We dog owners are always looking to provide the best care for our dog’s 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 to research some of the most reviewed and rated to bring you a top ten selection to help you find the perfect bed for your dog!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites – 2023 Update
Image
Product
Details
Best Overall
FurHaven Two-Tone Deluxe
L-shaped bolsters for extra head and spinal support
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 for dogs of all sizes as well as multiple colors; all are unimposing neutrals that will fit nicely into any interior design.
Pros
L-shaped bolsters for extra head and spinal support
Memory foam for maximum support
Low height for easy access
Jumbo options feature an extra orthopedic layer for increased support
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 in other dog beds, but this product is very affordable.
Dogs who 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 who suffer from anxieties. It’s complete with a layer of orthopedic “egg crate” foam to offer support to all dog’s bodies.
Pros
Removable plastic hoop for ease of access under the blanket
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.
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 claims 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.
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 who 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 and 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.
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 a 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.
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.
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.
For your smaller breed dogs who 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 who 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 who are likely to chew, rip, and tear.
Pros
Human-grade foam
Hypoallergenic foam
Waterproof
Cons
For small dogs only
Thin cover
10. FurHaven Deluxe Oxford Cooling Gel Indoor/Outdoor
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.
Pros
Great for travel
Easy to wipe clean
Gel foam to keep cool
Cons
Not very soft and cozy
Stiff and noisy cover
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.
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
What Dogs Are Suited for an Orthopedic Bed?
Orthopedic dog beds are limited just to those who “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.
Dogs who will benefit from an orthopedic bed the most include:
Dogs with poor mobility – this may be dogs that have arthritis, joint dysplasia or are simply feeling stiff in their old age. A great bed can help manage this, but you should also always consult a vet.
Senior dogs – as dogs age, the connective tissue and fluid between joints naturally degrade, causing some stiffness. Senior dogs may also have decreased immune systems and will benefit from better quality sleep.
Working dogs (or very active dogs) – dogs that use a lot of energy throughout the day will be putting extra pressure on their joints. They will benefit from an orthopedic bed for restorative sleep at any age. It can help as part of preventative care.
Injured dogs – dogs with injuries that affect their ability to move will feel more comfortable with a supportive bed and something they can easily access. The same goes for dogs who are recovering from surgery.
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.
There are some tell-tale signs that your dog needs more support in their bed than they are currently getting. These include:
They have difficultly getting in and out of bed
They are stiff after periods lying in bed
They can’t get comfortable and keep changing positions
They don’t want to sleep in their bed at all and prefer to sleep on the couch or bed
They are reluctant to get out up out of bed
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.
You should contact your vet when any of the following symptoms emerge:
Limping
New stiffness
Swollen or warm joints
Slow movements
Hesitant to get up
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.
Image Credit: Undine Tackmann, Unsplash
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.
Image Credit: MeHe, Pixabay
Extra Features
There is a range of products on the market with extra unique features that may suit your dog, your home, or your lifestyle. Some things to consider with your dog’s bed include:
Anti-skid surfaces on the bottom
Heating for cool climates
Cooling pads for warm temperatures
Elevated beds for increased air circulations (good to keep cool and help with allergies)
Hypoallergenic materials
Waterproof or water-resistant
Conclusion: Best Orthopedic Dog Bed
After our extensive research and contemplation of many reviews from real dog owners, we found 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.
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe....Read more
