Dogs are just like us and as they age, they require extra assistance or added comforts in life in order to stay happy.
An orthopedic dog bed is one that’s made with a little more support and cushioning than a standard pet bed, and if your dog is at that stage of life when they deserve more comfort then there’s nothing better you can do for them.
Shopping for the best orthopedic dog bed can be hard to do though, especially if you’ve never had to buy one before.
Thankfully, there’s not a lot to them and a simple matter of figuring out what features suit your pooch best will lead you in the right direction.
These beds come in all shapes and sizes and some more feature rich than others, so picking the right one is essential.
To make the search even easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best orthopedic dog beds on the market today and highlighted just what makes them so special.
This one simple addition into your pet’s life can have so many benefits, and when you consider how affordable they are it’s not something you should put off any longer.
To save you the hassle, we’ve researched countless orthopedic dog bed reviews and products to come up with a definitive list of the best.
Whether you need a memory foam dog bed or one suited to senior dogs, we can help you find out, so check out our recommendations for the top performers in all shapes and sizes.
Our Top Picks For The Best Orthopedic Dog Beds
RANK | Picture | Name | Rating | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 |  | BEST OVERALL Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed | (4.8) | |
#2 |  | PetFusion Orthopedic Dog Bed | (4.6) | |
#3 |  | KOPEKS Orthopedic Dog Bed | (4.4) | |
#4 |  | Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed | (4.3) | |
#5 |  | BarksBar Orthopedic Dog Bed | (4.1) |
Let's now review each orthopedic dog bed individually:
Best Overall - Friend Forevers Orthopedic Dog Bed
To get nothing but the top-rated orthopedic dog beds for your pet, our number one choice is this one by Friends Forever. The large sized bed measures 36 x 28 x 9” and is suitable for dogs up to 75lbs in size to sleep comfortably on. This is by far the best dog bed for older dogs and younger ones, as it’s comfortable, supportive, and easy for their owners to keep clean.
According to customers, this is one of the most durable dog beds, even for those pets that like to scratch. It has a soft cover made of 100% quality suede that’s also hair and fur resistant so it stays clean without a hassle, and won’t get torn up by a rowdy dog. For the amount you’re spending on an orthopedic pillow you want it to have the safeguards that this one does, giving you absolute peace of mind about its quality.
The only real negative that customers mentioned had to do with the YKK zipper built into the design. It felt a little flimsy compared to the rest of the pillow and needed to be handled with care.
However, if you come across an issue the entire thing is covered by a warranty so you can return it for a replacement if something goes wrong.
This pillow comes in five different neutral tones for calming your dog, the zippered cover can be removed for machine washing, and a water-resistant liner to prevent any accidents from doing it damage.
The sizes range from small for dogs up to 30lbs and then extra-extra large for the largest breeds out there.
The Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Pillow is quality inside and out, from the memory foam inside to the suede cover.
The popular large size costs around $110 on Amazon which includes free shipping, and it comes with a no questions asked 12-month warranty. To get the best of the best and spare no money doing it, this is the clear winner.
Specifications
Runner-Up - PetFusion Orthopedic Dog Bed
PetFusion has created the Ultimate Dog Bed as their solution to the best dog beds for arthritic dogs, and many happy customers agree they hit the mark. This is the large size bed intended for dogs up to 100lbs and over, with enough space to even fit two smaller dogs. It has a memory foam inner of around 4” and a cover that zips off to be machine washed as needed.
The best feature about this bed can be found inside of it with the high-quality memory foam base. It also features recycled support bolsters in each one which gives it an extra boost for dogs who have trouble getting down low. Just having this little bit of extra height made the world of difference according to happy reviews, so it’s worth considering for arthritic dogs.
A couple of minor complaints from customers about the PetFusion Bed had to do with the cover mainly, with some finding it too thin to be truly comfortable for their pet. although it seemed to be of good quality it lost some points for comfort and durability, especially if you have a dog that likes to scratch before they settle in for a sleep.
The dimensions of the bed are 36 x 28 x 9” and it has a water resistant and removable cover so you can throw it in the wash as needed.
The fabric used for the cover is a mixture of polyester and cotton which makes it soft, if not a little thin, and it’s easy to spot clean and remove hair from if it gets dirty.
PetFusion offers a massive 24-month limited warranty on this orthopedic dog pillow which is more than most, and the large size costs around $120 on Amazon.
It’s extra supportive and easy to care for which makes it a great choice, so consider treating your dog to the PetFushion Ultimate Dog Bed if you’re happy to spend a little more.
