The Absolute Best Dog Beds for Dogs with Arthritis

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Arthritis is the most common chronic disease among dogs, and while most arthritis in dogs happens in their later adult to senior years, 20% of dogs show signs of arthritis before they are even one year old. While we can’t cure this condition, we can give our dogs happy and comfortable lives. One way to do this is by giving them soft and supportive dog beds made to help dogs with arthritis.

My dog Buck had arthritis in his hip and knees and was very stiff in his last years. We had an orthopedic memory foam bed that was very comforting to him. My dog Chilly also had one for his aches and pains as he aged, and he absolutely loved it.

So I can say from firsthand experience that a good orthopedic bed can make a world of difference if your dog has arthritis. But how do you know if your dog has arthritis?

Risk Factors and Signs of Arthritis

No one likes to think about their pet getting old. However, it’s important to be aware of the problems that aging pets can have as well as the best way to help them. And since arthritis can affect dogs of any age, it’s especially important to know the risk factors and signs.

Risk Factors

Arthritis is more common in larger dogs since their extra weight puts more stress on their joints. 

It also shows up more often in certain breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers, who tend to have a condition called luxating patella. This can show up as your dog’s legs “popping” when they walk, or they may be hesitant to sit properly with their legs bent. If you see these signs, speak with your veterinarian to confirm and see what treatment options will work best.

Signs of Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis signs can be subtle at first, so here are some things to look out for:

• Stiffness when getting up
• Not wanting to get out of bed
• Problems going up and down stairs
• Reluctant to go on long walks
• Limping

If you notice your dog showing any of these signs, they may be suffering from arthritis.

If you suspect your dog may have arthritis, speak with your vet about possible treatments that can assist your dog. While arthritis can’t be cured, there are many options to help your pup with pain management and mobility.

How to Help Your Dog with Arthritis

Besides medical treatments for arthritis, there are many things you can do to help your dog live a happy and comfortable life.

• If your dog likes sleeping on the couch or bed, you can put in ramps or pet steps.  
• Raise your dog’s food and water bowls so they don’t have to bend down to eat and drink. 
• If you have a lot of wooden floors or stairs, you may consider some secure rugs or carpeting to help them stay steady on their feet.
• Another way to help dogs walk on slippery wooden floors are booties with rubber grips or Dr. Buzby’s toe grips to provide needed traction.
• Getting your dog a comfortable pet bed that will allow him to relax without putting unnecessary pressure on their joints will also help immensely.

While finding a raised food bowl isn’t too difficult, getting the right dog bed for arthritis can be a bit harder. What makes a dog bed good for arthritic dogs? What materials will be supportive without causing unnecessary pressure on their joints?

When choosing an orthopedic dog bed, you should consider:

• How durable is it? 
• Is it supportive but also cushioned?
• If your dog needs to be in a crate at times, will it fit inside their crate?
• Is it easy to clean? Does it have a machine washable cover?
• Does it fit your dog’s sleeping/relaxing style? My dog Chilly would curl up in a little ball, so small round beds with bolsters were best, while my dog Buck was a sprawler, so a large flat bed was best.

CARE (Canine Arthritis Resources and Education) also suggests placing dog beds in a warm, draft-free area of your home. Additionally, they recommend using a pulsed electromagnetic field bed, which can be set either under or atop any solid orthopedic foam in the dog bed. This type of bed offers non-pharmaceutical pain relief, which can ease your dog’s discomfort in a gentle and effective way.

Fortunately, there are many options out there so you’ll be sure to find a bed that fits you and your dog’s needs. Here are 7 of the best orthopedic dog beds.

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The 7 Best Dog Beds for Arthritis

Snoozer Luxury Orthopedic Cozy Cave Pet Bed

This orthopedic dog bed is perfect for dogs that enjoy snuggling. If your dog loves burrowing under blankets and comforters, then you’ve found the right orthopedic bed for them. Its orthopedic foam base means arthritic dogs will be able to climb in and out easily while also giving them the cushiony comfort they need. 

It also comes in 3 different sizes and over 40 different fabrics, so you’re sure to find the perfect match for your pup and your décor too. Snoozer also makes a great scalloped pet ramp for dogs who are still mobile but need a bit of assistance getting up to their favorite snuggle spots.

