Your dog deserves a comfortable sleep too! Today, we recommend 5 orthopedic dog beds that beat the competition hands down.
An orthopedic dog bed is a little different from your average bed, and will transform the quality of your pooch’s sleep.
It’s particularly important for older and infirm dogs, but is beneficial for canines of all ages.
Keen to find out more about orthopedic dog beds?
In today's guide, we review the best memory foam dog beds so that you can get the perfect bed for your furry little friend.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may make a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Why Get an Orthopedic Dog Bed?
An orthopedic dog bed may sound like a complex medical device but it’s just a type of bed that provides more support.
Compared to a typical dog bed, an orthopedic dog mattress holds the weight better and provides additional protection around their joints.
You may see an orthopedic bed described as a memory foam dog bed. This is due to the type of foam used in orthopedic designs. It molds to the shape of your dog, providing firm support around their body and limbs.
One of the ways an orthopedic memory foam dog bed does this is by distributing the weight more evenly. The firmness of the mattress means that there’s no extra pressure being placed on vulnerable joints.
You’ll be able to see instantly that an orthopedic bed for dogs is different as it’s bulkier and can’t be compressed down to the floor easily. You can check to see the quality of the mattress by pushing it down.
You shouldn’t be able to squeeze the mattress all the way down, nor feel the floor through the base.
All dogs can benefit from an orthopedic bed as it provides superior support and protection. However, if your dog is a breed that’s prone to joint problems, is very large, is infirm or aging, an orthopedic dog bed is particularly beneficial.
Model | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | OUR TOP PICK The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed | - Premium quality foam - Waterproof & removable inner |
|
 | PetFusion Dog Bed | - Water & tear resistant cover |
|
 | Amazon Basics Pet Lounger | - Water resistant liner - Removable cover |
|
 | Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed | - Egg crate foam |
|
 | The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Mattress | - Waterproof |
|
Orthopedic Dog Bed Reviews
Take a closer look at these five orthopedic dog beds that we recommend over all others.
We'll start with our top pick.
OUR TOP PICK
The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed
For a mattress that looks good enough to curl up on yourself, take a look at this premium dog bed from The Dog’s Bed.
A rectangular design with a bolster edge, this orthopedic dog bed has an open front for dogs that like to flop out, as well as easy access for the infirm.
The luxury memory foam is medical grade, offering firm support and a chunky base that doesn’t easily compress.
Once out of the vacuum pack the sides and base are surprisingly thick, providing a dog bed that is strong and robust.
There are plenty of other features which are practical too, such as removable covers and a washable inner.
If your dog ever manages to chew the covers away, no worries! It’s simple enough to order replacements.
High-quality and offering real comfort, this dog bed will help your pooch to have a dreamy night’s sleep.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line:
In our opinion, this is the best orthopedic dog bed around.
It’s priced a little higher than most brands but it’s a very high quality bed that will last for years and years.
Smart design features mean it’s practical as well as comfortable, scoring top marks with canine judges as well as their human owners!
Great Alternative
PetFusion Dog Bed
Although the previous Dog’s Bed model is outstanding, this design from PetFusion comes in a very close second.
Made from premium memory foam, this bed is like a miniature sofa that will offer your canine real comfort.
An open entrance combined with a bolster side provides options for dogs that like to lie flat, as well as those who prefer to be elevated.
The base is made from firm memory foam while the bolsters are made from eco-friendly polyfill.
A washable interior, waterproof lining and removable covers offer real practicability which shouldn’t be underestimated.
The manufacturer described the bed covers as water resistant and tear resistant, but some owners dispute the latter.
Relatively docile dogs appeared to be driven to rip the bed apart, and were able to do is with ease.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line:
This dog bed from PetFusion has many plus points, including practical features such as waterproofing and washability.
However, a number of owners reported that their dogs were able to easily rip out the stuffing.
Given the relatively high price and the ease of destruction, this one just misses out on top marks.
Great Value
Amazon Basics Pet Lounger
This orthopedic dog bed proves that you don’t have to spend a small fortune to get a high-quality place for your canine to nap.
