We dog owners are always looking to provide the best care during our dogs’ waking hours, the best diet, the best toys, and lots of playtime. But considering your dog will spend 12 hours a day sleeping (50% of their time!) and another 30% of the time “loafing” or simply relaxing, we also need to ensure they get the very best rest possible too!

An orthopedic dog bed can support your dog’s body while they rest to help their body recuperate and be in the best condition for all the excitement of life. A supportive orthopedic bed can suit dogs of any age, but they are especially beneficial to aging dogs, working dogs, or dogs with mobility issues.

There are many different beds on the market to choose from, so we’ve gone ahead and researched some of the orthopedic dog beds with the best reviews and ratings to help you find the perfect bed for your dog!

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites – 2024 Update

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		FurHaven Two-Tone Deluxe	L-shaped bolsters for extra head and spinal support Memory foam for maximum support Low height for easy access	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		FurHaven Faux Sheepskin	Removable plastic hoop for ease of access under the blanket Orthopedic foam offers dense support Hood lays flat to be laid upon if preferred	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		PawBrands PupRug Faux	Stylish look Water-resistant liner Skid-resistant bottom	CHECK PRICE
		K&H Pet Products	3 inches of memory foam for support Bolstered sides Dipped front entry	CHECK PRICE
		Frisco Plush Orthopedic	Wrap around bolsters for security Easy entry with a dipped front Great for large breed dogs	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds

1. FurHaven Two-Tone Deluxe Chaise – Best Overall

Our pick for the best overall orthopedic dog bed is this chaise design from FurHaven. It features multiple layers of supporting foam, including a medical-grade memory foam layer. Memory foam is known for its molding abilities to support all the curves and contours of your dog. The chaise design of the supportive bolsters is what we liked most about this bed. It offers L-shaped support on the side and back of the bed for your dog to rest upon, without restricting ease of entry with a raised front edge. It comes in a range of sizes to cater to dogs of all sizes as well as multiple colors; all are unimposing neutrals that will fit nicely into any interior design.

2. FurHaven Faux Sheepskin Snuggery – Best Value

We found this “snuggery” type bed from FurHaven to be the best orthopedic dog bed for the money. It offers an extra blanket design that lays over the main bed, complete with a light plastic hoop to create an opening for dogs to burrow into. This feature is often premium and more expensive when it comes to other dog beds, but this product is very affordable.

Dogs that enjoy burrowing will love this bed that will encourage their natural denning instincts. The faux fur will offer them comfort and may be suitable for dogs that suffer from anxiety. It’s complete with a layer of orthopedic “egg crate” foam to offer support to all dogs’ bodies.

3. PawBrands PupRug Faux Fur – Premium Choice

This faux fur dog bed is a premium choice for those looking for something more stylish. Its design not only offers orthopedic support with a memory foam inner, but the cover resembles a faux fur fug and will not impose on your interior design but rather add to it! Alongside looking great, it is functional in offering great support for your pooch. In addition, it has a waterproof lining to protect against minor accidents and a skid-resistant bottom to keep it steady on hard flooring. This bed only comes in one size and color, and while it is advertised as large/extra-large, owners of giant breed dogs reviewed it to be too small and thin for their heavy dogs. It will better suit small and medium dogs. 

4. K&H Pet Products Deluxe Orthopedic Bolster

This bed from K&H Pet Products boasts a luxurious fleece and suede cover over the top of dense memory foam and is supported with wrap-around bolsters. Reviewers agree with this product claim that it offers unbeatable support for dogs. The thickness will cradle your dog’s body and reduce pressure on their joints. There is some visual sacrifice to be made with the thick supporting foam as some reviewers do not like the “bulky” appearance. It also only comes in small and medium sizes, so it will not suit large breed dogs. In addition, due to the bolsters, some space is lost off the advertised dimensions. Read the answered questions on this product’s Chewy page to see the “interior dimensions” for a more accurate perspective of size.

