The 11 Best Dog Beds For Older Dogs
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Puppies will usually use any bed provided for them. Their muscles and joints are youthful. As your dog reaches its golden years, you may need to take extra care of their bedding. Arthritis and other joint disorders are common in older dogs. They can't go up and down as well as they used to.
The memory foam and bottom edges are common features of older dog beds. Of course, just because a bed is made for older dogs doesn't mean it's the best option available. We will review a variety of older dog beds in this post so you can choose the ideal one for your senior pet.
When viewing these beds, keep your dog's individual health needs in mind. For example, if your dog has urinary incontinence, a waterproof bed is essential. Dogs with arthritis will require orthopedic foam.
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) will help you find the best dog beds for older dogs that are best suited for your dogs.
Reviews
Best Overall: Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed by KOPEKS
We strongly suggest the KOPEKS Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed for most older dogs. It has orthopedic-grade memory foam that supports aching muscles and joints.
If your dog has arthritis or is experiencing some of the normal aches and pains that occur with aging. The zipped cover may be easily removed for cleaning. It is made of micro-suede, which provides a nice surface for your dog.
If your dog prefers, there is a built-in headrest for them to utilize. The opposite sides, on the other hand, are fully flat to allow for simple access. An anti-slip rubber bottom keeps the bed from shifting as your dog settles in.
This makes it easier for your dog to relax into the bed because it isn’t shifting underneath them. It also keeps the bed from moving across the floor.
Under the outer cover is a waterproof lining that protects the foam from any mishaps.
Pros
- Liner that is waterproof
- Cover made of microsuede
- Washable
- Foam memory
- One-sided headrest
Cons
- Only suitable for bigger dogs.
Best Value: Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Dog Bed by Furhaven
We recommend the Furhaven Pet Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Dog Bed for smaller dogs. It is an excellent choice for dogs who enjoy cuddling. The linked blanket may be transformed into a burrowing tunnel for dogs who want to sleep confined.
It may also be used as a blanket instead. Both alternatives are especially beneficial for elderly dogs that are susceptible to drafts, as the blanket keeps the dog warm.
Sherpa fleece, a strong insulator, is used to line the sleep surface and the underside of the blanket. The outside is made of micro-suede, which is soft and simple to clean. It also works well in the summer because it does not provide much insulation for the dog.
The sleeping surface’s top is made of gel-infused memory foam, which is intended to support joints. It also keeps your pet cool, allowing for a more comfortable night’s sleep.
The cover is totally machine washable and detachable. This is the greatest dog bed for elderly dogs for the money for these reasons.
Pros
- blanket attached
- Microsuede and Sherpa fleece
- Washable
- Memory foam with gel infusion
Cons
- Only for dogs weighing less than 30 pounds.
Premium Choice: Big Barker Orthopedic Pillow Top Dog Bed
If you have the additional cash, you might want to choose the Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed. It is intended for bigger dogs, which appear to be the animals who have the most difficulty with their joints.
According to the makers, it is “too forceful” for tiny dogs, which presumably implies it is overly hard and will be uncomfortable under their modest weight.
It comes with a 10-year warranty, which may be enough for some individuals to justify the higher price of this bed. The guarantee might save you a lot of money over time, albeit you will have to pay extra for the bed itself up front.
This bed also has orthopedic foam, which helps to preserve and support your dog’s joints. It is handcrafted in the United States in a tiny Pennsylvania facility.
It is machine washable for convenience, which is often required with elderly dogs. It also has a microsuede exterior, which is soft and comfy for your dog to rest on.
The bed has a headrest on one side and is flat on the other to allow your pet to effortlessly get into their bed.
Pros
- Microsuede is made entirely of microsuede.
- a ten-year warranty
- Foam orthopaedic
- Washable by machine
Cons
- Expensive
Brindle Orthopedic Soft Dog Bed
The orthopedic memory foam used to make the Brindle Soft Orthopedic Dog Bed. This relieves pressure areas and strengthens your canine joints.
In reality, this bed is comprised of shredded memory foam, which allows for better airflow. This keeps your dog cool in the middle of the night, allowing for pleasant slumber and avoiding the need for them to adapt.
