The 10 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds: Review and Buying Guide

Pets, as people, need a comfortable soft bed. You may think that dog beds are just an excellent place for your pet to sleep, but they serve more purpose than that. In fact, a good quality model provides many psychological and physical benefits for your four-legged friend.

A bed will provide your dog with a comfortable space that belongs only to him. Although your dog is a social creature by nature, he will also need to rest alone from time to time, and having his own bed gives your dog a place to sleep when he needs some space alone.

Orthopedic means straight in Greek and relates to joints, bones, and spines, so this mattress should help your pet take the correct position during sleep and comfort with orthopedic ailments. Over time, an ordinary bed or pillow stuffed with polyester batting can become a problem for the backs and joints of your pet.

Natural orthopedic mattresses for dogs evenly distribute the load, protect the back and joints, do not accumulate static electricity, do not cause allergies, and are treated with steam.

At a Glance: Our 3 Favorite Orthopedic Beds

*All ratings are formed by the article’s author based on own research and combined with customer reviews.

The Best Rated Orthopedic Beds for Dog (Full Reviews)

We have reviewed a variety of orthopedic beds to determine the most suitable ones. When compiling the rating, we based it on reviews, the quality of ingredients, cost, and other factors.

1. BarksBar Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed

This product ‘Snuggly Sleeper from BarksBar’, will provide your pet with a full rest. This product is made of orthopedic foam, suitable for people. Other parts of the bed are filled with cotton padding. In addition to this, the non-slip rubber base is designed to prevent the bed from sliding on the floor or tiles. This model will help elderly and sick pets relieve joint pain and find their most comfortable position. Thanks to the orthopedic foam covering the  joints and soft walls, your pet will sleep comfortably.

2. The BuddyRest Crown Supreme Memory Foam  

 The Crown Supreme Bolster Bed uses an advanced orthopedic hybrid support system. This model  is filled with True Cool memory foam, which supports the pet’s joints and provides comfort.

This model, made in the USA, is designed to provide maximum comfort to your favorite animals. High-tech suede fabrics stay for a long time. The padding roller is made from American down, which satisfies nesting instincts and promotes a sense of security.

3. SnooZZy Orthopedic Sleigh Pet Bed 

The product is filled with six pounds of eco-friendly crushed orthopedic filler. This type of orthopedic filler is used in the production of beds for people. This material provides support for your pet’s neck, back, muscles, and joints.

Luxurious soft cream-colored fabric covers the entire surface. Supports at both ends of the bed provide additional support for your pet’s head and neck while resting. The non-slip bottom keeps the model in place when your dog sits down or rummages. The removable cover can be machine-washed to keep the fabric fresh.

4. K&H Memory Foam Sleeper

The K&H memory foam orthopedic bed will provide an excellent rest for your pet. The removable cover can be washed in the machine. The padding provides maximum support and a real comfort for dogs of any size. This memory foam lounger is perfect for pets with bone, hip, or joint problems.

Key futures:

• Provides maximum comfort & support.
• It designed from genuine memory foam.
• Fabric is resistant to molds.

5. Sydney Orthopedic Beds

The Sydney orthopedic bed is very soft and has a unique texture. The materials used to make the bed provide unsurpassed comfort during your pet’s rest. The product with unique design allows your dog to relax. Thanks to the supporting back with sloping sides, your pet can rest comfortably. This high-quality product is made from authentic, NASA-certified memory foam, providing maximum comfort and support. The product is made in the USA using premium materials. The case can be washed in the machine.

Key futures:

• Uniquely textured with Katie Puff® Fabric.
• Quality construction.
• The model is handcrafted in the USA.

6. Majestic Pet Double Orthopedic Dog Bed

The model is made of premium memory foam. This filler provides optimal blood circulation during rest and comfortable support for your dog’s body. The top of the bed is made of cozy artificial sheepskin. In addition, it has a waterproof layer.

Key futures:

• Allows for proper circulation.
• Ideal for senior, arthritic or recovering pets.
• Recommended for dogs 25-70lbs.

