Traveling with a pet in a small car is one thing; using a truck is another. For one, a truck is much larger, which makes it hard to be near your dog while on the road. This can cause him to be agitated and anxious. You don’t want to be near an anxious Fido, especially when driving. One of the things you can do is to get a befitting bed that is comfortable, snuggly, and safe for your pup. This way, you can enjoy some peace of mind and drive safely.

 Besides, dogs with injuries or those experiencing arthritis pain can become very uncomfortable on long road trips, and investing in a dog bed for truck is the easier way to keep such dogs comfortable. These beds can also help you protect your truck seats from dirt, hair, and other grime from your dog.  

Dog Beds for Trucks: Out Top 15 Picks

Whether you want a dog bed for SUV trunk or the back or front seat of your truck, here are the best products that you should consider:

1. PetSafe Happy Ride Cuddler for Cars, SUVs and Trucks

To start things off, here’s a beautiful dog bed for truck back seat from PetSafe. One glance at the bed and you’ll know it is designed with toy breeds in mind. If your pooch is 30 pounds or less, this will fit him perfectly. It is essentially a 2-in-1, meaning it can be both a bed and a seat cover. The bed comes with a seat anchor and headrest strap for easy installation. To make it comfortable, the bed contains a bolster cushion complete with a soft micro-suede liner over it. It is totally machine-washable and helps to keep your car free from dog hair.

2. Bushwhacker – K9 Canopy Dog Bed for Trucks

The K-9 Canopy Truck Bed from Bushwhacker is made to protect your dog from the elements. With a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Amazon, you bet this dog bed for truck floor is a worthy investment. Whether you are traveling through the blazing summer heat, storms, heavy downpours, or strong wind, the canopy will keep your dog absolutely safe. The 600-denier polyester used to construct the canopy is both breathable and tear-resistant. The adjustable dog tether that comes with the bed attaches strongly and easily on your truck’s tie-down brackets. No matter the speed you are going at, your furry friend will be absolutely safe. The bed also utilizes closed cell foam for comfort and zero corrosion.

3. Barkbox 2-in-1 Hammock & Bed for Cars, Trucks & SUVs

The Barkbox 2-in-1 Car Seat Cover is yet another awesome pet bed for SUV. It is a supportive memory foam bed designed to offer orthopedic benefits to dogs. If you have a small dog that’s advanced in age, this is the bed to get him. The selling point of this product is the fact that it can fit in a crate. This is a huge benefit if you want to switch between using your SUV’s floor and crate to transport your pooch. The bed is waterproof and easy to clean. The best part: It is super affordable than other supportive beds on this list. However, it is not chew-proof and needs about three days for it to fluff.

4. Pet Gear Carrier & Car Seat with Booster

If you prioritize portability more than anything else when it comes to dog beds for trucks, this pet carrier and car seat from Pet Gear fits the bill. It is collapsible, lightweight, and takes up very little space in the backseat of your truck. Perhaps the greatest advantage of this product is that it can be used out of the box. Unlike many products on this list that require installation, this one is ready as is. Furthermore, it is multi-purpose. Feel free to switch from a carrier and car seat. With a 360⁰ view of the surrounding, your pet will have a great time exploring his world throughout the trip. Lastly, the bed uses a push-button rather than zips for convenience.

5. Big Barker Backseat: SUV Edition

Here’s another great orthopedic dog bed for back of SUV or truck from Big Barker. No doubt if you want to take comfort and protection of your pooch to the next level, this is the product to consider. Made from American therapeutic foam, the bed absorbs shock better than most products in the market. It also comes with pillow wings on either side to both make it more flexible and comfortable. Please note that the dimensions given include those of the pillow wings, so when choosing the size, keep that in mind. Also, this bed is quite pricey but definitely worth it.