The memory foam is held in place by sewn inside baffles to keep it from shifting around when your dog moves. This keeps it from scrunching up on one side of the bed. It is also portable and lightweight, which is advantageous if you want to move the bed frequently.
The cover may also be machine washed and dried. It is coated in a soft material to provide a comfortable sleeping environment for your dog.
The foam is not equally spread and may require some effort to move around the bed. The zipper is also not as strong as some others, so very insistent dogs may break it.
Pros
- Memory foam shreds
- Lightweight
- Cover is machine washable.
Cons
- The zipper is fragile.
- The foam is not spread uniformly.
Snuggly Orthopedic Dog Bed by BarksBar
The BarksBar Snuggly Orthopedic Dog Bed is a good option for senior dogs. It is comprised of orthopedic-grade foam and is quite comfy. It is beneficial to your dog’s joints and can help avoid discomfort and stiffness.
A cotton-padded rim provides a comfy sleeping area for your dog as well as a spot for them to lay their head if necessary. It is also machine-washable, which is beneficial for elderly dogs that are prone to mishaps.
On the underside of the bed, non-slip rubber padding is added to assist avoid slippage while your dog wanders about. The pattern is neutral enough to complement any home decor.
However, this bed is not at all chew-proof. In truth, it isn’t very ideal for chewing dogs. This isn’t normally an issue for elderly dogs, although some do like chewing. If your dog fits under this group, you should probably search for another dog.
We also recommend purchasing a bed that is one size larger than your dog need, as the sizes are smaller than you may assume.
Pros
- Foam orthopaedic
- Cotton-lined rim
- Rubber cushioning to prevent slipping
Cons
- Sizes are a touch small
- It is not chew-proof.
Memory Foam Dog Bed by Dogbed4less
The Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed has two exterior coverings as well as a waterproof liner. To safeguard the inside memory foam, the interior lining is waterproof. The memory pad contains gel, which helps to keep your dog cool.
The orthopedic foam supports your dog’s joints and can help avoid stiffness, especially when he wakes up in the morning. After removing the cover, it is machine washable, and the waterproof pad is simple to remove as necessary.
The primary issue with this bed is that it isn’t very waterproof. While it does come with a waterproof cover, it appears to be mainly beneficial for minor spills.
Larger spills and mishaps, in fact, frequently soak straight through the top and liner. If your dog is prone to accidents, you should skip this bed in favor of our top recommendation, which is far more waterproof.
The cover is also difficult to remove for cleaning, which can be an issue when trying to remove urine-soaked bedding. Because the inner liner cannot be machine washed, it must be removed and washed by hand.
Pros
- The outer cover may be machine washed.
- Foam memory
- Gel-infused
Cons
- The waterproof lining cannot be machine washed.
- Not completely watertight
Oscar Orthopedic Dog Bed from Happy Hounds
The Happy Hounds Oscar Orthopedic Dog Bed is the simplest of all the beds we’ve tested. It has a minimalist, box-like shape with no type of headrest. This might be handy for dogs who have difficulty stepping over bedrests to get into bed.
The bed does have a stylish cord accent, but it mostly serves to give longevity to the stitching. Because the pattern is totally reversible, it may last longer between washes.
However, we doubt that anyone will just remove the cover and flip it inside out instead of washing it, thus this is an unneeded function.
The cover may be machine washed fully. Even though it isn’t as fancy as other alternatives, the micro fabric is soft and suited for most dogs. This bed is quite simple. However, if that’s all you need, this may be a good alternative.
However, in most situations, there are superior solutions available for around the same price. There are several sizes available, but most are reasonably priced in comparison to superior beds in the same price range.
While this bed is machine washable, cleaning it is a chore. The lid is not readily removed. This may not seem like a huge concern, but it may be if you have a dirty bed and a mess to deal with.
Pros
- Washable by machine
- Durable
Cons
- It is tough to remove the cover.
- Not much for the money.
Deluxe Ortho Bolster Dog Bed by K&H PET PRODUCTS
At first glance, the K&H PET PRODUCTS Deluxe Ortho Bolster Dog Bed may appear to be a good choice. It does have 3-inches of orthopedic foam to help your pet’s joints, as well as a huge bolster for your dog to sleep on.
