11 of the best orthopaedic dog beds recommended by vets

Best orthopaedic dog beds

by Akhila Thomas |
Updated on

After a long hard day of being absolutely adorable, your dog deserves a good night’s sleep and the bed where they curl in for a nap plays a big role in keeping them energetic and healthy. As dogs grow older, it is important to keep track of their behavioural patterns and how well they are sleeping to decide if you need to look into orthopaedic dog beds that could improve the quality of their rest.

Orthopaedic dog beds are different to normal dog beds in the way they are made and how they offer support. Regular beds tend to mould according to your pet’s shape and weight with time, thereby offering less cushioning and they might get lumpy if the filling material is of low quality. Orthopaedic dog beds on the other hand are usually made with supportive memory foam that is thicker and that makes it easier to climb in and out of. It is especially good for dogs with older joints and weaker muscles.

Best orthopaedic dog beds at a glance:

  • Best orthopaedic dog bed overall: George Barclay Country Orthopaedic Walled Dog Bed - Buy now on George Barclay

  • Best large orthopaedic dog bed: Scruffs Harvard Memory Foam Orthopaedic Box Bed - Buy now on Dunelm

  • Best budget orthopaedic dog bed: Snoooz Orthopaedic Dog Bed - Buy now on Argos

  • Best orthopaedic dog bed for warmth: Funny Fuzzy Warm Deep Sleeping Orthopaedic Dog Bed - Buy now on Funny Fuzzy

We spoke to Dr. Lauren Davis, director and founder of VetRelieve, a brand that specialises in veterinary sleep health and related product development to understand how orthopaedic dog beds can help our pets.

“Getting a supportive mattress helps reduce pain at night, improve sleep quality, correct sleep posture, improve behavioural regulation and most importantly help your dog feel better during the day,” she says.

“Materials like memory foam and padding in beds can help to alleviate pressure on joints and I highly recommend them to owners who have dogs with chronic joint pain (e.g. hip dysplasia, arthritis. Older dogs also become restless and struggle to stay still in bed when they have joint discomfort. Using an orthopaedic bed is one thing we can do to make their sleep more peaceful,” adds Dr. Linda Simon, the resident vet at Pooch & Mutt, a brand that specialises in dog food and nutrition.

The lack of a good night’s rest may be the hidden reason behind a lot of your concerns about your pet’s health. So, if you are looking to upgrade the sleep quality of your furry friend, then these orthopaedic dog beds are our top recommendations.

Best orthopaedic dog beds

Best orthopaedic dog bed overall

Offering a sturdy, supportive and comfortable place for your dog to curl in for a good night’s sleep, the George Barclay Country Orthopaedic Walled Dog Bed is our top pick from the lot. This option comes with a bedding made of memory foam and regular foam which helps the cushioning to remain cooler than a solid memory foam mattress. The thick bed offers more support for your dog and the blended mattress moulds to accommodate the shape and weight of your pet without being too rigid. Another reason why this tops our list of best orthopaedic dog beds is that the design combines the build of a thick mattress and a walled bed at the same time offering a comfortable surface as well as side support for your dog. 

This is a feature that most reviewers also found very appealing as the sides are quite sturdy which provides a larger sleeping area if your dog tends to rest its head on one of the walls. They are also good for draught protection. Another much loved feature that several users spoke about was the machine washable cover. One reviewer shared that most high sided dog beds don’t come with removable covers and this one makes it very easy to remove, wash or replace. To top it all off, this orthopaedic dog bed comes with a water-repellent sleeping area and non-slip base. So if you are looking for an effective orthopaedic dog bed that will also look quite classy in your home with an evergreen tweed corduroy pattern, you will love this product and your pooch will love you more for it.

Pros

  • Comes with high side walls and a thick mattress
  • Water repellent sleeping area
  • A unique high walled dod bed that comes with a removable and machine-washable cover

Cons

  • May not be suitable for very large dogs
Size:90 x 70 x 33cm (36 x 27.5 x 13in.)
Weight:9 - 10.5kg

Best large orthopaedic dog bed

If you are on the lookout for a large orthopaedic dog bed that does not compromise on quality and can offer your big ball of sunshine some well-deserved rest, then this Scruffs Harvard Memory Foam Orthopaedic Box Bed is the perfect choice. Made with orthopaedic memory foam, this mattress keeps the sleeping area even and prevents it from doming with continued use. With a non-slip base and a removable cover that can also be machine washed at 30 degrees, this bed is much loved, and the reviews share the sentiment. One reviewer agrees that the bed is indeed good for older and larger dogs as it offers the right support and relief for her dog Ellie and added that it helps with her bad joints. She shared that the bed is also very well made and the material is of top quality. Although this dog bed is a little on the pricier side, there are sizes that go up to extra, extra large, so you can choose the right one that will be perfect for your dog.

