As dogs age, they often experience increased sleep and a decrease in muscle mass, making them more susceptible to joint pain due to reduced cushioning. Conditions like arthritis and past injuries can further exacerbate discomfort. Orthopedic dog beds are designed to alleviate these issues by utilizing resilient memory foam that provides even, medium-firm support, effectively reducing stress on pressure points and joints. It’s important to note that orthopedic beds aren’t just for senior dogs; veterinarians recommend them for dogs of all ages.
To identify the top orthopedic dog beds, a thorough testing process was conducted with 22 popular options. A group of mostly senior dogs tested each bed for several weeks, focusing on their napping and lounging habits. Veterinarian consultations were also integral in determining the most crucial features for these specialized beds. The Petfusion Ultimate Dog Lounge emerged as the top choice, excelling in support, comfort, and durability. For those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, the Bedsure Pet Orthopedic Dog Sofa offers commendable support and comfort, though it may not match the longevity or ease of cleaning of the Petfusion bed.
Our Top Picks for the Best Orthopedic Dog Beds
- Best Overall: Petfusion Ultimate Dog Lounge – See at Chewy
- Best Budget with Bolsters: Bedsure Pet Orthopedic Dog Sofa – See at Chewy
- Best Budget Mat: Bedsure Pet Orthopedic Mat – See at Chewy
- Best Stylish: Lay Lo Dog Bed – See at Lay Lo
- Best for Small Dogs: Big Barker Barker Junior – See at Big Barker
- Best for Crates: Big Barker Ortho Lift Crate Bed – See at Big Barker
Best Overall: Petfusion Ultimate Dog Lounge
The Petfusion Ultimate Dog Lounge is a top-tier orthopedic dog bed featuring a durable twill cover and a supportive memory foam mattress with sturdy bolsters. During testing with a 45-pound Labradoodle and a 45-pound beagle-basset hound mix, both dogs found the bed exceptionally comfortable, with the dense memory foam providing even support. Veterinarians and our testers agree that dogs often prefer resting their backs against a solid surface, making the bolsters on this bed—which extend partially across the front—ideal for dogs who enjoy snuggling or propping their heads.
The memory foam thickness varies by size, with the jumbo bed offering 6 inches, while extra-large and large beds have 4 inches, and small beds have 2 inches. While the cover is generally durable and easy to spot clean, loose fur can be challenging to remove, though a dedicated pet hair remover can be effective. Washing the cover and liner is straightforward, but re-weaving the bolsters back into the cover can be a bit cumbersome. Despite minor pilling after washing, the cover’s durability remains high, and the waterproof liner offers excellent protection against liquids.
Pros:
- Medium-firm support
- Supportive bolsters
- Durable fabric
- Nonskid bottom
Cons:
- Assembly requires patience
- Some fabric pilling
- Limited color options
- Heavy
Best Budget with Bolsters: Bedsure Pet Orthopedic Dog Sofa
For an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on comfort, the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Sofa is a strong contender. This bed is available in a wide array of sizes and colors, often priced between $50 and $100. It features a 4-inch egg-crate foam mattress that provides medium-firm support. Even the extra-large size effectively supported a 70-pound English cream retriever without sagging. Its design includes a wide entry between the bolsters, making it easy for dogs to get in and out.
The bed’s cover proved resilient during testing, and the waterproof liner successfully protected the foam. Spot cleaning yielded mixed results, with some stains being more persistent on lighter colors. While the cover is machine washable, the non-removable bolsters can make the drying process longer. The liner’s zipper also showed some unreliability, occasionally getting stuck or detaching. Despite these drawbacks, the bed’s overall durability and affordability make it a recommended choice, with the suggestion to handwash the liner and handle the zipper with care.
Pros:
- Wide entry between bolsters
- Nonskid bottom
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Bolsters cannot be removed for cleaning
- Liner zipper can be problematic
- Lighter colors may stain easily
Best Budget Mat: Bedsure Pet Orthopedic Mat
Dogs who prefer to sprawl out will appreciate the Bedsure Pet Orthopedic Mat. This mattress-style bed offers a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface, available in various colors, textures, and sizes. The eggcrate foam is typically 3 inches high, with the largest size offering 4 inches, providing more density and support than many comparable beds under $80. Even larger breeds, like Leonbergers, found comfort and even support on this mat, whether lying individually or together.
The mat features durable cover options, including a sherpa-like material and a quilted cooling cover with a waterproof backing to protect the foam. Some versions include a nonslip bottom for added stability. While the sherpa material can be challenging to spot clean, both cover types are machine washable. The zipper’s placement along two sides facilitates easy cover removal.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Top of cover is waterproof
- Cover is easy to remove and machine washable
Cons:
- Some options lack a nonslip bottom
- Generally only 3 inches high (except for the largest size)
Best Stylish: Lay Lo Dog Bed
The Lay Lo Dog Bed masterfully blends comfort and style with its simple design and excellent orthopedic support. This bed features a two-layer foam mattress, consisting of a 1-inch memory foam top layer and a denser foam base. It boasts over 20 attractive cover options, sold separately, in various colors and prints. The 4-inch thick medium-sized bed provided consistent support for a 45-pound hound mix, who was observed choosing this bed over others on multiple occasions.
The bed includes a nonslip bottom for enhanced stability on smooth floors. Covers are made from durable materials, and a fabric handle with a removable vegan leather wrap allows for easy carrying. While the bed comes with a water-resistant liner, a separate waterproof liner can be purchased for enhanced protection. Reassembling the bed after washing requires care to avoid catching the mattress liner in the zipper.
