We reviewed 15 products to help you find the best orthopedic dog beds for your pooch.
Top 15 Orthopedic Dog Beds
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed, Orthopedic Memory Foam
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$$
This is a 2.5 inch memory foam mattress that has pillow bolsters in the sides and back that would work for your dog to either lean against or use as a head rest. Polyfill material is in the bolsters so they are not super firm.
The removable machine washable cover helps maintain cleanliness and sanitation. A smooth surface material might be cooler and easier to clean. There is a water resistant liner to protect the memory foam from pee, or drool.
Multiple size options help you get the right match for your dog, though it does not come in an extra small or toy size.
Non-skid nobs on the bottom will help reduce the chance that the bed will slip out from under your dog when they’re trying to get up. This is an important feature for dogs with arthritis or joint injuries that may be dealing with some muscle weakness or incoordination.
The company boasts a 2 years warranty on defective product issues. It’s always a good idea to look at the detail, but the longer the warranty often means the more solid the manufacturing is.
- All the components come out to make cleaning easier
- Seems to be comfortable and durable for big dogs.
- For dog’s that like to lean, the sides increase comfort.
- Getting the foam inside the casing can be difficult.
- Cover material may wear quickly for dogs that paw at it a lot.
BarkBox Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Bed
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$$
This bed is a 3 inch memory foam mattress with a support layer on the bottom and a gel layer on the top to dissipate heat. This feature is very high on my list of comfort factors for bigger dogs that tend to get hot.
The cover can be removed and washed to keep things sanitary,which is important for incontinent dogs. A water resistant liner to protect the memory foam which is the core of what you pay for. You can also add a crib sheet inside the cover like we discussed above.
The company promotes a 1 year satisfaction guarantee, so look into the details of that, especially if you’ve been dissatisfied with beds in the past. There are often details on which parts are covered for which length of time.
This bed does not have bolsters on the side which is better or not depending on your dog’s preference. This could work better for dogs that like to stretch in every direction. For dogs that like to have something to lean against this bed may not be as comfortable or you could add a pillow to it.
- Great customer support seems to be the norm.
- Thin enough to use as a crate mat.
- The cooling layer can really help with comfort.
- Not expanding to the full 3 inches happens with some frequency.
JOYELF Orthopedic Dog Bed Memory Foam with Removable Washable Cover
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$$
This bed has a bolster design all the way around the bed, with a small dip in the front for getting in. This makes it important to take note of the internal dimensions when sizing it for your dog. The bosters do take up a lot of space. The bolsters are a soft stuffed cotton so not particularly supportive, but would be great for a dog that likes to lean or cuddle a bit.
The cover is one piece and removable for washing. There is an inside waterproof liner to protect the memory foam mattress which really matters for longevity.
The bed is 6 inches high with the edges but the mattress is only 2 inches, so it may not be enough support for really big dogs, but great for a smaller dog that wants to be surrounded by soft pillows.
The bottom is non-slip to help your dog’s stability getting out. This is important for dogs with weakness or a tendency to have their legs slide out from under them.
A plushy surface may be soft and comfortable for some dogs, but too hot for others. Do you have a snuggler(curled up in a ball) or a stretcher(legs everywhere)? It’s important to remember, there may be a perfect bed for your dog, but no single bed is perfect for every dog.
- Very easy to clean.
- Comfy edges for dog’s that like a head rest or something to lean on.
- Protects well against pee accidents.
- For dogs that paw a lot the fluffy stuff comes off easily.
- The overall height can be confusing as to how thin of a mattress this is.
Furhaven Dog Bed Orthopedic Sofa-Style
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This bed comes in a lot of different materials, styles and designs so be careful what you order. You should select the style you are interested in and read the description closely. If you need a different size be sure it didn’t change styles.
The ‘orthopedic’ bed is 4 inches of the egg crate foam style which does not provide firm support. This foam collapses easily and doesn’t support the body as well. It also provides less relief for pressure points. A three side bolster design is offered by this dog bed for some cuddle comfort. Be sure to check inside dimensions to know your dog will fit.
This bed has a lot of color and design options if fitting into the décor is a concern. Not many of the beds have this type of design choice.
The cover is a smooth chenille style material which is soft and may be comforting to dogs that get cold. Being removable, the cover for washing helps keep things sanitary.
This bed does not carry a waterproof liner which means you would definitely need to add something for droolers or incontinent dogs. Moisture will ruin the foam much more quickly than just regular use of sleeping on it.
- Easy washing of the cover.
- A large range of color choices.
- Jumbo size for really big dogs.
