Best orthopedic dog beds: Top 5 choices

Best orthopedic dog beds

Typically marketed at older dogs who may suffer from sore and stiff joints. Orthopedic dog beds are specifically designed to ease the pressure on dog’s joints and bones as they sleep.

Usually made with memory foam, orthopedic dog beds work to distribute your dog’s weight evenly. Offering maximum support and providing optimum body alignment for a restful sleep.

A memory foam dog bed is also great at retaining heat. So it is especially suitable for small dogs or dogs with arthritis and sore joints as the warmth helps tender muscles relax. What are the best orthopedic dog beds? Our top choice is the BigBarker 7 but for more options read on.

Are orthopedic dog beds worth it?

Our dogs spend a lot of time snoozing. However, just like us, they are prone to age-related conditions that affect their ability to sleep. Arthritis, stiff joints, loss of muscle, and dysplasia all make it more difficult for our dogs to rest comfortably.

Providing your dog with a comfortable and supportive dog bed can help alleviate a lot of the pain associated with the above complaints. A good orthopedic dog bed will distribute your dog’s weight evenly, preventing painful pressure points on elbows and hips and relieve sore muscles.

In this article, we’ll be reviewing the following orthopedic dog beds

What’s the best orthopedic dog bed?

The most important consideration when choosing an orthopedic dog bed is the core. While memory foam is the most common foam used, there is also egg-crate foam and orthopedic foam.

Some dog beds will use a mixture of foams to provide additional support and temperature control. Whatever the core material, the foam needs to be of good quality and at least two inches thick to provide adequate support.

Bolsters are also a good idea on a dog bed. They provide additional back support if your dog likes to curl up. Not only that, but they can act as a barrier to prevent a dog with mobility issues from rolling off the dog bed as they try to get up.

Orthopedic dog beds come in various shapes and sizes but keep in mind that if your dog is struggling with joint pain, to find the best, you need to opt for a style that is easy to climb in and out of. While a thick foam base is ideal for joints, it poses a challenge for a dog with mobility issues.

So here are our top choices for the best orthopedic beds.

Best orthopedic dog beds

PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed, Orthopedic Memory Foam, Multiple Sizes/Colors, Medium Firmness Pillow, Waterproof Liner, YKK Zippers, Breathable 35%...
  • PREMIUM COMPONENTS & BETTER HEALTH: (i) SOLID 4 inch MEMORY FOAM base for superior overall comfort, reduced joint pain (arthritis) and improved health, mobility, & energy. (ii) Calming bed for dogs...
  • SMART DESIGN: (i) Base & bolsters provide optimal support & security. (ii) Water resistant & tear resistant cover. (iii) Non-skid bottom. (iv) Blends in seamlessly with your home. (v) Replacement...
  • PEACE OF MIND: (i) Certi-PUR-US Memory foam. NO mercury, lead, formaldehyde, phthalates, & ozone depleters. (ii) Low VOC emissions for indoor air quality. (iii) Passes stricter European REACH safety...

This is a great orthopedic dog bed from PetFusion. It’s supportive, easy to access, and with bolster cushions around three-quarters of the bed. The memory foam is a generous 4 inches thick, providing fantastic support. The Outer twill material is water-resistant, and it has a waterproof inner liner just in case of accidents.

The bed comes with a breathable, cotton-blend removable cover for easy cleaning, and the bolster cushions are well filled, offering additional comfort. What’s more, it’s available in four sizes and three colors, making it suitable for most dogs and home décor.

Pros

  • The removable and machine washable cover is a huge plus point
  • Replacement covers are available at an additional cost
  • Generous memory foam offers excellent support
  • The anti-slip base is a useful addition, especially on hardwood or tile floors.

