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The Best Orthopedic Dog Beds
The Big Barker Original Orthopedic Dog Bed is our top pick. See how we compared four beds and how to choose foam, size and a washable cover.
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The Big Barker Original Orthopedic Dog Bed is our top pick for large dogs with sore joints. For smaller dogs, the Casper Dog Bed fits well. This guide compares four beds and explains what to look for in foam, size and covers.
Our picks at a glance
- Best overall: Big Barker Original Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Best for choosing your foam: Furhaven Sofa Dog Bed - Plush & Suede
- Best for small and medium dogs: Casper Dog Bed
- Best for chewers: Kuranda Standard PVC Dog Bed
The best orthopedic dog beds
Orthopedic dog beds
Big Barker Original Orthopedic Dog Bed
Best for: Large and giant dogs with sore joints
Big Barker makes this bed for large dogs. It comes in Large, XL and Giant, in three styles, and the maker backs it with a 10-year warranty. The company says it is clinically proven to ease joint pain, but we have not seen that research ourselves, so treat it as the maker’s claim. Skip it if your dog is small, because there is no small size.
- Pro: Comes in Large, XL and Giant sizes, up to 60" x 48"
- Pro: Three styles, including a headrest edition with raised sides
- Pro: 10-year warranty from the maker
- Con: Only sizes for big dogs, so it's too large for small breeds
- Con: Cooling layers and name embroidery cost extra
Orthopedic dog beds
Furhaven Sofa Dog Bed - Plush & Suede
Best for: Dogs of any age who like to lean or curl up
This sofa-style bed has bolsters on three sides and lets you pick the foam: convolute orthopedic, solid orthopedic, memory foam or cooling gel. The cover unzips and goes in the washer. It suits dogs who like to lean or curl up. Skip it for tiny dogs, since sizes start at Medium.
- Pro: Choose convolute orthopedic foam, solid orthopedic foam, memory foam or cooling gel foam
- Pro: Bolsters on three sides for neck and spine support
- Pro: Zippered cover is removable and machine washable
- Con: Sizes start at Medium, so it won't fit very small dogs
- Con: Foam choice changes the support, so read the options before you buy
Orthopedic dog beds
Casper Dog Bed
Best for: Small to large dogs up to 90 pounds
Casper uses memory foam over a firmer support foam, with bolsters around the edge. It comes in three sizes for dogs up to 30, 60 and 90 pounds, and the cover is removable and washable. It is a good match for small and medium dogs. Skip it if your dog weighs more than 90 pounds.
- Pro: Memory foam over support foam, with bolsters around the edge
- Pro: Sizes for dogs up to 30, 60 and 90 pounds
- Pro: Removable, machine-washable cover
- Con: Not made for dogs over 90 pounds
- Con: Some assembly is required
Elevated dog beds
Kuranda Standard PVC Dog Bed
Best for: Dogs who chew their beds
This is a raised bed with a PVC frame, rated for dogs up to 100 pounds. Kuranda gives it a one-year chew-proof warranty. It is a different kind of bed, not a foam mattress. Skip it if your dog has trouble stepping up, or if you want something soft. Kuranda also sells an aluminum frame rated for up to 250 pounds.
- Pro: Rated for dogs up to 100 pounds
- Pro: Backed by a one-year chew-proof warranty
- Pro: Raised off the floor on a PVC frame
- Con: A firm raised bed, not a foam mattress
- Con: Some dogs with sore joints may find it hard to step up onto
How to choose an orthopedic dog bed
Pick the right foam
The AKC says orthopedic beds are usually made from memory foam or egg-crate foam, and both support tender joints. Consumer Reports says memory foam holds heat, so it suits cold homes. Egg-crate foam is more breathable, so it suits warm homes.
Get the size right
Choose a bed big enough for your dog to stretch out. The AKC says to match the bed to your dog’s size. Check each maker’s weight guide too. Casper, for example, lists sizes by the weight of the dog.
Make sure your dog can get in
Consumer Reports warns that tall beds or high walls can be hard for older dogs to step over. Raised beds can ease pressure on the body, but they still need to be easy to reach.
Look for a washable cover
The AKC advises a removable, machine-washable cover. This matters most for puppies and for older dogs that may leak urine. Consumer Reports adds that a waterproof cover helps with accidents.
Think about chewing
Consumer Reports says to skip towels and blankets for chewers and to look for chew-proof beds. A raised, chew-proof frame is one option.
Safety tips
- Watch the first few days. If your dog chews the bed, take it away.
- Don’t give a chewer a bed with loose stuffing or torn fabric.
- Be careful with electric heated beds. The AKC says to watch your dog closely with plug-in warming beds, especially if they chew.
- Let your dog get used to a new bed slowly, with treats and a familiar scent.
- A bed helps with comfort but is not a treatment. If your dog is limping or slow to stand, ask your vet.
Common questions
What is an orthopedic dog bed?
It is a bed with a supportive foam layer, usually memory foam or egg-crate foam, that cushions the body. The AKC says these beds can help dogs with joint pain from problems like arthritis.
Is memory foam or egg-crate foam better?
Both support sore joints. Consumer Reports says memory foam holds heat, which suits cold climates, while egg-crate foam is more breathable and suits warm ones.
Do young dogs need an orthopedic bed?
No dog has to have one. The AKC says these beds are also good for dogs of all ages and can help protect the joints of younger dogs.
What if my dog chews their bed?
Consumer Reports says to avoid towels and blankets for chewers and to look for chew-proof beds. Take away any bed your dog is tearing up.