When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Alex Rennie; Amy Graves/Business Insider
As dogs age, they sleep more and have less muscle mass to cover their pressure points. Many older pups may also have arthritis or suffer injuries. The best orthopedic dog beds can support aging dogs and help mitigate many of these problems. Our veterinary experts also say dogs of any age can benefit from a supportive bed with a resilient memory foam mattress.
We recruited a pack of mostly older dogs to snooze and daydream on popular orthopedic dog beds for several weeks and asked their guardians to do some of their own testing, too. We tested 12 popular orthopedic dog beds for this guide and refined our choices based on advice from veterinarians and dog behaviorists. Our top pick hits on all the critical points and several of the nice-to-have ones. The Petfusion Ultimate Dog Lounge offers medium-firm support in an attractive, durable design. If you're shopping for a budget bed, the Brindle Waterproof Memory Foam Pet Bed provides great support and comfort for under $80.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.
Best overall: Petfusion Ultimate Dog Lounge - See at Chewy
Best budget: Brindle Waterproof Memory Foam Pet Bed - See at Chewy
Best budget with bolster: Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed - See at Amazon
Best for small dogs: Big Barker Barker Junior - See at Chewy
Best for crates: Big Barker 4" Orthopedic Crate Bed - See at Big Barker
Our top pick for the best orthopedic dog beds is the Petfusion Ultimate Dog Lounge, a bolster bed with a twill cover and memory foam mattress. We tested the large size with a 45-pound Labradoodle who benefited from the bed's supportive dense foam and even pressure distribution.
Our experts say many dogs, like our Labradoodle tester, like to rest their back against something solid while they sleep, and this bed's soft but sturdy bolsters are ideal for that purpose. The bolsters run along the sides and back of the bed and portions of the front. The thickness of the memory foam corresponds to the size of the bed and the weight of the dog it's meant to accommodate. The jumbo bed is 6 inches thick, the large and medium beds are 4 inches thick, and the small bed is 2 inches thick.
Amy Graves/Business Insider
The cover is durable, aside from faint pilling after machine washing. It's also easy to spot clean, and the waterproof liner protects the mattress from liquids and moisture. For more thorough cleaning, you can easily run the cover and liner through the washer and dryer. However, it is somewhat difficult to weave the bolsters back into the cover.
The Brindle Waterproof Memory Foam Pet Bed evenly supported and conformed to our tester dog, a 15-year-old Australian shepherd with multiple joint and mobility issues. The 4-inch-thick mattress proved resilient, too, showing no signs of flattening. It consists of two layers: 2 inches of memory foam on top and a 2-inch bottom layer of dense support foam.
With a textured velour surface and nonskid base, we felt at ease giving it to the 50-pound Aussie prone to stumbling and sliding. While the lack of bolsters is ideal for dogs who like to sprawl, you'll do better with our budget bolster pick below if your dog likes to snuggle up against the sides of their bed.
Alex Rennie/Business Insider
The protective waterproof liner can't be removed for cleaning. However, it did its job well, keeping the foam interior completely dry in our waterproofing tests (we cut it open to check). With this bed's lower price, it's unsurprising that the cover is less durable than those found on more expensive beds. We tested two different sizes, and the cover on the small bed fit loosely and snagged during our digging test. However, our large bed tester found their cover very durable. Both covers came completely clean in the washing machine.
For affordability, along with many size and color options, it's hard to beat the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed, which ranges in price from $37 to $110 depending on size. It impressed all of our human testers so much that we named it the top budget pick in our guides to the best dog beds and best large dog beds.
The bed has a 4-inch egg-crate foam mattress that offers medium-firm support, and the extra-large size didn't sink or sag under the weight of a 70-pound English cream retriever. Her guardian moved it to wherever they were spending time, and she slept on it for hours at a time, indoors and out. Though not lightweight, the bed was reasonably easy to transport because its proportions were not too wide or awkward.
Amy Graves/Business Insider
The cover proved durable, and the waterproof liner protected the foam in our soaking test. Spot-cleaning the cover after we smeared it with dirt and peanut butter yielded mixed results. We tested this bed in two different colors, and the cream top of the caramel bed held onto some dirt. Although this stain came out in the washer, putting the bed in the machine was another issue. You can't remove the bolsters so you're left with a wet bulk, which may take longer to dry.
The liner's zipper also failed. On one cover, it got stuck with repeated use, and on the other, it fell off after two rounds in the washing machine. However, given the bed's overall durability, we still recommend it and advise gentle handling of the zipper and handwashing the liner.
With a bolster on one end and a soft microsuede cover, the Big Barker Junior resembles a chaise lounge, though one designed exclusively for dogs under 50 pounds. We tested the medium size bed with a 10-pound chihuahua mix and a 12-pound terrier mix, and its firm core flawlessly supported their weight.
