As early as possible, it’s best to get your puppy used to sleeping on its own. This starts by getting the best orthopedic dog beds that provide ample support for your pup’s growing body. Unlike other dog beds, orthopedic types are made to help delay joint problems and alleviate body pain.
Clinical trials conducted by University of Pennsylvania researchers showed that orthopedic beds like Big Barker promote restful nighttime sleep among arthritic and large canines. Also, it’s observed to improve joint function and gait of dogs.
If you want your pup to enjoy all of these benefits, these three orthopedic dog beds are the top-of-the-line options in the market.
Benefits of orthopedic dog beds on puppies
While orthopedic dog beds are often marketed for aging canines, it also brings a myriad of benefits to young dos. The following are just some of the perks your pup will get from having a bed of its own:
- Better sleep for both of you. It’s not wise to get puppies used to sleeping in our beds. Once
they’ve grown, they will start to become a nuisance in the bedroom. Owners of large breeds can’t agree enough. - Prevent premature orthopedic problems. While your dog is still young, it’s best to protect its
joints from damages. An orthopedic dog bed will help diffuse the pressure points on your pup’s body, so it won’t take its toll on his joints. - No more chilly nights. An orthopedic bed is often made of memory foam that hugs your pup’s body. This will shield your dog from chilly nights, especially during winter.
- Managing shedding. Yes, dog beds can help a lot in managing your puppy’s shedding. With established sleeping quarters, you can concentrate the loose fur on a single spot. This saves your furniture from the nasty tumblefurs.
- Calming separation anxiety. Puppies with separation anxiety will find relief on their cozy bed.
While an orthopedic dog bed isn’t the sole answer to the behavioral problem, it will help a lot in calming your pet’s mind.
3 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds for Aging Canines
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: PetFusion Ultimate Orthopedic Dog Bed
When it comes to the best orthopedic dog beds, I always swear by PetFusion Ultimate. This dog has been tried and tested by thousands of dog owners all over the world. It’s made of a 6” memory foam base that helps reduce joint pain while promoting recovery among sick canines.
Moreover, this calming bed has recycled polyfill bolsters that allow your dog to burrow. This provides an added sense of safety, which helps anxious dogs a lot.
Aside from that, this has a polycotton blend cover that remains soft and comfy. It’s paired with a waterproof liner in case your pup is yet to master its housetraining.
The PetFusion Ultimate Orthopedic Dog Bed is available in small to XXL Jumbo sizes to suit all dog breeds. You can also choose from colors gray, brown, and sandstone.
Also, I like that it has a non-skid bottom, which prevents the dog bed from sliding around. The zippers are also hidden away from playful and curious puppies, thanks to the zipper compartments.
Overall, this is a comfy dog bed, and aftersales customer service is stellar. I had an issue with the snagging zippers, and PetFusion sent me a replacement cover right away.
RUNNERS-UP
Big Barker 7-Inch Orthopedic Dog Bed
Another dog bed you should consider is the Big Baker 7” Dog Bed. This is clinically proven to reduce joint pain among dogs, according to a University of Pennsylvania study. It’s not surprising since it’s made of therapeutic foam that won’t pancake or flatten easily.
The best part here is that this dog bed is calibrated for large dogs. Big Barker also paired it with an unbeatable 10-year, ‘won’t flatten’ warranty. Your pup will grow old with this bed, which makes every dollar worth the splurge.
Overall, this dog bed is made of four layers of foam. It has a 2” comfort foam base with a 3” support foam and 2” comfort foam on top. On the side, this has a 4” contoured foam that serves as a pillow or bolsters of the bed.
Moreover, this is fitted with a microsuede cover that’s machine-washable for your convenience. You can also choose from colors burgundy, chocolate, khaki, and gray.
While this isn’t the cheapest dog bed, you only have to buy it once. It will literally last a decade, so the large upfront cost is considerably cheaper than getting replacements every year.
Sealy Lux Quad Layer Orthopedic Dog Bed
Is it hot in your place? If so, you should consider the Sealy Lux Quad Layer Orthopedic Dog Bed for your puppy. This is made of Quad Element foam that provides support and comfort for dogs of all ages.
Aside from that, this has the Cooling Energy Gel that helps regulate your pup's body temperature. It will help dissipate heat, so your doggo can sleep soundly. This bed is also infused with bio-orthopedic foam, memory foam, and a Pr-Charcoal HD foam base. This foam base absorbs bad odor, so the bed remains fresh.
Moreover, the Sealy Lux comes with a waterproof liner and non-slip bottom. The cover is also easy to remove for machine washing, not to mention that the zippers are hidden to prevent your pup from chewing it.
