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The 12 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

A dog lying down on the Pet Fusion Ultimate Dog Bed

The Spruce Pets / Angela Sievers

As your dog gets older, it's important to make sure they have the support they need. An orthopedic dog bed is designed to take pressure off their joints as they rest, and it may be beneficial for your dog, especially if you are noticing that they seem a little stiff and are having trouble getting out of their current bed.

“Orthopedic beds add an extra layer of support for dogs that have arthritis, achy joints, or mobility issues,” explains Dr. Tori Countner, DVM, owner of The Balanced Pet Vet. “Memory foam is ideal since it is a little firmer and prevents sagging so dogs can get up easier from their bed, and it gives extra support to joints."

We purchased and tested 21 of the most popular and top-performing orthopedic dog beds. Each one was sent to a volunteer tester, who introduced the orthopedic bed to their dog or dogs at home. While our dog testers tried out the beds, our human testers took careful notes. Following a testing methodology written in advance, our testers evaluated each bed for its support, quality, and how easy the bed is to clean.

Our favorite is the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed, which combines memory foam with a wraparound bolster for extra support. Plus, it has a removable cover that's machine washable. But there were also several other beds our testers loved, which may work even better for your dog.

What We Like
  • Removable and machine washable cover

  • Bolstered edge serves as pillow

  • Available in a variety of colors

What We Don't Like
  • Low chew resistance

With a bolstered edge around most of the perimeter, the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed can accommodate your dog's unique sleeping habits.

"Every time she is in the bed, she uses the outer cushion as a pillow," said our tester, who has a senior dog at home. "She apparently loves it."

Over the course of our testing period, our tester's dog quickly began to bypass their former bed, preferring to rest and unwind on the Pet Fusion Ultimate Dog Bed. "We were immediately very impressed with the quality of this dog bed," our tester said. "The cushion seems as though it must be very comfortable. The material is very soft, yet feels very well made."

The bed makes use of memory foam to provide a medium firm feel and comprehensive support. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified, which means a third-party non-profit has verified that the foam used in PetFusion's construction does not contain mercury, lead, formaldehyde, or phthalates, and won't harm indoor air quality. The surrounding bolster is made with recycled polyfill—a little like a beanbag chair—so it will conform to your dog's shifting and snuggling.

The removable cover is water-resistant and machine-washable, and an additional waterproof liner surrounds the memory foam, so it easily stands up to drool and spills. Our tester found the bed easy to clean and made to last.

Dimensions: 36 x 28 x 9 inches (large) | Weight: 14 pounds (large) | Cover Material: Cotton, polyester, natural fabric, synthetic fabric | Sizes: Small, large, extra-large, jumbo | Bed Type: Bolstered

What We Like
  • Removable and machine washable cover

  • Contour shape

  • Provides back and neck support

  • Available in a variety of colors

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn't feature a non-skid bottom

  • Cover is not water resistant

This reasonably priced orthopedic bed features a unique contour shape that sets it apart from other orthopedic dog beds. "My dog loves this simple, supportive bed," shared our tester. "The foam is at once supportive but also soft, and the sloping sides of the bed allow for my dog to rest her head comfortably."

The low profile and absence of bolsters will make it easier for smaller and older dogs to get in and out of the bed on their own. The orthopedic foam provides support and comfort, and the plush cover—which can be removed for cleaning, will make your dog feel cozy but not too warm. "The cover fabric is a soft, thin sherpa-type covering which was actually fine for summer."

The bed does not have any built-in support to keep it in place, so we recommend placing it against a wall if it tends to shift.

Dimensions: 36 x 24 x 5.5 inches (large) | Weight: 3 pounds | Cover Material: Polyester, synthetic fabric | Sizes: Small, medium, large, jumbo, jumbo plus | Bed Type: Contoured

A dog lying down on the FurHaven Orthopedic bed

The Spruce Pets

What We Like
  • Removable and machine washable cover

  • 3 bolstered sides

  • Soft, spacious, and supportive

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn't feature a non-skid bottom

  • Cover is not water resistant

If you aren't sure how your dog will take to a bolstered edge, this dog bed offers a chaise lounge style with a pillowed brim along two sides. "The raised edge along two sides of the bed gives my dog the opportunity to lay her head on it if she wants to," shared our tester.

