The Best Orthopedic Dog Beds

Whether you are bringing home a new dog or you have a senior at home, an orthopedic dog bed is one of the best purchases you can make as a pet parent. These beds are specially made to support your dog's bones and joints, and as such, they can really help keep Buster healthy and happy. There are thousands of them out there and they are made from a variety of materials, all designed to be comfortable for our furry friends. To help you choose the best one for your pup, we've searched high and low to bring you this list of the best orthopedic dog beds on the market today.

What to Look For

Finding the right orthopedic dog bed for your pal doesn’t need to be stressful. Ask yourself these simple questions to help guide your search: Is this bed appropriately sized for my dog? Does it offer the level of support and breathability that they might need? And does it have any other important features that your dog might enjoy, such as raised walls? With those questions guiding us, we landed on a few favorites. Furhaven’s plush bed is a popular choice in this crowded market, and that’s with good reason. Not only is it cute, well-made, and highly supportive, but it’s also very affordable. But it does lack the versatility of Bedsure’s reversible bed, which can be flipped over in the cooler months to reveal a warming fleece top. To learn more about these picks and the rest of our favorites, keep on reading.

Furhaven Pet Plush Orthopedic Dog Bed

A soft touch

This bed is every bit as soft as looks.
Best Overall

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Many dogs suffer from joint aches as they age. Though aging is a natural part of life, pain doesn’t have to be. Created by Furhaven, a big name in the world of pet beds, this fantastic orthopedic bed offers a secure and comfy place for your dog to lounge and sleep. The orthopedic foam relieves pressure from achy joints and keeps your friend nice and comfortable. Even if your pup is young and spritely, getting them an orthopedic bed can help prevent long-term pressure sores and other aches and pains as she ages. Overall, this is an excellent choice, and your dog is sure to love it.

Pros:

  • A comfortable, supportive bed doesn’t have to be an eyesore — at least, not with this snazzy setup. While other orthopedic beds can be bulky and drab, this one is available in a wide range of stylish colors, patterns, and finishes to suit any decor.
  • Ease is the name of the game with this bed, which is designed to make things easier for us as well as our furry friends. Not only does the soft, supportive foam ensure your dog can rest easy, but it’s also super simple to care for — the removable cover can be tossed in the washing machine for quick cleanup.

Cons:

  • If your dog likes to chew, this soft bed may become an easy target.

Bedsure Reversible Orthopedic Dog Bed

On the flip side

This bed can be flipped over to alternate between a warming fleece top and a cooler smooth bottom.
Best Reversible

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It can be really hard to find a dog bed that works for your furry friend all year round. Plush sherpa beds are great for cooler months, but they can really overheat your dog when it gets warm. Meanwhile, durable Oxford fabric is perfect for when it gets warm out and your dog wants to start digging. Now, you can get the best of both worlds and get a bed that lasts when you choose this bed from Bedsure.

This bed is a two-in-one option that provides both a fluffy sherpa side and a durable Oxford fabric side, so you can change it up based on your pooch’s needs. The high-density egg-crate foam provides comfort and support to your dog no matter which side you choose. We also appreciate how easy it is to care for. If your dog has an accident or gets it dirty, you can simply pull the cover off and wash it.

Pros:

  • We know water-resistant fabric comes in handy, especially with older dogs. This comfy bed features a cover that will protect it from everyday spills and accidents, keeping it clean and extending its life.
  • If you need an orthopedic bed that can accompany you on your adventures, this one is hard to beat. It can fit in cars, most crates, and virtually anywhere on the floor, so you can ensure your buddy gets pampered no matter where you go.

Cons:

  • This bed doesn’t come with a headrest or any other raised area for your dog.

Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed

Snuggle up

With raised sides and a cozy interior, this dog bed is like a comfy cradle for your canine companion.
Most Versatile

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If you’ve ever slept in a bed too small for you, you’ll know that it’s not pleasant. While it’s essential that the bed you choose for your dog is comfy and well-made, it’s equally important that it fits her right. This one from Bedsure is perfect for medium-sized dogs. It’s designed so that your dog can snuggle against the raised walls or rest her head on them; either way, she’ll be more than comfy, thanks to this bed’s thoughtfully designed proportions.

Pros:

  • We always want the best for our pets, but it never hurts to find pup-friendly pieces that won’t spoil our decor. With a lovely selection of neutral colors that can blend easily into most rooms and an attractive design we don’t mind having on display, this pick certainly fits the bill.
  • Beds in this price range tend to skimp on the creature comforts, but you’ll find no such compromises here. This bed uses egg-crate foam to create a sturdy, soft, and supportive spot for your dog, and the non-slip base ensures that it will stay put.

Cons:

  • This bed tends to run a bit small, so you might want to size up.

PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed

Sweet dreams

This adorable bed is ideal for lapdogs and puppies.
Best For Small Dogs

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If you give your small dog the same level of attention as you give other members of your family, you’re not alone. Why not extend that same principle to the bedding you buy for your dog? If you want your little pal to sleep in luxury, this bed from PetFusion offers it. Equipped with a base made of CertiPUR-US orthopedic memory foam and polyfill bolsters, this bed is ultra-cozy. Aside from that, it’s also a long-lasting, supremely comfortable, and perfectly proportioned dog bed.

Pros:

  • For a dog, nothing says “I love you” better than a comfy bed. Your canine companion will love the smooth yet durable surface, perfect for burrowing and lounging.
  • Dogs are messy, and they often bring that mess back to their beds. Thankfully, this bed is very easy to clean.
  • The colors are neutral enough to fit in any room.

Cons:

  • We wish the zippers were a bit sturdier.

Furhaven Traditional Rectangular Orthopedic Dog Bed

Move over, big guy

Your gigantic pooch can sprawl over this enormous bed with plenty of space to spare.
Best For Big Dogs

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Considering how heavy and strong big dogs typically are, it makes sense to buy a bed that can support their joints while providing comfort. This bed from Furhaven does both of those things, and it does them well. Constructed with egg crate orthopedic foam and topped with a removable cover, this is the kind of bed a big dog will eagerly retreat to when it’s time to sleep. And we appreciate that Furhaven offers this bed in an enormous variety of colorways and patterns so that you can choose one that best complements your home’s decor.

Pros:

  • Spot cleaning a dog bed can be taxing, which is why we like that cover is removable and machine-washable.
  • Dogs may be color blind, but we aren’t. We were happy to see that Furhaven offers a generous selection of patterns and colors that are certain to fit your style.
  • Even after heavy use, the foam seems to hold its shape.

Cons:

  • This pick isn’t ideal for teething dogs or big-time chewers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “orthopedic bed” mean?

Orthopedic beds are designed to support your dog’s joints, muscles, and bones. They are usually made of high-density foam, memory foam, or a combination of the two. We recommend them because they are healthier for your dog’s body than most other options, much like a memory foam bed is more comfortable for an elderly person.

Why might my dog need an orthopedic bed?

There are many reasons why your dog may need an orthopedic bed. The primary, and most obvious reason, is that your dog is getting older. Her bones and joints can begin deteriorating just like a human’s will, so it is best to get her a supportive bed. There are also several breeds that have a predisposition to some bone and joint issues, such as the Great Dane and German shepherd.

About the Author

Chelsia is the proud owner of two long-coat Chihuahuas and an 11-year-old pit mix. She and her five kids enjoy roaming the rivers and forests surrounding her North Carolina home — and so do her dogs. Taking care of multiple pets can be a challenge, which is why Chelsia seeks to help fellow dog owners find the right products for their furry family members.

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