Alex Rennie/Business Insider
The foam was resilient, too, bouncing back immediately after our tester removed heavy weights to test for flattening. So long as your small dog does not have a problem climbing onto a surface 4 inches off the floor, it's a great choice. The cover had no trouble standing up to the scratching, digging, and seam-strength tests, staying as good as new. "This thing is durable with a capital D,'' says our tester. Peanut butter, dirt, and black tea were easy to remove with spot-cleaning with dish soap and water. However, with only machine washing, peanut butter left oil stains on the cover.
Although an expensive bed (just the waterproof liner itself starts at $50 for the size small), it should last a lifetime. Big Barker even offers a 10-year guarantee because it is confident that the foam will retain 90% of its original shape and thickness for that long.
The Big Barker 4" Orthopedic Crate Bed is far more durable and supportive than a typical crate pad, making it a great choice for any dog who rests a long while in their crate. A 50-pound basset-beagle mix was well supported, and their guardian also lay on the pad and couldn't feel the floor underneath.
The bed has a tough microsuede cover with well-constructed seams and zippers that aced all durability tests. In testing, the two-layer foam core never flattened and filled back out in less than a minute after we removed dumbbell weights that had been laid on it for four hours. The cover acquired a "dusty" look after washing, drying, and regular use, which is common with microfiber. We discovered the cover shrunk slightly after washing and drying, but we were able to reassemble it with a little extra effort.
Lisa Sabatini/Business Insider
The bed's price and height may be deal-breakers for some. You'll also need to purchase the waterproof liner separately. The 4-inch thick foam could take away too much headroom from taller dogs unless their crate is very tall, while shorter dogs with limited mobility may find it difficult to step in and out of their crate. Like the brand's Barker Junior bed, which we recommend for small dogs, this crate pad carries an unbeatable 10-year guarantee.
According to our experts, there are some key features to look for when choosing a supportive orthopedic bed for your dog.
Materials and support: Brands can market their beds however they want, and not all foam mattresses are equal. However, Dr. Joseph J. Wakshlag, a veterinarian and professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, says that what works for humans at rest has been shown anecdotally to work for dogs, too. "The memory foam approach, which is used in a lot of human beds, has made it to the dog arena, whereby they show that the pressure is more evenly distributed over a larger area, so there's less risk of sores and it's more comfortable for the dog in general," he says.
The best orthopedic dog beds in this guide contain either polyurethane memory foam or what a brand may describe as orthopedic foam. If a bed contains lower-quality foam, it will break down faster and may feel flimsy or springy. In addition, you'll want to look for beds that contain at least 2 inches of foam. We've found anything less is not sufficient to offer orthopedic support for a dog of any size.
Comfort: Both bolstered or flat beds are suitable options, but it's important to choose the design that complements your dog's sleeping style. Meredith O'Connor, a dog behaviorist and trainer, says dogs sort out to be side sleepers or flat-out stretchers on a dog-by-dog basis. If your dog is a side sleeper who likes to lean against something while they sleep or prop their head up while lying down, a bolster bed is your best bet. Flat beds are excellent options for dogs who sleep sprawled out with their head even with the rest of their body.
Ease of entry: Conditions such as arthritis and mobility challenges can make it difficult for dogs to get in and out of bed, but certain features can help ease your dog down to rest safely. Look for nonskid bottoms, reasonably thick pads that aren't too high to step onto, and wide spaces between bolsters so your dog won't encounter any obstacles climbing in and out of bed.
Durability: The best orthopedic dog beds can set you back some change, so a bed that flattens, gets worn looking from rounds in the washing machine, or is easily ripped or scratched open will not pass muster. Consider beds with a dense memory foam core protected by either a waterproof cover or liner. Covers made of polyester and cotton both held up well in our testing.
Water resistance and ease of cleaning: Since some senior dogs and those recovering from surgery are more likely to have accidents and other hygiene issues, we recommend purchasing a waterproof bed with a cover that is easy to spot clean and comes completely clean after a stint in the washer and dryer.
Sizing: To ensure your dog has room to stretch out, choose a sleeping surface slightly larger than their length measured from the nose to the base of the tail. Dogs with longer legs will also need a deep enough bed to accommodate them.
Return policies and warranties: We recommend beds with at least a 30-day return policy, but keep in mind that some refunds only apply to unused beds. The pricier the bed, the more likely you'll see a manufacturer warranty for defects. Before you buy, make sure to read the company's return, exchange, and warranty policies closely.
