The best orthopedic dog bed provides support, taking the pressure off our dog’s joints and letting them enjoy a comfortable sleep. This is particularly important for senior dogs with joint pain, or for pups suffering from a condition such as hip dysplasia and arthritis, with the orthopedic dog bed gently cradling the body for a relaxing snooze.
The best dog beds are always going to be comfortable, but an orthopedic dog bed goes even further. Generally made with materials such as memory foam, orthopedic beds can support your dog when they want to take the weight off their achy joints. An orthopedic dog bed is not just important if you’re caring for a senior dog, an injured pup, or a dog with joint pain, however. Large dogs of all ages can benefit from the cushioning they provide, allowing our canine friends to evenly distribute their weight and achieve a supported sleep.
An orthopedic dog bed with bolsters can be worth looking out for, allowing the dog to cradle its head and neck to relieve pressure on the spine – this type of bed also helps if your pup is shy, giving them a bit of privacy when they curl up. A waterproof orthopedic dog bed could also be ideal for senior dogs or young pups suffering from incontinence. We'd always recommend an option that is machine washable or can be wiped down too, just because it will make your life easier.
As well as sharing our favorite orthopedic dog beds, we’ve also spoken to Dr Rebecca MacMillan for her expert opinion to answer some common questions pup owners can have.
The best orthopedic dog beds 2024
Best overall orthopedic dog bed
Casper is one of the biggest names in human mattresses, and they make them for dogs, too. This durable memory foam dog bed offers all the support your dog needs for their achy joints.
Best budget orthopedic dog bed
This affordable dog bed from Furhaven proves that comfort doesn’t need to cost a fortune. It has a three-sided, sofa style design to give your pooch something to snuggle against. Furhaven offers free replacement covers if they get damaged.
Best large orthopedic dog bed
If you have a large dog breed, like a Great Dane or Mastiff, then this extra large dog bed is ideal. The memory foam build spreads out their weight, keeping it off their delicate joints. It also has a removable, machine-washable cover.
Best bolster-style orthopedic dog bed
This Silentnight dog bed has high, cushioned sides to help your dog feel cozy and safe in their bed, while the orthopedic foam underneath reduces pressure points and joint aches, giving them a comfy night’s sleep.
Best waterproof orthopedic dog bed
The dog bed so nice they named it twice! If keeping things clean is a big concern for you, this dog bed has a waterproof outer layer that is also removable and machine washable. And below the covers, you’ve got a memory foam core to offer all the support your dog needs.
Best premium orthopedic dog bed
If your pooch thinks they’re royalty, then treat them to a bed fit for a canine king. Sizes start at a majestic large, and go up to XXL to offer lots of lounging room, while the memory foam core and microsuede cover ensure a supremely comfortable experience for your pampered pooch.
Best materials in an orthopedic dog bed
The build quality of this dog bed puts most human beds to shame, with a comfortable memory foam inner, water and chew-resistant cover, comfy bolster edges and a healthy range of size options.
Best cooling orthopedic dog bed
Keep your pooch comfortable even on hot days with this gel-infused memory foam bed. This unique combination offers your aching canine a cooler sleeping surface to sleep on while still supporting their joints and relieving pressure.
Best orthopedic dog bed for small dogs
This adorable little dog bed is perfect for diminutive dog breeds like chihuahuas and Pomeranians. It has a memory foam inner surrounded by four-bolster sides to keep your little doggy feeling safe and comfortable. Bedsure makes a range of sizes for other breeds too.
Best overall orthopedic dog bed
Casper is a famous manufacturer of mattresses for humans and now it's using that experience to help dogs find the ultimate in comfort and support too. The knowledge accumulated from years of research and design means you get human-grade mattress quality and support, only in dog sizes.
Yes, this is a fully orthopedic mattress, but it's also built to be dog-proof level tough too. So your dog's achy joints will be eased but it can also chew out any anxiety on the mattress without it breaking at the first bite. As such, this should hold its shape and new quality look for the long term, helping to justify the higher-than-most price tag.