Pros

  • Sizes go up to extra, extra large making it a good option if your dog needs more room
  • Comes with a non-slip base and a removable cover that can also be machine washed
  • Made to cater to the comfort and support needs of older and larger dogs

Cons

  • A little on the pricier side
Size:W 85cm x L 110cm x D 28cm

Best orthopaedic sofa style dog bed

The Madison Orthopaedic Dog Sofa is perfect if your dog has been experiencing aches or fatigue due to old age and could use a little extra support. The build of this bed with two layers of foams is to suit the needs of dogs suffering from arthritis, painful joints and mobility issues. The memory foam layer on top provides a supportive surface taking pressure off the spine and joints. It also contributes to the durability of the bed by keeping it firmer for longer. The harder foam at the bottom seeks to increase cushioning and reduce the issue of bed sores. This product is a bestseller owing to these qualities as well as its ease of maintenance. With a removable and washable outer cover, you do not have to worry about keeping this bed clean as a quick, thorough wash anytime can get the job done. The bed is also available in a larger and smaller size, so you can choose the right size for your pooch.

Pros

  • The bed is built with two layers of foams to suit the needs of older dogs suffering from aches and mobility issues
  • Comes with a machine washable outer cover

Cons

  • Only available in one colour
Size:100x70 cm 

Best budget orthopaedic dog bed

This donut shaped Snoooz Orthopaedic Dog Bed is the perfect choice if you are looking for a supportive bed for your dog that can also fit snugly into your home with its round shape. The bed comes with a removable cover that can be machine washed at 30°C and the inner pad can be reversed as well to have a fresh side now and then. Most reviewers are happy with the size of the bed and shared that it was very comfortable for breeds like large labs and golden retrievers. One reviewer shared that this bed which was bought for her dog with arthritis has made a great difference in improving her sleep quality and energy levels. She also added this bed offers great value for the money you pay. However some reviews mention that the base of the bed is a bit weak and the lining falls apart within a few months of use. Some users have also commented that the filling is not quite enough. So if you are on the lookout for a thicker bed, then it might be worth exploring other options in the list as well.

Pros

  • Comes with a machine washable cover
  • Inner pad of the bed can be reversed to have a fresh side now and then

Cons

  • Some reviews mention that the base of the bed and the lining on the bottom is a bit weak and falls apart within a few months of use
Size:H29 x W100 x D94cm

Best washable orthopaedic dog bed

The Harvard Memory Foam Orthopaedic Mattress is built keeping in mind the comfort of older and larger dogs. The orthopaedic memory foam is great at providing support and relief for dogs experiencing aches or fatigue. The sleeping surface remains flat and even, for maximum support. The fact that the bed is not very high from the ground makes it easier for older dogs to get in and out of it without exerting too much energy. However, if you are looking for a thicker bed that also comes with side support or back support, then you may want to look at other options as well. Reviewers also share that it is suitable for large labs and other bigger breeds to stretch out and have a comfortable night. The removable and washable inner cushion will make your life easy when it comes to ensuring that your dog’s bed is always clean. This bed will definitely be easy on your pooch and cleaning it will bea breeze.

Pros

  • Comes with a removable and washable inner cushion
  • The orthopaedic memory foam helps to maintain an even sleeping area

Cons

  • The bed is not very thick
  • It does not come with side support or back support
Size:100cm x 70cm / 39" x 27.5"

Best orthopaedic dog bed for dogs with arthritis

Best orthopaedic dog bed for dogs with arthritis
Price: £80
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If your dog is arthritic, then the best kind of dog bed to opt for would be one that is quite big so your pet does not have to bend or struggle to get cosy for a good night’s sleep. It is also advised to choose a mattress that is quite low in height so that it is easier for your dog to hop on and off the bed. Meeting all these criteria is the Scruffs Hilton Memory Foam Orthopaedic Pet Mattress that is designed for larger breeds and older dogs that require more support and ease of use. The mattress is made of crumb memory foam that will adjust to the shape and weight of your dog while also providing adequate support for aching joining, body and back. However, if you are looking for an option with side walls or a raised back, then it is worth exploring other products as well. With this bed, you can put the worry of mess and cleaning out of your mind as it comes with a water-resistant lining that keeps the bed dry and protects against odours. To top it all off, the outer cover can also be removed, and machine washed at 30°C.