The orthopedic egg-crate foam base is designed to relieve aching joints and pressure points, and the easy-to-clean, dual-tone cover is smooth yet durable. "The material the bed is made of is soft and the color is really rich and blends in well with our furniture."

With an approachable price, this spacious bed can accommodate larger dogs or homes with multiple dogs.

Dimensions: 36 x 27 x 7.5 inches (large) | Weight: 3.8 pounds | Cover Material: Polyester, synthetic fabric | Sizes: Small, medium, large, jumbo, jumbo plus | Bed Type: Chaise

A dog lying down on the FurHaven Chaise Lounge Dog Bed

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What We Like
  • Removable and machine washable cover

  • Available in a variety of colors

  • Non-slip bottom

  • Waterproof memory foam liner

What We Don't Like
  • Removable cover must air dry

If your furry friend enjoys cuddling up on a fuzzy blanket, then they'll quickly take to sleeping on this faux fur memory foam dog bed. Our tester and their dog were immediately impressed with the overall quality of the bed: "it's light, easy to use, comfortable, and my dog was so thrilled with it." Our tester found the lightweight design of this bed to be appealing, and as they moved it to different areas of their home, their dog would follow. "I even put it on our couch and he would lie on it there."

The orthopedic bed resembles the look of a furry rug which can add a decorative element to your space. It comes in three sizes to appeal to a variety of breeds. "The size was fantastic for my large dog and our smaller foster dog, both dogs ended up using it and enjoyed laying on it."

Dimensions: 50 x 30 x 5 inches (large/extra-Large) | Weight: 8.2 pounds | Cover Material: Faux fur, synthetic fabric | Sizes: Small/medium, large/extra-large, giant | Bed Type: Rug

A dog lying down on the Paw PupRug Faux Fur Orthopedic Dog Bed

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What We Like
  • Gel foam keeps dogs cool

  • Charcoal-infused foam absorbs bad odors

  • Available in a variety of colors

  • Waterproof cover is very easy to clean and dry

  • Three bolstered sides with low profile for entry

What We Don't Like
  • Cover wrinkles easily

  • Waterproof fabric lacks cozy appeal that some dogs need

Applying a cooling element has been shown to help reduce inflammation in joints, according Countner, so an orthopedic bed with built-in cooling gel can provide an extra level of comfort for your aging dog. The Sealy Lux Orthopedic Dog Bed is made with memory foam and cooling gel to dissipate heat while your dog is resting.

"The low entry point is nice for an older dog," shared our tester who has an 11-year-old dog in their home.

The bed features three bolstered sides where your dog can rest their adorable head like a pillow. To combat wear and tear from spills, the cover is waterproof and it can be removed for machine washing and drying. "This removable cover washed really well in the washer and dried on low relatively quickly." Yet our tester felt the waterproofing took away from the plush environment their dog needed so they added a soft cozy blanket.

The base of the bed is made with charcoal to help absorb odors, and it's available in several sizes and four color options. 

Dimensions: 32 x 42 x 8 inches (large) | Weight: 14.26 pounds | Cover Material: Polyester, cotton | Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra-large | Bed Type: Bolstered

A dog standing on the Sealy Orthopedic Dog Bed

The Spruce Pets

Best Removable Cover

L.L. Bean Therapeutic Couch

L.L Bean Therapeutic Dog Couch
PHOTO: L.L Bean
What We Like
  • Removable, machine-washable cover

  • Available in a variety of colors

  • Cover is 100% cotton with antimicrobial treatment to minimize odor

  • Bolsters on three sides

  • Oversized "dog couch" can fit more than one dog

What We Don't Like
  • Assembly of bed can be difficult

  • Low chew resistance

If your dog enjoys bringing in bones, treats, toys—whatever they might find— to their bed, then this easy-to-clean, supportive bed with a removable cover will appeal to you. The L.L. Bean Therapeutic Dog couch features memory foam on the inside and comes with a durable yet soft cover made from 100% cotton.

