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8 Best Dog Beds for Older Dogs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Nicole Cosgrove

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Nicole Cosgrove

8 Best Dog Beds for Older Dogs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

barksbar bolster dog bed_Chewy

Puppies can often use just about any bed that’s given to them. Their joints and muscles are new and youthful. When your dog gets into their twilight years, you often have to pay a bit more attention to their bedding. Older dogs often develop arthritis and similar joint problems. They don’t get up and down quite as well as they once did.

Beds for older dogs often need to include things like memory foam and lower edges. Of course, just because a bed was designed for older dogs doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best option out there. In this article, we’ll review several beds for older dogs so that you can choose the best option for your senior pooch.

We recommend keeping your dog’s specific health needs in mind while looking at these beds. If your dog has bladder incontinence, choosing a waterproof bed will be extremely important, for instance. Dogs with arthritis will need an orthopedic foam.

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A Glance at Our Top Picks (2024 Update)

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
KOPEKS Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed KOPEKS Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed
  • Waterproof liner
  • Washable
  • Memory foam
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Furhaven Pet Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Dog Bed Furhaven Pet Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Dog Bed
  • Attached blanket
  • Washable
  • Memory foam
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed
  • 100% microsuede
  • 10-year warranty
  • Machine washable
  • Brindle Soft Orthopedic Dog Bed Brindle Soft Orthopedic Dog Bed
  • Machine washable
  • Lightweight
  • Shredded memory foam
  • BarksBar Snuggly Orthopedic Dog Bed BarksBar Snuggly Orthopedic Dog Bed
  • Orthopedic foam
  • Cotton-padded rim
  • Non-slip rubber padding
  • The 8 Best Dog Beds for Older Dogs

    1. KOPEKS Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed – Best Overall

    KOPEKS dog bed_Chewy

    For most senior dogs, we highly recommend the KOPEKS Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed. It features an orthopedic-grade memory foam that provides support for sore muscles and joints. If your dog has arthritis or is dealing with some of the common soreness that comes with age. The zippered cover can be removed for easy washing. It features a micro-suede construction, which provides a soft platform for your canine.

    There is a built-in headrest that your dog can use if they so desire. However, the other sides are completely flat to allow for easy access. An anti-slip rubber bottom prevents the bed from moving around as your dog gets comfortable. This makes it easier for your canine to settle into the bed since they don’t have to deal with it moving underneath them. It also prevents the bed from travelling across your floor.

    A waterproof liner is installed underneath the outer cover and protects the foam from any accidents.

    Pros
    • Waterproof liner
    • Microsuede cover
    • Washable
    • Memory foam
    • Headrest on one side
    Cons
    • Only for larger dogs

    2. Furhaven Pet Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Dog Bed – Best Value

    Furhaven dog bed_Amazon

    For smaller dogs, we love the Furhaven Pet Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Dog Bed. It is a great option for dogs that love to snuggle. The attached blanket can be converted into a burrowing cave for dogs that like to be enclosed while they sleep. Alternatively, it can be used as a blanket instead. Both options are particularly great for older dogs that seme affected by drafts, as the blanket helps keep the dog warm.

    The sleep surface and underside of the blanket are lined with Sherpa fleece, which is a great insulator. The outside is covered in micro-suede, which is soft and very easy to clean. It also works best in the hotter months, as it doesn’t do much to insulate the dog.

    The top of the sleeping surface features a gel-infused memory foam, which is designed to help support joints. It also keeps your pet cool for more restful sleep. The cover is removable and completely machine-washable. For these reasons, this is the best dog bed for older dogs for the money.

    Pros
    • Attached blanket
    • Sherpa fleece and micro-suede
    • Washable
    • Gel-infused memory foam
    Cons
    • Only for dogs under 30 pounds

    3. Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed– Premium Choice

    Big Barker dog bed_Amazon

    If you have the extra money to spend, you may wish to purchase the Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed. It is designed specifically for larger dogs, which also seem to be the animals that have the hardest time with their joints. It is “too powerful” for smaller dogs, according to the company, which likely means that it is simply too hard and will be uncomfortable under their little weight.

    It features a 10-year warranty, which may be enough for some people to consider the increased cost of this bed. The warranty may very well save you quite a bit of money over the years, though you will have to pay more upfront for the bed itself.

    This bed also features orthopedic foam, which is helpful for protecting and supporting your dog’s joints. It is handmade in the United States in a small workshop in Pennsylvania. It is machine washable for easy cleaning, which is often necessary with senior dogs. It also features a microsuede exterior—something soft and comfortable for your canine to lay on.

    A headrest is on one side of the bed, while the rest is flat to allow your pet to crawl easily into their bed.