Pros

  • The mattress is quite low in height making it easy for your dog to hop on and off the bed
  • Comes with a water-resistant lining that keeps the bed dry
  • The outer cover can be removed and machine washed

Cons

  • The bed does not come with side walls or a raised back

Best orthopaedic dog bed for travel

With the Ivy & Duke Orthopaedic Travel Mat, your dog’s sleep will not be compromised even when you are travelling, camping or moving around. This travel-friendly dog bed is made with 600 Denier PVC and has a polyester outer cover. Several reviews mention that the tough material makes it perfect for muddy walks, camping trips, beach days and accidental splashes during travels. In addition to this, the mat comes with a waterproof outer cover which can easily be wiped down to keep it clean. The memory foam inside is also protected by a waterproof liner which adds to the durability of the product. One reviewer added that the bed supports the needs of their spaniel who suffers from arthritis even when they are on trips.

The listed bed is a medium size, but you can choose from the three sizes that are available according to the needs of your dog and the sizes are big enough to be comfortable for a elderly labrador according to one reviewer. The thick memory foam in the mat helps to provide cushioning for your dog’s skeleton, muscles and joints while also being lightweight and easy to roll up, making it quite portable. Most of the users were also quite happy with the way this mat fits in cars keeping their dogs comfortable even while travelling.

Pros

  • It is lightweight and can be easily rolled up and carried anywhere
  • The waterproof outer cover keeps it clean during camping, treks or beach trips

Cons

  • Since the material is waterproof, the sleeping area might not feel very soft if your dog is used to a fluffy bed
Size: 108cm x 72cm x 5cm (42.5″ x 28.3″ x 2.0″)

Best orthopaedic dog bed for heavier dogs

Best orthopaedic dog bed for heavier dogs
Price: £51.20

If you are on the lookout for the perfect orthopaedic bed for your four-legged friend, then this ODDPET Orthopeadic Dog Bed, made for larger and heavier dogs will be the best option for you. The bed is made of high-density egg crate foam which makes it quite breathable and sturdy for offering support, remaining firm for a long time while also being comfortable to sleep on. The bed comes in medium, large and XL sizes and the largest option can easily support weight up to 45kg. 
One reviewer shared that this bed was the right size for her elderly rescue terrier to stretch out in and she also confirmed that the raised sides of the bed are all padded and therefore does not sag, even after continued use. The fleece lining also offers a soft and fluffy sleeping area for your pooch.

With this bed, you do not have to worry about cleaning as the outer cover can be removed and machine washed. Another reviewer added that it is important to make sure that you are putting it on a 30°C degree wash as the non-slip coating on the underside can come off on a high heat setting. However, some customers have expressed their concern about the durability of the outer nylon material and inner fur lining if you have a dog that scratches or wash it quite often.

Pros

  • Can support weight up to 45kg making it perfect for larger and heavier dogs
  • Comes with raised sides and a low back support
  • Outer cover can be removed and machine washed

Cons

  • Some reviewers were unhappy with the durability of the outer nylon material and inner fur lining if you have a dog that scratches or wash it quite often
Size:112L x 86W x 17H

Best orthopaedic dog bed for warmth

This bed simultaneously combines softness with all the support and firmness that older dogs need. The Funny Fuzzy Warm Deep Sleeping Orthopaedic Dog Bed is the perfect choice for if your pet would benefit from some support and warmth while sleeping. The bed comes with soft lining and double-sided cushioning that makes it very warm. The material is also scratch-resistant so you don’t have to worry about the bedding getting damaged if you dog likes to dig about. With sizes that go up to XL, this bed can support dogs weighing up to 60kg. Most reviewers shared that the size helped their pets to stretch out comfortably and they are also very happy with the thickness and durability of the bed. The machine washable covers are also a much loved feature.

Pros

  • Sizes go up to XL and can support dogs weighing up to 60kg
  • Comes with soft lining and double-sided cushioning that makes it very warm

Cons

  • The raised sides are also soft cushion, so they are not extra firm
Size:120*90*15 cm / 47.24*35.43*5.91 in

Best orthopaedic dog bed for cooling

With warmer days coming soon, you might want to prep your dog’s bedding to accommodate the heat as well. But this does not mean you have to compromise on comfort or support as you switch from their usual beds. The Ocean Breeze Orthopaedic Cooling Dog Bed is the perfect pick if you are looking for a cooling bed that is also orthopaedic. With a comfy foam and a 9cm deep pillow, this bed will keep you pooch cool and supported the whole night. The bed is also made with a breathable, cooling fabric that absorbs your pet’s body heat and releases a cooling sensation that will keep the sleeping surface cool to the touch for long hours. The outer cover is also removable and machine washable, which makes cleaning a breezy task with this bed.

