Top 7 Best Orthopedic Dog Bed Options for 2020

There is a multitude of beds for dogs sold these days. Finding the best orthopedic dog bed can be quite overwhelming, especially if you want to make an informed decision. Cheap mattresses continuously flood the market. They fall apart as soon as you get them and are never worth the cost.

To find the right choice, you have to understand the most important product features of the best orthopedic dog bed options. You also need to know the top brands and what factors add up to give you great value. It also helps to get recommendations. Find out everything you need as you continue reading.

7 Best Orthopedic Dog Bed Options

With countless numbers of options on the market, it can be hard figuring out the differences between beds and which ones are best suited to your needs. We took a look at the top orthopedic dog bed options on the market right now. Here’s a look at our list, including notes on what makes each one so great.

1. Best Overall – Go Pet Club Orthopedic Memory Foam Pet Bed

The Go Pet Club Orthopedic Memory Foam mattress is as versatile in its construction as it is beautiful in its design. It stands four inches tall to provide plenty of comfort and stability. The thicker the memory foam, the more it will support your pet’s joints, and this mattress is about as thick as it gets. It will never lose its shape or flatten from overuse, which is a huge plus because you have to replace most normal beds relatively often.

It caters to all ages and breeds with four sizes and colors that each offer a unique experience. If you own multiple pooches, you can use the largest size to accommodate all of them instead of buying multiple beds, which can make things a little crowded. It comes in brown, charcoal, denim, and khaki.

One of the major features that really sets this bed apart from the other top-rated orthopedic options is the additional waterproof cover underneath the suede external cover. As you probably know, it can be challenging to find a mattress that lives up to its claim of being waterproof. With this one, the risk of water damage to the memory foam is small.

Externally, the luxurious suede cover zips on and off for easy cleaning and is completely machine washable. You normally have to wash a pet bed whole, making them nearly impossible to get clean, which makes this mattress stand out a bit. The covers are also non-allergenic, so if your pet is prone to any foreign substances, this bed keeps them away.

2. Best for lounging – PetFusion Dog Lounge Bed

This option from PetFusion could make a claim as the best orthopedic bed for dogs. The memory foam used inside it is as good as any bed in its class, and some of the features it comes with outperform all others.

It’s delivered with the memory foam separate and the bed folded up, so you save some money on packaging. You insert the memory foam into the base, zip it up, and you’re good to go.

The foam is recycled green polyfill, so if you want an environmentally-friendly option, then this may be a good match for you. The couch arms that encompass the entirety of the outside frame provide added support for your mutt’s neck and make it useful if you want to buy the bed for multiple, smaller pooches. The unique closed-in design adds to your pet’s sense of security as the large couch-like arms surround him. It easily holds weights up to 100 pounds or more, and it won’t sag from regular use.

Even some of the giant breeds, like Great Danes, fit fine with plenty of room to spare since this is one of the largest options.  It comes in two colors, including slate grey and brown. A lot of times, your typical bed will become an eyesore in your home, but this mattress blends in beautifully with any decor.

3. Best Memory Foam – Milliard Premium Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

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Many believe this option from Milliard Premium is the best orthopedic dog bed for arthritis. It uses two layers of memory foam, measuring a total of four inches in height. The lower layer acts as the harder, more solid base that the softer, upper layer uses as its foundation. This makes it extra effective at conforming to your pet’s body. Ideal for aging mutts with aching joints, hip dysplasia, and arthritis, this bed makes sure your pet can get up in the morning with ease.

Another unfortunate side effect of aging in dogs is their increasing frequency to wet the bed at night. Like the Go Pet Club above, the Milliard Premium is also reliable when it comes to water resistance. A TPU coating surrounds the memory foam. It is a very durable plastic that keeps all accidents at bay. The 100 percent polyester cover is easily removable and features dual zippers on each side. Plus, you can throw it in with the rest of your laundry.

Another feature that most beds claim to possess but generally lack is a non-skid quality. If you have a high-energy tail-wagger, you’ll know from personal experience that they throw around almost everything they come into contact with. With the non-slip dots on the bottom, this bed has maximum stability. The recently improved adhesion means they will stay on even when you need to wash it.

