Pet beds provide our dogs with the same kind of comfort and support that we obtain from our respective beds. However, sometimes an ordinary dog bed is simply not enough. Older dogs, those who suffer from arthritis and joint pains, as well as pooches who are currently injured, may need extra comfort and support to remain well or to recover. This is where orthopedic dog beds come in – specially designed to properly support your pet’s bones, joints and muscles, and provide superior comfort, these beds are ideal for aging and sick canines, but can also be used as a form of prevention of musculoskeletal problems. To help you find the right orthopedic pet bed for your dog, we reviewed dozens of different models, detailing some of the best ones down below. We also created a comprehensive buying guide in which we cover everything you need to know about these therapeutic pet beds, so read on!
The 10 Top Rated Orthopedic Dog Beds
| Editor's Pick | Product Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | PetFusion Ultimate Lounge Memory Foam Bolster Bed | Buy on Amazon | 4.8 |
| Best for Large Dogs | FurHaven Plush & Suede Memory Top Bolster Dog Bed | Buy on Amazon | 4.1 |
| Best Bolster | BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper Orthopedic Bolster Bed | Buy on Amazon | 4.5 |
| Best Budget | JOYELF Orthopedic Dog Bed | Buy on Amazon | 4.6 |
| Best Cooling | FurHaven Comfy Couch Cooling Gel Bed | Buy on Amazon | 4.2 |
| Best for Crates | Brindle Waterproof Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed | Buy on Amazon | 4.6 |
| Premium Pick | Big Barker Jr. Headrest Edition Orthopedic Bed | Buy on Amazon | 4.8 |
| Best For Senior Dogs | The Dog's Balls Orthopedic Dog Bed | Buy on Amazon | 4.4 |
| Best Waterproof | Dogbed4less Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed | Buy on Amazon | 4.7 |
| Best Cradle | FurHaven Ultra Plush Luxe Lounger Orthopedic Bed | Buy on Amazon | 4.4 |
1 Best Overall: PetFusion Ultimate Lounge Memory Foam Bolster Bed
- 4-inch solid memory foam orthopedic bed
- Fully-waterproof inner liner
- Durable and comfortable cover made polyester and cotton twill
- Support bolsters made of recycled polyfill materials
- Tear- and water-resistant, washing machine safe cover
- Non-skid, anti-slip rubberized bottom
- 12-month warranty
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed features solid 4-inch memory foam to provide maximum comfort and optimal support for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mobility issues. It comes with recycled, generously stuffed bolsters as well, which provide added support for neck and head. Importantly, it’s made from durable polyester and cotton, making it perfectly safe even for sensitive dogs. The cover, which is removable and can be machine washed, is tear- and water-resistant, which is a great plus for pups with mobility issues as they’re prone to accidents.
This bed comes in four different sizes and three colors, so finding the right model for your pooch shouldn’t be an issue. And if you have a giant or large breed dog, you’ll be pleased to hear there is even XX jumbo size available.
2 Best for Large Dogs: FurHaven Plush & Suede Memory Top Bolster Dog Bed
- Full orthopedic, low VOC, egg crate foam
- High-loft polyester fiber-filled support side and back bolsters
- Durable, plush and ultra-soft faux fur cover
- Water-resistant, skid-proof polycanvas bottom
Considered by many as one of the best when it comes to orthopedic beds for dogs, the Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Couch Sofa Bed comes in with bolstered sides and back to give your pet the ultimate comfort. At its core is an egg crate-type of support foam which effectively channels heat away from your dog’s body while also providing relief for their pressure points, such as neck, back and joints.
The bolsters are filled with eco-friendly, high-loft polyester fiber, giving your pet comfort and support especially on their neck. It looks exceptionally stylish, too, opting to use fur (faux, of course!) materials for its cover to give your pet a really plush, cozy bed. The Furhaven Ultra Plush is available in 4 different sizes and 7 different color styles so picking the one that matches your existing interior décor should be a piece of cake.