That tough outer coating material is made from durable and chew-resistant bonded microfibres. These coat the main mattress as well as the raised bolsters around the edges, which should help your pup or old pooch feel safe and sheltered as well as kept cosy and warm. The middle section is intelligently designed with a soft top that mimics the sensations of loose earth, something your dog can paw at for comfort.
The outer is machine-washable featuring a zip that means it can be easily slipped off and on again. This is designed intelligently with the zip hidden with sewn-in pockets so they won't scratch your floors or the dog.
The bed comes in three sizes of small (66 x 48 x 15cm) for up to 14kg, medium (83 x 63 x 15cm) for up to 27kg and large (114 x 89 x 18cm) for up to 40kg.
Whichever you opt for, there’s a 30-night risk-free trial. So if you or your dog don't like the mattress you can simply send it back and get a full refund, no questions asked. The shipping to you and the returns are free so this really is an easy way to give this dog bed a try before you buy.
The downsides? It comes in only three color options of blue, grey and sand. And the price is high compared to other options, but that's about it. Hence this being at the top of our list of the best orthopedic dog beds.
Best budget orthopedic dog bed
The Furhaven Pet Dog Bed is an affordable way to give your dog all the comforts of an orthopedic bed without you feeling any pain in the wallet region. Despite the low price, this is a well made dog bed that uses a certified polyurethane egg crate foam style inner, which not only offers comfort and support, but is also breathable. The result is that it won't get as smelly as some of the competition, while still offering some of the best levels of comfort.
The quilted outer is removable, making it machine washable for easy cleaning. This quilt adds another layer of comfort and support to the dog while also ensuring that the orthopaedic supportive foam beneath has a layer of protection, should the dog have an accident while in the bed.
The Furhaven Pet Dog Bed features a sofa style design, meaning raised edges. These are made from 100% recycled fluffy materials, so they not only let your dog's head rest at ease but your green conscience can too. Having the raised edges is a great way to offer the dog a spine-supporting sleeping position, but it also helps make them feel more safe and secure. In fact, it also offers a warm pocket so your dog can find comfort and warmth during colder nights.
This bed is available in 13 different colors and designs from quilted navy to velvet dark sage. This comes in four sizes: small (50 x 38 x 8cm) good for up to 9kg dogs, medium (76 x 50 x 8cm) good for dogs up to 16kg, large (91 x 69 x 8cm) good for up to 25kg dogs, and jumbo (111 x 89cm x 10cm) that's good for dogs weighing up to 43kg.
All that and the outer is also tough. In fact, the company replaces accidentally torn covers, it's that confident that its product shouldn't be breaking. Impressive at this price point.
Best large orthopedic dog bed
We feel comfortable and cozy just looking at this bed! Incredibly well made using high-quality materials, this memory foam bed features a therapeutic gel relieves body aches, joint pain, hip dysplasia, and arthritis to offer your canine companion a more restful nights sleep.
The flat memory foam mattress design means it's also suitable for use in the car or your dog's crate. The cover is also water-resistant, removeable, and machine-washable for your convenience.
Available in a range of sizes (from S to XXL) and colors, you'll find this bed accommodates most breeds and it fluffs up beautifully and retains it's shape well. We're especially impressed with the massive XXL model, which measures in at 50 x 34 x 5 inches —- perfect for big dog breeds and smaller pups who like to spread out.
The only drawback is that it's not suitable for heavy chewers, so if you have a destructive pup on your hands, you'll want to steer clear of this bed. But for all other canine's, this snuggly and supportive orthopedic bed is definitely worth considering.
Best bolster-style orthopedic dog bed
Much like with the Casper dog bed above, Silentnight is another mattress manufacturer who have turned their considerable skills towards keeping man’s best friend comfortable too. They have two beds on offer – a regular option, and this orthopedic dog bed.