7. Orthopedic Oval Bed

This nest-style bed is equipped with side cushions on which the dog can rest its head, which gives it a feeling of warmth and safety. This product is filled with certified memory foam. A fully removable quilted cover can be washed in the washing machine.

Key futures:

• Designed to help to evenly distribute body weight.
• Great for medium to large sized dogs.
• Made of therapeutic gel memory foam.

8. Kopeks Orthopedic Grey Bed

The waterproof lining that this product is equipped with will ensure the long-lasting freshness of your bed. The product is also covered with two covers, making it easy to keep the bed clean and odorless. The orthopedic gel provides comfort and reduces pressure on the animal’s joints while maintaining a cold surface for sleeping.

Key futures:

• Orthopedic Memory Foam with a WATERPROOF Fabric Zippered.
• Soft, Plush Suede with an Ant-Slip Bottom Zippered Cover.
• Great choice for dogs with arthritis.

9. Orthopedic Interlaced Air Mattress

It has a three-dimensional structure. Lightweight, but very stable and with excellent strength, the fabric stays clean for a long time. This product has air and water permeability, safe, antibacterial, easy-to-clean materials. Thanks to these properties, orthopedic mattresses provide your pet with maximum comfort during sleep. ^[3]

Key futures:

• High resilience ensures durability.
• Mattress responds to body moves and allows easy body turns.
• Great choice for hip dysplasia.

10. Arlee Hudson Orthopedic Cozy Bed

The comfortable bed is equipped with a tufted outer layer. Thanks to this, your pet will feel safe. This comfortable model is machine washable. The product is filled with ORTHOLUX orthopedic foam for maximum comfort of your pet.

Key futures:

• Polyester fill made from recycled water bottles.
• It gives your furry companion a sense of security.
• It’s filled with orthopedic foam for maximum comfort.

Conclusion

The most suitable product is the Barksbar orthopedic bed, designed specifically for older dogs with arthritis or other joint problems. This model is comfortable and durable. The pillow surrounding the rim helps your dog sleep and particularly supports the head and neck.

The quilted polyester bedspread is very soft and easy to clean in the washing machine. The bed’s bottom has a rubber lining to prevent the bed from sliding on smooth surfaces. Additional comfort and support for your dog is a durable orthopedic foam mattress four inches thick.

How does an Orthopedic Bed help my Dog?

If you look at how dogs sleep, you can see that they choose different positions: straightened, curled up, on their back, and even on their stomach, with their paws stretched out in opposite directions. The mattress is the manufacturer’s most inexpensive option; therefore, high-quality materials should be used. The outer part of the bed is made of soft fabric, and the inside is filled with foam. The orthopedic mattress should be selected individually, depending on the weight and height of your pet. Unlike a human, a pet will not always sleep in the same position and in the same direction, so spring-loaded mattresses are not suitable.

Conventional mattresses made of foam rubber or hollow fiber are elastic and dense. When pressed, this material “pushes out” and “springs.” Orthopedic beds should be made of viscoelastic memory foam. This is a modern material, absolutely safe, and hypoallergenic. Memory foam has the opposite property — it “absorbs” all the body bulges, does not exert pressure, and does not “push out.” Due to this, the body can take the most comfortable, anatomically correct position so that the load on the joints will be as comfortable as possible.

According to orthopedic mattresses’ production technology, there should be an upper orthopedic layer and a lower layer that will serve as a base or substrate. The filler must be sewn into the cover. A protective waterproof removable cover can be worn on top.^[5]

Dogs spend about 50% of the day sleeping and another 30% resting, meaning they remain inactive but don’t actually fall asleep. Puppies tend to sleep more than adult dogs; puppies sleep about 18 hours a day and adults and older dogs closer to 12 — 14 hours. Since they spend the vast majority of their time sleeping, you should be sure to provide them with a comfortable, ideally orthopedic bed.

Some beds are better than others; all of them protect your pet from the cold from the floor and create a soft pillow for his bones and joints. Lying on the bare floor puts pressure on dogs’ joints, which is especially harmful to older dogs. These beds are suitable for large breeds, older dogs, dogs recovering from injuries, dogs with ailments of the musculoskeletal system and just generally if you want the comfiest one for your pet.