Read our in-depth Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed Review.
3 Best Bolster: BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper Orthopedic Bolster Bed
- 4-inch grooved, premium-quality, human-grade orthopedic foam
- Comfortable cotton-padded, ultra-soft polyester rim cushion
- Removable quilted cover, washing machine safe
- Non-slip, non-skid rubber bottom
The Snuggly Sleeper from BarksBar looks like a mini-couch that doubles as a lounger, perfect for resting the tired body of your dog. More importantly, it is composed of a 4-inch foam that is constructed of human-grade, premium quality orthopedic foam. It comes with bolsters surrounding the entire bed, although lower up front granting easier access for your dog. Under the bed is a rubberized bottom panel, keeping the bed in place no matter how slippery your floors may be.
Covering the Snuggly Sleeper is a quilted material that can be easily removed to be cleaned in your washing machine. The bolsters serve as pillows, gently cushioning your dog’s cervical vertebrae. The bed is also pleasant to look at, although it would have been even better if there were other design options to choose from. Nevertheless, this is a fantastic product that comes in three sizes, with the L one being ideal for large dogs.
Read our in-depth BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed Review.
4 Best Budget: JOYELF Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Solid memory foam for the base
- PP cotton filled bolsters
- Removable and machine washable soft cover
- Inner waterproof cover
- Non-slip rubber backed base
- Available in small, medium, and large sizes
The JOYELF Orthopedic Pet Bed is designed to provide your dog with additional comfort and support. It includes a base made of memory foam and PP cotton filled bolsters. The therapeutic foam is antibacterial and flame retardant for safety, while the front bolster is lower in the middle to provide easy access to the bed. A waterproof cover protects from accidents, while the bottom of the bed has a non-slip rubber backing to stop it from slipping on slick floors.
This durable bed is covered in soft fabric to enhance your dog’s comfort and provides warmth and security while they sleep. The cover is removable and is kept in place by hidden zippers to ensure that they do not interfere with your dog’s comfort. It’s also easy to clean as you can just chuck it in the washing machine when it gets dirty.
5 Best Cooling: FurHaven Comfy Couch Cooling Gel Bed
- Egg crate low VOC foam base
- Side and back supportive bolsters
- Removable and machine washable cover
- Low access at the front
- Soothes pressure points and increases airflow
The sofa style Furhaven Bed is ideal for dogs who like to stretch out and change positions while they sleep. The side and back bolsters provide comfort and security, as well as a comfy headrest and neck support. The egg crate foam base is easy on your dog’s joints and helps to distribute their weight evenly to improve circulation and overall wellbeing. The bolster-free front design makes it easier for older and less mobile dogs to get on and off the bed, while the recycled fluffy railings offer orthopedic joint support.
The sleep surface is designed for ultimate comfort thanks to the supportive orthopedic foam pus plush material for softness. The cover is removable and can be machine washed – super-important for pups prone to accidents. The bed comes in 6 sizes, with jumbo plus and 4X-large being ideal for large dogs.
6 Best for Crates: Brindle Waterproof Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed
- 2″ high-density supportive foam + 2″ orthopedic memory foam
- Hypoallergenic, dust mite-resistant, super-soft velour cover
- Waterproof liner
- Removable, washing machine safe, waterproof cover
- 3-year limited warranty
Brindle’s Orthopedic Pet Bed looks like an ordinary mattress as it doesn’t come with bolsters or pillows for neck support. However, the Brindle does come with hypoallergenic materials that complement the 2-inch comfort memory foam resting on a 2-inch high-density support foam. This combination helps provide dogs excellent comfort, and as a result, more restful sleep.
The bed is available in 3 sizes and 5 color designs, so finding something that suits your pooch’s weight and size, as well as your style, shouldn’t be a problem. And the best part? The bed comes with a 3-year limited warranty!
