5 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds to Support Your Best Friend
Senior dogs and large dogs might especially welcome a supportive bed to call their own.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Senior dogs and large breeds need and deserve special care, and that extends to their dog bed. "Orthopedic dog beds don’t have a strict definition. They are generally known as dog beds designed for full body support, and are especially popular for larger and older dogs," says Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour. "Memory foam is a popular material because of it offers great pressure relief and body contouring."
"As dogs age, arthritis and mobility can become an issue," says Dr. Anna Kaufman, veterinarian at Bond Vet. "A comfortable place that is soft, especially when compared to a hard floor, can aid with this." Below, we list prices for our favorite dog beds in size small, however it will cost a bit more to size up and a bit less to size down.
Pros
- Super soft bed top
- Several textile certifications
- Eight sizes, each under $100
- More than 36,000 five-star reviews
Cons
- Consider sizing up
Sizes: Eight, from 15" x 20" to 42" x 53" | Fill: Egg-crate style foam | Cover: Polyester | Bolster: Most of the way around with an opening in front, sofa-style | Machine-washable cover: Yes | Waterproof liner: Yes | Nonskid bottom: Yes
The top of this bed is super soft polyester, the foam feels firm and there's a nonskid bottom, making this bed feel like a sturdy, luxurious nest for your dog — for a price that's lower than many others. And many shoppers agree — it has more than 36,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
Bedsure Pet says that their dog bed carries two certifications: It's certified to the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which means it's been tested to ensure there are no unsafe levels of chemicals in the fabric. The brand also says it uses CertiPUR-US certified foam, which means the foam is made without certain chemicals that are known to be harmful and that is has low VOC emissions.
The measurements are from the outside of one bolster to the outside of the opposite bolster, so keep in mind that your doggie's inner sleep space will be smaller. Some Amazon reviewers suggested sizing up, and we agree. Our tester dog, Finley, age 8, is shown in a size large (25" x 25"), but probably could have benefitted from an XL (32" x 42"). Every one of the eight sizes available on Amazon is under $100, so any version is a good deal.
Furhaven Orthopedic Pet Bed
Pros
- Silky faux-fur top
- No bolsters, which some dogs may prefer; it just has raised ends
- Cooling bed also available
Cons
- No waterproof liner or nonskid bottom
Sizes: Five, from 20" x 30" to 42" x 58" | Fill: Solid foam | Cover: Polyester | Bolster: Raised on each end | Machine-washable cover: Yes | Waterproof liner: No | Nonskid bottom: No
An 11-year-old tester dog, a Toxirn named Alexander Hamilton, suffers from leg pain. His owner almost counted him out of testing, saying, "He never touches new beds." However this Furhaven quickly won Hamilton over. "He went right to it and slept on it immediately," his owner reported.
It's got a faux-fur top for silky comfort. With raised ends but no donut-shaped bolster, it's easy for a dog to flop onto the middle and later step back off. (Some dogs like being surrounded by bolsters, others do better with a flatter top.) There's no waterproof liner, nor is there a nonskid bottom, but the cover can go in the washing machine.
The longest size of this bed is the largest on our list, a whopping 58 inches long, recommended by the brand for any breed. If your dog runs hot, we also like the Furhaven Cooling Gel Dog Bed, which made our list of the best dog beds.
Casper Dog Bed
Pros
- Memory foam is the same used for Casper mattresses for humans
- Durable, washable cover
- Bolsters all the way around, for dogs that prefer a nest
Cons
- No waterproof liner or nonskid bottom
Sizes: Three, from 19" x 26" to 35" x 45" | Fill: Memory foam and polyurethane foam | Cover: Polyester, nylon and polyurethane | Bolster: All the way around | Machine-washable cover: Yes | Waterproof liner: No | Nonskid bottom: No
Our pros and testers love the memory foam in this Casper dog mattress, designed as a mini version of its human mattress. We tested with a big dog, Willow, a poodle and Great Dane mix who has been sleeping on it for more than six months — and loving it. "Every evening, she brings her toys and other prized possessions to it," her owner said.
The cover has proven durable in real-world daily use. Casper does not market its bed as "orthopedic," but it fits the definition from the experts we spoke with. The foam provides full-body support.
The cover is washable, but it is not waterproof and the bed doesn't have a nonskid bottom. Unless it's on a carpet, it might slide around a bit.