5. Frisco Plush Orthopedic Front Bolster

This orthopedic bed from Frisco is an excellent choice for dogs of all sizes. Finding a genuinely supportive bed for a large breed dog can be challenging. Reviewers say this product stands the test of time and doesn’t wear down over repeated use from large and heavy dogs. It maintains its shape and structure. The wrap-around bolsters provide a deep area for a sense of security for dogs, and dogs that like to sprawl out will be supported and not slip off the bed. It has a low-dipped entryway for ease of access for dogs with mobility issues. However, its choices in color are limited, so if you are looking for something that’s more of a statement than dark neutrals, it’s not for you. These colors do offer some grace in hiding dirt and stains, but reviewers say it is easy to vacuum and wipe clean between washes.

6. Serta Quilted Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed

This orthopedic bolster bed is a highly rated and quality product from Serta. It features extra high bolsters bordering the sides and back to offer security and support. They are densely stuffed and do not easily lose their shape. Underneath is 4-inches of orthopedic foam that can support large dogs’ weight. However, reviewers say the dimensions are misleading as it does not factor in the bulky bolsters which take away from usable bed space, so larger dogs have little room to move about.

The cover is durable and can deal with the scratching and denning behaviors some dogs display on their beds before sleeping. The cover is also removable but only for the base pad. Many customers did not like that they could not remove the bolster from the cover, as it made it near impossible to put it in the washing machine. 

7. BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper

This orthopedic dog bed from BarksBar is well-loved by reviewers for its firm orthopedic foam base pad. It’s not overly hard but offers great support even for large dogs, helping to keep them off the hard ground. It also has a non-slip bottom to reduce the movement on hard floors and when dogs are getting in and out. The bolsters are filled with cotton and are designed to support the head of your dog while sleeping, but the wrap-around design and thick pad does not allow for a low entry point, so dogs with terrible mobility may struggle. In addition, reviewers who have owned the bed for some time say the bolsters lose their structure over time and become ineffective.

8. Frisco Plush Orthopedic Pillow

This orthopedic pillow bed from Frisco is for those dogs that don’t like the design of beds bordered with bolsters. The flat and large design makes a very spacious bed for large breed dogs or any sized dogs that love to sleep sprawled out. The inner is orthopedic foam, and reviewers with large and heavy dogs were impressed it could support their weight. The foam is not manufactured in a pad. Instead, it is shredded orthopedic foam in an inner lining. Over time the shredded foam loses its shape as it moves about inside the liner.

9. KOPEKS Waterproof Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed

For your smaller breed dogs that need some serious support, this bed may be for you! While its size limits its use for many dogs, small dogs will love it. It lacks any bolsters on the sides, but that makes it great for dogs that like to sleep sprawled out. The foam inner is human-grade, and reviewers say it is very firm to support their dog’s body properly. In addition, the foam is hypoallergenic, so it is ideal for dogs with sensitivities. However, the cover is very thin and is not suitable for dogs that are likely to chew, rip, and tear.

10. FurHaven Deluxe Oxford Cooling Gel Indoor/Outdoor

Here’s another product from the much-loved FurHaven company. This bed offers the same orthopedic foam core to give dogs maximum support while resting. It is also infused with “gel foam,” which is designed to help keep the bed cool. There are mixed reviews on this, some saying the cooling effect is nonexistent, and others saying it worked as well as a normal cooling pad. The cover is more of a canvas design than a plush bed, so it may not be well-loved as a day-to-day bed but would make a great traveling or outdoors bed. The cover is easy to be simply wiped clean, but it is also removable for a deep clean in the washing machine.

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Orthopedic Dog Bed

Benefits of an Orthopedic Dog Bed

What makes an orthopedic dog bed stick out from other “regular dog beds”? The term orthopedic refers to the science of the musculoskeletal system. For your dog, this is their bones, joints, and connective tissue.

Orthopedic beds are designed to offer greater support to these parts of the body while your dog rests. We offer our pets beds, instead of them simply laying on the ground, to offer some type of support. Orthopedic materials such as orthopedic foam and memory foam can offer greater support than simple cotton or polyester filling.

