In this article you will learn how to choose the best orthopaedic bed for your dog
A good dog bed is essential. Why? Because dogs sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day—more than half of their lives.
For puppies and older dogs, this time can increase to as much as 20 hours a day.
Renowned veterinarian Dr. John Waterman explains, “A poorly designed dog bed can contribute to joint problems. Movement is essential for health, and if the bed is too soft, it can significantly restrict it.”
With thousands of companies offering orthopaedic dog beds, choosing the right one can be challenging. So, which bed is best for your dog?
Contrary to popular belief, not all orthopaedic beds are beneficial for a dog’s joints. The wrong firmness can cause your dog’s paws to sink too deeply into the bed, leading to discomfort and potential joint issues.
Have you noticed this issue with your dog’s bed?
Large breeds are particularly prone to joint problems due to their weight, which can lead to conditions like dysplasia.
If you have a large dog, which weighs more than 55 pounds, investing in a quality bed or mattress can help prevent future issues. However, nowadays, smaller dogs are also at risk.
If your dog already has joint problems, an orthopaedic bed is a fundamental part of any treatment plan.
Benefits of an Orthopaedic Dog Bed
1. Scientifically proven improvement in joint health
A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania confirmed that orthopaedic dog beds can indeed prevent joint disease.
After just 28 days of use, significant improvements were observed:
- 17.6% of dogs experienced increased joint mobility
- 21.6% of dogs had less joint pain
- 12.5% of dogs experienced reduced stiffness in their joints
- 50% of dogs slept better, with less fidgeting at night.
2. Evenly distributed weight – healthy joints in the future
Evenly distributing your dog’s weight ensures that their joints are protected while lying down.
This is crucial for their recovery, and the sooner you invest in a good dog bed, the longer your dog’s joints will remain healthy.
3. Easy change of position – better sleep
Older dogs may find it difficult to change position on a regular bed. The greater firmness of orthopaedic beds makes it easier for them to turn over.
This is important because sudden movements during sleep can be uncomfortable for joints that lack proper support.
5 Most Important Criteria When Choosing an Orthopaedic Dog Bed
When investing in a high-quality dog bed, consider the following criteria:
1. The more elastic the material, the better the joint support
Orthopaedic mattresses for dogs are typically made from highly elastic foams or foam-like materials.
The more resilient the material, the easier it is for your dog to get up from the bed, reducing irritation to the joints.
2. Breathable filling prevents your dog from overheating
Dogs don’t sweat, so they need a way to cool down in hot weather. They often lie on tiles, which are hard and can put pressure on their joints.
A breathable orthopaedic bed is the ideal solution, providing a cool and comfortable resting place.
3. Easy cleaning = no mould inside
Accidents can happen, even with adult dogs, whether due to an upset stomach, an excited pee, or a spill. That’s why it’s essential to have a mattress that is easy to clean and dries quickly.
If the filling doesn’t dry properly, mold can develop inside the bed, which can be especially dangerous for dogs with allergies.
Mold spores can trigger respiratory issues and other health problems, making it crucial to maintain a hygienic sleeping environment for your pet.
4. Durable replaceable cover
It’s common to discard a dog bed when holes appear in the cover. Investing in a dog bed with a cover that is resistant to claws and teeth (though this can be challenging) or one that offers replacement covers is a wise choice.
Even if holes do appear over time, you can simply replace the cover, and the dog bed will look like new.
5. Firmness suited to the dog’s weight
Make sure the bed’s firmness suits your dog’s weight. Heavier dogs need firmer beds to support their joints. Look for beds that specify the right firmness for different dog sizes.
If the bed doesn’t have this information, it might not be the best fit for your dog.
Top 5 best orthopaedic beds in 2024
We’ve put together a ranking based on our criteria and other benefits these beds offer. We tested over 50 beds and picked the top 5. Here are the results of our tests:
Comparison of All the Dog Beds
The Petformed mattress is one of the best-selling orthopaedic beds in Europe, and for good reasons.
It’s the only bed that uses Oxymesh® instead of memory foam. This is a new Polish technology that’s patent-pending.
The mattress is 10 cm thick, comes in 4 sizes with different firmness levels, and has many unique benefits:
It makes getting up easier
Research shows that the Oxymesh® filling is 10 times more elastic than memory foam.
This means your dog can get up from the bed more easily, with less strain on their joints, and their paws won’t sink into the mattress.
Exceptional airflow
The Oxymesh® filling is made up of 90% air, allowing air to flow freely through the mattress’s core. This feature is perfect for keeping your dog cool during the summer heat waves.
Washable filling
The remaining 10% of the Oxymesh® filling consists of polymer threads that don’t absorb water.
This makes the mattress easy to clean: simply rinse the filling in the shower with cold water and wash the cover in the washing machine.
After washing, the mattress dries very quickly. We tested it ourselves, and it dried in about 3 hours.