4. Best Extra Large – Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed

Big Barker specializes in extra-large orthopedic dog beds and is pretty much the bed of choice if you own a big pooch. The memory foam is the strongest on the market. Do note it is way too firm for smaller puppies and ultimately will do them more harm than good. However, if you have a large pet that is experiencing bad joint issues, back problems, or hip problems, then this is the way to go.

An adult can lay on it and feel completely comfortable just as a big pooch will. It has seven inches of high-quality foam, which makes it the firmest on the market. A lot of pet mattress companies purchase their foam from overseas, which dilutes the quality. Big Barker manufactures theirs right here in the United States using craftsmen with over 30 years of experience, ensuring it is the best you will find.

Big Barker makes their mark by listening to their customers and producing a product that exceeds expectations. They back this up with a 10-year money-back guarantee that the foam will retain its original shape. Because it only caters to larger breeds, it comes in three bigger sizes: large, extra-large, and giant. All three offer plenty of space for your pooch and look great anywhere in your house.

5. Best Dog Beds for Large Dogs – Laifug Orthopedic Memory Foam Extra Large Bed

This Laifug Orthopedic Memory Foam Extra Large Bed has all the great features you expect on a budget. It provides your pup with two pillow options thanks to the double pillow SMART design. There is a pillow at each end; one is four inches high, and the other is 2.5 inches high. These pillows offer amazing support as your pooch lounges on this mattress.

The unique Laifug foam won’t flatten and keeps its shape. In fact, it’s guaranteed to retain 90 percent of its shape for three years. The weight of huge pooch on their joints can be debilitating and can cause severe problems for them when they get older, and this foam conforms to their bodies to provide relief and even prevent future pain and problems.

This is also another bed that features a second water-resistant cover underneath. It features a waterproof liner with a 100 percent microfiber cover. The cover is also waterproof and tear-proof. It’s removable and washable, so you don’t ever have to worry about hair or dirt piling up.

This Laifug bed measures in at 50 inches long, 36 inches wide, and 10 inches high. It’s designed for dogs up to 200 pounds but works great for both bigger and smaller dogs. It’s no surprise that this bed is a best seller for dogs of all sizes as it is very accommodating and comfortable.

6. Best for small dogs – Kopek Orthopedic Memory Foam Review

Kopek is one of the largest, if not the largest, trademarked pet company that sells pet supplies all over the globe and has been around for several decades. If you don’t want to take a risk with an independent seller, Kopek is a company you can trust. This mattress has five inches of memory foam, which the company makes and manufactures in the United States.

It comes with a built-in pillow at the top to further help your pet get to sleep and stay that way throughout the night. There are not many orthopedic options on the market with an additional pillow attached. It is also one of few beds on this list with an inner waterproof lining that protects from spills and accidents that occur at night.

Kopek knows that it’s not just the bigger pup that can experience joint and muscle pain. Small puppies are just as susceptible to these things and suffer just as much. Because of this, they have made the bed versatile in its sizes, which come in small, standard, large, and extra-large. This mattress certainly holds its own amongst the others on the market.

7. Best Waterproof  – eLuxurySupply 5″ Thick Supportive Gel

This waterproof option has a cushion filled with high-quality latex flakes with an extremely high density. Typically, the higher the density, the more elastic, firm, and stable the pillow will be. It will also be better at restoring its shape and supporting the basic position changes when the dog is asleep. Due to their high density, the cushions retain their stability and shape for a long time, continually remaining elastic, stable in size, durable and wear-resistant.

High elasticity is optimal for the individual characteristics of your pet because it avoids pressure on the intervertebral discs and joints of the spine. Excessive compression of the spine interferes with its regeneration. Thanks to the optimized cushion height, which varies depending on the size and weight of the animal, with inside filling made of latex, this dog cushion offers the perfect feeling of ease and relaxation for the spine and joints. In addition, it is possible to minimize or even avoid decubitus, which is especially important for older dogs or animals affected by hip dysplasia or arthritis.

Due to the use of latex, this bed is anti-allergic and antibacterial, and it regulates humidity and temperature well. Latex also has antiseptic properties and a low susceptibility to tick attacks.

