When choosing the best large dog bed for your pup, you want an option that gives them room to stretch and snuggle without a problem. A dog bed is a great way to give your dog a comfortable place to hang out, and they come in a variety of options including orthopedic picks.
The best dog beds offer most breeds a comfortable setting for a good rest, but larger dogs have different needs than their smaller counterparts. From arthritis, to mobility issues as they age, larger dogs can run into a variety of issues, but a proper resting place can help to alleviate some of them.
Orthopedic dog beds in particular deliver cushioning for your dog's whole body, supporting them through the neck, spine, muscles and joints. Many orthopedic beds feature a memory foam cushion, making for even weight distribution, and a way to relax without pain.
Larger breeds are also more prone to overheating, a concern as we see hotter and hotter summers each year. A raised bed can help to keep them a bit cooler, and some beds are built with cooling materials to keep your pup comfortable, even when its baking outside.
We've also spoken to Dr. Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCVS, to help you make an informed decision for your home.
Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. Initially, she treated all species, but focussed on small animals from 2014. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in these areas.
Since 2018, she has worked at a smaller, independent practice close to home, in order to devote more time to her other love – writing comedy fiction. February 2023 marks a big development in Hannah’s career, as she moves from permanent clinical veterinary work to become an Editor for a global medical communications company. She won’t be giving up clinical work altogether, though, and will still do regular locum shifts at her local veterinary practices.
Dr. Godfrey says this about choosing a dog bed:
" Large breed dogs need a large bed! However, traditional, softer dog beds make it hard for your dog to cool down in warmer weather, and many don't provide enough support for a heavy dog. They're also full of padding, and many dogs make it their mission to destroy their bed by chewing it and removing the stuffing, which can cause a gut blockage. So, a well-ventilated raised bed could be a better option for large dogs because they provide support without any stuffing to chew!
Raised beds are great for large breed dogs because they provide all-over support for their muscles and joints, just like a good human mattress does. Your large-breed dog can rest comfortably on a raised bed without aches and pains from the pressure points contacting the ground. This is especially important for dogs with arthritis and joint pain. Large dogs are also more likely to get warm in the summer, so a raised bed with no padding or stuffing will allow more ventilation, keeping your dog cooler."
PetsRadar's pick of the best large dog beds
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When it comes to the best all-around large dog bed, the Frisco Plush Orthopedic Front Bolster Bed beats out the competition. It features a lowered front entry, which is perfect for older dogs dealing with mobility issues who can't climb into raised beds. This bed has a three inch foam mattress, an inch of memory foam on top of two inches of orthopedic foam, which means its capable of supporting even extra large dogs.
This bed is available in two colors, and three sizes. The extra large bed measures out 40 inches by 30 inches, which should be large enough for most breeds, although extra large dogs may have issues getting comfortable. It even features a removeable exterior, which makes it easy to clean without a giant fuss. Bolsters along the edge of the bed also deliver a spot for your pup to rest their head when hanging out. Just keep in mind this bed isn't waterproof or water-resistant, so it may not be ideal for incontinent dogs, or canines that are still being house-trained.
Fans of the Big Barker rave about how much their dogs enjoy sleeping on this large dog bed. It’s made of the same kind of foam used in human mattresses, and owners who have tried out the bed themselves mention how comfortable it feels to them. The Big Barker dog bed has a full seven inches of foam, so no part of your dog’s body will touch the floor. The company provides a 10-year money-back guarantee if the bed loses more than 90% of its loft and shape, which lets you know how much they believe in their product. A guarantee of any kind is rare in the dog bed business.
The giant size is 60 inches long and 48 inches wide, which is wider than a twin-sized bed and sized for breeds such as Irish Wolfhounds and Great Danes. It comes in four colors, and has a microfiber cover that zips off for machine washing. Some owners complain about the lack of a waterproof liner, which is sold separately. However, if you’re concerned about accidents or big messes, it’s probably worth protecting your investment. Apparently not all dogs love this bed, but that’s going to be true of any dog bed that you buy. Check the refund policies! Big Barker also sells replacement covers, and there’s a version with a headrest as well.
Okay, it’s not really possible to make an entirely “chew proof” or indestructible dog bed. If a dog really wants to dig or tear a hole into a bed, nothing will stop him. According to reviews, however, the K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Elevated Dog Bed comes as close as possible to being chew proof. The seller claims that they had to design their own fabric for the bed because Kevlar wasn’t strong enough. This bed can be used indoors and outdoors, and is advertized as being especially good for dogs who are kept in crates or kennels. It should fit well - measure first of course - and will keep them off the floor of the crate with no gaps. The giant sized bed is 50 inches long. Some sellers have complained that the bed sags too much for very heavy dogs, and that it can move because the legs aren’t skidproof. K9 Ballistics does claim a 120-Day warranty, meaning that if your dog chews through it within 120 days of purchase, they will replace the fabric.
