- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
As pet parents, we want our dogs to stay healthy and vibrant for as long as possible. Often touted as the gold standard for dog beds, orthopedic beds promise to promote joint health and general well-being for all dogs, from arthritic seniors and dogs recovering from injuries to thin pups that need some extra cushioning. But with top-of-the-line features comes a top-of-the-line price tag, leaving many pet parents wondering if orthopedic dog beds are worth it.
To find out if they offer any real health benefits and if you’re getting what you’re paying for, we dug deep into the world of orthopedic dog beds. We looked at reviews, spoke with experts, and even tested a few of the beds in question. Here’s what we turned up.
What Makes a Dog Bed Orthopedic?
“Orthopedic” isn’t a regulated term, but it’s intended to signify extra support for your dog’s bones and joints. Much like mattresses and pillows for humans, a bed described as orthopedic involves some form of memory foam or other material that does more than simply crunch under the weight of your dog. It has enough give to cushion and relieve pressure points by evenly distributing weight. As such, orthopedic dog beds are often marketed as a therapeutic tool for older dogs or pups with joint issues and conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia.
But not all models are up to snuff, and sometimes the orthopedic label amounts to nothing more than exaggerated (and strategic) hype, explains Dr. Danielle Page, a Raleigh-based veterinarian.
“Just as there’s no regulation around the term ‘holistic,’ there is no regulation around the term ‘orthopedic.’ So it gets bandied around a lot as a marketing ploy,” she tells Rover. That’s not to say an orthopedic bed won’t help your dog feel better—just that pet parents will need to do their homework before deciding on a model.
The PetFusion Ultimate relies on real memory foam for support.
To find an orthopedic bed that lives up to its name, one of your first considerations should be its materials. “Whereas regular dog beds are filled with polyfill or some type of cotton or wool batting, orthopedic beds should have a proper supportive mattress,” notes Dr. Page.
But what type of material is best? “Most high-quality orthopedic dog beds are made from true memory foam, much like a human mattress,” says Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, director of Kingsgate Animal Hospital and veterinarian at Senior Tail Waggers.
That means real memory foam, which generally uses polyether polyol, giving the foam both elasticity and viscosity. (Companies all have their own proprietary recipes and processes.) True memory foam molds to your dog’s frame, offering unique support around their body—without sinking too much. And when your dog gets up, the material returns to its original shape.
Do Dogs Need Orthopedic Beds? What the Experts Say
For senior dogs with joint or bone issues, a quality orthopedic bed may be able to help—but research on the subject is limited.
Thus far, scientific studies on orthopedic mattresses have been conducted almost exclusively on humans—with the exception of a UPenn clinical trial of the Big Barker Bed. Data from this study is encouraging, showing that using the bed improved mobility, joint pain, and even energy levels in large dogs with arthritis.
But while our experts believe an orthopedic bed can help dogs feel better, they think it should be paired with additional methods of relief.
“When it comes to orthopedic disease treatment, there are many more effective ways to ease your dog’s pain,” says Whittenburg. “So, while an orthopedic dog bed may provide some comfort while sleeping to some dogs, they are definitely not a panacea.”
Whittenburg recommends talking with your veterinarian for a comprehensive comfort plan tailored to your dog. In addition to getting their take on an orthopedic bed, you can ask about hydrotherapy or even joint supplements, such as Glyde Mobility Chews, for better joint health.
Oscar, the Rover test pup, relaxes in the PetFusion Orthopedic Bed.
Types of Orthopedic Dog Beds
Like any type of dog bed, orthopedic models come in different designs to suit a variety of breeds and sleep styles.
Bolstered orthopedic beds cater to dogs who like to rest their head or back against a supportive pillow. The PetFusion Memory Foam Lounge, for example, combines comfy bolsters with an open entry point for easier access—targeting older dogs or pets with limited mobility. Made with four inches of true memory foam, our canine Rover testers found this bed both supportive and comfortable.
The Big Barker is a full seven inches thick for large breeds.
Big dogs need stronger support—so a true orthopedic mattress for large breeds needs to be substantially thicker. The Big Barker is a popular pick since it offers seven inches of high-quality foam that can support up to 300 pounds. Currently, it’s the only dog bed clinically proven to improve mobility and reduce joint pain.
There are also a few affordably priced orthopedic beds that won’t break the bank. The Furhaven Ultra Plus Luxe Lounger, for example, has an orthopedic foam base with a memory foam topper, all manufactured in the U.S. and independently tested through the CertiPUR-US program to meet non-toxic content and emissions standards. This combination of orthopedic and memory foam provides a more medium level of support than full memory foam models.
The FurHaven Ultra Plush Luxe Lounger offers a combination of memory and orthopedic foam.
Final Verdict: Are Orthopedic Dog Beds Worth It?
They may cost more, but orthopedic beds tend to last longer than regular dog beds made with cotton or fiberfill, and they’re a comfy option for any dog—that’s always a win. But when it comes to health benefits for bigger dogs, senior dogs, or dogs with orthopedic issues (or all of the above), Page says they’re a definite yes.
“Almost any senior dog is going to benefit—especially large breed dogs that are known to have a higher incidence of arthritis,” she tells us, adding that pets with orthopedic issues likely to progress with age (such as hip or elbow dysplasia) can also benefit from one.
A well-made orthopedic dog bed is worth it because it can help dogs with both chronic and temporary issues, and they’re especially good for:
- Senior dogs
- Arthritic dogs
- Dogs with spine or disc issues
- Dogs with hip or elbow dysplasia (and breeds prone to these conditions, such as German Shepherds and Great Danes)
- Obese dogs
- Thin, bony dogs who lack protective “cushioning”
- Dogs recovering from an injury (like a muscle strain) or surgery
In the end, an orthopedic bed isn’t a magical “cure-all” for joint problems, but we think they’re a sensible tool to make your dog more comfortable. To which Dr. Page can personally attest. “I use an orthopedic bed for my (very) arthritic 12-year-old Brittany Spaniel, Axl,” she says. “He loves his bed, and I feel anything I can do to reduce his pain is a win for me.” We couldn’t agree more.
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 proven supportive materials, washability, and longevity. We also looked at overall comfort, bed design, and orthopedic bed effectiveness. Finally, we’re guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