- Cheaper egg crate design does not provide good support
- No waterproof liner means a short life span for the foam.
Furhaven Dog Orthopedic Plush & Suede Sofa-Style
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
There is 3 inches of foam in this mattress until you get to the jumbo which is a 4 inch mattress. The egg crate mattress design is not good firm support especially for really heavy dogs. There are multiple mattress types on the same listing which get confusing. Be careful to really go through the details of the specific item you select.
Bolsters on three sides are a comfort factor for more cuddly dogs or dogs that like to lean. This can make a dog feel safer and more relaxed leading to better sleep.
Easy washing with a fully removable cover design helps keep things clean. Older dogs are more likely to have pee accidents which makes this a really important feature.
There are a large number of cover colors and styles. The cute couch style design that might look really nice in the house. This is a good consideration if you are looking for a decor item.
- Easy cover removal for washing.
- Large range of design styles.
- Big enough for the biggest dogs.
- Poor orthopedic support with egg crate foam.
BarksBar Orthopedic Dog Bed With Grooved Orthopedic Foam
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
A 3 ½ inch orthopedic foam base is the mattress for this bed. This is going to provide a good amount of support for medium to big dogs. Full wrap around bolsters really might please a dog that feels better cuddled up. Be sure to check the inner size dimensions for the right fit for your dog.
The cover is an attractive quilted design which may be better for home décor. The fully removable washable cover helps to keep a sanitary sleeping spot. The absence of a waterproof cover for the mattress means this would not be a good choice for dogs likely to have pee accidents or heavy droolers. The additional option would be to add a crib sheet under the cover to protect the mattress.
Bottom has a non-slip design that can really matter for dogs with joint pain so it doesn’t slide while they are standing up. Some older dogs or dogs with injuries don’t have as much muscle control as they used to and standing up is often a time that they slip or slide.
- Wrap around bolster for snuggling.
- Attractive quilted design.
- Easy to wash and put back together.
- No waterproof liner.
PETMAKER Orthopedic Sherpa Dog Bed
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This dog bed has a 4 inch mattress with no bolster sides. The mattress is a combination of two inches of memory foam and two inches of high density foam. The flat design may work better for dogs that like to stretch out. The non-skid bottom is a big help for dogs with joint issues so the bed doesn’t slide when they get out of it. It’s important to keep in mind the difficulties standing that older dogs tend to have.
The Sherpa top will make a nice soft surface against your dog’s skin and may be a great comfort factor for you dog. A machine washable cover is important for long term sanitation, especially when dealing with incontinence which is a common issue in older dogs.
There is a customer satisfaction guarantee that can be really useful if it doesn’t work for you be sure to read the details of how it works. Make sure to know the details of what parts are covered and for how long it you want to take full advantage of a warranty.
- A simple design with a lower price point.
- Can be used as a crate mat for surgical recovery.
- A heavier bed so less likely to get dragged around the house.
- The cover doesn’t stand up well to washing.
KOPEKS 7-inch Thick High Grade Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed With Pillow
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$$
At a lower price range this is an excellent choice and close runner up to the top pick. Also note, the waterproof liner comes standard. This is a big bed and a good value overall.
This bed has a 7 inch memory foam mattress with an additional 3 inch pillow on one side, 3 of the sides are open. This bed is big, so be sure it will fit in the area you have for it. It will provide a lot of support for a large to extra large dog. This is a nice bolster set up for a dog that likes to stretch out their legs but have their back up against something.
Non-skid bottom decreases the chance of the bed sliding when your dog is trying to get up, a big concern with dogs that have orthopedic issues or muscle weakness. Slipping can cause additional injury or pain.
The micro-suede style cover can be easier to clean than some of the plush covers. A washable cover helps with day to day cleaning. The waterproof inner liner to protect the memory foam is important for long term cleanliness.
- Good orthopedic support without being too hard for the big dogs.
- It’s a good size for large and giant dogs.
- The one side pillow leave the dog plenty of stretch room, but also something to lean on.
- Cover tends to break down with dogs that paw a lot.
Brindle Waterproof Designer Memory Foam Dog Bed
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This bed has a 4 inch mattress with 2 inches of high density foam and 2 inches of memory foam. This should provide some top softness and prevent any sinking to the floor. This foam combination is going to give good support to heavy dogs. This is a flat mattress without side bolsters. For some big dogs heat retention might be a concern.
A washable velour cover will help manage day to day cleanliness. There is a mattress liner that the company promotes to be 100% waterproof (wash correctly as noted above.) This is a great feature for incontient or heavy drooling dogs.