The waterproof properties are because of its premium quality, breathable, membrane fabric. The inner surface of the mattress cover has a polyurethane membrane lamination, which provides complete protection against leakage.

The padding on this is absolutely noiseless when the animal moves, which promotes a quiet and peaceful sleep, ensuring complete relaxation for your pet.

The Complete Buyer’s Guide

It’s funny. People that don’t have pets refer to puppy parents as “dog owners,” but if you are sharing your home with a tail-wagger, you know better. Those fur-balls are family. It is important to you that you give them a quality life and that you go above and beyond to take care of them. You spring for the grain-free, high-end dog food, the custom puppy bowls, and the coolest toys.

You want them to feel what you already know in your heart: They are an essential part of your pack. You want your furry friend to feel loved and be healthy. If all of that is true, that means you care about the kind of rest they get. That is where a quality mattress comes in.

The health angle

When dogs suffer from arthritis, every step taken can cause pain and discomfort. Even a basic thing like trying to find a comfortable position when sleeping can turn into an absolute nightmare. A top priority for all dog owners who have concerns about their dogs’ comfort is getting a memory foam dog bed, which serves both a preventative and a healing purpose.

These beds can support the joints of the dog, ensuring that the same joint does not experience pressure and evenly distributing that pressure throughout the body. This will reduce pain in those who already have a condition and help lower the risk of the condition for those who don’t.

Assessing needs

These days the market is flush with a variety of mattresses, and you can choose what you buy based upon your pal’s needs. Mattresses come in small, medium, large, and extra-large. You can also find an array of other categories from travel and waterproof dog beds to warming or cooling beds. This list could continue for pages as manufacturers have created different ones to match any condition or situation you could imagine. With so many choices available to you, it can seem overwhelming and get a bit confusing. What does your pet need?

For puppies

It seems appropriate to start where dogs do: puppies. Beds for puppies come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. If you take a moment to think back to when you got your pup, you will remember that the litter looked a lot like a swarm. They surround one another, sleep on each other, and generally like to have their bodies up against things. It gives them a sense of security and safety. A donut bed or a nest type bed is ideal as their raised edges and borders give your puppy something to cuddle against for that feeling of security.

For small breeds

Given enough time, puppies grow up; some more than others, of course. Even though your little puppy doesn’t seem much larger, doesn’t mean her needs have not changed. More mature pets don’t need the security of raised edges or borders to cuddle against. Grown-up pets like to be able to see the room. Even if your small breed still fits in her puppy bed, you should move on to something more standard.

Small dog mattresses that resemble children’s beds are fantastic. They are open to the room and comfortable. You should always be aware that the taller the mattress, the harder your little fur-baby has to work to hop in. That kind of wear and tear will take its toll on her little legs and spine in time. Be mindful and choose beds lower to the ground.

For large breeds

If you have a large breed and they have not claimed your bed as the community bed, you are one of the lucky ones. To ensure your pup does not take over your bed, you will want to get him his own, but make sure that he can fit on it comfortably. For very large breeds, some folks even get a child’s bed. The key is ensuring it is big enough and high enough to allow your pet to climb in and out easily.

Tempur-Pedic and memory foam

You read that correctly. They do make Tempur-Pedic mattresses for dogs. The materials used in those and other memory foam beds provide extraordinary orthopedic support and unparalleled comfort. They are easy on your pet’s joints and muscles and will afford them beautifully sweet sleep. Senior mutts melt into these beds as they cushion and mold to every part of the body. You won’t ever see your old fried more comfortable and content than on one of these.

Obviously, the cost of these beds is not going to be as steep as their human counterparts, but they are expensive. Compared to other mattresses you find on the market, you may experience some sticker shock. However, for the comfort of your best friend, it may be worth it.

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Buying Guidelines and Considerations

Your tail-wagger loves to be around you. She does not go to work or the grocery store or Starbucks. She has you and wants to be near you, on you, with you, but she needs her own space, too where she feels safe and secure.

Depending on the rules of your home, you may not allow pooches on the furniture, in the bedrooms, or in certain other areas of the house. In a home with those kinds of strict guidelines, your dog’s bed is a free zone. The thought that there are no restrictive rules in their own area makes their bed a stress-free haven.