7 Premium Pick: Big Barker Jr. Headrest Edition Orthopedic Bed
- 3″ H45 support foam sandwiched by two 2″ H10 comfort foam
- Ultra-comfortable, stay-cool, open-cell foam
- Integrated pillow top
- Durable, machine washable, abrasion-resistant microfiber cover
- 10-year warranty
If you’re looking for an ultra-comfy and supportive pet bed, check out Big Barker Pillow Top model. This bed comes with an integrated pillow on one side, and the bed itself is uniquely designed with a combination of 2 different kinds of foam. An inner 3″ H45 high-density foam is sandwiched between two 2″ H10 foam providing your dog with a full 7 inches of extra-soft, ultra-comfortable bedding. The design allows air to circulate through the foam, eliminating heat from the surface, and bringing cool, relaxing comfort for your pet. Laser imaging studies show that the system provides greater heat absorption and better weight distribution, giving the Big Barker an exceptional ability to soothe the bodies of dogs that may have musculoskeletal problems.
The only downside? Well, because of its superior craftsmanship and thoughtful engineering, the Big Barker will set you back for a couple of Benjamins or so. It’s still a small price to pay for giving your dog the best orthopedic bed, especially when you consider it comes with an unheard-of 10-year warranty.
8 Best for Senior Dogs: The Dog’s Balls Orthopedic Dog Bed
- 4″ high-stability foam + 2″ high-density orthopedic memory foam
- Durable, waterproof, hypoallergenic Oxford fabric cover
- Mold-, dust mite-, and mildew-resistant cover
- Washing machine safe, but for longevity purposes should be hand-washed
The Dog’s Balls’ Dog’s Bed is just like the Brindle model– mattress-like pet bed without any support in the form of bolsters or pillows. It is covered with premium hypoallergenic Oxford fabric, giving it excellent protection against spills, mildew, mold, and even dust mites. It comes with a 6-inch thick foam divided into a 4-inch high-stability support foam base and a 2-inch high-care, high-density orthopedic memory foam.
There are 5 sizes and 7 color styles to choose from so finding something that fits your pooch is easy. The cover is also washing machine safe, so keeping it clean is no problem. The only complaint we have is the durability of cover – it’s just not as long-lasting as some other models, making it unsuitable for chewers and scratchers.
9 Best Waterproof: Dogbed4less Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
- 4-inch thick hypoallergenic gel memory foam mattress
- Internal waterproof liner
- Heavy-duty denim cover, watshing machine safe
- Offers joint support and cooling
- Guaranteed not to flatten over time
Simple but very comfortable orthopedic pet bed, the Premium Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed from Dogbed4less is a great choice for large dogs. The bed features a gel foam orthopedic mattress that is solid, high density and hypoallergenic. It is guaranteed not to flatten over time, which means it should be able to provide years of comfort for your pup.
The high-quality gel memory foam provides support for muscle pains and joint issues, while the sleep surface offers better cooling than many comparable dog beds. The bed also includes two covers – a waterproof liner and a heavy-duty machine washable external cover. Because it comes in three extra-large sizes, this model is perfect for large breeds and generally all older dogs who like having lots of space for sleeping and relaxing.
Head over to our review of Dog Cooling Pads.
10 Best Cradle: FurHaven Ultra Plush Luxe Lounger Orthopedic Bed
- Contoured cradle style open dog bed
- Medical-grade solid foam slab
- Removable and machine washable cover
- Plush curly faux fur sleep surface
- Available in a variety of sizes and styles
If you are looking for a dog bed with an open design that still offers your dog a sense of security, then the Furhaven Dog Bed Lounger Cradle might be just what you are looking for. The bed’s contours enhance your pooch’s sleeping position without making them feel overly enclosed. The sleeping surface is plush, incredibly soft material that is gentle on their paws and noses, providing extra comfort while still being strong and durable.
The base is constructed from medical-grade foam that offers sturdy comfort and insulation while protecting the joints and bones. The bed comes in a variety of sizes and styles, so picking something that complements your interior and pup’s size shouldn’t be a problem at all. The only downside? It’s not suitable for teething puppies as the fabric is not chew- or scratch-resistant.
