The 11 Best Dog Beds For Hip Dysplasia
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Large dogs bring large dog difficulties. Yes, your dog may take up the entire bed or couch, or his slobber could go all over your armrest. However, we are discussing large dog health issues, notably hip dysplasia. Certain large dogs suffer greatly from this illness (and some small dogs, too).
For this illness, dogs may require surgery or treatment from their veterinarian. You want to do more to help him feel better, and you've probably heard that a good orthopedic dog bed may help. True, the correct dog bed can make your dog's hip dysplasia less severe and allow him to move more freely.
It might be difficult to sort through all of the available options and choose which bed is ideal for your dog. BestForPets (bestforpets.org) will help you go through all of that information and offer you the facts that count when it comes to choosing the best dog beds for hip dysplasia.

Buyer's Manual
It may be difficult as the owner of a dog with hip dysplasia to hear the diagnosis and see your dog suffer from the discomfort it causes. The good news is that you can help your dog in little ways, one of which is by purchasing a suitable dog bed for his aching joints. We will look about hip dysplasia quickly, how a dog bed may assist, and how to choose the best bed for your dog.
What exactly is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is frequent in several large dog breeds, including Labradors, German Shepherds, and Bulldogs (all of which are also the most popular dog breeds), although it can also occur in tiny dogs. When the ball and socket of the hip do not have a cushion and the bones rub against each other, it is usually a hereditary propensity that certain dogs have.
It’s a painful disease for dogs, but there are things you can do to assist. Nutrition is extremely important, especially when your hip dysplasia-prone dog is a puppy. Excessive or insufficient activity can also contribute to hip dysplasia. If your dog has this illness, see your veterinarian about available treatments.
Do Orthopedic Dog Beds Really Help Dog Hip Dysplasia?
Yes, a nice orthopedic dog bed can assist with hip dysplasia pain. This is due to the fact that the appropriate type of dog bed will relieve stress on your dog’s joints, notably their hips. When the correct sort of cushioning is supplied, the joints will receive a respite while your dog sleeps, so when they wake up, they may have enhanced mobility.
An orthopedic dog bed will not cure hip dysplasia, but after a few weeks of utilizing a quality bed, you may notice a spring in your dog’s step that they didn’t have before.
Before You Purchase an Orthopedic Dog Bed…
…you must consider certain practical issues:
Let we discuss them:
- What is the size of your dog? Know your dog’s stats, weight, and height so you can choose the appropriate size of bed.
- Where do you want the bed to be placed? Take measurements to ensure that your bed will fit. The space may favor one shape of dog bed over another.
- What is the age of your dog? A dog is far more likely to ruin a bed, regardless of its durability. When feasible, acquire a bulletproof dog bed for your puppy.
- What are some of your dog’s negative habits? Is he chewing, digging, sucking on items, or doing anything else that might harm a fragile bed?
You will be able to make a better educated purchasing decision after you have the answers to these questions.
What Makes a Good Hip Dysplasia Dog Bed?
Now that you know what sort of dog bed you’ll need, keep these crucial considerations in mind while you hunt for a dog bed to help your dog’s hip dysplasia.
Size
The orthopedic bed you purchase must support your dog’s complete body in order to effectively treat hip dysplasia. Make sure you choose a bed that your dogs can totally rest on without any dangling off. You will also want the dog bed to fit in the desired location. A circular bed may not fit into a certain corner, but a square or rectangular bed would.
Washability
Dogs may be messy at times. If your dog’s bed isn’t washable, he or she may get stomach problems when you least expect it. Several of the dog beds on this list include water-resistant or waterproof coverings. Remember that they are not the same thing. Even though the cloth is water-resistant, it will still leak when wet. You’ll want a waterproof dog bed cover that can be readily removed for cleaning and protects the memory foam underneath.
The padding on dog beds is often sewed directly onto the cushioning that is part of the bed. This is certainly washable as well, although it might be difficult to fit everything in your washing machine.
If you are very concerned about cleaning the bed, you may make an extra expenditure on a few standard bedsheets or fleece blankets to go over the top.
Comfort
A excellent dog bed for a dog with hip dysplasia will have a 2-inch thick foam foundation to be really orthopedic. In general, the thicker the foam, the better, but according to PetMD, a 4-inch thick foam be enough.
The remainder is up to your dog’s choices regarding what they want to lie on after this basic degree of necessary. Do they like soft, cuddly fabrics, or do they prefer secure-feeling bolsters? You are the expert on your dog, so choose a bed that is comparable to what he already prefers.