The Silentnight orthopedic dog bed uses contoured foam layers to evenly distribute your pet’s weight, giving them a comfortable place to rest. The raised sides help them feel secure, while also giving them a place to rest their head too. The outer cover is made from a soft and durable fabric, and the whole thing can be removed and thrown in the washing machine for easy cleaning.
The only real downside is that Silentnight only operates in the UK, so you’ll probably struggle to find one of these stateside. But if you do live in old blighty then we can highly recommend this comfortable dog bed.
Best waterproof orthopedic dog bed
The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed, as it's confusingly named, is a fully orthopedic flat bed-style sleep slab for many different dogs. The company offers a huge range of size options, making this a great choice for anyone wishing to find a bed that fits exactly into a certain space in a room. There are also a huge range of colour options, so it's easy to make it fit into the room's style too.
The bed itself is made from orthopedic grade memory foam meaning it will offer the joint, muscle and spine support your dog needs, even older dogs or ones recovering from injury. There's a solid 5cm high-grade orthopedic memory foam layer on top of another 5cm layer as a base for enhanced stability.
This mattress is a prudent choice for anyone with a younger dog as it ensures healthy development for a safer future. Since there are lots of size options and the price isn't too high, it is possible to upgrade as your pup grows.
Not that you should need to with that cover, which is totally waterproof. This means that should your pup have an accident, you won't need to worry about it getting through to the mattress and potentially causing lasting smells. Instead, you can simply remove the cover, using the zip, machine wash it, then return it back fresh for the dog to enjoy.
The size options total six from a bed that supports small dogs to a massive bed for even the largest of dogs. Each is available in a whole host of color options, 14 to be exact, with mixed colors and even some pattern options in the mix.
Best premium orthopedic dog bed
Available in large, extra-large and giant XXL sizes, the Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Pet Bed offers maximum style and comfort for larger breeds.
The product features several features specifically calibrated for big dogs and looks stylish to boot with its headrest design.
The bed looks like a beautiful piece of furniture with a high-end velvety touch to the touch, while also providing ample support for a larger canine’s body through its 3-stage foam construction that helps envelop sensitive joints and provide extra relief to dogs suffering from joint pain or muscle disorders.
The Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Pet Bed is handmade and features high quality therapeutic foam, which could go some way to explaining the premium price tag, but lovers of stylish design will be delighted with the variety of colors on offer paired with great comfort.
Best materials in an orthopedic dog bed
Despite being low down on the list, this is one of the best orthopedic dog beds you can buy. It has it all, on paper, with a memory foam inner, water and chew-resistant cover, comfy bolster edges and a selection of size options. In fact, it does it all for a relatively decent price. It even has replacement covers and fur blankets as optional extras.
The bottom of the bed also offers a layer of waterproofing, meaning this is a great option if you can't be sure your dog won't have an accident. As such, the seams are well stitched, hence that water and chew resistance that should mean this will last you a long time.
The solid memory foam is good for joint protection and improved health while the inner liner offers the waterproofing to protect that foam from potential odor-causing accidents. The bolsters around the edges are made from recycled polyfill and are well packed to make sure they're as comfy as possible.
The zips are well designed with two separate compartments for the bolsters and the memory foam. At the bottom is a non-skid base which makes this good for tiles, wood or laminate floors even if not kept against a wall.
This bed comes in four sizes and three color options. This is the Ultimate model, made for older dogs, but there is also a cheaper BetterLounge model for young adults and a PuppyChoice model. Expect the same high-quality from each although the BetterLounge uses polyester microsuede and the PuppyChoice features solid 28D foam.
Best cooling orthopedic dog bed
Ideal for aging dogs, the Dogbed4less Extra Large Orthopedic Gel Memory Foam Dog Bed looks to combine all the benefits of pressure point relief and alignment support with a cooler sleeping surface for a more restful sleep.