11 KOPEKS Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed
- High-grade memory foam mattress with built-in pillow
- Double layer protection with internal and external covers
- Both covers are removable and washable
- Non-slip bottom
- Soft, plush suede sleeping surface
If you are looking for an orthopedic, therapeutic pet bed with a built-in pillow, then the KOPEKS model might be just what you need. The bed features hypo-allergenic premium memory foam that is comparable with that found in high-end human mattresses. As for the sleeping surface, it is soft, plush suede that provides additional comfort. This combination is pretty much ideal for pets with joint or muscle issues, including arthritis.
The bed offers double layer protection with an interior cover and waterproof fabric exterior cover, both of which can be removed easily for washing. There is also an anti-slip bottom to ensure the bed stays in place no matter how slippery your floors might be.
12 Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Made with human-grade mattress form
- Includes poly-filled bolster cushions
- Provides head, hip, and bone support
- Non-slip, non-skid bottom
- Removable and machine-washable cover
- Available in 4 sizes from small to XXL
Created with human-grade mattress foam, the Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed is designed to be comfortable and durable. The bed includes poly-filled bolster cushions on three sides for extra comfort and security, while the fourth side is left cushion -ree for easy access. The bed is specifically designed to provide relief from joint pain, including arthritis, and offers head, hip, and bone support.
Conveniently, the bed is easy to clean and features a water-resistant liner and removable, fur-resistant cover that can be tossed in the washing machine when needed. The base of the bed has a non-slip, non-skid bottom to make it easier and safer for your dog to enter and exit the bed.
13 FurHaven Two-Tone Deluxe Chaise Orthopedic Bed
- Orthopedic pet bed with L-shaped bolsters
- Egg crate low VOC foam base
- Removable and machine washable covers
- Plus, soft sleeping surface
- Soothes pressure points and increases airflow
The Furhaven Ergonomic Contour Lounger is ideal for dogs who like a little bit of pillow support in their beds, but not too much. The bed features bolsters in an L shape along one short and one long side, giving your dog something to snuggle up to and somewhere comfortable to rest their head, while also having the freedom to move and stretch. The sleep surface is plush and soft, while the bolsters are covered in silken suede, providing a softness that is gentle on paws, noses, and aching joints.
The base of the bed is made from egg crate foam, which helps to distribute your dog’s weight more evenly and improve circulation. It also includes recycled fluffy railings that provide orthopedic support for your dog’s joints. The easily removable cover is easy to clean as you can toss it in the washing machine as needed.
14 PetFusion BetterLounge Dog Bed
- 3-inch memory foam orthopedic pet bed
- Two solid foam bolster cushions
- Durable polyester microsuede fabric cover
- Waterproof internal liner and washing machine safe cover
- Non-slip bottom
The PetFusion BetterLounge Dog Bed comes with a 3-inch solid memory foam base and two solid foam bolsters that are designed to contour to your pet’s unique shape and size. The bed has a waterproof liner to protect the therapeutic memory foam, and a removable, machine washable external cover. This cover is fitted with two zippers to make loading the base and bolsters easier, and the whole thing can also be spot cleaned when necessary.
The base of the bed features a non-slip bottom to ensure your pet is safe as they enter and exit the bed even if it’s placed on slick tile and hardwood floors. There are two sizes to choose from, medium and large, making this model perfect for bigger dogs.
15 Laifug Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
- Combined 30d super soft foam and 40d memory foam
- Heavy-duty zippers
- Internal waterproof liner
- Tearproof, removable, machine washable external cover
- Guaranteed to hold 90% of its shape and support for 3 years
The Laifug Orthopedic Memory Foam Bed features a smart double pillow design, with one pillow at four inches in height at one end of the bed, and one at 2.5 inches at the other end. This gives your dog the ultimate in choice in comfort while providing proper support for head and neck. The base is made from a combination of 30d super-soft foam and 40d memory foam and is guaranteed to hold at least 90% of its support and shape for at least three years.