The micro-suede is rather soft and acceptable for most dogs. When the cover becomes soiled, just remove it and wash it in the washing machine.
This bed, however, is not waterproof. While this may not be important for some dogs, it is an important characteristic for many older dogs. Even if your dog isn’t having accidents right now, they may in the future. There are several causes of bladder incontinence in dogs, the majority of which occur in old age.
Many elderly dogs find it difficult to deal with the full-sized bolster. The bolster is gone on one side, but the dog cannot enter from any other side. The size is also a little perplexing and most likely not what you’re expecting. The bolster is included in the dimensions, although your dog will most likely not be sleeping on it.
Pros
- Cover made of microsuede
- Foam orthopaedic
Cons
- bolster in full size
- Not especially watertight.
- Measurements are perplexing.
Buyer's Manual
When selecting a bed for your senior dog, there are several factors to consider. The bed your senior dog sleeps in might be very crucial at times. If your dog suffers from arthritis or other joint disorders, the right bed can significantly reduce their stiffness and suffering. These beds are often made of orthopedic foam. Aside from that, their design might differ greatly.
Your dog’s individual demands will be met with the right bed. Because each dog has a unique mix of health issues, there is no one-size-fits-all optimal bed. Consider your dog’s individual needs before selecting on a bed.
Waterproof
Many elderly dogs are prone to mishaps. This might just be related to their age, or it could be owing to a medical problem. Even if your dog has perfect bladder control today, many dogs lose it throughout their older years. When a dog has bladder incontinence, it usually occurs when they are sleeping and they are not cognizant. As a result, their bed is frequently damp.
For the majority of older dogs, we recommend waterproof bedding. This is a critical characteristic for individuals who are prone to accidents. Some beds are completely waterproof. Even those marketed as waterproof frequently fail to tolerate excessive dampness.
Waterproof mattresses often feature a waterproof inside liner. The outer cover will become wet, but the foam inside will be safe. Typically, this liner is constructed of plastic. However, some employ very thin plastic that tears and cracks quickly, rendering it unwaterproof after a while. Check the reviews to be sure the bed is indeed waterproof.
Washability
Many senior beds are machine washable. This is useful if your dog has a lot of accidents because handwashing a pee-soaked blanket every few days may be time-consuming. Typically, at least the outer cover is machine washable. Because the foam is normally orthopedic quality, the actual memory foam is not. Remove the cover and wash it separately, scrubbing the plastic away by hand.
However, be certain that the cover can resist numerous washing. Some may hold up well after the first wash, but it may begin to wear out after a few cycles. You should also evaluate how simple it is to remove and replace the cover, since this may be needlessly complex in many circumstances.
Foam
The type of foam utilized is critical. This is the most important consideration in determining whether or not the bed will genuinely improve your dog’s joint discomfort and stiffness. If the foam is of poor quality, the bed is unlikely to be of much use.
That being said, it is quite impossible to rate a foam without first purchasing a bed and using it for a period of time. Even touching a bed in person won’t tell you anything because it might wear down after a few months of use.
As a result, we encourage reading reviews like ours before purchasing a bed. Otherwise, you can end up with a flattened piece of foam in a matter of months.
Durability
When selecting an expensive orthopedic bed, be sure it is strong enough to survive daily usage. Even if they aren’t as raucous as they once were, seniors may be rough on mattresses. They often use beds, which means they wear out quickly.
Additionally, these dogs have more accidents, which may quickly wear down a bed.
Conclusion
The KOPEKS Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed was our favorite of the beds we tested. It’s waterproof, composed of suede, and has high-quality foam inside. However, it is best suited to bigger dogs. You’ll need to search elsewhere if you have a smaller dog. It is one of the greatest mattresses on the market for bigger dogs.
If you have a tiny dog, the Furhaven Pet Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Dog Bed is a good option. It may be converted into an enclosed bed for tiny dogs who enjoy snuggling. It is machine washable and filled with gel memory foam.
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes our reviews helped you discover the best dog beds for older dogs. Senior dogs may have a range of demands and deserve a bed that can accommodate those needs. When selecting a bed for your dog, keep his or her special issues in mind.
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
Comment
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.