Cons

  • The zip is prone to breakages
  • This could be a pro and a con, but the material attracts hair like a magnet. While it keeps it off your floor, it does mean that you’ll need to clean the bed often.
  • Measure carefully and pay attention to the sleeping area, not the overall size of the bed

Sale
The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Headrest Dog Bed Large Grey Plush 40x25, Memory Foam, Pain Relief for Arthritis, Hip & Elbow Dysplasia, Post Surgery,...
  • Large Grey Plush 40” x 25” x 6” (+3.5" Headrest) waterproof orthopedic headrest dog bed. Solid 2” high density, orthopedic memory foam over a solid 4” base of high stability support foam...
  • A prudent preventative measure for younger dogs of breeds predisposed to joint conditions, ensuring your dog’s joints remain mobile into their senior years, improving their quality of life and...
  • Therapeutic bed designed to provide relief and comfort to tripawds, dogs with joint conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, patella luxation, osteochondritis and other conditions such...

This is a fantastic orthopedic dog bed if your dog likes to stretch out. Comfortable for your dog to access, supportive, and available in faux fur or smooth material.

It features a waterproof inner lining which is ideal for little accidents. And the bed has a removable cover that is machine washable and resistant to mold and dust mites which makes it simple to keep clean.

The four-inch mattress includes two inches of premium, high-density orthopedic memory foam, which provides additional support and there are two versions one with a headrest and one without.

What’s more, you can buy additional covers. Which means you can have one in the wash and one on the bed at the same time. It’s perfect for large dogs as it comes in 6 sizes, including an XXXL.

Pros

  • Easy to access
  • Removable and machine washable covers
  • Replacement covers available
  • The two types of memory foam offers superior support

Cons

  • If your dog moves a lot when they sleep, they can fall off as there isn’t any support around the edges.
  • Relatively high to climb onto, especially for dogs with arthritis

Sale
Furhaven Large Orthopedic Dog Bed Plush & Suede Sofa-Style w/ Removable Washable Cover - Gray, Large
  • PET FRIENDLY DESIGN: The bed features a classic sofa design with three-sided bolsters that promote security and provide additional high-loft cushion support for head resters, as well as cozy nestling...
  • SLEEP SURFACE: The sleep surface is lined with ultra plush faux fur, while the bolsters are wrapped in easy-care micro suede; both are soft-to-touch fabrics that no pet could ever resist snuggling...
  • EASY ON JOINTS: The egg crate orthopedic foam helps cushion pressure points, distribute body weight, and improve air circulation, while the fluffy-filled bolsters provide optimum support for the neck,...

This memory foam dog bed is a great budget option from FurHaven. The bolster style provides back support and somewhere for your dog to rest its head. What’s more, the deep egg-crate foam base is soft but supportive, easing joints and muscles while increasing airflow.

Both the bolster and main covers are machine washable for easy cleaning, and there’s a faux fur sleeping surface to keep your dog nice and warm.

Available in 5 sizes and a staggering 18 colors. This orthopedic bed is a perfect couch-like space for when your dog can no longer jump up with you to watch TV.

Pros

  • The egg-crate foam allows more airflow cooling the bed, which is good for warm climates.
  • Washable covers mean it’s easy to clean.
  • Bolster cushions support your dog while they sleep

Cons

  • The bolsters aren’t that supportive
  • The zippers break easily and are visible. So if you have a dog that likes to play tug, you may have to find a way of hiding them.
  • The egg-crate foam isn’t as supportive as solid memory foam. So best for medium or small dogs.

BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper Large Gray Diamond Orthopedic Dog Bed with Solid Orthopedic Foam, Soft Cotton Bolster, and Ultra Soft Plush Sleeping Space -...
  • Large Orthopedic Sleeper: 40” x 30” x 10" - Ideal for Medium to Large size dogs and also great for multiple smaller dogs. Can easily hold up to 100+ lbs and fitted for pets up to 36" in length.
  • Inner Dimensions of Sleeping Space: 36" x 24" - Crafted with top-of-the-line workmanship and premium materials, it is built to both provide the ultimate sleep experience with superior overall comfort...
  • Premium Materials include: (1) Ultra Soft Polyester Cover with a luxurious quilted design, (2) 3.5" of Solid Orthopedic Foam base for the optimal balance of comfort, reduced joint pain and improved...