The bed comes with a waterproof liner to protect the foam, and an external removable cover that is easy to clean as you can just toss it in the washing machine. As a bonus, this cover is also tear-resistant – super-important for scratchers! – can be tumble dried on a low setting.
Orthopedic Dog Beds: Buying Guide & FAQs
Picking an orthopedic, therapeutic bed for your dog can be challenging since they actually look like any other type of pet bed. To help you choose the right one for your precious pooch, we’ve prepared this buying guide, where we cover everything you need to know about these pet beds, including their benefits, the right time to switch from standard to therapeutic dog bed and so much more.
What is an Orthopedic Dog Bed?
It is a specialty mattress that is designed specifically to help dogs with musculoskeletal problems sleep better. Unfortunately, the market is littered with dog beds that come with low-quality foams or simply thicker bases, whereas a true orthopedic pet bed needs to be made from memory foam, also known as viscoelastic foam.
Why is this important? Memory foam is constructed of viscoelastic materials that have been developed by NASA in the 70s. The material was adopted by the mattress industry in the 90s because of its body-conforming properties. It is this exact ability to conform to different curves and points of the body that makes this material ideal for those with weight issues, joint pains and so on.
The problem is, orthopedic beds don’t come with certified standards in the type of materials used. As such, dog bed manufacturers have to rely on their understanding of the fundamental principle of orthopedic dog beds – the support of joints, bones, and the rest of the body to improve overall posture and alleviate pain. In essence, a true orthopedic pet bed should keep the dog’s spine in perfect alignment and relieve pressure from any bony protrusions. These are the fundamental principles of a true orthopedic dog bed. So how do you choose high-quality memory foam-filled pet bed? First, take a look at our Top List as we’ve picked only the real, therapeutic dog beds; secondly, take some time to read consumer reviews about the model you’re interested in buying.
Is it Time for an Orthopedic Pet Bed?
There can be many reasons why a pet parent may want to switch their dog from an ordinary canine bed to one that is fully orthopedic. Here are some of the instances when it’s recommendable to completely switch to orthopedic models.
- Your dog has arthritis or other problems with its joints
- Fido is diagnosed with hip dysplasia
- Your pet is showing generalized loss of muscle tone and mass because of advancing age
- If your dog has bone injuries such as luxating patella or fractures
- Your canine friend has injuries to soft tissues like ligaments and tendons
- If your pup is recovering from neuromuscular or orthopedic surgery or disease
- Looking at these examples, pain is a common theme. As such, whenever your dog is in distress or pain, it’s a good idea to switch to orthopedic or therapeutic beds.
Benefits of an Orthopedic Bed for Dogs
Based on what we have discussed so far we can readily identify a number of benefits of using an orthopedic pet bed. Here are some of them.
Helps to Keep the Spine in Near-Perfect Alignment
A good orthopedic canine bed should help keep and maintain the spine of your dog in near-perfect alignment. Bolsters and pillows can help elevate your dog’s head, which is crucial if they suffer from neck pain. This can also produce better neurologic functioning.
Reduces Pain and Inflammation
Orthopedic beds reduce, if not completely eliminate, the effects of pressure on body parts where the bones and joints are much closer to the body surface. This helps reduce the intensity of pain while also facilitating the reduction of inflammation and its painful symptoms.
Promotes Healing
The combination of a well-aligned spine and reduced pressure off bony prominences can lead to better cellular and tissue repair, healing, and regeneration. Since there are no additional stresses being exerted on the body, your dog’s immune system, as well as other organs involved in tissue repair, can get to work in repairing and healing injured body parts.
Improves Blood Circulation
There is one often-overlooked aspect of pressures exerted on bony prominences: reduced blood flow. The application of pressure on a body part tends to pinch, sometimes even completely cut off the blood supply in certain body parts. This, as you can imagine, is anything but healthy for your pet’s body, but especially for their injured or painful body parts such as joints, leg muscles and so on. By reducing pressure points, you’ll improve the overall circulation of blood in your pet.