Materials of High Quality
An orthopedic dog bed might be considered a significant investment. Examine all of the dog bed components, particularly the memory foam, as well as the durability of the outer layer, including fabric quality, zippers, and seam strength. It may be worth it if all of these attributes are certain to be good and the price is high. It’s a shame to buy a cheap dog bed just to have it damaged by the washing machine.
Bottom with Non-Skid
If you have hardwood floors, consider purchasing a bed with a non-slip bottom. This is a safer solution for an enthusiastic dog who likes to jump on the bed, and it will also save your sanity from constantly repositioning it.
Warranty
You want to be sure that your purchase is guaranteed, especially if you are investing a significant amount of money on an orthopedic dog bed. Some of the more costly dog beds have a full or limited guarantee to safeguard your investment. Pay attention to how long the warranty lasts, and report any problems to the vendor as soon as you detect them so that any faults may be corrected.
Conclusion
We know you adore your dogs and despise seeing them in agony. You’ve probably read through our dog bed reviews and top recommendations to get a better sense of what you want for your dog. To recap, the overall winner of our testing was the PetFusion Ultimate Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed, and the finest orthopedic dog bed when you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg was the Barkbox Dog Bed Memory Foam.
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes that our reviews and guide will help you find the best dog beds for hip dysplasia.
Reviews
Best Overall: Ultimate Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed by PetFusion
Let your dog enjoy the maximum comfort of the PetFusion Ultimate Memory Foam Bolster dog bed, which isn’t only for your aching joints. The outer layer (which is water-resistant) is totally detachable, washable, and has strong zippers that will not fail you.
The bolster has delightfully tight corners where your pet may nap and be comfy. When you order the proper size, it’s spacious and not too little for your large dogs.
The memory foam and longevity of this dog bed are our favorites. Pet owners who have this bed frequently sit on it themselves! However, there are some drawbacks.
Some people claim that the material on the bed isn’t particularly soft, and that some dogs don’t like it. Others said that the material was not strong enough to withstand chewing and that it transmitted too much static electricity, making it a massive hair magnet.
Pros
- Memory foam that is comfortable
- Cover is removable and water-resistant.
- Base has a lengthy shelf life.
Cons
- The cover is not as silky or as long-lasting.
Best Value: Barkbox Memory Foam Dog Bed
Barkbox’s Dog Bed Memory Foam is the greatest dog bed for hip dysplasia for the money, costing approximately 34 less than the #1 dog bed. It’s just a glorified foam mat, so assembly is a breeze. But it’s more than just a mat; it’s high-quality gel memory foam with pressure-relieving properties.
The detachable, waterproof, and machine washable cover gives you piece of mind in the event of an accident or excessive drooling. Finally, the dog bed comes with a complimentary dog toy.
This bed is ideal for large dogs, but if you have a really large dog, go up a size or two (have accurate measurements of the space it will be placed in!). Prepare to receive a smaller-than-expected bed, which is another incentive to go up in size.
Some dog owners experienced issues with the cover since accidents sometimes seeped through and the zippers were difficult to open. These are the primary reasons why this dog bed does not rank first, yet it could be appropriate for you.
Barkbox is an excellent company to deal with because they provide a subscription service.
If you join up for a Barkbox membership today, you will receive a free bed (along with lots of other wonderful items!). More information may be found by clicking here!
Pros
- Affordable
- Because there is no bolster, dogs may easily climb on and off.
- It is available in a variety of colors and designs.
Cons
- Cover of poor quality
- smaller than anticipated
Premium Choice: Big Barker Orthopedic Pillow Top Dog Bed
Big Barker goes above and above with this Top Orthopedic Dog Bed. The bed is designed for large to giant dogs and comes with a machine-washable soft micro-suede cover. It achieves our Premium Choice designation not just for its great quality, but also for its clinically proven results.
The University of Pennsylvania conducted a research utilizing these beds, and the results revealed that dogs were more mobile and had less indicators of pain after 4 weeks of use. Finally, it comes with a 10-year warranty. That’s something to be proud of!
The robust cover of this bed may not withstand the test of a dog with severe digging or gnawing activities. As a result, we do not recommend purchasing this bed if you have a puppy. The bed is likewise a significant investment, being by far the most costly on this list.
Pros
- Suitable for large dogs
- Cover is soft.