This cozy option by Barksbar comes with a solid three-and-a-half-inch memory foam base. It features bolster cushions that offer support on all sides of the bed, with the front bolster slightly lower for ease of entry and exit.

As you would expect from a good quality orthopedic dog bed, it has a machine washable cover. Not only that, but it’s lovely and soft, providing a comfortable place for your dog to sleep.

The bed has a rubber non-slip bottom which is useful if the bed is going on hardwood or tile floors. While it may not be the best shape for dogs that like to sleep stretched out, it’s a perfect dog bed for pets that prefer to nap curled into a ball which is why it makes it into our top choices.

Pros

  • Perfect for dogs that like to nest as there are bolsters all around the bed
  • Available in two sizes, medium and large. Be sure to measure the sleeping area, not the overall size of the bed
  • Solid memory foam base provides superior support and is durable

Cons

  • Dogs with joint issues like arthritis may struggle to get in and out due to the high front.
  • The material in the sleeping area is not very thick. If your dog likes to dig before laying down to sleep, it won’t last long.
  • The bolster cushions do go flat and are not easy to fluff

Sale
Big Barker Sleek Orthopedic Dog Bed - 7” Dog Sofa Bed for Large Dogs w/Washable Microsuede Cover - Sleek Elevated Dog Bed Made in The USA w/ 10-Year...
  • Dog Beds for Large Dogs: Finally, your big furry friend can stretch, curl up, and rest comfortably all on one bed; Thick, quality-assured foam and soft microsuede make Big Barker beds the only...
  • Clinically Shown to Reduce Joint Pain: Study data has shown that our raised dog beds help ease joint pain and improve mobility; The headrest supports your pet’s head while they sprawl across the...
  • Washable Microsuede Cover: Big Barker’s covers are machine washable & smell-resistant; The fabric is designed to withstand rubbing, digging & nesting; Easily remove the zippered cover for...

This flat dog bed from Big Barker is ideal for big dogs that like to sleep stretched out. Not only do these beds come in large, extra-large, and giant versions, but they also come in four color options too.

The orthopedic foam mattress is dense at seven inches. Constructed of two two-inch layers of comfort foam that sandwich a three-inch layer of support foam. It’s ideal for large or heavy dog breeds as it relieves pressure and provides superior support for those dogs that need it most.

Not only that, but this orthopedic dog bed has a cooling ‘open cell’ foam construction which means it doesn’t get as hot as many of the alternatives.

The soft microfibre cover is machine washable. Not only that, but it holds up well to dogs that like to dig before they sleep. In fact, Big Barker is so confident in its bed structure that it features a 10-year guarantee that it will keep ninety percent of its shape and support, or they will replace it. Big Barker also teamed up with the University of Pennsylvania to prove the effectiveness of their dog bed, which makes the big barker the only dog bed clinically proven to improve large dog breeds’ quality of life.

Pros

  • The mattress is dense, making it perfect for extra-large dog breeds who need extra support.
  • The warranty is exceptional. You would be hard placed to find another dog bed with anything similar.
  • The foam is an open-cell, making it cooler than traditional orthopedic beds. And as a bonus, there is no ‘off-gassing’ so consequently no nasty smell

Cons

  • There isn’t any waterproofing, although you can purchase a waterproof liner separately.
  • The height of the foam provides excellent support. However, there isn’t anything to prevent your dog from rolling off as they move in their sleep.
  • As the foam is so dense, it makes walking on the bed challenging for dogs with mobility issues.

Best orthopedic dog beds conclusion

A quality orthopedic dog bed is a sound investment. Not only will it help your dog sleep better, but it will also go a long way to ease any stiffness and pain.

Even if your dog is young and energetic, an orthopedic dog bed can still be of benefit. It can ease tired muscles and keep your dog’s spine properly aligned as they sleep.

Our top choice is the BigBarker 7 It offers a generous size sleeping area for large dogs while benefitting from extra support not only that it’s easy to clean as it’s machine washable.

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API