Prevents Formation of Bed Sores
A classic sign of chronic excessive pressures on bony prominences is bed sores, which first appear as reddish discoloration on the skin. More importantly, however, is the fact that these areas signify inflammatory changes that are slowly degrading the integrity of the skin. A proper orthopedic pet bed reduces the pressure leading to a reduction in the incidence of bed sores.
Features to Look for in an Orthopedic Dog Bed
There are certain features that can help you distinguish a good quality orthopedic canine bed from one that is simply stuffed with inefficient fill that does nothing to keep your dog’s vertebrae in proper alignment or help relieve pressure off of your their joints, muscles, and bones. Here are some of the features you should look for.
Orthopedic Foam
First things first, look for beds that contain memory foam as their main stuffing. This is crucial because memory foam or viscoelastic foam is what makes the bed contours to your pet’s unique shape and size. It is also what provides optimal support for achy joints and muscles and bony protrusions. If your four-legged companion is very old or suffers from arthritis, we recommend looking for really thick memory foam-filled beds as they tend to provide maximum support and comfort.
Check out our article on Dog Beds for Small Dogs.
Waterproof Liner
Whether or not your pet has been trained not to pee on their bed, there will always be instances when accidents happen. This is why you need a dog bed that has an inner waterproof liner that will help protect the orthopedic foam from accidents and other spills and messes. If the bedcover has waterproofing properties, then it should also be a great choice.
Find out more about Waterproof Dog Beds.
Removable and Washable Bedcover
The bedcover should be removable and washable. That being said, its closure mechanism should be sturdy and provide a water-tight seal on the opposing flaps. Most dog bed manufacturers have specific instructions on how their covers should be cleaned or washed. What’s important is to choose one that can be easily cleaned, preferably machine washed. Of course, getting a bedcover that matches well with your home décor is also important. You may also like our article on Washable Dog Beds.
Non-Skid Bottom
If you have a very ‘active’ sleeper you don’t want it to move the bed every time they stir. As such, it’s a good idea to choose an orthopedic canine bed that has a non-skid rubber bottom. That being said, if you intend to use the dog bed on a rather rough surface and your pup is a calm sleeper, you may not need a model with the non-skid bottom at all.
Choosing the right orthopedic canine bed can be tricky. Perhaps this is made even more confusing by the fact that the majority of beds today are made of useless filling that hardly qualifies as a true orthopedic canine bed. Nevertheless, there are plenty of high-quality memory foam-filled therapeutic pet beds available on the market, including the 15 models we reviewed above, so don’t be discouraged from looking for the best one out there.
Sources:
- Your Guide to Dog Beds, WebMD
- Victoria Schade, CPDT-KA, How to Find the Right Dog Bed for Your Pup’s Needs, PetMD
FAQs:
Because the inside of an orthopedic dog bed is often simple foam, washing the outside cover is easy. Remove the outside cover from the foam bed by locating the zipper or other closure first. Once removed, you can put the cover in your washing machine by itself. You should wash the cover on a cold setting, using a gentle wash cycle. To wash the main foam part of the bed, you’ll need to use your bathtub or a large plastic tub if you only have a shower in your home. Fill the bathtub halfway with warm water and submerge the foam piece. Use gentle pet-safe cleaning products to scrub out any stains, squeeze out any excess water from the foam, and leave it to dry.
Most orthopedic dog beds are made using memory foam, which is more commonly used for human mattresses and pillows, as well as many other items. Memory foam shapes itself to the weight that rests on it, which allows the foam to fully support your dog from all angles. Memory foam dog beds are made using thick pieces of durable foam, in comparison to regular dog beds that use cotton stuffing or polyester filling – neither of which are particularly supportive or useful for dogs that have joint issues and need the extra comfort to rest.
Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com