Shopping tips

As recently as a few years ago, finding beds, accessories, and other things for your pup was a much more difficult task. Consumers today are, indeed, lucky to have such a diverse and overflowing market of products to suit their needs. The problem pet parents face today is that there are so many choices that just deciding where to look first is a daunting and intimidating task, especially for those new to caring for a pooch.

This is very true when it comes to buying a dog bed. Here are a few guidelines for you to review and keep in mind as you decide what bed to take home to your furry friend.

Size and weight matter

The basic requirement for a dog bed is it must fit the size of the dog. Make sure your pet can spread out and get that, adorable, sloppy kind of comfortable that pet owners love to take pictures of.

Suiting the pup’s needs

After the Greeks coined the phrase “know thyself,” the next one they figured out was “know thy doggie.” If your mutt rolls in her sleep, don’t get a high-rise bed. If your pup loves to chew everything he gets his jaws around, seek out chew resistant materials and beds with non-toxic filling.

You have seen your pet sleep. You have watched her little feet dart around as she dreams. You know what she likes. If she likes her head in your lap or on a cushion or pillow, it is essential to try to find a bed with a pillow built in. If she likes to sleep stretched out, buy a longer bed, but if she curls up, get something shorter.

Consider your pet’s special needs, including age and mobility. Make sure the mattress you get suits your doggie well or else he may shy away from it.

Temperature

If you live in an area with a warm climate, consider a bed made with breathable material that will cool your pooch down as he sleeps. Likewise, if you live in a colder area, a foundation that holds in heat or has heating elements built in would be appropriate. To put it simply, if you need to bundle up and use an electric blanket, your puppy is going to get chilly as well. If you need to strip down to survive the heat, your pooch needs some help cooling down, too.

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Examining the orthopedic dog bed

The best orthopedic dog beds contain high-grade memory foam. That is the only material that offers correct support and puts less stress on your pet’s joints. A label that features phrases such as “orthopedic support” or something similar can be deceptive.

It is important to shop smart. Consult your veterinarian and consider his or her opinion. Take the time to read product reviews and look over manufacturer information as well.

True orthopedic mattresses have changed the way pooches get a good night’s sleep. Unlike your typical cradle, these have unique material similar to what you find at a human mattress store. They are great because they instantly relieve the aches and pains that your dog is experiencing by contouring to the body, which can breathe new life into old and young dogs.

You’re going to want to consider a few key characteristics when deciding on the right purchase. Here’s a look at the features to keep in mind.

Built-in pillows

Some beds come with built-in pillows for added comfort. They may be on one end, on both ends, or go all the way around the bed.

Firmness

The thickness and firmness of the memory foam is another significant factor. You have to be careful when analyzing foam because it comes in very firm, which is only meant for bigger pets since they need the extra firmness to help support their larger frames. They are too powerful for smaller breeds and could potentially do more harm than help. Smaller size pets should stick to the softer, more malleable surfaces. The foam comes on a scale from gel-like to rock solid.

Durability

Durability always plays a significant role when you are picking out a bed. The material makeup of the bed will determine how long it will last and how prone it may be to ripping or puncturing. Cheap also means it will sag and start drooping after a few weeks of use, but the higher quality will rarely degrade throughout their lifetimes. The cheaper the material, the faster it’s going to deteriorate, so keep that in mind.

A good trick is to look to see what country it was manufactured in. If it is China or other foreign Asian countries, it’s probably made out of cheaper materials. The best quality mattresses typically come from the United States.

Beds with higher-grade cloth are also a safer bet than the cheaper, easy to tear cloth that a lot of beds use to lower costs. In addition, consider water resistance, especially if you have a dog that has accidents often. Around half of the beds on the market that claim to be waterproof have little to no resistance. Generally, the ones that do best have a water-proof lining underneath the cover.

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The Benefits

If you are pretty sure that you want an orthopedic bed for your pup, then it can help to get some insight into the pros and cons. No mattress is perfect, so knowing the ins and outs can allow you to be sure this is the right type to buy.