Newton Washable & Orthopedic Pet Bed
Pros
- Extra-long 55-inch size
- Every part can be washed clean
- Free shipping and 100-night return policy
Cons
- Not a foam center
Sizes: Three, from 21" x 25" to 30" x 55" | Fill: Woven polymer mattress that can be hosed or showered clean | Cover: Polyester | Bolster: All the way around | Machine-washable cover: Yes | Waterproof liner: No | Nonskid bottom: Yes
With sizes that are 25-, 39- or 55-inches long, Newton is a great choice for large dogs. And though it doesn't have a waterproof liner, every part of this dog bed is washable — you can hose down or shower off the woven polymer mattress and run the bolsters and cover through the washing machine.
Our 12-year-old tester, Daisy, has been using the Newton bed for six months and it has held up, even though "she tries to use it as a toy," her owner said. Because it is a woven polymer plastic and not foam, a dog can't easily rip it apart or scratch it up, but the brand claims it does relieve pressure points, and many reviewers agreed.
The Newton is not pillowy like a memory foam — it's got more support and less give. "We also got her a giant pillow to lay on but she doesn't know what to do with it — she much prefers this bed," says Daisy's owner. Newton offers a 100-night return policy if you buy from the brand site (as well as free shipping).
Pros
- Memory foam interior
- Sherpa bed top
- Dozens of colors and patterns
Cons
- No return option once you've opened the bed
Sizes: Three, from 22.5” x 28” to 34.5" x 44" | Fill: Memory foam | Cover: Bouclé bolsters and sherpa bed top | Bolster: All the way around | Machine-washable cover: Yes | Waterproof liner: Yes | Nonskid bottom: Yes
Ruggable's memory foam nest seems especially comfy for small dogs up to 25 pounds, like James, a 9-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. That said, there's also a medium size for dogs up to 60 pounds and a large size for up to 80 pounds. The bolsters go all the way around, donut-style.
The brand is well-known for its washable rugs so its washable pet beds are a natural extension. There are dozens of colors of bolsters, plus patterns such as tartans and plaids, to coordinate with your home decor. The bed tops themselves are always sherpa.
In some reviews, readers who purchased the wrong size or whose dog didn't take to the bed complained that the pet bed is non-returnable if it has been opened, so keep that in mind. You can read the return policy here.
How we test the best orthopedic dog beds
Pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute talked with veterinarians and professionals who sell dog beds to better understand what makes a great orthopedic dog bed, and why a dog owner might look for that kind of bed for their dog.
We zeroed in on top brands starting with the extensive research we did previously for our list of the best dog beds. Then we tested seven finalists in homes with dogs to see which orthopedic beds earned the best reviews in real life.
What to look for when shopping for the best orthopedic dog bed
When looking for an orthopedic dog bed, Erin DeAngelis, director of hard goods at Pet Supplies Plus, suggests looking for these features:
✔️ Memory foam or high-density foam: "This molds to your dog's body, giving them more support and helping to ease pressure on their joints," says DeAngelis.
✔️ Firmness: "A firmer bed helps prevent sagging and makes it easier for a dog to get up," she says.
✔️ Bolsters or raised edges: "These can provide extra support and make your dog feel secure," says DeAngelis who notes that some dogs might prefer a flatter top.
✔️ Non-skid bottom: While this might not be such an issue if the bed is placed on a carpet, if it will be on a hardwood floor or tiles, "This keeps the bed from sliding around, which is especially helpful for dogs with mobility issues," DeAngelis says.
✔️ Removable, washable covers: "Keeping the bed clean is important, so look for covers that you can easily remove and wash," she says. All the choices on our list have washable covers.
Does your dog need an orthopedic dog bed?
DeAngelis says that an orthopedic dog bed might benefit these kinds of dogs — and that it's always best to check in with your veterinarian first.
Senior dogs: "Older dogs often have arthritis or joint pain, and an orthopedic bed can help them feel more comfortable," DeAngelis says.
Large breeds: Bigger dogs can be more prone to hip dysplasia and joint issues, according to the American Kennel Club, so large dogs benefit from the extra support.
Any dog with arthritis or hip dysplasia: A supportive bed can also offer comfort to small- and medium-sized dogs suffering from these common ailments, DeAngelis says.
Active dogs: "Dogs that are always on the go can benefit from the muscle and joint support these beds offer," she says.
Dogs recovering from surgery: "If your dog is recovering from surgery, an orthopedic bed can help them heal by providing extra support," DeAngelis says.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
For more than a century, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on consumer products for every member of the family — including the fur babies. For dog parents, we've tested dog strollers, no-pull dog harnesses and dog food.
Contributing Writer Jessica Hartshorn shares a multi-family home with a cousin, and between them, they have four cats and a dog. For this story, Hartshorn also leaned on many other dog owners for their testing, feedback and cute dog photos.
Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents.
The 15 Best Natural and Organic Sunscreens
The Best Mosquito Repellents
The Best Neck Firming Creams
The Best Pressure Washers