To keep the bed tidy, the cover is easily unzipped and cleaned. "It emerged from the washer/dryer unscathed," remarked our tester who has three large dogs in their home, and the trio put the bed to good use for our research. "My dogs loved this bed from the moment I put it down." With open-cell foam, this orthopedic bed is designed to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. "The bed itself is firm-yet-soft and the sides are fluffy, which my dogs like for resting their heads on, burrowing into, and using as light support when on their backs."

It's priced higher than other beds that made our list, but L.L. Bean's guarantee allows returns for items that didn't meet expectations for up to one year after purchase.

Dimensions: 44 x 34 x 12 inches (large) | Weight: Not provided | Cover Material: Cotton | Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra-large | Bed Type: Bolstered

A dog lying down on the L.L Bean Therapeutic Dog Couch

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What We Like
  • Removable, machine-washable cover

  • Non-skid bottom

  • Scratch, dig, chew, and water resistant cover

  • Certified B-Corporation

  • Made in the USA

  • Available in a variety of colors

What We Don't Like
  • Assembly of bed can be difficult, especially with the larger versions

If your dog tends to gnaw on plush items, then this is the orthopedic dog bed for you. The cover is resistant to scratching, digging, chewing, and water. "

The bed's outer cover is durable and seems to hold up well to the dogs jumping on and off of it," shared our tester who has two large dogs with chewing habits at home.

The cover is made from K9's proprietary ripstop ballistic fabric that is designed to be tough yet cool to the touch for sleeping. With a water-repellent finish and a waterproof backing, the bed can withstand the wear and tear that comes from a dog living their best life.

"The cover is easy to remove if needed for cleaning, and the bed foam is soft and comfortable for my dogs." The orthopedic foam is made without any glue to keep it from flatting over time. If your dog does devour their new bed, K9, a company committed to producing zero waste, will replace it within 120 days after purchase.

Dimensions:  40 x 34 x 5 inches (large) | Weight: Not provided | Cover Material: Proprietary ripstop ballistic fabric | Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra-large, xx-large, giant | Bed Type: Rectangle

Two dogs lying down on the K9 Ballistics Dog Bed

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What We Like
  • Removable, machine-washable cover

  • Designed for dogs and cats

  • Bolstered perimeter

What We Don't Like
  • Assembly of bed can be difficult

"As soon as I took out this bed, both my dog and cat were obsessed. I barely had a chance to put it down before they started trying to get in!" noted our tester. Your small-sized senior (dog or cat!) will have no problem catching up on their beauty rest in this bed. Regardless of their preferred sleeping style—curler, sprawler, leaner, or all of the above—the wrap-around bolster makes it easy for a dog to find the right spot for lounging and snoozing. "It looks as cute as it’s cozy, so you can place it in any room of the house."

The design of this orthopedic bed features a built-in entry dip to make getting in and out more approachable—which is very important for a dog with mobility issues or stiff joints. The cover can be removed and machine-washed for easy care, but the bed itself should never be submerged in water.

Dimensions:  25 x 21 x 7 inches (medium) | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Cover Material: Polyester, synthetic fabric | Sizes: Medium, large, extra-large | Bed Type: Bolstered

A dog lying down on the Frisco Plush Orthopedic Bed

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What We Like
  • Removable, machine-washable cover

  • Fluffy, cloud-like design

  • Bolstered perimeter

What We Don't Like
  • Not water-resistance so dog needs to be potty trained

  • Only available in one color

If your dog likes to snuggle up, then they'll enjoy this fluffy bed with bolstered edges. Described as "over-stuffed," the orthopedic foam base features a pillow-top sleeping surface. "This bed is clearly high-quality," observed our tester as their 20-pound dog settled in for a nap. "The cloud-like design is surprisingly sturdy and the sides are supportive and don't sag."

The bed comes in three sizes for small to large breeds who enjoy a cozy slumber, but our tester did note that it might be difficult to remove stains. The cover isn't water resistant, but the bed can be dismantled, with zippers at the base and the bolsters, and cleaned in a washing machine.

