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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
If your dog is getting older, recovering from an injury, or would simply benefit from a comfy, supportive place to fall asleep, it’s worth considering an orthopedic dog bed. It’s especially important if your dog has arthritis or hip dysplasia, but active pups of all ages can benefit.
Because there are no concrete requirements for a dog bed to be designated “orthopedic,” it’s important to know what makes a true orthopedic bed that really supports your pup. According to Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, director of Kingsgate Animal Hospital and veterinarian at Senior Tail Waggers, “Most high-quality orthopedic dog beds are made from true memory foam, much like a human mattress.”
While companies all have their own proprietary ways of producing it, memory foam generally uses polyether polyol that gives it the elasticity and viscosity to mold to your dog’s frame when they lie down in it and returns to its original shape when they get up.
Want more info? Hop down to our explainer on what to look for, or read on for our favorite orthopedic dog beds for all kinds of pups.
PetFusion Ultimate Memory Foam Dog Lounge
With two to six inches of true memory foam (depending on bed size), an accessible entry point, waterproof liner, and non-skid bottom, this PetFusion bed is a smart investment for arthritic dogs.
Best for Dogs with Arthritis: PetFusion Ultimate Memory Foam Dog Lounge (Verified Review)
PetFusion Ultimate Memory Foam Dog Lounge
With two to six inches of true memory foam (depending on bed size), an accessible entry point, waterproof liner, and non-skid bottom, this PetFusion bed is a smart investment for arthritic dogs.
Dogs with arthritis can benefit from supportive bolsters, but bolsters that are too high can be hard for them to get into. This PetFusion orthopedic bed combines comfy bolsters with an open entry point for easy access.
There are four sizes: small, large, extra-large, and jumbo. The large size offers full support with four inches of memory foam, which our doggy testers found incredibly comfortable. The jumbo adds another two inches of thickness. By contouring to your dog’s body, true memory foam reduces joint pain, enhances mobility, and can even boost your dog’s energy level.
A non-skid bottom keeps the bed from slipping. And if your pooch struggles with incontinence, a waterproof liner helps protect your investment. Our only caveat? Though our testers had no trouble, some reviews report malfunctioning or broken zippers.
Key Features:
- Water-resistant and tear-resistant cover
- Waterproof liner
- Polyfill bolsters on three sides offer head and neck support
- 36-month warranty on any part that is broken due to manufacturer defect
- Small, 25 x 20 x 2 inches; large, 36 x 28 x 4 inches; extra-large, 44 x 34 x 4 inches; jumbo, 50 x 40 x 6 inches
Best for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia: FurHaven Nap Ultra Plush Pad
FurHaven Nap Ultra Plush Pad
This full-support firm orthopedic bed is an affordable option with a 3- to 5-inch mattress thickness.
Dogs with hip dysplasia can struggle to get up from a bed that’s too squishy, so they need something comfy yet firm. This relatively affordable FurHaven model has a soft, plush cover for comfort—and a firm, dense foam base for superior joint support that ranges in thickness from 3 inches for the size small to 5 inches for the jumbo plus.
The flat surface and firmness make this orthopedic bed a good choice for dogs who struggle climbing into squishier beds or those with high, bolstered sides. The cover is conveniently machine-washable.
Key Features:
- Flat design makes it ideal for sprawlers
- Machine-washable cover
- Available in three neutral hues
- Five sizes, small to jumbo plus, which supports dogs up to 125 pounds
Best for Thin Dogs: K&H Pillowtop Bolster Bed
K&H Pet Products Pillow-Top Bolster Bed
If your dog’s sleeping style is to curl up, they might appreciate the design of this orthopedic bolster bed. As a plus, the bed is also fully washable.
Skinny pups are often good candidates for orthopedic beds, since the firm mattress offers their bony frames gentle support. This K&H orthopedic bed isn’t just elegant; it also provides dogs with major support and cushioning. It boasts an orthopedic bio-based foam base, topped with over-stuffed bolster cushions and a soft sherpa pillow top—the polyfill is also green, from recycled bottles. Both the mattress and the bolsters have zippers so the bed can be fully washed.
Note that the fluffy pillow top may not stand up to passionate diggers or chewers.
Key Features:
- Fluffy, polyester-filled pillowtop in addition to orthopedic foam base
- Green design, with bio-based foam and polyfill from recycled bottles
- Stylish design
- Easy to wash
Best for Senior Dogs: Dogbed4less Memory Foam Bed
Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed with Waterproof Liner
This orthopedic dog bed is constructed from supportive memory foam and comes with a waterproof liner plus two external covers to protect it from accidents or spills.
This orthopedic bed features a flat design, which can be easier for senior dogs to get into. And if your older dog struggles in the heat (as many do), the gel-infused foam can help keep them cool.
Also a plus for senior dogs? This memory foam bed has a waterproof liner plus two external covers—one made of denim and the other a brown microsuede—both machine-washable.
Our reviewer, a Rover sitter, found that both her own dogs and the dogs she hosted were “obsessed” with this bed, especially with the microsuede cover. One of her dogs, who usually preferred the floor to his existing dog bed, took to using it, and she noted that he seemed comfortable and relaxed and that the high-quality bed seemed to support his joints extremely well.
Key Features:
- Four inches of gel-infused memory foam for support and temperature regulation
- Anti-skid bottom is ideal for dogs with mobility issues
- Includes two washable covers
- Six sizes available: from small to 3X-large
- Affordable price
Best for Large Dogs: Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed with Headrest (Verified Review)
Big Barker Orthopedic Headrest Dog Bed
Designed with large breeds in mind, this orthopedic dog bed’s three layers of therapeutic foam can support up to 300 pounds in weight.