Orthopedic beds have a unique property; to envelop the body, taking its shape, evenly distributing the load, providing the most correct and convenient location of the animal’s body, and thus reducing the pressure on specific points of the body. The bed offers more efficient blood flow in the appropriate areas. Increased blood circulation, in turn, improves the speed and effectiveness of healing and recovery of joints and muscles. This model provides healthy sleep and faster recovery, and always returns to its original shape.^[2]

READ MORE: Can a Dog Walk With Torn ACL

Buying Guide

There is a wide range of products, each designed to meet individual needs. Dog beds can be hooded, doughnut-shaped, and even temperature-controlled.

The reasons for using are similar to those you have when choosing a bed and mattress. Since there are so many options to choose from, almost any need for a dog can be met with a suitable bed, which you can buy in any major online pet store and including ours.

These products are designed to provide maximum comfort for dogs with joint or bone problems such as arthritis. The bed’s thick mattress forms a protection for your pet and prevents the formation of calluses or ulcers. They are especially useful for thin, bony dogs. Heated models are also helpful for older dogs or those with joint pain, and as well as if you live in regions with cold climates.^[4]

To choose the right type of bed for your pet, remember the following tips:

• Movability. If you travel a lot, you should think of a bed that is easy to take with you on trips and vacations. You can also choose a model that fits easily in your car.
• Materials. Orthopedic beds for dogs can differ significantly in the materials from which they are made. Most people use foam with memory foam to provide orthopedic support. Some models can be made from alternative materials. Memory foam is well known for its orthopedic qualities for both people and pets, so it is the right option. Memory foam comes in three primary forms:

1. Cheap crushed memory foam. This material can be subject to displacement and sticking, which negates the orthopedic bed’s entire purpose.
2. Low-density memory foam. This is also inexpensive; it has a low density and quickly returns to its original shape, making it easy for dogs to get out of bed.
3. High-density memory foam. This is ideal for a comfortable orthopedic bed for older dogs or dogs with arthritis.^[1]

• Price and warranty. Like everything else, you get what you pay for when you buy dog beds. Cheaper is not always the greatest option. Many products offer a limited or full warranty, which is an attractive feature. Just be sure to carefully read the terms and instructions.
• Thickness. Orthopedic dog beds are usually quite thick, averaging about 4-inches in thickness. If you come across a bed smaller in thickness, it is best to avoid. If the bed is too thin, your pet may feel your floor’s hard and cold surface. This is especially problematic for dogs with joint problems.
• Water-tightness. A good night’s sleep should never be unattainable for any creature. Therefore, if your dog is prone to accidents, it may be worth purchasing a waterproof type. Most models have a waterproof lining that protects the mattress of your bed from dirt or moisture. Choosing a model with a lining that can be washed in the washing machine will help your bed stay in great shape and eliminate unpleasant odors. It should also be noted that many waterproof options tend to be more expensive than non-waterproof ones.

By providing your dog with the appropriate type of sleeping space for his physical condition, you can guarantee that he will rest comfortably without any pain or complications. Please choose a suitable option from our list of the most rated picks.

FAQ

Article Sources:

1. ​ “What Kind of Bed Should I Get for My Dog with Arthritis? — Canine Arthritis Resources and Education.” Canine Arthritis Resources and Education, 31 Oct. 2019, caninearthritis.org/article/best-bed-arthritis/.
2. ​ Memory Foam — Wikipedia. 5 Jan. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_foam.
3. ​ Stock, K. “Genetic Analyses of Elbow and Hip Dysplasia in the German Shepherd Dog — PubMed.” PubMed, 12 Jan. 2021, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21554416/.
4. ​ Ajmal, M. “Arthritis and Osteo-Arthritis in Dogs.” PubMed, 1 Mar. 1970, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5462331/.
5. ​ “What’s inside Orthopedic Beds and Mattresses ?” Mattress Inside, mattressinside.com/ortho-guide.html.