Dimensions:  36 x 28 x 9.5 inches (large) | Weight: 6 pounds | Cover Material: Polyester, synthetic fabric | Sizes: Small, medium, large | Bed Type: Bolstered

A dog lying down on the K&H Pet Products Pillow-Top Orthopedic Bolster Pet Bed

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What We Like
  • Water-resistant, machine-washable, and removable cover

  • Available in a variety of colors

  • Non-slip bottom

What We Don't Like
  • Waterproof cover makes crinkle sound

If your dog is on the bigger side, then the KOPEKS Orthopedic Dog Pillow is the one for you. Its plush suede cover will provide comfort and the anti-slip bottom will secure the bed in place. "My dogs melt into this bed," exclaimed our tester who has two considerably-sized canines, each weighing 90-95 pounds. "The support is great and the bed itself has a fluffy top and nice sides as well."

Your dog will feel pampered with a built-in headrest and memory foam designed to take the pressure off their joints and promote more restful sleep. If you have a dreamer that tends to drool, the water-resistant cover is easy to spot clean, but it can also be unzipped and laundered. "Anyone with a larger dog, this is one of the best beds I have come across!"

Dimensions:  35 x 28 x 5.5 inches (large | Weight: 9 pounds | Cover Materials: Suede, natural fabric | Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra-large | Bed Type: Chaise

A dog lying down on the Kopecs Dog Bed

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What We Like
  • Fits in standard dog crates

  • Non-slip bottom

  • Machine-washable cover

What We Don't Like
  • Not available for small crates

For senior dogs who are crate-trained, the Milliard Orthopedic Dog Bed is perfectly proportioned to fit into their personal safe space. It’s made from supportive egg crate foam that is designed to provide orthopedic support for aging pooches. "This bed has great support for him," remarked our tester who has a 13-year-old doggo with hip dysplasia. "He can very comfortably lay down fully [and] stand up much more efficiently."

The rectangular bed comes in three sizes, small, large, and extra-large sizes which fit into 36", 42", and 48" crates, respectively. The soft quilted pillow top is very inviting for dogs, and easy to remove and clean in the washing machine and dryer for humans. Plus, the bottom features small rubber grips to keep the bed from shifting around while your dog gets cozy.

Dimensions: 42 x 27 x 4 inches (large) | Weight: 4.32 pounds | Cover Materials: Suede, natural fabric | Sizes: Small, large, extra-large | Bed Type: Rectangle

What We Like
  • External and internal dimensions provided

  • CertiPUR-US high density memory foam 

  • Waterproof liner 

  • Manufacturer warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Extra-small size not offered at time of publish

We have yet to test the Boucle Orthopedic Dog Bed from Bluewater Dog, but it offers various attributes that make worthy of inclusion, including its use of CertiPUR-US high density memory foam which has been independently tested to be free of harmful chemicals.

The rectangular shaped dog beds are available in four sizes (small, medium, large, x-large) with the external and internal dimensions provided for each. Before placing your order (most of which will ship for free in the United States), you can measure the amount of space the bed will occupy in your home while also visualizing the surface space your dog will have to rest upon. If you have a very small dog with mobility issues, clearing the six-inch height of the smallest size (small) may be challenging.

The bed covers come in three colors—sand, cloud, and ocean blue—are made out of bouclé, a looped yarn fabric that is soft yet durable. If you have a dog that loves to dig, you may experience fraying with this cover, but Blue water Dog offers a 12-month warranty on manufacturer defects and a three year warranty against sagging. Between the cover and internal foam, each bed has a waterproof liner to protect against spills and accidents.

Dimensions: 45 x 36 x 7 inches (large) | Weight: Not listed | Cover Materials: Boucle | Sizes: Small, medium, large, x-large | Bed Type: Rectangle

Final Verdict

The PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed is a great choice to support and soothe all types of dogs. It comes in four sizes—small, medium, large, and jumbo, its made from memory foam, and it features a cushy bolster around the edge. Plus, a non-slip base helps prevent the bed from moving as your dog gets up. If you think the bolstered sides might make it difficult for your dog to get in and out, then you should consider our pick for Best Chaise, the FurHaven Two-Tone Deluxe Chaise Orthopedic Dog Bed. It has two bolstered sides and comes in a variety of colors to blend in with your space.