Made especially with large dogs in mind, this mattress is composed of three layers of therapeutic foam (U.S.-made Certi-PUR-US) to ensure that the bed won’t flatten out over time, even with up to 300 pounds of weight on it. It comes with a water-resistant, machine-washable cover that’s durable enough to withstand light digging and scratching.
Currently, Big Barker is the only orthopedic dog bed that has undergone a clinical trial to showcase its therapeutic properties. Results from the study suggest that this bed can soothe joint issues and improve your dog’s overall quality of life.
For our reviewers, this bed lived up to expectations, so much so they considered putting a sheet on it for human sleepovers. They said it was huge, comfortable, and high-quality—but emphasized that you might need a lot of floor real estate for it (our reviewer tested it in a size extra-large for her Husky). Either way, though, it’s a luxurious choice for your big dog if you have the space—and the budget, as this is one of the pricier picks on our list.
Key Features:
- Available in three huge sizes (large, extra-large, and giant)—7 inches thick
- Removable, washable cover
- Handmade in the U.S.
- Four color options
- Designed for longevity and backed by a 10-year-warranty
Best Orthopedic Bed for Crates: Brindle Waterproof Orthopedic Dog Bed
Brindle Waterproof Orthopedic Bed
This orthopedic bed is sized to fit inside a crate and is extremely well-made, thanks to its four inches of memory and support foam, a waterproof lining, and a machine-washable cover.
Crates can be cozy, but their limited space makes a comfy orthopedic dog bed especially useful—and also makes it hard to fit one in. This bed is designed to fit in a crate and touts a combination of two foam types—two inches of support foam on the bottom, and two inches of soft memory foam on the top, conforming to your dog’s body to relieve painful pressure points. It includes a waterproof layer and a cozy, machine-washable cover in three styles.
Key Features:
- Three sizes: small, 22 x 16, up to 35 pounds; 34 x 22, up to 65 pounds; large, 46 x 28
- Three attractive colors/styles
- A waterproof liner protects the foam
- Slip-preventing bottom
Best for Dogs Who Like to Burrow: FurHaven Faux Sheepskin Snuggery
FurHaven Faux Sheepskin Snuggery
This cave-like bed is a great orthopedic option for dogs that like to burrow.
For dogs who love to burrow, this cave-like bed gives them the secure feeling of being tucked in, while still providing an orthopedic foam base to support their bodies. The smallest size offers three inches of foam, which is manufactured in the U.S. and tested through the CertiPUR-US program to ensure its safety. It’s important to note, however, this uses egg-crate style foam rather than true memory foam. While it is durable and firm, it doesn’t have the same true memory foam characteristics of molding to your dog’s body.
It’s available in four different color options and has a fully removable cover that can be laundered.
Key Features:
- Provides privacy and security
- Shapeable blanket can be used with or without the plastic hoop
- Available in five colors: brown, cream, gray, blue, and pink
- The largest supports dogs up to 80 pounds
Best for Small to Medium Dogs: Casper Dog Bed (Verified Review)
Casper Dog Bed
This orthopedic dog bed has all the qualities of Casper’s mattresses for humans—including a 30-day trial.
This bed is comfortable and tough (we reviewed it in-depth), with a slight bolster around the perimeter to provide extra support for dogs who like a pillow. The interior is composed of a combination of memory foam and support foam, and the nylon, polyester, and olefin cover is removable via hidden zipper and machine washable. Like with Casper’s mattresses made for humans, you can take it for a 30-day trial spin.
It boasts material durability and is designed with extra fabric on top that’s intended to mimic digging in dirt for your dog. The large size takes the already substantial mattress from 6 to 7 inches, recognizing that big dogs need bigger bone and joint support.
Our reviewer’s dogs loved the mattress, paws down, although she notes that the bolster is too slight for a true pillow lover. The fact that it goes all the way around does add additional height, so if your dog needs a lower entry point, this may not be the right fit.
Key Features:
- Three sizes: small (26 x 19 x 6 inches for dogs up to 30 pounds), medium (33 x 25 x 6 inches, for dogs up to 60 pounds, and large (45 x 35 x 7 inches for dogs up to 90 pounds)
- Three neutral color options
- Two layers of support foam relieves pressure on joints and muscles
- Removable cover with hidden zipper is machine washable
- It was designed by mattress makers and tested on real dogs
- Up to 30-night trial, with a money-back guarantee
How To Choose the Best Orthopedic Dog Bed
There are a few different factors you’ll want to consider when picking out an orthopedic bed for your pup.
- Size: Generic sizes like “small” and “large” can vary significantly by manufacturer, so pay attention to a product’s dimensions. Your dog’s bed needs to be large enough for them to lie flat comfortably—so if your smaller dog is a sprawler, they might need a large size.
- Style: Many orthopedic dog beds come with plushy bolsters, which are great for pups who like sleeping curled up into a ball or with their heads propped up. Dogs who prefer to stretch out, on the other hand, might favor a flat bed without sides. Very tall orthopedic beds might be hard for older or smaller dogs to get into, so beds with a lower opening are helpful here.
- Waterproof and easy to clean: Incontinence can become an issue as your dog gets older. Look for a waterproof liner that protects the bed’s memory foam while still being comfortable. Most good orthopedic beds also have removable covers that can be tossed in the washing machine.
- Is there a warranty or trial period? If you’re unsure how your dog will react to a new orthopedic bed, check out what kind of warranty or return policy is offered before making the splurge.
How We Chose
The orthopedic dog beds featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. Our selections prioritize supportive materials, washability, and longevity. Additionally, we looked at the overall comfort, design, and effectiveness of these orthopedic beds.
We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.