With an open front, bolstered sides and a thick base, there are plenty of ways for your dog to snuggle up and get comfy!
The cover is made from soft and snuggly fabric that’s also tough and hardwearing. This can easily be removed for easy washing.
There’s also a water-resistant lining to prevent staining and damage from accidents.
The foam memory mattress is thick and firm, making it suitable for even large dogs to sleep comfortably.
There are four different sizes of bed, but only one color. This is a neutral gray which will complement most decor.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line:
This is another top choice, an orthopedic dog bed which offers comfort and support to every dog.
Most owners loved it but some reported difficulties getting dirt out of the fabric.
Recommended: Looking for the best playpens for puppies and small dogs? We recommend the best options here!
Budget Choice
Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed
For dogs that love to flop out and stretch, the flat rectangular design of this Bedsure orthopedic foam dog bed is ideal.
Although there are no bolsters on the side for next support, it’s perfect to provide pooches with more space to enjoy every inch.
Despite a very affordable price tag, there’s no skimping on quality. The fabric is snuggly plush and hard-wearing, and the covers are removable and machine washable.
According to the manufacturers, the design is only suitable for light chewing so beware if your dog is a bit of a nibbler!
The memory foam base has a distinctive “egg-crate” appearance which is bumpy, but surprisingly comfortable.
This improves airflow and prevents overheating, while also providing superior shock absorption for your dog’s joints.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line:
A fantastic budget price combined with a high-quality memory foam base instantly puts this dog bed in contention.
Lots of smart features including washable covers, a thick mattress and plush fabric make this an excellent pick for both pooch and person!
Another Great Option
The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Mattress
Last but not least is another entry from high-quality brand, The Dog’s Bed. This is part of their budget range, offering the same premium materials at an affordable price.
This design is a flat rectangular bed, suitable for pooches that love to stretch and flop, rather than curl up and snuggle.
This shape, without any bolsters, means it’s suitable to use with other equipment such as dog crates, pet houses or elevated dog beds.
An enormous range of colors and trims mean this dog bed will fit unobtrusively into any home, and you can pick your favorite to match your decor.
Removable covers which are machine washable and quick-drying mean that getting the bed clean is a doddle. There’s also a waterproof mattress protector just in case of any accidents or drool soaking through.
There have been a few reports of owners unhappy that the mattress doesn’t fully regain its full-sized springy shape after being vacuum-packed.
This suggests that the foam used in this budget mattress isn’t as resilient as its other models.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line:
The Dog’s Bed is a brand that’s associated with high quality and there are many premium features included here.
However, the relatively thin mattress might be a problem for heavier dogs.
In addition, although the smaller sizes are very competitive, the larger sizes are more expensive than most other budget models.
Conclusion
You’ll find many different orthopedic dog beds on the market, and ultimately, the one you choose will be largely related to personal choice.
Some dogs like to snuggle up with a bolster pillow while others prefer a more open, flat design.
Our five picks above represent what we think are five of the best memory foam dog beds available right now.
Although you’ll have more choice at a higher budget, our selection proves you don’t need to break the bank to find a high-quality orthopedic bed.
All of the beds we’ve picked have washable covers - we think that’s an essential! Having a clean and hygienic place for your dog to sleep is as essential for the wellbeing of everyone in the home.
On balance, we think the Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed is the one to beat, balancing up all the features you need with a smart design and competitive price - but it is a bit more expensive than others.
If you can’t quite stretch to the price tag, the other beds featured above also offer excellent quality and value for money.
Buyer’s Guide
Before you dive right into and choose one of the excellent orthopedic dog beds listed above, check out our buyer’s guide.
We’re going to walk you through the different aspects to consider to help your pooch get comfy while catching some zzzz’s.
Type of foam
If you look inside a regular dog bed, you wouldn’t find prime materials.
Polyurethane foam is often used which takes a while to respond to the shape of your dog’s body.
Over time, this can create a lumpy surface which becomes difficult to keep shaking back into place.