What to Look for in an Orthopedic Dog Bed

Size

First off, determine the size that's best suited for your pet. Most dog beds are available in numerous sizes, ranging from small to XXL. Dog bed sizes aren’t always consistent between brands, so it’s important to check both a bed’s recommended weight, as well as its dimensions, to ensure your dog will fit in it comfortably. 

Materials

Orthopedic dog beds are designed to provide superior support to your dog’s joints, and to do this, they need to be made from high-quality materials. “Material such as memory foam helps support joints and limbs while laying down and provide stability when getting up from the beds,” explains Countner. “The bed should have a non-slip underside or should be placed on non-slip flooring to prevent instability when standing up.” If your dog also has skin issues or allergies, NIGHT's Silk Pet Bed could be another good orthopedic option. If your dog tends to devour its bedding, a bed for chewers may be the best option.

Style

When it comes to dog beds, the two main styles to look for are flat beds and bolster beds. “Some dogs like flat beds, others prefer a bolster along the sides to feel safe or rest their heads on,” says Dr. Countner. “Some dogs like a cooling pad/gel built in since their joints can be inflamed and run warm.”

Care Instructions

It should be simple to clean the orthopedic dog bed you select, especially if your dog tends to bring the outdoors inside with them. Check the label for proper care instructions which may include machine washing, hanging dry, or washing by hand. Many beds have a removable cover that can be unzipped and placed in a washing machine while others may only allow for spot cleaning. Following the care instructions specific to the bed you select will help to maintain the integrity of the orthopedic features.

How We Tested

We selected 21 of the latest, top-performing orthopedic dog beds available and sent each one to a real home with a real dog (sometimes dogs!) for real-world testing.

Each of our canine test subjects was observed as they napped, snacked, played, lounged, and slept (wish we could see their dreams!) on a select orthopedic dog bed. Their human companions gather insights about the restful action they witnessed over the course of 3 weeks, and then shared their feedback within the following categories: Support, Quality, Size, Ease of Cleaning, and Value. They were also asked if they would recommend the best they tested.

Equipped with this first-hand information, we ranked and categorized our top picks to simplify your search for the perfect orthopedic dog bed to suit your senior pup's needs, habits, and preferences.

FAQ
  • What makes a dog bed orthopedic?

    Orthopedic dog beds provide more support than average dog beds. They’re often made from memory foam, which cushions pressure points while still supporting joints, and they can help reduce pain for dogs with arthritis, still joints, and other health problems associated with aging.

  • How do I know when my dog needs an orthopedic bed?

    Orthopedic dog beds are most popular with senior dogs, but they’re also beneficial for dogs with certain medical problems. “Dogs with arthritis, painful joints, trouble standing up, mobility issues, or pressure sores can benefit from an orthopedic bed,” says Dr. Countner. “If your dog is in pain or getting older, consider getting an orthopedic bed to make them more comfortable.”

  • How do you wash an orthopedic dog bed?

    To wash an orthopedic dog bed, you’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically entails removing the cover, which may be able to go in the washing machine—you’ll want to consult its care tag to see what cycle to use. Most orthopedic dog beds have memory foam inside, which can only be spot cleaned.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This roundup was written by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a pomeranian named Gidget. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Mejorada embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now delightfully devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.

A previous version was written by Camryn Rabideau, a lifelong animal owner who’s tested numerous dog beds in her career as a product tester. Before writing this article, she interviewed Dr. Tori Countner, DVM, owner of the Balanced Pet Vet, for information on what to look for in an orthopedic dog bed. To select products, she prioritized beds made from high-quality memory foam that feature non-slip bases. The Spruce Pets team also tested top products with our own dogs.

The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. What Kind of Bed Should I Get for my Dog with Arthritis? Canine Arthritis Resources and Education.

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