6.  K&H PET PRODUCTS SUV/ Truck Pet Bed

The K&H Pet Products SUV Dog Bed is an affordable alternative to Big Barker with great features. Sure, it is not designed to be an orthopedic bed but it is still a great buy if you are hard-pressed for money. It is stuffed with polyfill, which makes it super cozy and comfortable. The backing is also water-resistant, is relatively easy to clean (thanks to the removable microfleece cushion), and even has a non-slip base so it stays put at all times. The only downside is that the fabric used is not chew-proof. It may not hold well for an aggressive chewer. 

7. PetFusion Ultimate Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

Traveling with a senior Fido cannot get more interesting and easy than this. The bed is orthopedic and has a whopping four inches of foam to it. Whether your dog has joint pain, mobility issues, or arthritis, the bed will ensure comfort throughout the journey. The large dog bed for car comes with both bolsters and a base for maximum comfort. It is tear and water-resistant, durable, and has a non-slip bottom. For more convenience, be sure to get the removable covers sold separately.

8.  X-ZONE Dog Booster Car Seat/Dog Bed

X-ZONE always delivers when it comes to dog products. Their booster car seat and dog bed is large and spacious, making it a great transportation tool for a truck. Apart from the massive space of the seat, you have a large carry bag to actually transport the bed with. The product collapses into a smaller frame that fits the bag. It also has a few pockets on the side to store the dog’s essentials. With an elevated base, your pup will enjoy looking outside. Finally, the material of construction is absorbent, soft, and easy to clean.

9.  We Love Animals Dog Cargo Liner for Truck, SUV, Van, & Jeep

This SUV cargo dog bed keeps your car mess-free as you hit the road with your paw-tner. Made with three layers of the 600D oxford fabric that is double-stitched, you bet this product is durable, sturdy, and high-quality. The upper layer is waterproof, so your dog can stay dry at all times. Most importantly, the bed offers maximum comfort and doesn’t slip regardless of the speed at which the car is going.

The Dog Cargo Liner’s fabric isn’t color-fast so you shouldn’t worry about straining your upholstery. To install it, all you have to do is loop the adjustable straps into the snap buckles and let the side flaps hang loose. When you purchase the bed, you get the side flaps, storage pocket, a “Loving Dogs Gets Easier” eBook, and a carry bag for free!

10.  Seat Armour Pet Bed & Seat Cover

We believe that Seat Armour could very well be one of the best products out there for protecting your truck’s seats from pet hair and other damaging grime. It is designed to function both as a truck dog bed and a seat cover. You can also use it as a home bed for your dog. It is easy to install as all you need to do is insert the hole on top of the cover over your truck’s headrest and then insert the seatbelt on the back of the bed to secure it firmly.

11. LTY Dog Car Seat, Carrier Bed & Puppy Booster Seat

With this dog car set, puppy booster seat carrier bed, your dog’s comfort is 100% guaranteed. The material of construction, oxford cloth, is responsible for warmth and comfort during travel. The bed comes with a car seat belt to keep your pup in place hereby helping you to concentrate on driving the truck. Installation is a breeze, so you won’t spend forever figuring things out. Basically, the booster seat is attached to the front or back seat of the truck. It even has storage bags on either side from which you can store your dog’s toys and leashes.

12. Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed

The Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed is portable, multi-functional, and durable. If you are looking for an “on-the-go” option both for home and travel use, this is it! You can even use it for camping purposes. With a poly-suede top and ripstop bottom, the bed is definitely built to last. The fabric also makes it easy to wash and maintain. Plus, the bed honestly looks great!

13. Catalonia Classic Soft Dog Bed for Back of Tuck or SUV

Catalonia Classic dog bed is one canine bed for trucks and SUVs that is sure to take your pooch’s comfort to a whole new level. It is constructed with super-soft coral fleece as well as high-end PP cotton, which provides maximum comfort for your dog and will never irritate your dog’s skin. It is lightweight, making it easy to roll up and pack on every trip with your dog. It comes with corner snapping capabilities, which means that you can fit in any space in your truck, including dog crates. It is reversible and machine-washable, making it a breeze to maintain.