Pros

  • Fabric has cooling technolgy which absorbs your pet’s body heat and releases a cooling sensation
  • Comes with a comfy foam and a 9cm deep pillow

Cons

  • There are no reviews of the product yet as it is quite new to the market
Size:120cmx100cm

Best orthopaedic cushion bed for dogs

If you are looking for a cushion bed that also offers support for your dog, then this Funny Fuzzy Spine Protection Dog Cushion Bed would be a good option to consider. The orthopaedic cushion bed is made with a thick head rest area which offers ample support for the neck and head, thereby helping with proper alignment while you pet snoozes. It also built with a design that provides large space making it comfortable for dogs of all sizes to stretch out and if their limbs are not cramped, it improves the quality of their sleep. It is easily big enough to fit two small dogs very comfortably, a reviewer added. The material is also thick, soft and fluffy that will keep your dog cosy. The bed is also built to reduce pressure and strain on your dog’s spine and reviewers share similar sentiments as one user added that the bed was very helpful for her 11-year-old labrador that was experiencing stiffness in her back legs. The bed also comes with an anti-slip base and the outer covers can be removed and machine washed.

Pros

  • Comes with a raised head rest area for more neck support
  • It is big enough to fit 2 small dogs
  • The design helps to reduce pressure and strain on your dog’s spine

Cons

  • It does not come with raised sides or back support
Size:100*75*21 cm / 39.4*29.5*8.3 in

FAQs

What to look for when buying an orthopaedic dog bed?

Lauren Davis, founder of VetRelieve says, "The cover of the bed should have some stretch to allow the foam underneath to really work, and the foam itself should be medium-firm. The shape and size are also important - your dog's bed should be at least 10cm longer than they are, nose tip to tail base."
"If the dog is a snub-nosed breed, I'd go for a donut bed, so they can elevate their neck, to help breathing. Owners would also want to make sure they're getting a bed that is large enough, so their dog can fully stretch out should they want to," Dr. Linda adds.

How thick should an orthopaedic dog bed be?

Emily Norton, Veterinary Department Manager at Woodgreen Pets Charity says there are ways to ensure that you are picking the right thickness for your dog's bed.
"To work as designed, an orthopaedic dog bed should be thick enough to absorb your dog’s bodyweight without feeling the floor. The thickness requirements will vary depending on your dog’s weight, so a light, small dog will be okay with a range of beds available on the market, whereas a large, heavy dog (sadly, the ones more prone to arthritis) will benefit from a thicker bed. Similarly, skinny dogs will need extra padding too, somewhere between 10-15cm."
"You can test these yourself in the shop by applying firm pressure to the bed and seeing how well it resists. If you’re able to easily push through and feel the floor, it’s likely this is what your dog will be feeling, so seeking a thicker bed would be recommended," she adds.
Lauren also says, "Ideally they should be a ‘walk on, walk off’ height. This means that they don’t have to get up from ground level when rising, which can be tough on joints, but they also shouldn’t have to climb up into bed either."

What type of bed is best for an arthritic dog?

Emily Norton explains that arthritis is a condition that effects joints, which means your dog may be showing signs of slowing down, resistance getting in and out of bed, and possible signs of discomfort or pain.
"The best type of bed to support an arthritic dog would be one that’s twice your dog’s size. We recommend avoiding round beds, as these require dogs to bend and put pressure on potentially sore joints, and avoid high beds that dogs have to step up in to," she says.
"For those dogs with joint pain, getting an orthopaedic dog bed that can heat up makes a lot of difference in the colder months, to prevent stiffness," Dr. Linda adds.

Meet the experts

Dr. Lauren Davis is the director and founder of VetRelieve, a brand that specialises in veterinary sleep health and related product development. She has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 10 years now.

Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS is the resident vet at Pooch & Mutt, a brand that specialises in dog food and nutrition. Her work is focused on dermatology, nutrition and geriatric care and she has worked with 24 hour hospitals and the RSPCA.

Emily Norton, the Veterinary Department Manager at Woodgreen Pets Charity has been working with the animal industry, pet nutrition and veterinary wellness for over 10 years now.

Akhila Thomas is a digital writer at Yours.co.uk. With a background in literature and communication, she loves writing about beauty, fashion, food, culture and lifestyle. She is an avid reader, and a good plot can keep her up for hours. She also likes to travel and explore new cultures and cuisines.

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