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Dogs are a significant part of the family and need just as much comfort as anyone else who resides in your home. That means they need a durable bed that helps them drift off into a deep sleep every night and for those lazy afternoons naps. And if you have a senior dog, finding them a bed takes a bit more time and resources to help accommodate their changing needs. That’s where our list of the best dog beds for older dogs comes in. “Orthopedic beds are great for senior dogs or those with arthritis or mobility issues,” shares Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance. “Solid, thick, high-density memory foam is generally considered the best option, as it distributes their weight evenly to reduce pressure on sensitive joints.”
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Best Dog Beds for Older Dogs at a Glance
Best Overall: Casper Dog Bed, $169
Best Dog Bed with Orthopedic Support: Top Paw Orthopedic Memory Foam Quilt Mattress Dog Bed, $80
Best Waterproof Dog Bed: Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed, $32 (was $50)
Best Sofa-Style Dog Bed: FurHaven Velvet Waves Perfect Comfort Cooling Gel Top Memory Foam Sofa Dog Bed, $95 (was $180)
Best Splurge Dog Bed: Barney Bed, $225
Best Durable Dog Bed: Top Paw Blue Aztec Orthopedic Mattress Dog Bed, $73
Best Breathable Dog Bed: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed, $138
Bed Dog Bed Topper: Top Paw Charcoal Orthopedic Pillow Top Dog Bed, $90
What to look for in a bed when shopping for a senior dog
When selecting a bed for an older dog, veterinarians note that the first thing you should look for is one that offers orthopedic support. “Aging dogs often go through joint stiffness, arthritis, or general muscle loss, so a bed that absorbs pressure points and ensures proper alignment is the most important,” Dr. Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at Waggel explains. “Opt for memory foam or high-density orthopedic foam, as these materials are able to take the shape of your dog’s body and, therefore, give constant support.”
Dr. Warner also says that it’s wise for pet parents to think about how easy the entry to the bed is. “Low-profile flat beds with no elevated sides are the most suitable for dogs that have difficulty moving as they do not have to work hard to get in or out.” Additionally, a non-slip bottom can be of use to stop the bed from sliding on glossy floors.
“For dogs with incontinence, a waterproof liner and washable cover are critical,” Dr. Cahn adds. “Washable beds made from gentle materials are also important for dogs with allergies, as keeping bedding clean is an important way to help reduce the allergen load in your home.”
Below, find a helpful list of other features to look for in a dog bed from Dr. Jennifer Bruns, DVM, MPVM, veterinarian at PetSmart Veterinary Services.
Comfort: Comfort is key for senior dogs. Luckily, there are many types of orthopedic dog beds, including elevated, memory foam, and cushioned options. “These beds come in various thicknesses and features to suit your dog’s comfort needs,” Dr. Bruns says.
Durability: Opt for beds that are durable through constant washing and use. Senior dogs might have bathroom accidents, so choosing a bed with removable covers is helpful.
Size: “Ensure the bed is the right size for your senior dog,” Dr. Bruns explains. “A bed that’s too small can be uncomfortable, while one that’s too large may not provide the necessary support.”
Lastly, it’s important to note that the ingestion of bedding may result in a life-threatening intestinal obstruction. This means a “durable or chew-proof option may be needed if your dog likes to chew on their bedding (or does so as a result of separation anxiety),” according to Dr. Cahn.
Keep reading to shop the best beds for senior dogs, according to vets.
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Best Overall
Casper Dog Bed
This dog bed from Casper is made with the same craftsmanship used for the award-winning Casper mattresses, which helps keep your wise dog comfortable. The bed is made with layers — the top is crafted with materials that “mimic the sensation of pawing at loose earth,” per the brand. It also includes supportive foam bolsters where pets can lie their heads safely. However, the feature vets praise the most is the bed’s pressure-relieving memory, which helps keep dogs’ joints from aching. The bed also does not sink or sag, and has a removable cover you can wash anytime.