Certifications: Materials safety certifications ensure that some or all of the materials in a product are free of materials known to be harmful to people. Products with the CertiPUR-US certification contain polyurethane foam that is made without formaldehyde, ozone depleters, prohibited phthalates, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals. In addition, the foam has low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions and is not treated with flame retardants, which contain carcinogens and other toxins. A polyurethane foam producer needs to meet the criteria set by the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam to receive certification. The certification process includes submitting test results and samples along with a fee of several thousand dollars. The OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification is given after a manufacturer submits to an application process that includes a fee. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 signifies that every part of a product is free of various substances that may harm human health. To receive a Greenguard Gold certification, a manufacturer submits samples for laboratory testing to verify that they meet low chemical emissions standards set by UL Solutions, an international materials safety organization.
To select the best orthopedic dog beds, we tested 12 different designs with dogs of various breeds and weights, from ages 6 to 15 and 12 to 180 pounds. Our tests evaluated comfort, support, durability, and ease of care.
Comfort and support: Looking for the best options in each design, we looked for signs that our tester dogs were resting comfortably over the course of several weeks. We observed how much time they spent on the beds and whether they appeared fully relaxed while resting or sleeping. We got on the beds ourselves to assess how much support and stability the foam gave us, especially for our lower backs. Lastly, we used barbells and loaded duffle bags to see if any beds failed to support or spring back into their original shape after taking on the load.
Regardless of the foam type, we evaluated each bed to ensure it conformed to our tester dogs' bodies to distribute pressure evenly.
Ease of entry: We assessed how easily dogs could enter and settle into the beds. While extra-high beds can work for taller dogs and may provide better support, the best orthopedic dog beds tended to be somewhat lower-profile beds that were still firm and supportive. If a bed had a bolster, we made sure the entry points were wide enough for dogs to get in and out with ease. We also gave higher ratings to beds with nonskid bottoms and cover materials that weren't slippery to help pets avoid any sliding or scooting.
Durability and ease of cleaning: By yanking on zippers, digging on covers with metal dinner forks, puncturing seams with scissors, and scraping bottoms with sandpaper, we looked for hard-nosed durability in these beds. We smeared the covers with dirt and peanut butter and poured black tea on them, to see which beds were easy to spot clean. Then, after machine-washing and drying the covers and liners, we reassembled everything and looked for any lingering spots, stains, or fabric changes. We gave the highest marks to beds that stayed both firm and plush over the course of many weeks.
Waterproofing: The beds we selected claimed to have waterproof or water-resistant liners, and we made sure to test this ourselves. After pouring a cup of warm water onto the sleep surface of each bed, we waited 30 minutes before checking to see if any moisture made it through the liners to the foam mattress.
Dogs of any age can benefit from resting on an orthopedic dog bed made of memory foam, which distributes pressure over a large area. "It is a rather simple concept regarding pressure points,'' Wakshlag says. "Depending on how the dog is lying, it creates pressure over areas like hips and elbows."
In addition, a restful stint on a bed with firm support is not just about the dog's comfort but also mobility, which is likely to extend longevity and can also help with behavior issues, says Dr. Katherine Houpt, a veterinary behaviorist and professor at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine who specializes in domestic animal welfare and has studied the sleeping patterns of shelter dogs. "Resilience is very important,'' she says. "Dogs do not need or want to sleep on the linoleum. They need a cushioned but supportive surface."
We recommend a bed made of evenly supportive memory or orthopedic foam. Stuffed beds do not create uniform pressure, which can lead to soreness at pressure points, Wakshlag says. Meanwhile, Houpt recommends beds with bolsters. "If you look carefully, you will see they prefer to sleep with their backs against their owner, or against the back of the sofa, or even against the wall,'' she says. "Thermoregulation is another big factor, and the dog does want to be in a warm place. That may be another reason they sleep with the back against something, to protect against drafts."
According to orthopedic veterinarians at Colorado State University, alleviating osteoarthritis in pets involves therapeutic forms of exercise in addition to pain medications and weight management. Wakshlag says recovery from therapeutic exercise can be enhanced with the use of a supportive orthopedic dog bed that uses memory foam.
The right bed can help as a dog recovers from ACL surgery, says Dr. Brian Collins, a senior lecturer in community practice service at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. He recommends memory foam or something similar for stability, comfort, and support. This type of foam ensures a dog is comfortable while lying down but also stabilized when they step onto the bed or turn around. Bolsters can also provide physical support, a sense of security, and a place to rest their head.
For added stability, a nonskid bottom or at least placing the bed on a nonslip surface is important. "It should be easy to get in and out of with a low border or an open side that the dog won't struggle to step over," Collins says. "The bed should be big enough for the dog to comfortably turn around, change position, and stretch out on." In addition, he says a water-resistant bed that you can easily clean is essential for providing a clean environment while the incision heals.