Overall, the foam material of this bed carries a five-year warranty. You can also choose colors like navy blue, military green, modern gray, and autumn brown. This is also available in small to XL sizes to fit most dog breeds.
The only thing I noticed is that the large Sealy logo in front is a bit tacky. Nevertheless, it can be removed since it’s just stitched into the fabric cover.
How to choose an orthopedic dog bed?
There’s literally a sea of dog bed options in the market. If this is your first time buying an orthopedic type, it’s important to consider the following:
Shape and type
Dog beds come in different shapes and sizes. The following are the most common options:
- Donut dog bed. This is a circular bed with raised edges, mimicking the shape of a donut. Take note that this can or can’t be an orthopedic bed based on the materials used.
- Pillow beds. If your pup loves sprawling its body out, a pillow dog bed might be a good choice. It can have a raised edge to prop your dog’s head or just a simple, rectangular design.
- Dog pads. These aren’t beds, but just a thin pad that’s often heated. This is used on newborn puppies who are yet to regulate their own body temperature. However, it doesn’t offer orthopedic support for bigger and older dogs.
- Kennel dog beds. These beds are made to fit into the shape of a kennel or crate. It can be an orthopedic dog bed, depending on the foam material used. Overall, it’s suitable for all breeds and ages.
Size and thickness
Once you’ve chosen the right dog bed type, the next step is to get the right size. You need to measure your dog from the tip of the nose up to the point where the tail starts. Add 3 to 4 inches, and it will be the length of the dog bed.
Next, you should measure your dog’s height from the highest point of its shoulder up to the floor. Again, add several inches to get the width of the dog.
If you still have a growing puppy, consider getting a bed that can fit its adult size. Dogs grow fast, so you wouldn’t want to be left with a dog bed that’s too small after just a few months of use.
Meanwhile, the thickness should always be proportional to your dog’s weight. The heavier the pup is, the thicker the bed should be. This is to prevent the bed from flattening fast.
With or without bolsters?
Another thing that you should consider is whether the dog bed has bolsters or not. Anxious dogs will thrive in a nest-type bed with raised edges. It gives a burrowing effect for an added sense of safety.
Make sure that the bolster material is easy to clean and set up. Recycled polyfill is a good choice as long as your puppy isn’t an aggressive chewer.
Foam material
The most important part of a dog bed is its foam material. Orthopedic dog beds are made of memory foam, which is also marketed as orthopedic foam or therapeutic foam. It conforms to the shape of your pup’s body to disperse pressure points.
You can also find a dog bed infused with cooling gel and charcoal material. It helps keep your pup cool and the bed smelling clean.
Cover material
The cover material of the dog bed should be soft and easy on the dog’s coat. Never get a dog bed with a pure cotton cover as the fur and dirt will adhere to it, which is a pain to clean.
You’ll never go wrong with polycotton or microfiber. There’s also faux suede, which is soft but not a chore to wash.
Aside from that, you should check the zippers and enclosure of the cover. I always prefer YKK zippers since it’s durable and less likely to snag.
Price and warranty
Lastly, always check the value for money of the dog bed. A cheap dog bed works, but it tends to flatten faster than premium ones.
Also, premium dog beds are often covered by years of warranty. It guarantees that the bed won’t flatten easily, with some even providing replacements if your dog chewed through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do dogs prefer hard to soft beds?
A: Dogs need a sleeping surface that’s not too hard, but not too soft either. An orthopedic bed with the right firmness is the best choice to keep your pet comfortable. Just remember that it’s not advisable to let your growing pup sleep on the floor.
Q: Are raised dog beds better?
A: Raised dog beds provide ample support for heavy and large dogs. However, it may not be ideal for canines with mobility issues and arthritis. It can be challenging for a sick or old dog to get on and off the bed since it’s elevated.
Q: Do dogs need a bed in their crate?
A: Putting a bed inside your dog’s crate will help the nervous canine calm down. However, you should know that not all dog beds are suitable for use in the crate. You also have to consider if your puppy is an aggressive chewer.
Q: Where should I put my puppy’s bed?
A: You should place your puppy’s bed in an area with the least foot traffic. It should be a quiet spot where your dog can rest without feeling unsafe or anxious. You can also place it on the spot your dog chooses since it’s the most comfortable for him.
Q: How often should I replace my dog’s bed?
A: Replacing a dog’s bed once a year is the rule of thumb. You should also check if your dog still fits on the bed and if the cushion or foam has been flattened already. High-quality dog beds can last for 5 to 10 years without getting flat.
Final words
Like us, dogs deserve a comfy spot to sleep on. The best orthopedic dog beds will help a lot in keeping your pup comfortable at night. It will also save you from sleepless nights and a dog-hijacked bed. Just make sure that you get the right size and design that suits your pup.
What do you think of these dog beds? Let us know below!