- Clinically confirmed outcomes
Cons
- The cover is not resistant to gnawing and digging.
- Expensive
Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed by BarksBar
Do you have a small dog yet desire the comfort of an orthopedic dog bed? The BarksBar Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed is a good option. It’s a comfy bed with human-grade memory foam and bolsters that comes in small, medium, and big sizes to hug your pooches in.
The quilted cover easily removes (only the cover, no padding stitched on) for machine cleaning. This bed is ideal for a medium-sized dog or two small dogs to share.
Many happy dogs have slept soundly in this bed. Though it appears attractive in photographs, several dog owners have complained that the design of the bed does not hold up over time. Despite the fact that the cover purports to be chew-proof, some dogs have successfully eaten through it.
Pros
- Price in the middle
- It is ideal for small to medium-sized dogs.
- There is no sewn-on cushioning.
Cons
- Shape deteriorates over time
- The cover cannot be chewed.
Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Dog Bed by Furhaven0
Furhaven created three distinct dog beds based on the size of the dog. This Jumbo size Pet Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic dog bed is ideal for big canines. The foam is 5 inches thick at its narrowest point, but it has broader edges for a comfy headrest.
The plushy cover, like the other dog beds on our list, is warm for sleeping on and entirely detachable and washable for your convenience. Furthermore, the cover keeps stray hairs off the bed.
This bed may benefit from a waterproof cover. Some people did not like the tube on the sides since it is plastic and does not appear to be of great quality. This bed would occasionally appear distorted.
However, if you are concerned that it will not arrive in great condition or will not withstand routine use, Furhaven’s 90-day limited warranty on the dog bed will most likely come in handy.
Pros
- Pad that is thick
- Cover is soft.
- The sides provide head and neck support.
Cons
- The materials are not of the highest grade.
- Sometimes the bed arrived damaged.
Orthopedic Dog Bed Dog’s Balls
The Dog’s Balls manufactures an orthopedic dog bed known as “The Dog’s Bed.” This bed is quite substantial, with the big version being 6 inches thick and capable of supporting huge dogs. They are available in a broad range of hues, the majority of which are grey with accent colors.
The Dog’s Bed is unusual in that it is encircled by two layers of protection: one soft layer on the exterior and an inside, waterproof covering that protects the mattress. If your policy fails, you may purchase a replacement through their website.
Despite the fact that there are two covers for safety, dogs might wear the dog bed top down too soon. Some buyers were disappointed with the actual foam height, which was significantly lower than expected.
Pros
- dense foam
- Two levels of protection
- The exterior shell is simply removed.
Cons
- The outside cover may not be particularly long-lasting.
- Some people reported a lower foam height.
KOPEKS Orthopedic Jumbo XL Dog Bed
Does your dog ever race into his dog bed, only to end up in a hilarious tumble on the floor? Maybe it’s seldom that bad, but a sliding dog bed may be inconvenient. The non-slip bottom of the KOPEKS Orthopedic Dog Bed prevents this from happening.
The therapeutic foam is 7 inches thick and has the same density as human mattress foam. Furthermore, this bed has two layers of protection, both of which are water-resistant. The one-sided bolster provides an optional resting support for your dog’s head.
We like this bed since it fits well. What’s not so fantastic about this bed are its liners, which simply did not last for some folks. Furthermore, the goods may arrive at the customer’s home faulty and not as described.
Pros
- 2 layers of protection
- 7-inch thick bed
- Bottom is non-slip
Cons
- It’s pricey for what it is.
- Inadequate quality control
- The liners are not as watertight as claimed.
Orthopedic Nononfish Dog Bed
Nononfish designed “warming” dog beds for small, medium, and big dogs. It seems to be a fluffy, spherical puff for your dog to rest on. They believe that the bed’s reassuring ring shape and plush outer layer relieve dog anxiety episodes.
The dog bed’s upper layer is water-resistant, and the bottom is waterproof with nonskid beads to protect it from sliding about.
Because the outside of the nononfish bed is not detachable, you would have to spot-clean it or wash the entire bed. It is of poor quality and should not be used for puppies or washed on a cycle other than “delicate.”
This dog bed may be suitable for little dogs and cats, but it is unlikely to be suitable for larger canines who generate greater messes.
Pros
- Material for a soft bed
- Nonslip base
Cons
- There is no detachable cover.
- Not built from high-quality materials
- Large dogs will find it too tiny.
- It is possible that it is not actually orthopedic.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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