If your dog is getting up there in age, it might be time to buy them one of the best orthopedic dog beds. These special beds have supportive filling—usually orthopedic or memory foam—that helps cushion your pet’s joints and relieve pressure as they sleep. The Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed is a great option for most dogs, as it has supportive bolsters on all sides, a waterproof liner and a non-skid base.
joints and relieve pressure as they sleep.Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
There are a few key differences between orthopedic dog beds and regular dog beds: “Orthopedic dog beds are designed with supportive materials like memory foam to alleviate joint pressure,” says Robert Gonzalez, DVM, regional medical director at Small Door Veterinary. “They’re thicker, firmer and more durable, often featuring bolstered edges or non-slip bottoms for added comfort and stability.” These features make orthopedic dog beds comfortable for older pets, but Gonzalez notes that these beds can benefit any dog, especially breeds prone to joint problems. If you want to make sure your pet is comfortable while they snooze, these are the best orthopedic dog beds available today.
Best Orthopedic Dog Bed Overall: Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed
Best Budget Orthopedic Dog Bed: Hero Dog Orthopedic Dog Bed
Best Cooling Orthopedic Dog Bed: Sealy Lux Pet Dog Bed
Best Orthopedic Dog Bed For Small Dogs: Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed
Best Orthopedic Dog Bed For Large Dogs: Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed
Best Soft Orthopedic Dog Bed: PupRug Orthopedic Dog Bed
Best Chew-Proof Orthopedic Dog Bed: Orvis RecoveryZone ToughChew Couch Dog Bed
Best Orthopedic Dog Bed With Removable Cover: Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed
Bolsters on all sides with an opening for easy entry
Waterproof liner protects the foam core
Cons:
Slightly time-consuming to reassemble after washing
This popular orthopedic dog bed from Bedsure is a top choice for any dog. It’s filled with a thick layer of CertiPUR-US-certified orthopedic foam to cushion your dog’s joints and provide support as they sleep. It also features bolsters on all four sides and a lower opening in the front, making it easy for older dogs to climb on and off the bed.
There’s a wide range of sizes and colors to choose from, with the largest option measuring 53 inches wide, providing enough space for even the largest dog breeds. The cover is removable and machine-washable, with a waterproof lining around the foam to protect it against accidents. Overall, it’s a well-designed, comfortable dog bed perfect for seniors and young pups alike.
Style: Mat | Fill material: Foam | Cover material: Polyester | Sizes: 3 | Colors: 4 | Removable cover: Yes
Pros:
Reasonably priced
Flat design can be used inside a dog crate
Easy to disassemble bed for washing
Cons:
Not the thickest layer of foam
Because they’re made with high-quality foam, orthopedic dog beds tend to be more expensive than regular beds, but this one from Hero Dog won’t break the bank. It has a simple mat-style design that can be used on its own or inside your dog’s crate, and the bed is filled with a 2-inch layer of high-density foam to support your pup as they sleep. This bed is lightweight and easy to move around, and the soft cover unzips on three sides, making it particularly easy to remove and reassemble after washing. It also has a non-skid bottom to prevent it from shifting around, and the fabric is claw-resistant.
If you live in a warmer climate, the Sealy Lux Dog Bed has a three-layer foam construction with a cooling gel-infused layer. This layer helps dissipate heat as your dog sleeps, preventing it from getting too hot. Plus, the base layer of foam is infused with charcoal, which helps absorb odors and prevent the bed from becoming smelly.
It also has bolsters on all four sides and a lowered opening in the front, while the foam is wrapped in a waterproof liner to protect against moisture. The bed cover is machine washable and has a non-slip bottom, but it’s not the softest material, so you may want to line the bed with a blanket if you want to keep your dog extra cozy.
Supportive bolstered walls with a lowered entry point
Lined with soft sherpa fabric
Cons:
Ideal for small dogs, the Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed provides a cozy spot for them to curl up and sleep. It comes in three sizes that can accommodate dogs up to 30 pounds, and there’s a nice assortment of colors and patterns to choose from. It has an oval-shaped design with bolsters around the edges, and the interior is lined with a soft sherpa fabric that keeps pups warm in the winter. The base of the bed is made from egg-crate orthopedic foam that contours to your dog’s body and the cover can be removed for easy cleaning.
Three sizes to accommodate even giant-sized breeds
Bed is backed by a 10-year warranty
Cons:
Significantly more expensive than other beds
If you have a large or even giant dog breed, the Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed has a 7-inch layer of foam to support their weight and cushion their joints. It’s available in three sizes up to a whopping 60 inches in length, and it has a raised bolster on one end where your pup can rest its head. The bed is topped with a soft microfiber fabric that comes in four colors, and the cover zips off and can be cleaned in the washing machine. Additionally, the brand backs this bed with a 10-year warranty against foam deterioration.
At first glance, the PupRug looks like a faux fur decorative rug, but it’s actually a soft, cozy bed for your pet. It has a layer of supportive orthopedic memory foam that’s wrapped in faux fur, and the flat design is easy for elderly pets to climb onto. A non-slip base prevents the bed from sliding around, and it even has a waterproof liner to protect the foam in case of any accidents. The cover of the bed is machine-washable for easy care, but it’s only available in one size.