Specifications
KOPEKS Orthopedic Dog Bed
For dogs that are larger than life who need extra thickness in their beds, the Kopeks Dog Bed could be a good solution. Measuring 7” thick and with an extra 3” on the headrest, it’s one of the larger ones on the market and in a jumbo XL size it’s designed to fit the biggest of dog breeds. There are three neutral and calming colors to choose from as well, so you can get one to blend in with the rest of the house.
According to the reviews, the quality of the memory foam inside of this pillow was its best feature. Made with special hypoallergenic memory foam and being durable enough to withstand dogs over 100lbs, this is great for dogs with arthritis or those who need orthopedic support because it won’t cave in and shrink as some do.
However, the cover held this pillow back somewhat and lost it a few points. Customers mentioned that their dogs put holes in it within just a few weeks, and for the higher price tag this isn’t a problem you want to deal with.
You could replace it but it would be another cost to add on top, so you really need to supervise your pet as they use it.
The cover is waterproof and zippered on so it removes easily for cleaning, and it’s even suitable for a gentle tumble dry cycle if you’re running out of time.
Its measurements are 50 x 34 x 7 so it’s pretty sizeable even for larger breeds and you should have no problem even fitting two smaller dogs on there if they wanted to share.
Unfortunately, there’s no mention of a warranty offered by Kopeks which is pretty disappointing, and priced at $120 on Amazon, you’d hope there would be.
However, the foam mattress is what sets the Kopeks Dog Bed apart and makes it great for dogs with special needs, so keep this one in mind if your dog requires extra protection from their bed.
Specifications
Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed
When money is no object and you need to make sure the dog bed you choose is going to suit your larger than life pet, you’ll want something as sizeable as the Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed. This premium-priced bed is made for extra large breeds of dog like those larger than a Labrador but smaller than a Great Dane.
This bed has been designed with a lot of scientific testing, and that’s shown in the high price tag, but it also earned the pillow many satisfied reviews. People loved how this finally was able to support their larger dog unlike other pillows and it never seemed to shrink or get pressure points that only ended up hurting their pet.
However, it’s not the softest dog bed around and if you have a pet that favors comfort they might not be impressed.
The cover and the foam mattress inside are both pretty tough and there’s nothing luxurious about it, so this one is better left to dogs who need these types of beds for purely medical reasons.
Humans who have tested it out and laid on it found it to be pretty tough which might not be ideal for every dog.
The Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed measures 52 x 36 x 7” and comes with an additional headrest for comfort. It features a 100% microfiber cover which can be unzipped for cleaning in the machine and is made in the USA by a long standing company that has many loyal followers.
There is a range of colors to choose from also and the cover is thick enough to withstand dogs that like to scratch and prepare their beds.
The Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed will cost around $280 when you shop on Amazon but it comes with a 10-year warranty on the mattress inside, indicating just how well it’s been made.
If you have a super large dog and need durability and firmness more than somewhere soft to sleep, this is definitely a great option.
As an extremely lightweight but durable option, if you prefer a soft crate but don’t want to spend twice the price, this would make a reasonable alternative for any dog under the 70lbs mark.
Specifications
BarksBar Orthopedic Dog Bed
If you’d prefer not to spend too much on an orthopedic dog bed, something more budget-friendly like the Barksbar Orthopedic Dog Bed might be right up your alley. This is the large model which suits dogs weighing up to 100lbs, and there’s also a medium for smaller dogs. It’s filled with solid orthopedic foam and measures 40 x 30” with a pretty high 10” thickness that keeps your pet high off the ground.
The cover of this bed is soft and made of polyester so it’s easy to keep clean and won’t cause any issues for sensitive dogs. Reviewers also loved the rimmed edge which helped keep their dog in place and gave them somewhere to rest their heads. On the bottom, there’s a non slip rubber surface which stops the bed from sliding around, which is definitely needed for a bed that houses larger dog breeds.
This pet bed is pretty high up at 10” in height so it’s not ideal for dogs with mobility issues. Although larger dogs shouldn’t have an issue it still might present a challenge getting in and out, so you might have to get them a hand.
As a cheaper bed, the quality of this is somewhat lacking and you can feel it mainly in the foam which doesn’t seem to have as much stability as other orthopedic dog beds but is more like a soft pillow.
Other notable features include the removable and washable cover that comes off with a zipper. You can also place this one in a gentle tumble dry cycle if needed, and it comes in just one design of black and grey.
The pieces all come separate when you purchase it and you simply place the foam pillow inside, so don’t be put off by having to put it together yourself.