The slip resistant bottom decreases the chance of the bed sliding while an arthritic dog is trying to get up. This is a factor worth considering to prevent further pain and injury for your dog. It’s importance in your home depends on what sort of surface the bed will be on such as wood or carpet.
This bed comes in more than average number of color/pattern options on the cover is nice for managing décor. That makes this a good support mattress with the opportunity to have a little flair for design in your living space.
- The waterproof liner is highly effective.
- Durable for big dogs, doesn’t flatten.
- Room for big dogs that like to stretch out.
What we didn’t like about it:
- The cover doesn’t stand up to dogs that paw at it.
Big Barker 7" Pillow Orthopedic for Large and Extra Large Breed Dogs
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$$
This is a 7 inch mattress with a sandwich of comfort foam 2 inches top and bottom with 3 inches of memory foam in the middle. This creates a lot of support for very heavy dogs. One side has a 4 inch contoured foam pillow for dogs that like a head rest. It also gives it a stylish chaise appearance. An open cell foam designed for cooling which can be very important for large and giant dog’s comfort. This is a huge bonus for dogs that are always laying on concrete or the hard floor to cool off. This is essentially designed for big, heavy dogs, this may even seem hard to a small dog.
A 10 year warranty (foam only) guarantees that the foam will retain its shape or your money back. That’s a big warranty in this industry and speaks strongly to the quality.
The machine washable microfiber cover helps with regular cleaning. No waterproof layer comes standard so not a good solution for dogs with accidents. You can buy one as an add on, but there is an additional cost. I would recommend it, or have another plan for a liner.
- A lot of support padding for very big dogs.
- Easy clean surface and cover.
- A strong warranty on the foam.
- The lack of a waterproof layer means this would not work for incontinent dogs without an extra purchase.
Furhaven Pet Dog Bed Orthopedic Round Cuddle Nest
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This bed has a 3 inch orthopedic foam mattress with a half hood that would be great for dogs that like to be covered, snuggle or get cold easily. There is a plastic wire that hold the hood up or you can take it out to use the top as a blanket. Egg crate style foam is really only for small dogs, it does not provide good orthopedic support for bigger dogs.
The soft faux lamb’s wool liner would be great for snuggle type dogs but not necessarily the best for dogs that get hot or dig a lot. A zip off cover can be washed for general cleanliness. This bed has a better color selection than most products so for a smaller dog it would be great to fitting into a home decor.
Overall this bed is loaded with snuggle features so it’s a great option for small dogs that need something soft that they can burrow into and be covered.
- Some nice features such as the hood/top blanket and deep soft cover for small snuggly dogs.
- Helps with dog’s that tend to get cold.
- A washable cover helps keep things clean.
- Poor support foam for orthopedic patients.
- The plastic pipe that holds the top open is not high quality.
Better World Pets Orthopedic Dog Bed
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This bed has a shredded memory foam fill, this might be nice for dogs that burrow a bit. It is a softer feel than solid memory foam so might be better for little dogs also. The shredded fill design may provide better relief of pressure points for angular, bony dogs. The shredded fill may not provide the type of full body support that a large or extra large dog needs. This is a flat bed with no sides so not as great for snuggle dogs, but good for the stretchers. This dog bed has a 5 inch bed height so it might be hard for some little dogs to step into if they have pain issues.
A waterproof cover that can be removed and washed helps keep things sanitary and protects the filling. This is really important with shredded foam because you can’t take it out and clean it. A 1 year satisfaction guarantee is offered by the company. Be sure to know the details if using the guarantee is important to you.
- Waterproof cover improves cleanliness.
- The fill keeps its support over time.
- The degree of stuffing it takes to make it stay in place may make is seem too hard to some dogs.
Petlo Orthopedic Dog Bed with Removable Washable Cover
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
The bed is 9 inches high at the edges, about 4 inches of foam to the mattress. It is a four sided bed with a partial opening on one side so it may really work for dogs that like to lean or cuddle. It has an attractive couch style design. Be sure to measure internal dimension when choosing a size. This may be a really cute addition to a room.
The water resistant cover that is removable and machine washable, which helps with cleaning. This can be really important for dogs that have pee accidents.
A no skid bottom helps prevent sliding which can be really important for dogs that have trouble getting up. If the bed will be on carpet it’s not as important but it will matter on slick flooring like wood or tile. Older dogs or dogs with previous injuries often times will have some trouble standing and a fall could cause them a lot of pain.
- Nice side support for dogs that like to lean or rest their head.
- Thick mattress that can support a large dog.
- Removable cover for easy cleaning.
- The external measurements are misleading because of the bolster as to how much room your dog will have.