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PetMedics Calming Orthopedic Donut Washable Dog Bed with Cooling & Warming Memory Foam Pillow

Small dogs that are used to cuddling may especially like this orthopedic bed shaped like a donut from PetMedics. Donut beds essentially cuddle them and also allow them a place to put their heads to look out without a lot of effort.

This particular orthopedic bed has a reversible pillow with warm faux fur on one side and cool microsuede on the other to keep your dog comfortable no matter the season.

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Furhaven L-Shaped Chaise Egg Crate Orthopedic Foam Dog Bed

This orthopedic dog bed from Furhaven has a unique L-shaped bolster around its back to make it easy for your pup to get into while still providing support. This CertiPUR-certified bed comes in 5 sizes and 11 fabric patterns and is reasonably priced for pup parents on a budget. You can also choose what fill option you want this bed to have—memory foam, orthopedic foam, or cooling gel foam.

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Bedsure Large Orthopedic Dog Bed for Large Dogs

Another budget-friendly brand is Bedsure, which makes orthopedic beds for small to large dogs. Their beds come with removable machine-washable covers as well as non-skid bottoms to keep your dog safe. This bed is filled with 3” high-density foam to support your dog and keep them comfortable.

Bedsure also offers memory foam dog beds and pet sofas with sherpa, flannel, or faux fur covers. They even offer waterproof orthopedic beds with a memory foam layer!

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Big Barker 7″ Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed

If you have large dogs, Big Barker has you covered. Their orthopedic dog beds for dogs over 70 pounds are made in the USA and come with a 10-year “Won’t Flatten” promise. These beds also have a microsuede machine-washable cover and are smell-, scratch-, rub-, and dig-resistant.

In a clinical study done by the University of Pennsylvania, dogs who slept on Big Barker orthopedic beds showed improvements in joint function, joint pain severity, stiffness, and overall quality of life. 

Their 7-inch, 3-layer mattresses also meet CertiPUR US standards for content and emissions. 

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Sealy Lux Pet Dog Bed

Sealy has been making mattresses for humans for over 140 years, and they’ve used that experience to make beds for our furry friends as well. Their orthopedic dog beds have four different elements to maximize your dog’s comfort: energy gel to keep your dog cool, memory foam to contour to their body, orthopedic foam to stop pressure points, and a charcoal foam base for additional support and to help with odors.

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Brindle Orthopedic Memory Foam Pet Bed with Wrap-Around Bolster

Brindle’s orthopedic foam bed has a wrap-around velvet bolster with a convenient cutout to allow your pet easy access to its cushy interior. It also has a removable machine-washable cover, making it extra easy to keep your dog’s bed clean and fresh.

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FAQs

What Makes a Dog Bed Orthopedic?

Orthopedic dog beds usually have memory foam or similar materials that help spread the dog’s weight evenly, which is what makes these dog beds great for dogs with joint problems. Memory foam shapes itself to the dog’s body for support and then returns to its original shape when not in use, making the ped bed both comfortable and long-lasting.

While many memory foam beds are orthopedic, not all orthopedic beds are made of memory foam. Likewise, not all dog beds with only memory foam as filler are for arthritic dogs. Aside from memory foam, orthopedic beds should have several layers to help support the foam.

How Do Orthopedic Dog Beds Help Older Dogs or Dogs with Joint Pain?

Orthopedic dog beds provide enhanced support and comfort by evenly distributing your dog’s weight and relieving pressure on sensitive joints and muscles. 

The use of memory foam helps conform to his body, which provides targeted support and reduces discomfort from stiff or painful joints. Orthopedic beds also help regulate a dog’s temperature and prevent issues like elbow calluses.

Who Needs Orthopedic Dog Beds?

An orthopedic pet bed is the ultimate dog bed—meaning it’s suitable for all dogs of all ages. Aside from dogs with arthritis, these dog beds are also extremely beneficial for dogs with hip dysplasia and other joint problems. Some large dogs, like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds, are genetically predisposed to these problems.

The Tail End

Arthritis can’t be cured, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help our dogs with arthritis live happy, fulfilling lives. By combining recommended medical treatments with household modifications, we can improve their mobility and help ease their pain. One great option is an orthopedic dog bed for arthritis that will support and comfort your dog and provide them with the pain relief they need.