Best Orthopedic Dog Beds for Senior Dogs With Arthritis
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A good bed won't fix arthritis, but a bad one makes every night harder. Older dogs spend much of the day resting, and stiff joints on a thin cushion over a hard floor make getting comfortable — and getting up — a struggle. The AKC recommends giving senior dogs soft, comfortable rest spots, especially on tile or hardwood floors, because cold, hard surfaces can aggravate sore joints.
What Makes a Bed "Orthopedic"
There's no official standard for the word, so look at what the bed is actually made of.
Thick, supportive foam
Solid foam — memory foam, or a supportive base with a softer top layer — spreads your dog's weight so hips, elbows, and shoulders aren't pressing into the floor. Thicker foam matters more for heavier dogs. A quick test: press your fist into the center of the bed. If you can feel the floor easily, it's too thin for a big dog.
The right size
Measure your dog sleeping stretched out, nose to the base of the tail, and add several inches. Older dogs often like to stretch out to take pressure off their joints — a bed they have to curl up on isn't doing them any favors.
Easy to get in and out
A dog with sore hips needs a low entry point. Beds with bolsters on three sides and one open, low side work well: there's something to lean against, without a wall to climb over.
A cover you can wash — and a waterproof layer
Older dogs sometimes leak. A removable, machine-washable cover and a waterproof liner protect the foam. Add a washable bed pad on top for easy swaps.
Our Picks
Barker Beds Orthopedic Dog Bed (Large, 7")
Seven inches of layered foam with a pillow-top and headrest — thick enough that a heavy dog won't bottom out. A premium pick for large dogs (the listing we link is the size for 50–70 lbs; check other sizes for your dog).
EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Dog Bed with Bolsters
Memory and egg-crate foam with three raised sides to lean against, and a waterproof layer under the fleece cover. A good-value pick with a very large number of owner reviews, available in several sizes.
Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed
An egg-crate foam bed with bolster edges and a washable cover — a budget-friendly option in small and large sizes.
Small on Amazon → · Large on Amazon →
Where to Put the Bed
- Somewhere warm and draft-free. Cold makes stiff joints feel worse. Keep the bed away from doors, vents, and cold tile.
- On a non-slip surface. A bed that slides out from under a wobbly dog is a fall risk. Put it on a rug or use a non-slip base.
- Near the family. Many older dogs rest better close to their people — especially at night.
- More than one bed. If your dog follows you around the house, a second bed in the main living area saves a lot of getting up and down.
For older dogs who feel the cold, a self-warming mat on top adds comfort without a cord.
A Bed Is Not Pain Treatment
If your dog is stiff, limping, slow to get up, or restless at night, talk to your vet. Arthritis pain is often underestimated in older dogs, and there are effective, dog-safe treatments. A good bed works best alongside a pain plan, not instead of one. See why older dogs are restless at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bed is best for an old dog with arthritis?
A thick, supportive foam bed that your dog can stretch out on, with a low entry point and a washable cover. Heavier dogs need thicker foam so they don't sink through to the floor.
Is memory foam good for older dogs?
Many older dogs do well on memory foam or a supportive foam base with a softer top layer, because it spreads their weight and eases pressure on joints. What matters most is that the foam is thick and firm enough for your dog's weight.
How big should my senior dog's bed be?
Measure your dog lying stretched out from nose to the base of the tail and add several inches. Older dogs often prefer to stretch out, so err on the larger side.
Should an old dog's bed have sides?
Bolsters to lean against are comfortable for many dogs, but make sure there's a low, open side so your dog doesn't have to climb over a wall to get in or out.
References
- American Kennel Club. 6 Ways to Care for Your Senior Dog.