This extra support means they don’t sink down into the bed, and their bodies do not touch the hard ground. Lack of support can result in pressure sores forming from direct pressure to particular parts of the body. The increased firmness also makes getting in and out of bed more accessible for dogs that struggle with their mobility.

A night of more comfortable and supported sleep for your dog will also provide them with improved sleep quality which has endless health benefits. Good sleep boosts the immune system, reducing the likelihood of falling ill and increasing the rate of healing. It promotes a good mood and helps your dog focus, meaning their overall behavior will improve.

Equate it to the difference a supported sleep makes for us humans. A night spent sleeping on the couch usually involves us waking up feeling sore, stiff, and still tired. Meanwhile, a night on a well-made, supportive mattress allows us to wake up feeling refreshed and limber.

What Dogs Are Suited for an Orthopedic Bed?

Orthopedic dog beds aren’t limited just to those that “need” them. A dog of any age, size, or breed can happily sleep on an orthopedic bed. However, some dogs will have a noticeable difference in sleeping on an orthopedic bed compared to a regular dog bed.

As you can see, there is a range of scenarios beyond simply being old, where a dog can benefit from an orthopedic dog bed. A great bed can also be used at any stage of life, young dogs can be supported as they grow and develop, and a supported sleep and good rest can be an imperative part of preventative care in adulthood. If your dog’s breed is more prone to suffering from mobility issues as they age, offering an orthopedic bed early in life may be beneficial to help them age gracefully.

While an orthopedic bed can surely be a great tool for managing your dog’s health, it is no replacement for getting professional veterinary advice when you suspect your dog is uncomfortable or struggling with its mobility.

What to Look for in an Orthopedic Dog Bed

An orthopedic dog bed is different from a regular bed due to its increased support and use of an orthopedic foam inner. However, among the orthopedic dog beds, there are a lot of variables! Choosing the right dog bed that suits your dog can be challenging. Here are a few things you should take into consideration.

Dog Size

This one seems like a no-brainer, but there’s more to it than a small dog needing a small bed and a large dog needing a large bed. In addition to the overall space for sleeping, you should consider the height of the bed itself. Often orthopedic support comes in the form of thick foam, but for dogs with mobility issues, stepping up onto a high bed can be difficult. Find a balance of support and accessibility for your dog. In addition, some dog beds have bolsters. These can add to the height of the bed, but many will offer a dip in the bolsters as an accessible entry to the bed.

Also, consider the way your dog sleeps. Some like to be nestled in a den and may like a bed with an attached blanket to burrow into. Some may like a bed with bolstered sides to feel secure as they are curled up, and some dogs love to sleep sprawled out, so they need plenty of space.

During our reviews, we found that many of the dimensions listed for dog beds were for the entire bed and did not consider the unsleepable space that the bolstered edges took up. Some products will also have “interior dimensions” of the distance between the bolsters, or you can always size up to ensure your pup has all the room it needs.

Support Required

Beds with orthopedic foam or memory foam will offer the greatest support. These materials are designed to cushion the unique shape of your dog’s body, and they are proven to release tension on joints and bones. They are also designed to keep their structural integrity and not sink in or break apart.

Bed Cover

Even the quietest dogs tend to be grubby from time to time. Dirt, shedding fur, and other matters will all find themselves deposited on your dog’s bed, as this is where they will spend a large chunk of their time! Getting a cover that is easy to remove and clean is a big selling point as that’s why all the products on our list today have removable covers.

You may also consider the cover’s durability, especially if your dog is known to chew at their bed. Dogs will often scratch at the area they are going to sleep in as a “denning” behavior; a tough cover is vital to hold up against the sharpest claws.

Extra Features

Conclusion: Best Orthopedic Dog Bed

After our extensive research and contemplation of many reviews from real dog owners, we found that our favorite orthopedic dog bed overall was FurHaven two-tone deluxe chaise. We liked the L-shaped bolster design to offer both the support of a bolster and the space of a flat and open bed. We like the FurHaven Faux Sheepskin Snuggery for the best value to offer a cool burrowing feature and luxurious feel for an affordable price.

Featured Image Credit: Brooke Cagle, Unsplash