    Pros
    • 100% microsuede
    • 10-year warranty
    • Orthopedic foam
    • Machine washable
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. Brindle Soft Orthopedic Dog Bed

    brindle dog bed_Chewy

    The Brindle Soft Orthopedic Dog Bed is crafted with orthopedic memory foam. This helps eliminate pressure points and supports your canine joints. In fact, this bed is made with shredded memory foam, which allows air to flow through it more easily. This prevents your dog from getting hot in the middle of the night, providing restful sleep and preventing the need for them to readjust.

    The memory foam is secured with stitched inner baffles to prevent it from moving around unnecessarily while your dog shifts around. This also prevents it from scrunching up on one side of the bed. It is also portable and lightweight, which is useful if you’re planning on moving the bed around regularly.

    The cover is also machine washable and dryer safe. It is covered in a soft material to make a suitable sleeping space for your dog.

    The foam is not particularly evenly distributed and may need a bit of manipulation to be moved throughout the bed. The zipper also isn’t as durable as some others, which means that particularly persistent dogs may tear it.

    Pros
    • Shredded memory foam
    • Lightweight
    • Machine washable cover
    Cons
    • Zipper is flimsy
    • Foam is not evenly distributed

    5. BarksBar Snuggly Orthopedic Dog Bed

    Barksbar dog bed_Chewy

    For older dogs, you may want to consider the BarksBar Snuggly Orthopedic Dog Bed. It is made with orthopedic-grade foam, which makes it quite comfortable. It is supportive of your dog’s joints and can prevent unnecessary pain and stiffness. A cotton-padded rim provides a comfortable sleeping surface for your canine and provides them with a place to rest their head if they need to. It is also machine-washable, which is useful for senior dogs that are prone to accidents.

    Non-slip rubber padding is installed on the underside of the bed, helping prevent slipping as your dog moves around. The design is neutral to work with any home décor.

    This bed is not chew-proof in the least, though. In fact, it isn’t particularly suitable for dogs that like to chew. This isn’t usually a problem for senior dogs, but some do still like to chew. If your dog falls into this category, you probably want to look elsewhere for a dog.

    We also recommend getting a bed that is a size bigger than your dog needs, as the sizes are a bit smaller than you’d expect.

    Pros
    • Orthopedic foam
    • Cotton-padded rim
    • Non-slip rubber padding
    Cons
    • Sizes are a bit small
    • Not chew-proof

    6. Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed

    Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed_Amazon

    The Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed features a waterproof liner, as well as two external covers. The internal liner is waterproof to protect the internal memory foam. The memory pad is infused with gel to help keep your dog cool. The orthopedic foam supports your dog’s joints and can prevent stiffness, especially in the morning when your dog gets up. It is machine-washable after your remove the cover, and the waterproof pad is straightforward to wipe off when necessary.

    The main problem with this bed is that it isn’t particularly waterproof. While it does include a waterproof cover, this seems to only be useful for very small spills. In fact, larger spills and accidents often soak right through the cover and liner. If your dog is prone to accidents, you should avoid this bed and purchase our top pick, which is much more waterproof than this one.

    The cover also isn’t easy to get off for washing, which can be a problem if you’re trying to remove urine-soaked bedding. The inner liner is not machine washable, so make sure you remove it and wash it by hand.

    Pros
    • Outer cover is machine washable
    • Memory foam
    • Gel-infused
    Cons
    • Waterproof liner is not machine washable
    • Not super waterproof

    7. Happy Hounds Oscar Orthopedic Dog Bed

    happy hounds Orthopedic dog bed_Amazon

    Compared to all the beds we’ve reviewed, the Happy Hounds Oscar Orthopedic Dog Bed is extremely simple. It features a simple, box-like design with no headrest of any sort. This may be useful to dogs that have a hard time stepping over bed rests to get into the bed. The bed does feature a decorative cord trim, but this really works mostly to add some durability to the stitching. The design is completely reversible, which may allow for some longevity between washings. However, we doubt anyone is going to simply pull off the cover and flip it inside out instead of washing it, so this is a bit of an unnecessary feature.

    The cover is completely machine washable. The micro fabric is soft and suitable for most dogs, even if it isn’t quite as luxurious as other options. This bed is quite basic. However, if that’s all you need, then this may be a suitable option.

    However, in most cases, there are other options out there that are better for about the same price. There are multiple sizes available, but most are pretty comparable in price to better beds of the same price.

    While this bed is machine washable, it is a bit of a pain to clean. The cover doesn’t come off easily. This may not seem like a big deal, but it can be if you’re dealing with a dirty bed and a mess you’re trying to contain.