Pros:
- Evenly supportive
- Covers available in many colors and prints; also sold separately
- Nonslip bottom
- Convenient handle for carrying
Cons:
- Liner can catch in cover zipper
- Lacks bolsters
- Strict return policy for opened beds
- Waterproof liner sold separately
Best for Small Dogs: Big Barker Barker Junior
The Big Barker Junior is specifically designed for smaller breeds, utilizing resilient orthopedic foam for maximum comfort. This bed has a versatile chaise lounge design with a curved bolster at one end. During testing, the medium-sized bed provided uniform support for a 10-pound chihuahua mix and a 12-pound terrier mix. The foam is highly resilient, quickly returning to its original shape after pressure is applied. The bed’s height of 4 inches makes it a suitable option for small dogs who do not have difficulty stepping onto raised surfaces.
The microsuede cover has proven extremely durable through various tests, resisting scratching, digging, and seam stress. Spot cleaning with soap and water effectively removed common stains like peanut butter and dirt. While the bed is an investment, Big Barker offers a 10-year guarantee, reflecting confidence in the foam’s longevity. A waterproof liner is available for separate purchase.
Pros:
- Thick and supportive
- Extra durable
- 10-year guarantee
Cons:
- Pricey
- Somewhat tall for short-legged breeds
- Waterproof liner sold separately
Best for Crates: Big Barker Ortho Lift Crate Bed
The Big Barker Crate Bed offers superior durability and support compared to standard crate pads, making it an excellent choice for dogs who spend extended periods in their crates. A 45-pound basset-beagle mix received ample support from this bed, with testers unable to feel the floor beneath. The bed features a tough microsuede cover with robust seams and zippers that withstood all durability tests. The two-layer foam core consistently maintained its shape, recovering quickly after pressure was applied.
The bed’s 4-inch thickness may reduce headroom in some crates, and its price point is considerable. The microfiber cover may appear duller after machine washing, and a slight shrinkage was noted post-wash, requiring some effort during reassembly. Like the Barker Junior, this crate pad comes with a 10-year guarantee. A waterproof liner must be purchased separately.
Pros:
- Withstands scratching
- Generous cushioning
- Resilient foam
Cons:
- 4-inch thickness can reduce crate headroom
- Expensive
- Microfiber texture dulls with machine washing
What to Look for in an Orthopedic Dog Bed
Veterinarians highlight several key features when selecting an orthopedic dog bed.
Materials and Support: Not all “orthopedic” foam is created equal. Memory foam or high-quality orthopedic foam ensures even weight distribution, reducing the risk of sores and enhancing comfort. Foam should be at least 2 inches thick for adequate support. Certifications like CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, and Greenguard Gold indicate that materials are free from harmful substances.
Comfort: Whether a bolstered or flat bed is best depends on your dog’s sleeping style. Bolster beds are ideal for dogs who lean or prop their heads, while flat beds suit dogs who sprawl out.
Ease of Entry: Features like nonskid bottoms, moderately thick pads, and wide spaces between bolsters facilitate easy and safe access for dogs with mobility issues.
Durability: Look for beds with dense foam cores, protected by durable covers made of materials like polyester or cotton, which held up well in testing.
Water Resistance and Ease of Cleaning: For dogs prone to accidents, a waterproof bed with an easily spot-cleaned and machine-washable cover is essential.
Sizing: Choose a sleeping surface slightly larger than your dog’s length from nose to tail base to allow ample room for stretching.
Return Policies and Warranties: Beds with at least a 30-day return policy are advisable. Pricier beds often come with manufacturer warranties, so review these policies carefully before purchasing.
How We Tested the Best Orthopedic Dog Beds
The evaluation of 22 orthopedic dog beds involved a comprehensive testing process with dogs of various breeds and ages.
Comfort and Support: Dogs’ comfort levels were observed over several weeks, noting their duration of rest and apparent relaxation. Testers also assessed the foam’s support and stability by lying on the beds themselves and applying pressure with weights to check for flattening and resilience.
Ease of Entry: The ease with which dogs could enter and settle into the beds was evaluated. Beds with nonskid bottoms and non-slippery cover materials received higher ratings.
Durability and Ease of Cleaning: Beds underwent rigorous durability tests, including stress on zippers, seams, and covers. Spot cleaning and machine washing were performed to assess ease of cleaning and stain removal.
Waterproofing: A water-resistance test involved pouring water onto the bed’s surface and checking for any moisture penetration to the foam mattress.
Orthopedic Dog Beds FAQs
Are orthopedic beds worth it for dogs?
Yes, orthopedic beds offer benefits for dogs of all ages, not just seniors or those with joint issues. The memory foam evenly distributes weight, reducing pressure on joints. A supportive bed can also promote mobility, potentially extending a dog’s lifespan and aiding in behavior management. Dogs require a cushioned yet supportive surface for optimal rest.
What is the best type of bed for a dog to sleep on?
Memory or orthopedic foam beds provide even support. Stuffed, polyfill beds may lack uniform support, leading to pressure point soreness. Beds with bolsters are also recommended, as dogs often seek to rest against something for security and warmth.
What’s the best type of bed for a dog with arthritis?
For dogs with arthritis, a supportive orthopedic bed made from memory foam can complement therapeutic exercises and pain management strategies.
What is the best bed for a dog recovering from ACL surgery?
Memory foam or similar materials are recommended for dogs recovering from ACL surgery due to their stability, comfort, and support. Bolsters can offer additional support and a sense of security. A nonskid bottom and a bed that is easy to get in and out of are crucial for stability. Water-resistant and easily cleanable beds are also essential for maintaining a hygienic recovery environment.