Orthopedic dog beds are usually made with a superior substance known as memory foam.
Just like the foam used in human beds, memory foam provides firm support to your dog’s body by instantly moulding to their shape.
Recommended: Get the perfect dog bicycle trailer for your next adventure with our guide.
Memory foam is superior in almost every way, and will support your pooch’s neck and back. The only point to consider is the extra heat that can be created, due to reduced airflow.
To prevent your dog from overheating on a memory foam bed, you can use an extra layer on top in the warmer months. This effectively introduces airflow without compromising on support.
Size
Yes, we know it sounds obvious - but you’d be surprised at how many people still make this mistake!
If the bed isn’t big enough, your pooch is never going to be comfy, even on the best mattress in the world!
Don’t just go by the description of the bed; what is large at one manufacturer may have very different dimensions at another.
Measure your dog starting at their nose and reaching all the way to the tip of their tail. Ideally, you need a bed that’s at least 12 inches wider and longer.
You wouldn’t want to sleep in cramped conditions and neither will your dog!
Thickness of mattress
The thickness of a mattress is a major factor in the comfort of your dog’s bed, and will be particularly important for older, infirm or large dogs.
Some canine mattresses are just a couple of inches thick which is fine for smaller breeds or younger pups.
However, dogs that are heavier will just cause the mattress to compress right down, providing little protection or support.
Older or infirm dogs may feel the cold from the floor seeping through, affecting their limbs and joints.
While a mattress of 2-3” thickness is fine for some, ideally you’d be looking for 6-7’ minimum for heavy dogs, large breeds or pooches with reduced mobility.
Recommended Reading: Do you have an anxious dog that needs help relaxing and sleeping? Check out our guide to CBD oil for dogs next.
Durability
While you might be focused on the comfort of your pet, don’t forget you’ll need to consider more practical matters too.
Dog beds need to be more than just a place to sleep; they need to be able to endure everything your pooch throws their way!
No matter how well behaved your dog is, he has teeth and claws which can really take their toll on dog beds.
Even if you’re on a budget, look for beds which are durable and able to withstand the wear and tear associated with general canine use.
And of course, there’s the issue of cleaning. Which brings us onto the next point…
Is it easily cleaned?
The dog bed may be durable, but if you can’t clean it easily, then the life span may be limited. No-one wants to put up with a stinky dog bed in their home!
When you’re buying your pet a bed, make sure you check the washing instructions before heading to the checkout.
If your dog has an accident or is sick, you’ll want to be able to get it clean without a fuss!
The first thing to check is whether your dog bed is machine washable. Taking it to the dry cleaner is a hassle that every pet owner could do without.
When the need arises, being able to pop it in the washing machine will make life much easier.
Check for removable covers, either via a zipper or with buttons. This makes washing it so much quicker and simpler.
Also consider extra features such as a waterproof liner or a mattress protector. Not only will this help puppies and guard against little accidents, it will also help older dogs who may experience incontinence.
And of course, don’t forget the impact that drool can have too!
Different shapes
While size certainly matters for your pooch’s night-time comfort, it’s not just about the overall dimensions. The way your dog sleeps will play a part in the bed you choose, especially the shape.
You know how you have that favorite sleep position which feels just about perfect? Well, it’s the same for your pooch too.
Some dogs love to stretch out on their bags while others prefer to snooze while snuggled in a ball.
If your dog is one of those that loves to spread out and starfish, a rectangular bed will give them the most room.
Conversely, if your pet prefers to be cozier, look for a circular bed instead that they can snuggle into.
Another good feature are rolled bed edges that act as pillows or bolsters. Your pup might enjoy laying their head on this, getting valuable support for their neck while feeling comfy.
Not all dogs will need a bolster. If your dog likes to lie with their head flat or lolling off the side, a bolster could be an annoyance. Flat beds are available without a bolster edge, and your dog may prefer this.
If your dog already has joint problems, or is just getting on a bit in years, consider an elevated dog bed. This lifts them off the cold floor, protecting their joints and making it easier to climb in and out of.
