjustable | Adjustable, fits 4–11.8 in mattresses | Adjustable, fits 4–11.8 in mattresses |
| Extras | Folds into carry bag, Comfy Pad included | Machine-washable cover | Mesh surround, machine-washable cover |
FAQ
What is a dog co-sleeper? A dog co-sleeper is a bed that attaches to the side of your bed at mattress height, so your dog sleeps right next to you without being in your bed.
Are bedside dog beds safe? Yes, if you use them within their weight limit, secure the strap properly and line up the height with your mattress. Check the attachment regularly.
Can a large dog use a bedside co-sleeper? Most bed-attached co-sleepers are made for small and medium pets. The Close2Me supports up to 33 lbs. For larger dogs, a floor bed right beside your bed is the safer choice.
Will a co-sleeper stop my dog from climbing into my bed? It helps a lot, because your dog gets the closeness they want. Most dogs still need a few nights of consistent redirection to learn it's their spot.
Do bedside dog beds work for cats? Yes. All three Furmates bedside beds are designed for both dogs and cats.
How do I clean a bedside dog bed? The Nest and Oval Nest covers unzip and are machine washable. The Close2Me comes with a removable Comfy Pad, and replacement pads are available separately.