    Pros
    • Machine washable
    • Durable
    Cons
    • Cover is difficult to remove
    • Not much value for the price

    8. K&H PET PRODUCTS Deluxe Ortho Bolster Dog Bed

    K&H dog bed_Amazon

    At first, the K&H PET PRODUCTS Deluxe Ortho Bolster Dog Bed may seem like a suitable option. It does feature 3-inches of orthopedic foam that can soothe your pet’s joints, as well as a large bolster to give your dog something to lay against. The micro-suede is decently soft and suitable to most canines. You can remove the cover and throw it in the washing machine whenever it gets dirty.

    However, this bed is not waterproof. While this may not matter much for some canines, it can be an essential feature for many older dogs. Even if your dog isn’t having accidents now, they could very well have them in the future. There are many problems that can cause bladder incontinence—most of which strike a dog in old age.

    The full-sized bolster can be difficult for many older dogs to deal with. The bolster is missing from one side, but this prevents the dog from entering from any other side. The sizing is also a bit confusing and probably isn’t what you’re expecting. The bolster is included in the measurements, but your dog obviously isn’t going to be lying on the bolster.

    Pros
    • Micro-suede cover
    • Orthopedic foam
    Cons
    • Full-sized bolster
    • Not particularly waterproof
    • Measurements are confusing

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    Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Bed for Older Dogs

    dog bed_Piqsels
    Image Credit: Piqsels

    There are quite a few things you need to keep in mind when choosing a bed for your older canine. Sometimes, the bed your senior dog sleeps in can be particularly important. If your dog has arthritis or other joint problems, the correct bed can lessen their stiffness and pain substantially. Typically, these beds have orthopedic foam. Besides that, their design can vary widely.

    The correct bed for your canine will meet your dog’s specific needs. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all best bed out there since each dog has a different set of health challenges. Keep your specific dog in mind when deciding which bed they need.

    Waterproof

    Many senior dogs are prone to accidents. This may simply be because they are old, or it may be due to a specific health condition. Even if your dog has complete control of their bladder now, many dogs lose it at some point in their senior years. When a dog is experiencing bladder incontinence, it tends to affect them most in their sleep when they aren’t conscious. For this reason, their bed tends to get soaked often.

    We recommend waterproof beds for most senior dogs. However, for those that are prone to accidents, this is a vital feature. Some beds aren’t waterproof at all. Even those that are advertised as waterproof often can’t withstand a lot of moisture.

    Typically, waterproof beds have an internal lining that is waterproof. The outer cover will get soaked, but the foam inside will be protected. This liner is usually made of plastic. However, some use very thin plastic that tends to tear and crack easily, which renders it un-waterproof after some use. Check the reviews to ensure that the bed is actually waterproof.

    water proof dog bed_Christin Lola_Shuuterstock
    Image Credit: Christin Lola, Shuuterstock

    Washability

    Many beds for seniors are machine washable. This is helpful when your dog is having lots of accidents since handwashing a pee-soaked cover every few days can be quite troublesome. Usually, the outer cover at least is machine washable. The actual memory foam isn’t since the foam is typically orthopedic quality. You’ll need to remove the cover and wash it separately, wiping the plastic off by hand.

    Be sure that the cover can actually withstand multiple washes, though. Some may hold up well after the first wash, but after a few cycles, it may start to wear down. You also need to consider how easy the cover is to remove and put back on the bed, as this can be unnecessarily difficult in many cases.

    Foam

    The type of foam used is important. This is the main deciding factor in whether or not the bed can actually help your dog’s joint pain and stiffness. If the foam is low-quality, the bed probably isn’t actually going to help much.

    With that said, it is very difficult to judge a foam without actually getting a bed and using it for a while. Even feeling a bed in person doesn’t tell you much, as it could very well wear down after a few months of use.

    For this reason, we recommend reading reviews like ours before making a decision on a bed. Otherwise, you may find yourself with a flattened piece of foam in only a few months.

    Durability

    When purchasing an expensive orthopedic bed, you should ensure that it is durable enough to withstand regular use. Seniors can be quite hard on beds, even if they aren’t as rowdy as they once were. They often use beds quite often, which means they tend to wear down a lot.

    Furthermore, these dogs tend to have more accidents, which can quickly wear down a bed.

    divider-dog

    Conclusion

    Out of all the beds we reviewed, we preferred the KOPEKS Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed. It is waterproof, made of suede, and comes with high-quality foam. It is mostly suitable for larger dogs, though. If you have a smaller dog, you’ll need to look elsewhere. For larger dogs, it is one of the best beds on the market.

    If you have a smaller dog, you may consider the Furhaven Pet Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Dog Bed. It can be turned into enclosed sleeping space for smaller dogs that like to snuggle. It is washable and full of gel memory foam.

    We hope that our reviews helped you find the perfect bed for your ageing pooch. Senior dogs often have a variety of different needs and deserve a bed that can meet those needs. Keep your dog’s specific challenges in mind when choosing a bed, and you can’t go wrong.


    Featured Image Credit: BarksBar, Chewy

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