Do Calming Dog Beds Actually Work? The Kloud9 Story
Calming beds are everywhere, and if you have an anxious dog, the promise is tempting: a bed that helps them settle, self-soothe and sleep. But do they work, and why do so many of them turn into flat pancakes within months?
The Idea Behind Calming Beds
Calming beds work on a simple principle: dogs feel safer when they can nestle. A soft, enveloping bed with a raised rim gives dogs something to burrow into and lean against, mimicking the security of sleeping in contact with littermates. For dogs prone to stress, that enclosed, cuddly design genuinely helps them relax and settle.
Our Calming Dog Bed collection is built entirely around that principle, with a supportive pillow design and protective rim that creates a secure environment.
Where Most Calming Beds Fail
Most calming beds on the market are filled with polyester fibre or recycled plastic fill. It feels plump in the box, then compacts and flattens quickly, taking the "calming" structure with it. A flat calming bed is just a rug with a rim.
How the Kloud9 Is Different
The Original Kloud9 is filled with our exclusive Kloudfill: a crumbed foam filling made from the offcuts of our orthopaedic bedding range, so no foam goes to landfill. Unlike traditional fibre-filled beds, Kloudfill lets your dog nestle in while still offering a level of support, and it holds its body far better than plastic fill. It comes in a range of colours, and the covers are removable and machine washable.
It's proudly made in the Hunter Valley NSW, with over 99% of raw materials Australian made. Like everything we build, you can see how it's made here.
Calming or Orthopaedic?
Worth being upfront: the Kloud9 is cuddly and semi-supportive, not orthopaedic. For dogs who need serious joint support, seniors, giants and arthritic dogs, we recommend the PlushMat! or PlushMat! Plus instead, or as the main bed alongside a Kloud9 snuggle spot. Our orthopaedic bedding benefits page explains the difference.
The Verdict
Calming beds do work for the right dog, if the fill holds up. The Kloud9 is the one we're happy to put our name on. Shop the calming bed range here, and grab a spare cover for easy rotation on wash day.