14. Lightspeed Ultra-Plush Travel Pet Bed

Most of us love the feel of plush microfleece, so the fact that most dog owners want the same for their pup’s truck beds doesn’t come as a surprise. This amazing dog bed from Lightspeed Outdoors comes with a high-end microfleece surface with a detachable overstuffed inner cushion. The cover is made of 1680D oxford polyester, which is not only durable but also capable of creating a comfy spot on any available space in your truck. The bed is machine-washable and spacious enough to accommodate even larger breeds.

15. BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper Orthopedic Dog Bed

Finally, we have the BarksBar Snuggly Orthopedic Dog Bed that makes traveling with a pet fun and easy, both for you and the dog. Measuring 32 x 22 x 10 inches, the bed can hold up to 50 pounds of weight. This means it is perfect for one medium or a number of toy breeds. The bed is built with premium materials to ensure comfort, durability, water, and tear-resistance, and ease of cleaning. It is also big enough to fit in the back seat or trunk of a truck or SUV.

How to Choose the Right Dog Bed for Trucks

Here are a few criteria to keep in mind when purchasing a dog bed for your truck:

• Durability: A good dog bed for a car or truck should withstand your dog’s weight and handling. Depending on the size of your pup, the bed should be thick enough to support his weight. If your dog is a heavy chewer, it is advisable to choose a bed that’s constructed with strong and chew-proof material.

• Ease of Installation: A good truck dog bed should be easy to install or remove from the truck, especially if you ride with your dog frequently.

• Size: The bed you choose should be spacious enough for your dog to fully recline on it. If your dog likes to curl up when he is asleep, then even a smaller bed will fit him but if he tends to spread out, then consider going for a bigger bed.

• Comfort: Choose a bed that will provide optimum comfort for your dog throughout the ride. Ensure that it features a non-skid bottom to enable it to stay in place and to remain stable while the vehicle is in motion. If your dog has joint issues, hip dysplasias, or an injury, consider getting him an orthopedic bed. These beds are usually made of memory foams to help minimize potential jostles and bumps that your dog may feel during the ride.

• Washability: Your dog will drool, shed hair, and occasionally have accidents on the bed. So, to ensure that the bed doesn’t become smelly fast, ensure that it can be hosed off easily or put in a washing machine.

Quick Tips to Make Your Dog Get Used To His Truck Bed

• Let your dog use the bed a few times before your road trip. This will ensure that his scent gets absorbed in the bed, which can go a long way in making him feel secure during the trip, especially in unfamiliar environments.

If your dog is prone to motion sickness, consider getting him some OTC medications and supplements to take care of his anxiety. Calming sprays and treats can also come in handy. Here are the best options:

• Carry a few chew or puzzle toys to help keep your canine friend’s mind occupied during the trip.

• Frequent stops are also recommended to allow your dog to stretch his joints and get used to some of the local sights and smells.

Is It Safe To Put A Dog Bed In The Back Of A Pickup Truck?

The short answer is: NO. It is not safe!

• Your dog can jump or tumble out while the vehicle is moving.

• Flying rocks and debris can hit your dog, causing costly injuries.

• Blowing wind can irritate your dog or even blow grit into his eyes.

• You don’t have immediate access to your dog in case of an emergency.

• It distracts your driving and other drivers on the road.    

Most trucks have cabins that are spacious enough for your dog to ride in comfortably. So, always ensure that your dog rides with you in the cabin. Remember that you can always use a barrier to keep your dog in the backseat. If you have to put a dog bed in the back of a pickup truck, consider the following options:

• Restrain your dog in a strong crate and ensure that he is 100% secured.

• Use a dog seat belt or harness to keep your dog safe

• Tether your pup with a short harness to avoid potential strangulation or even death.

Final Thoughts

If you travel with your pup frequently, a dog bed for truck or SUV is essential—it will help keep him safe, calm, and less anxious. It also keeps your truck’s seats and floorboard clean and free from dog odor. If you have a truck but don’t know the right bed to transport your dog, these are great products to trade your coins for. Just choose one depending on your needs, wallet, and the size of your dog.