Dogbed4less Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
This bed has a 4 inch gel infused memory foam for good orthopedic support to help with cooling, especially for big dogs. This would be a strong consideration for dogs that are chronically hot. There are no sides so it’s not designed for the snuggly, cuddly pups but good for those long legged dogs that want to stretch. This could be a really great bed for dogs that have incontinence issues, like to stretch out and get too hot on other beds.
A waterproof internal cover to protect the memory foam is important for sanitation as well as protecting your investment in the mattress. The bed has a 3 cover system composed of an iInternal waterproof cover a denim outer cover and a microsuede final outer cover.
The no-skid bottom helps to prevent injuries from the bed slipping out from under your dog when they get up. This is especially important if the bed is going to be on a slick floor surface like wood or tile.
- Triple cover system offers better durability and cleanliness.
- High-grade gel foam helps with cooling for big dogs.
- Foam doesn’t compress over time for dogs with average sleep patterns.
- For bedridden dogs the foam may soften if they are always in the same spot.
Treat A Dog PupRug Faux Fur Memory Foam
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$$
This bed is a shag rug style design that zips open on the bottom for the padding to come out. About 1.5 inches of memory foam is used so it may not be enough for really big dogs with sore joints. It has a really attractive throw rug appearance so if you have a dog that needs a little support and comfort this could be a cute addition. The thickness of the pad is not going to be enough to provide pain relief to large and giant breed dogs with serious joint issues.
If you are looking for something unique for your dog bed purchase this could be a fun and effective choice.
The cover is washable for cleanliness. A water resistant cover over the memory foam to help protect your investment. This is important both because of pee accidents in older dogs as well as keeping your living space clean and comfortable.
- A unique style that can blend with décor.
- Provides nice comfort even for big dogs.
- Cover really stands up to washing.
- The padding is thin for dogs that really require some support
Does my dog need an orthopedic dog bed?
Comfort
Senior dogs
Working dogs
Medical Conditions
Post-surgical recovery
Muscle and joint degeneration
Joint and neck injuries
Hip and joint issues
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
IVDD in dogs This occurs along the entire spine in dogs with long backs like a dachshund but can occur in any type of dogs. The discs (cushions) between vertebrae break down and don’t support the spine properly anymore. This leads to pain and possibly paralysis which can make issues like soars on the pressure points happen without proper padding.
How to choose the best orthopedic bed for your dog?
Number 1: Orthopedic support
Authenticity
Durability
Water-resistant
Extra features
Size
Budget
Maintenance Tips
- Consider a breathable waterproof crib liner if you have a lot of urinary issues.
- Don’t use plastic, it will make them super hot.
- You can use a regular crib sheet over the top of the bed and just pull it off and wash it.
- This may make the bed cover last longer.
- Consider using a proper wash solution for all breathable waterproof materials so they continue to function.
F.A.Qs
How do I get the right size bed for my dog?
One of the biggest issues here is if the bed has bolster or pillow sides. Depending on how thick they are it can really make a big difference in the amount of space your dog has to lay down.
The second answer is that it depends on if your dog sleeps curled up or stretched out how much space they need.
My dog’s a chewer, will any of these beds stand up to it?
In a word, no. All of these beds are made of cloth materials designed to have some breathability. None of them are designed to be chewed on. Unfortunately for aggressive chewing dogs sometimes no bed is the better option so they don’t end up sick from swallowing the material. A few beds advertise a more rugged cover material to make them difficult to chew, but none are impossible to chew.
Does the dog’s weight matter?
Yes. When it comes to orthopedic beds with high density foam they are designed to support the typical weight of a dog that fits the size of the bed. The basic point here is that if you get your dog a bed that is oversized for them the support may be too hard.
Time to sleep on it...
My picks lean heavily toward the large and giant dogs. My reason for this is they are the ones that most need well made orthopedic dog beds. A ten-pound dog can have pressure points relieved by simpler lower density mattresses.
So my top pick for best dog orthopedic dog bed is the Big Barker bed. This bed has had the most consistent quality and durability of a thick bed designed for the big dogs while including a comfort pillow on one side. It has a cooling layer which is important to most big dogs. This gives the best of both worlds, a pillow and plenty of legroom.
The most important thing overall is to take into account your specific pet’s needs. Factors that matter are incontinence, overgrown toenails (might require sturdier material) and body type. No one bed will work for 100% of dogs, so read the details. Dogs are individuals and just like we are with our beds and pillows a well-made dog bed isn’t going to be the same best pick for every dog. Hopefully, this review gave you key points to really make the best decision and not have to mess with returns.