Pros of Orthopedic Pet Beds

These beds are real game-changers when it comes to support and comfort for your pet and their joints. People think pets don’t have as much of a problem with their ailing ligaments when they can have the same type of problems that humans do. It can make a huge impact that you will most definitely notice right off the bat when your puppy is looking and feeling better.

In addition, orthopedic beds for dogs are usually easier on the eyes with more stylish and polished designs.

Straying away from your classic mattress that provides minimal support and moving towards the therapeutic side of mattresses can pay dividends for you and your pet in the long run. They last longer, generate the best night’s sleep and are made of superior materials.

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Cons of Orthopedic Doggy Beds

Because of the higher quality makeup of these beds, you have to take care of them a bit more diligently than an average one. The foam inside of them is susceptible to water damage and other forms of destruction if not watched over carefully. So, if you think you would have a problem keeping a bed relatively well managed, then this type may not be for you.

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FAQ

While we have covered a lot of information and given you some nice options, you may still have lingering questions. To clear everything up for you, here are some common questions pet parents have when buying a bed.

Q. Does my dog need an orthopedic mattress?

You may think spending the money on this type of doggie bed is not worth it because your pup is doing just fine without aches and pains. However, every dog can benefit from one. Yes, older dogs exhibit symptoms, and make it clear a soft, comfortable bed will really help them, but young pups can use one, too, because such a bed acts as a preventative measure.

It is especially helpful for breeds that are predisposed to genetic conditions with the joints and working dogs, who put their bodies through a lot physically each day. Because the mattress conforms to the body, it provides relief and helps avoid further stress on your dog’s body when he goes to sleep or lays down to rest. It also helps improve blood flow, which means quicker muscle recovery.

Q. Where should I put the bed?

Choose a low-traffic area that gives your fur-baby good visibility of the room. Make sure it is an area you can dedicate to their bed, toys, and treats. Decide what corner of your home you can give up, so your pet feels like their space is theirs, and make sure it’s comfortable as far as temperature and traffic. You want your dog to want to sleep in the bed.

Q. Are beds safe?

Absolutely. As long as you consider your pet’s size, age, and movement limitations, you can find a safe one. Many have labels about testing to ensure the bed does not contain harmful materials, so always read labels when safety is a concern.

Q: Can I wash it?

Yes. You may not need to wash the entire thing, though. Look for a zipper or other fasteners and see if there is a removable cover. If there is, you will only need to wash that.

Q: Should I change my dog’s bed once he’s getting older?

Yes. As pooches mature, their needs and desires will change. Puppies like to feel closed in and protected, while adult mutts like the ability to scan a room to survey their area. As your pet grows, it also gets bigger. Large and extra-large breeds grow very quickly, so you may want to spring for an adult bed a few months into their first big growth spurt unless you want to buy a new bed every month or so.

Q: How long will a mattress last?

Durability seems to exist on a sliding scale. If your pup is destructive, then it will not last as long as if you have a more docile, peaceful, mutt. The quality of the materials is also a factor in lifespan. There is no solid answer because every mattress is different. Some may last a month while others last a lifetime.

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Canine Rest Stop Ahead

While pet beds have been the norm for pet owners for the longest time, the best orthopedic dog beds have been making a push as the most popular bed. They provide optimum support, keeping your pet in a happy mood all day long. They can be stylish and sleek. These are an option that comes out on top of the competition, and there’s no reason not to get one nowadays.

After all, wouldn’t you prefer a memory foam mattress over an average everyday mattress? We all know the value of a good night’s sleep. It can be the difference between a happy and productive day and an absolute nightmare. Your puppy feels the same.

Giving your pal the best place to lay his head is an investment in your future together. Dogs that are happy, comfortable, and content stay more active and youthful, have a happier disposition, and live longer. The investment is worth it.

Now you have the information and the tools you need to make the best decision for you and your pup. There are almost too many options for you to pick apart and decide between, but this list provides you with the top orthopedic dog bed options on the market.  You have all the information you need right here to reach a final decision on what bed to purchase.

Remember, only you and your pet knows what bed would be the best orthopedic dog bed for him. Orthopedic dog mattresses come in lots of different shapes, sizes, and designs, so really take the time to think about what you and your pet’s needs are and come to an informed and practical decision based on what you know.