Materials: Viscoelastic memory foam, polyurethane support foam, nylon, polyester, and olefin cover
Waterproof: No
Sizes: Small and medium
Colors: Sand and blue
Pros:
Supports dogs of all sizes
Washable
Pet parent-approved
Cons:
Expensive
Bulky
Best Dog Bed with Orthopedic Support
Top Paw Orthopedic Memory Foam Quilt Mattress Dog Bed
“For older dogs, orthopedic beds are a great option,” Dr. Bruns says. “The Top Paw Orthopedic Memory Foam Quilt Mattress Dog Bed offers memory foam for additional structure, helping to alleviate pressure on aging joints. Orthopedic beds provide the necessary dense but comforting padding that senior dogs need, making it easier for them to get up and move around.”
Materials: 100% polyester, Liner: 100% polypropylene, Fill: Polyurethane foam
Waterproof: Yes
Sizes: Large and medium
Colors: Brown and grey
Pros:
Dense padding
Durable
Cons:
Only two sizes
Best Waterproof Dog Bed
Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed
Dr. Warner recommends this dog bed for seniors since it has a “waterproof inner lining under the cover for the memory foam to prevent liquid from seeping in and a machine washable cover for easy maintenance.”
Materials: Memory foam
Waterproof: Yes
Sizes: Small, medium, and large
Colors: Grey, navy, and white
Pros:
Cushioning for the joints
Memory foam does not flatten over time
Cons:
Some pet parents found the bed was thinner than expected
Best Sofa-Style Dog Bed
FurHaven Velvet Waves Perfect Comfort Cooling Gel Top Memory Foam Sofa Dog Bed
Dr. Warner also recommends this comfortable bed. “Its sofa-style design makes it inviting and snug for senior dogs to feel comfortable and secure,” she adds. The bed gives your four-legged best friend a comfortable place to rest their head that’s safe on their body. It offers wrap-around bolsters, which make great pillows to snuggle up with. There is also pressure-activated gel-infused memory foam, made to absorb body heat and disperse it when dogs get too warm.
Materials: Polyester
Waterproof: No
Sizes: Medium, large, jumbo, and jumbo plus
Colors: Brownstone, granite gray, and celadon green
Pros:
Many sizes available
Under $100
Cons:
Cover zipper can break easily
Best Splurge Dog Bed
Barney Bed
If your dog is experiencing pain, splurging on the Barney Bed is worth every penny. It instantly helps your dog ease into comfort by relieving pressure from their body and joints. The bed is crafted with a non-skid base that secures the bed in case your pup gets the zoomies before bed. The entire composition of the bed makes them feel like they’re in their own den while contouring to their bodies.
Materials: 100% memory foam
Waterproof: Yes
Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra-large, 2XL
Colors: Original gray
Pros:
CertiPUR-US certified
10-year no-sag guarantee
Cons:
Only one color available
Best Durable Dog Bed
Top Paw Blue Aztec Orthopedic Mattress Dog Bed
“The Top Paw Blue Aztec Orthopedic Mattress Dog Bed is engineered for strength, offering ultimate support so that your dog can enjoy optimal comfort when he lays his head down to rest. It’s also water-resistant and washable in case of any potty accidents!” Dr. Bruns shares.
Materials: 100% polyester
Waterproof: Yes
Sizes: Small, medium, and large
Colors: Blue and white
Pros:
Thick, supportive foam
Machine washable cover
Cons:
Thinner foam pad than other options
Best Breathable Dog Bed
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
This dog bed is another expert-approved pick for your pooch. Thanks to the included bolsters, senior dogs have plenty of space to lounge while offering them plenty of security. The bed also features a water-resistant cover and liner to repeal messes.
Materials: Polyester, cotton, and memory foam
Waterproof: Yes
Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra large, 2XL
Colors: Sandstone and brown
Pros:
Feels like an orthopedic mattress
Cleans easily
Has a sturdy base and padding
Cons:
Larger than expected
Best Dog Bed Toppers
Top Paw Charcoal Orthopedic Pillow Top Dog Bed
Although not technically a dog bed, vets recommend that this topper go on top of their existing bed. It provides them with an extra comfortable layer to rest on. Made with thick, supportive foam, the topper helps ease aches and discomfort. It also has a machine washable cover in case accidents happen.
Materials: 100% polyester
Waterproof: No
Sizes: Small, medium, large
Colors: Charcoal
Pros:
Best for for large and extra-large dogs
Has layers of comfort and support
Cons:
No memory foam
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