Heavy-duty upholstery resists chewing and punctures
Brand offers a money-back guarantee against chewing
Can be personalized for an added fee
Cons:
If your dog tends to chew on their bed, the Orvis RecoveryZone ToughChew Dog Bed is worth the investment. This couch-style dog bed is covered in heavy-duty upholstery fabric that’s bonded to ripstop nylon, and the brand claims it’s chew-, tear- and puncture-resistant. In fact, Orvis even offers a money-back guarantee: if your dog chews through the cover, they’ll refund you with no questions asked.
Underneath the durable cover, this bed contains two layers of CertiPUR-US-certified foam that offer cushioning and support. If the cover gets dirty, it can be removed and machine-washed, and for an added fee, you can even have the bed personalized with your dog’s name.
Some dog beds can be frustrating to take apart and put back together, especially if they have bolsters around the edges, but the Furhaven has a cover that’s quick and easy to remove—which is handy if you like to wash it regularly. The contoured foam insert is all one piece, and the cover zips off and can be tossed in the washing machine for easy cleaning.
This dog bed is covered in soft, fuzzy fabric, and its elevated sides give your pet somewhere to rest its head. It’s easy for older dogs to get on and off the bed, but the one downside is that it doesn’t have a non-slip base, so it may move around on hard floors.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted editors have years of experience scouting out the best home products on the market. We’ve researched and written dozens of pet stories, including the best dog beds, best wet dog food, best dog harnesses and more. Author of this piece Camryn Rabideau is a regular contributor (and pet owner) with extensive experience covering home and lifestyle topics.
Our team includes dedicated pet owners who bring a professional perspective and personal experience in pet care. We know how important it is to find the best products for your pet, especially as it ages.
Rabideau also gathered key insight and guidance from Robert Gonzalez, DVM, regional medical director at Small Door Veterinary. He explained the benefits of orthopedic dog beds and what to look for when selecting one for your pet.
How We Selected The Best Orthopedic Dog Beds
To choose the best orthopedic dog beds, we relied on our expertise and researched the most popular options on the market from various brands.
To guide our recommendations, we spoke with the regional medical director at Small Door Veterinary about what to consider. Based on our expert’s insights and recommendations, we prioritized factors like fill and cover material, size, style, care and price. We also prioritized beds that are easy for pets to climb on and off, as many dogs have decreased mobility as they age.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
What To Look For In Orthopedic Dog Beds
There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best orthopedic dog beds. Here’s what to look for.
Size
Most dog beds come in multiple sizes, and it’s important to select the right size for your dog so they have enough room to comfortably sleep. Many brands offer sizing guides that help you select the proper bed size for your dog based on their weight and measurements. You’ll want to measure from your dog’s nose to the base of their tail. If your dog falls in between sizes, it’s best to go with the bigger option so they’re not cramped.
Material
The majority of orthopedic dog beds contain a layer of memory foam that contours to your pet’s body while relieving pressure on their joints—just like a memory foam mattress. The best beds have a thick layer of high-density foam, as this prevents it from becoming lumpy or caving in over time. Some beds, such as the Sealy Lux Pet Dog Bed, are made with special types of foam that offer temperature regulation, odor control or other beneficial features.
You’ll also want to consider the cover material. Most dog beds are covered in soft fabrics like microsuede, fleece or faux fur, but for dogs that chew, you may want a bed with durable upholstery fabric, such as the Orvis RecoveryZone ToughChew Dog Bed.
Care
Senior dogs are more prone to accidents, so selecting a bed with a washable cover is always a good idea. Many beds have zippers that make it easy to remove their covers, and others even have waterproof liners that can protect the foam from liquids. This prevents the bed from developing mold or odors, which helps it to last much longer.
What Is The Best Type Of Bed For A Dog With Arthritis?
Many dogs develop arthritis, a common joint disease, as they age, and if your pet has recently been diagnosed with this condition, an orthopedic bed is a good choice. “For a dog with arthritis, the best type of bed would be an orthopedic one with thick memory foam or orthopedic foam, a waterproof or washable cover, and appropriate size and thickness to accommodate the dog comfortably,” says Dr. Gonzalez. The Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed offers all these features, and it comes in eight sizes to accommodate a wide range of breeds.
Do Orthopedic Dog Beds Really Help?
In the same way that memory foam mattresses can help relieve joint or back pain in humans, an orthopedic dog bed can help animals with joint stiffness or pain. “Orthopedic beds are highly beneficial for dogs with joint issues, arthritis or hip dysplasia, but they can benefit dogs of any age or size, especially larger breeds prone to joint problems,” says Dr. Gonzalez. As an added bonus, an orthopedic dog bed made from high-density foam—such as the Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed—should last significantly longer than a bed just filled with polyfill.
How Do I Know If My Dog Needs An Orthopedic Bed?
There are several signs that indicate your dog would benefit from an orthopedic dog bed. “Dogs that could benefit from orthopedic beds often show signs like stiffness or difficulty getting up, limping, changes in behavior such as reluctance to play or visible signs of pain,” says Dr. Gonzalez. If your dog is showing signs of pain, it’s also a good idea to visit their veterinarian to ensure no more serious condition is causing the symptoms. Assuming your pup is just getting old, your vet can also suggest other ways to help keep them comfortable and healthy as a senior.
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After studying product design and journalism in college, I became a full-time freelance writer in 2016, where I found my niche in the shopping and product testing realm. To date, I’ve conducted firsthand product testing on hundreds of items, including everything from grill pans to lawn mowers, and my work has been published on websites such as USA Today, Business Insider, The Spruce, Popular Mechanics, and more.