It comes with multiple covers which are easy to remove and wash, including a stylish exterior that's heavy and durable enough to withstand hair and mud while providing ample comfort.
Made from a solid 4 inches of high density memory foam, you may find the Dogbed4less Extra Large Orthopedic Gel Memory Foam Dog Bed a particularly excellent choice if you find dog beds prone to flattening.
Best orthopedic dog bed for small dogs
It sounds pretty obvious, but when looking for an orthopedic dog bed, it makes sense to tailor it towards your dog's size. If they're only small, you might as well get an appropriately sized bed.
With this in mind, Bedsure presents an ideal offering for small dogs. Made from orthopedic foam, you can rest assured that your pup will be able to sleep in comfort. The 3-sided optimal support provides balance for the key pressure points, and the waterproof liner is ideal in case there are any accidents.
Moreover, it is designed to be machine washable, so cleaning and maintenance is made easy, although you might want to be careful about how much you do this, as some have reported the fabric coming apart after multiple washes.
Regardless, with a 4.6 rating on Amazon after multiple washes, it's fair to say that the risks are few and far between. For dogs that are a bit more on the diminutive side, you can't go wrong with Bedsure.
How to choose the best orthopedic dog bed
When choosing an orthopedic dog bed for your four-legged friend, their comfort is your primary concern, but there are other things to think about too. We’ve listed all the main factors below
Material
All of the orthopedic dog beds are made using memory foam, or some other form of firm, durable foam that can evenly spread off your dog’s weight, taking the pressure off their sore spots. If you live in a warmer climate, you should also consider a dog bed infused with cooling gel to help keep your pooch’s temperature down on hot days.
Style
Orthopedic dog beds come in a range of styles. Some are essentially just flat mattresses for them to lie on, while others have raised sides that your dog can nuzzle into or lay their head on. There is no best option here – choose whatever your dog prefers.
Size
It may sound obvious, but you should also ensure that the dog bed you choose is big enough for your dog. Always check the measurements and compare them to your canine friend – try to catch them lying down so you can see whether they sprawl out or curl up. If they’re a canine bed hog, maybe get them a size larger than you otherwise would.
Washable cover
This final one is as much for you as your pupper – get an orthopedic dog bed with a removable, machine-washable cover. You’ll thank us later. It just makes keeping your dog’s bed clean so much easier.
What is an orthopedic dog bed?
An orthopedic dog bed will provide your pet with a comfortable and supportive sleeping space, providing a thick cushion between your pup and the floor. Typically made with memory foam, this type of dog bed is ideal for injured, senior and larger dogs, helping to alleviate achy joints and conditions, such as arthritis and hip dysplasia.
However, they’re not just for injured or senior dogs, with Dr. Macmillan advising “most dogs will enjoy an orthopedic bed (not just those with joint issues!), as they are usually comfortable and cozy as well as supportive.”
Do orthopedic dog beds really help?
If your pup has muscular or joint issues, an orthopedic dog bed can help, providing the support needed for a comfortable sleep and also helping your pup get back up again.
“Orthopedic beds are definitely useful with dogs affected by mobility issues,” says Dr. Macmillan. “They work by helping to reduce pressure on sore joints as they distribute the dog’s weight more effectively than some other beds.”
“Many orthopedic models contain memory foam which is a bit firmer than other styles of bed, which can sag or become lumpy over time. This can make it easier for stiff dogs to get up and down.”
Dr. Macmillan added, “they are best when used in conjunction with any other measures your vet recommends, such as the best joint supplements, prescribed medications, and a moderate exercise regime.”
Dr. Rebecca MacMillan is a companion animal vet with over 13 years of experience treating and looking after pets. She graduated from the UK Royal Veterinary college in 2009, and has worked in several practices over the years. Rebecca is also an experienced writer, using her veterinary background to offer expert opinion and advice.
