Best Waterproof Dog Bed Covers (2026 Guide)

An orthopedic dog bed is one of the best investments you can make for a senior dog. But when incontinence enters the picture, that expensive memory foam insert becomes vulnerable to urine damage, odors, and bacterial growth. A single unprotected accident can ruin a bed insert that took weeks to break in and cost a significant amount to replace.

Waterproof bed covers are the simple, inexpensive solution that protects your investment and keeps your dog's sleeping space clean and hygienic. This guide covers the different types of waterproof protection available, what materials work best, and how to set up a layered system that handles even heavy incontinence.

Why Waterproof Protection Matters

Urine does more damage to a dog bed than most people realize. When it soaks into foam, it does not just sit on the surface. It penetrates deep into the material, where it becomes nearly impossible to fully remove. Over time, the urine breaks down the foam structure, creates persistent odors that no amount of washing can eliminate, and fosters bacterial and fungal growth.

Memory foam and orthopedic foam are particularly vulnerable because of their dense, porous structure. Once urine gets into these materials, the bed is essentially ruined. Replacing a quality orthopedic dog bed costs anywhere from 50 to 200 dollars. A waterproof cover costs a fraction of that and keeps the insert in pristine condition.

Beyond the financial argument, there is a hygiene one. A dog sleeping on a urine-contaminated bed is exposed to bacteria and ammonia fumes that can irritate their skin and respiratory system. For senior dogs who already have compromised immune systems or skin sensitivities, a clean, protected bed is especially important.

Types of Waterproof Bed Protection

There are several approaches to waterproofing your dog's bed, and the best choice depends on your specific setup.

Zippered Encasement Covers

These covers zip completely around the bed insert, encasing it on all sides like a pillowcase. This provides full 360-degree protection, meaning even if the bed gets flipped or the dog lies on it at an odd angle, the insert stays dry. Encasement covers are the gold standard for protection and are especially recommended for expensive orthopedic beds.

Flat Waterproof Liners

A flat liner sits between the bed insert and the outer cover. It protects the top surface of the insert where accidents are most likely to occur. Flat liners are less expensive than full encasements and easier to remove and wash. However, they can shift out of position and do not protect the sides or bottom of the insert.

Waterproof Outer Covers

Some dog beds come with outer covers that have a built-in waterproof membrane. If your current bed does not have this feature, you can often buy a compatible waterproof outer cover separately. These replace the standard fabric cover and serve as both the sleeping surface and the waterproof barrier.

Washable Pee Pads as Bed Toppers

Placing a washable pee pad on top of the bed is the simplest approach and adds an extra layer of protection on top of any of the above options. The pad absorbs the accident on the surface, and the waterproof cover underneath catches anything that makes it through. This two-layer system is the most reliable for heavy incontinence.

Materials: What Makes a Good Waterproof Cover

Not all waterproof materials are equal, and the type of membrane used directly affects comfort, durability, and breathability.

PUL (Polyurethane Laminate)

PUL is a thin, flexible waterproof film bonded to fabric. It is the same material used in quality cloth diapers and medical bedding. PUL is lightweight, breathable, quiet, and holds up well through repeated machine washing. It is the most common material in quality dog bed covers and generally the best all-around choice.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU is similar to PUL but tends to be slightly more durable and heat-resistant. It is a newer material that is increasingly used in premium products. TPU covers can withstand hotter wash cycles without delaminating, which is a plus for heavy-duty use.

Vinyl and Plastic

Vinyl sheeting is waterproof but not breathable. It traps heat and moisture against your dog's body, which can cause overheating and skin irritation. The crinkly noise is also unpleasant for many dogs. Vinyl covers are inexpensive but are best used as a temporary or backup solution rather than a daily sleeping surface.

Coated Fabrics

Some covers use a fabric with a water-resistant coating rather than a true waterproof membrane. These may be labeled as water-resistant rather than waterproof, and there is an important difference. Water-resistant coatings can eventually be overwhelmed by larger volumes of liquid and may lose their effectiveness after repeated washing. For incontinence management, true waterproof membranes are the better investment.

Getting the Right Size

Measure your dog's bed insert before ordering a cover. Length and width are the key measurements. For encasement-style covers, you also need the height or thickness of the insert. Most covers have some stretch, but you want a snug fit that does not leave excess material bunching up under your dog.

Common dog bed sizes and their approximate dimensions:

• Small: 24 x 18 inches to 30 x 20 inches
• Medium: 30 x 20 inches to 36 x 28 inches
• Large: 36 x 28 inches to 44 x 32 inches
• Extra Large: 44 x 32 inches to 52 x 42 inches

If your bed is an unusual size or shape, a flat waterproof liner that is slightly larger than the bed surface can be trimmed or tucked to fit. Human crib mattress protectors also work well for medium-sized dog beds, and full or queen mattress protectors can be folded to fit larger beds.

Setting Up a Layered Protection System

For the most reliable protection, especially for dogs with heavy incontinence, use a layered approach:

1. Bottom layer: The bed insert itself, whether it is memory foam, egg crate, or fiberfill.
2. Waterproof encasement: A zippered cover that fully encloses the insert and blocks all moisture.
3. Soft outer cover: The removable fabric cover your dog actually lies on. This is what gets washed most frequently.
4. Top layer (optional): A washable pee pad placed on top of the bed. This catches accidents on the surface and is the easiest layer to swap out.

With this system, accidents are caught by the pee pad before they ever reach the bed cover. If something does soak through the pad, the waterproof encasement protects the insert. The outer cover and pee pad go in the wash. The insert stays dry and clean indefinitely.

Protecting Your Own Bed and Furniture

If your senior dog sleeps on your bed or has couch privileges, you need waterproof protection for those surfaces too. A queen or king-sized waterproof mattress protector for your own bed costs about the same as a dog-specific product and provides seamless protection that your dog cannot push aside.

For couches and chairs, large washable pee pads or waterproof throws work well. You can drape them over your dog's favorite spot and remove them when company comes over. Some owners find that furniture-specific waterproof covers in neutral colors blend in well enough to leave in place all the time.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care ensures your waterproof covers remain effective for the long term. Machine wash on warm with a mild, unscented detergent. Avoid bleach, which degrades waterproof membranes, and skip the fabric softener, which coats fibers and can interfere with both absorbency and waterproofing.

Tumble dry on low or hang to dry. High dryer heat is the most common cause of waterproof membrane failure. If your cover starts allowing moisture through after months of use, it may be that the PUL layer has been damaged by excessive heat. Replacing the cover at that point is inexpensive insurance for the bed insert underneath.

Keep at least two waterproof covers in rotation so you always have a clean one ready while the other is in the wash. This simple habit ensures your dog always has a protected, hygienic place to sleep, even on laundry day.