Your dog is going to love lazing about on this high-density egg-crate foam pillow, which evenly distributes your pets’ weight, alleviating pressure on their bones, supporting their joints, and relieving muscle pain.
This bed comes in a whopping eight different sizes, and ten different color options. The largest bed measures out at 54 inches long by 44 inches wide, making it great even for giant breeds. Bedsure's large dog bed features a pillow shape, making it easy to pop in a crate, the back of the car for road trips, and anywhere with space in your home.
If you're hoping for an all-year dog bed, this is the one to pick. The cover has a reversible design featuring fleece for warm naps during chilly months, and Oxford fabric to keep your pup cool when temperatures rise.
Durable enough to hold up to light to moderate chewers and scratchers, it has a removable zippered cover that’s machine washable, making cleaning a breeze. This is a wonderful no-fuss dog bed at a great price.
Many large dog breeds thrive in the great outdoors, and enjoy adventures at beaches, lakes and more. The SUPERJARE Outdoor Dog Bed not only provides them with a cool and comfortable place to sleep, it has a canopy to keep them shaded. The bed part is a cot elevated about nine inches off the ground, which might help keep your doggy cleaner than lying directly on the ground. Air can circulate through the mesh openings. The metal tubing has supports so the bed won’t tip when your dog throws themselves on top for a snooze. A tent-like frame supports the canopy, which should help keep it from collapsing.
While this option does have a waterproof canopy, we still recommend you keep it covered or bring it indoors during storms. Some customers complained that the metal tubing held water, but that’s probably why the seller suggests that you not keep it outside. In addition, the sun will fade the fabric and the bed won’t last as long.
The SUPERJARE Outdoor Dog Bed comes with a carrying bag, and is available in brown, grey, and silver grey. The large bed should hold a dog weighing up to 100 pounds, and the x-large up to 150 pounds.
If your dog is prone to a few little accidents in their old age then this bed is perfect for keeping them dry. The bed itself is super-soft and made from memory foam, which does take a few days to plump out, but once it does this is the ultimate luxury bed for your dog. This is perfect for larger dogs with joint problems and it has a big fluffy bolster for relaxing against too. The sides are not the most supportive if your dog likes to lean or sit with their head supported, but it would make a comfy pillow when it comes to sleeping.
The bed can hold dogs up to 100lbs and the bottom of the bed has a built-in rubber backing which will stop this large dog bed from sliding around when they're trying to get comfy. The cover is removable and machine washable so it’s super easy to clean regularly and it won’t get misshapen in the wash either. The bed also features a waterproof liner which protects against any accidents and keeps this dog bed fresher for longer.
This luxurious orthopedic dog bed offers a solid 2-inches of high density memory foam over a 4-inch base of stability support foam for a comfortable sleep surface that will leave your canine companion feeling like they're sleeping on a cloud.
Available in a range of generous sizes and colors, this stylish mattress-style bed will blend seamlessly into any home and the therapeutic design makes it ideal for senior dogs or any pup suffering from joint pain or mobility issues.
Providing the ideal mix of comfort, support and relief, this bed is geared towards dogs with joint conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, patella luxation, osteochondritis and other conditions and is also great for dogs recovering from surgery.
The bed comes with removable covers, making it a breeze to wash and keep clean, and it has a waterproof mattress protector to catch any accidents associated with incontinence. It's not the cheapest bed on the market, but the high quality design and materials makes it well worth the investment.
How to choose the best large dog bed
With so many options to choose from, it can easily become overwhelming trying to find the best option for your furry friend. Before you snag the first bed they can fit in, its worth considering a few things. Just remember, the most important thing is finding the bed your dog will use, and that can fit into your budget.
Do large dogs need their own bed?
Larger dogs are at a higher risk of mobility and joint problems like arthritis, or hip dysplasia, and because of this we definitely recommend they have their own bed. A large dog bed helps to take pressure off aching joints, and evenly distribute their weight when resting or hanging out.
What type of bed is best for a large dog?
Different dogs are going to have different needs, so its worth considering what your dog needs. Older dogs may benefit more from bolstered beds, while younger pups who enjoy a more active lifestyle may be more suited to a raised bed.
Are raised beds good for large dogs?
Raised dog beds for larger breeds not only allow your pup to enjoy a supported sleep in comfort, but have the additional benefit of helping to keep your dog cool during the warmer months.
Shepherds in particular may enjoy a raised bed since it allows them to keep a better eye on their environment and surroundings.