If you’ve been wanting to invest in an orthopedic dog bed but couldn’t justify spend over $100, you’ll be happy to know you can get the Barksbar Large Orthopedic Dog Bed for around $70 on Amazon.
There’s no warranty offered by the manufacturer which is pretty standard at this price, so as long as you can take care of it your dog should be able to enjoy it for years to come.
Specifications
The Benefits Of An Orthopedic Dog Bed
There are plenty of benefits in these types of beds for dogs, especially those with preexisting conditions like hip dysplasia or arthritis.
However, all types of dogs no matter their health condition can benefit from having their own orthopedic dog bed thanks to their unique design.
These are some of the advantages it can offer your pet when they have their very own bed to rest on.
Weight distribution
Thanks to the durable foam in the inside of these beds, your pet’s weight will be evenly distributed when they lay down.
The result is no pressure points or discomfort being placed on their body which can be particularly painful for dogs with existing conditions.
Support
Rather than laying on the floor or a standard dog bed without a firm mattress, these orthopedic designs offer a lot more support for their body.
This could be ideal for dogs who have recently undergone surgery, have existing conditions, or owners who want to ensure they sleep in a healthy and supported position to prevent problems in the future.
Comfort
We all appreciate having somewhere comfortable to sleep and our dogs are no different.
Giving them their own comfortable orthopedic dog bed will result in better rest and adequate sleep that ensures they’re full of energy the following day.
Cleanliness
Having a dedicated space for your dog to sleep can prevent them from resting on the sofa, your bed, or the rug.
Most orthopedic dog beds also come with a removable cover that can be washed in a machine so they’re even easier to clean.
Security
Dogs can really benefit from the safety and comfort that their own bed offers.
With their own orthopedic dog bed that they can use to retreat to or relax, they’ll feel safe knowing that they have somewhere to go that is their personal space.
FAQs About Orthopedic Dog Beds
An orthopedic dog bed is a special pet accessory made for medical purposes, and as such, they’re usually more detailed than standard dog beds.
These are some commonly asked questions about the design of these beds and why they’re so unique, to show you how they can help your pet.
What Is An Orthopedic Dog Bed?
An orthopedic dog bed is one that has been designed to reduce pain in dogs and provide additional support compared to a regular bed.
They are made for dogs with conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia or senior pets, but can also be enjoyed by younger dogs through all stages of life to prevent injury in the future.
Are Orthopedic Beds Good For Dogs?
When designed correctly, an orthopedic dog can help reduce symptoms of existing conditions, decrease pain after injury or surgery, and provide somewhere safe and comfortable for your pet to sleep.
They’re a good investment for all breeds of dogs and all ages, regardless of their current physical condition.
Do Dogs Like Orthopedic Beds?
Introducing a new bed or accessory to your dog may take time, depending on what they’re used to. In general, these beds are designed to be soft and comfortable so your dog should have no issue adjusting to them.
However, if they’re wary about trying out the new bed you could try placing their favorite blanket or toy on it and giving them some space to get used to it in their own time.
Are Raised Dog Beds Better?
An elevated dog bed is one that features no stuffing or foam, so they’re generally not orthopedically designed.
Raised dog beds can be better for animals who don’t need extra support or comfort, and are generally easier to keep clean for the owners, but they’re not ideal for older dogs or those with mobility issues.
Is Memory Foam Good For Dogs?
Memory foam has been used as a filling for pillows and cushions made for humans for years, and there appears to be no issue using it in a bed for dogs.
However, you need to make sure your dog never eats or tears apart the memory foam. Most are made without the use of volatile organic compounds, but they can still present a health risk if ingested.
Comfort And Support For Your Four Legged Friend
Every pet owner knows that their dog deserves the best, and whether it’s to treat a serious medical condition or just improve their quality of life, an orthopedic dog bed is the best way to do it.
Dogs are faced with many physical problems as they age and regardless of what breed you have, there’s a good chance that they’ll need the support of one of these beds at some point in their life.
There are many types of dog beds out there but only an orthopedically designed one has this specific type of support.
You need something with a durable and soft cover and an inner mattress that will relieve their pressure and offer comfort, so ticking all of these boxes is essential when making this purchase for your pet.
A quality orthopedic dog bed is an investment and as such, you want to be sure you’re getting one truly worth the money.
Any of these orthopedic dog beds we’ve reviewed would be ideal for dogs with conditions like hip dysplasia or arthritis, or just as a supportive and comfortable place to call their own even if they have no special needs.