Durable cover
The removable cover, equipped with a zipper, is made from a thick 330 g/m² woven fabric, making it durable and washable.
You can also purchase an additional cover, so if the original one tears, there’s no need to buy a whole new bed.
Does not absorb odours
The Oxymesh® filling doesn’t absorb odors, thanks to the non-porous polymer threads that prevent foreign particles from sticking. This means the filling will stay fresh and odor-free.
Hypoallergenic
The polymeric filling prevents the growth of allergens, bacteria, and mold inside the mattress. Even dogs with allergies can enjoy a comfortable and healthy sleep.
Summary
Pros:
- Good for the joints
- Prevents your dog from overheating
- Washable filling
- Durable removable cover
- Firmness adapted to the dog’s weight
- Additional cover available for purchase
- Does not absorb odours
- Hypoallergenic
- Available in 6 colors
- Ships within 24 hours
- 30-day trial period
Cons:
- No side supports
- They sell out quickly
We believe the PETFORMED orthopaedic mattress is the best option. Your dog will certainly appreciate the investment.
You can rest easy knowing you’ve provided a top-quality mattress that will help keep your dog healthy for years to come.
The Funny Fuzzy thick removable orthopaedic waterproof dog bed is a model of a bed in the form of a mattress. Thanks to the polyester cloth, the top layer retains water and is resistant to mud, sand and the remains of dog treats.
For typical dirt, a hoover or wet cloth is sufficient. An added bonus is that the fabric is machine washable. The mattress, which is the main part of the bed, is made of high bounce foam and soft pp cotton.
This type of insert adapts to the dog’s body. As a result, our four-legged friend receives adequate support for his entire body, which promotes healthy sleep.
Summary
Pros:
- Headrest for added comfort
- Pleasant to the touch fabric
- Durable cover
- The cover can be washed in the washing machine
- Water-resistant cover material
- 4 sizes available
Cons:
- The mattress is not breathable
- Same firmness across all sizes
- No possibility to wash the filling
- Absorbs odours
- Not hypoallergenic
It’s the memory foam mattress for dogs with and interesting design inside. It is based on bed construction used in medical environments, including NHS hospitals, to prevent the development of pressure sores.
The main component of the bed, is made of thermo-sensitive memory foam. As a result, it adapts well to the dog’s body.
The clever design ensures even weight distribution across your dog’s body, providing optimal support. The bottom layer of the mattress features a cooling foam that helps dissipate heat, keeping your dog comfortable.
One of the main advantages of this mattress is its wide size range. You can choose from sizes as small as 80 x 60 cm up to a large 145 x 105 cm, accommodating dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Summary
Pros:
- Clever orthopaedic design
- Cooling effect
- The cover material is easy to clean
- Cover is machine washable
- 8 sizes available
Cons:
- Dog hair can get into the cover
- Not very resilient
- The mattress is not breathable
- No possibility to wash the filling
- Absorbs odours
- Long waiting time for the ordered product
- Dog hair can get into the cover
- The material becomes dusty, which means there is a risk of fungal, bacterial and dust mite growth
The Knuffelwuff bed is a bed made of memory foam. The cover of the bed is made of hand-woven velour. It is a good solution for very large dogs, as the largest size is as large as 155×125 cm (the internal dimension for the dog is 120×90 cm).
Under pressure and body temperature, the memory foam mattress adapts to your dog’s anatomy, preventing circulatory disorders and pressure on the joints. Day after day, the mattress adapts to your dog’s body shape and weight. This relieves the strain on the spine. Outstanding durability is just one of the many advantages of the orthopaedic dog bed.
The cover is waterproof and soft. In case of very heavy soiling, the coating can be easily removed and washed in the washing machine. The bottom of the mattress has a non-slip material. The manufacturer offers 4 different sizes and 2 colours.
Summary
Pros:
- Made of hand-woven velour
- Has sides on which the dog can lay his head
- Waterproof cover
- The cover is machine washable
Cons:
- Not very resilient
- The mattress is not breathable
- Same firmness across all sizes
- The filling cannot be washed
- Dog hair can get into the cover
- Absorbs odours
- The material gets dusty, which means there is a risk of fungal, bacterial and dust mite growth
This bed stands out with its muted colors and fully waterproof memory foam filling, which helps prevent the growth of allergens for a period of time.
It’s an excellent choice for medium-sized dogs who enjoy curling up in their bed.
Summary
Pros:
- Waterproof removable memory foam cushion inside
- High sides for dogs to curl up against
- Water-resistant cover
- Machine-washable cover
Cons:
- Not very springy
- The mattress is not breathable
- Same firmness across all sizes
- No possibility to wash the filling
- Absorbs odours
- Available in only 2 sizes
- The material becomes dusty, which means there is a risk of fungal, bacterial and dust mite growth
Comparison of All Beds
After reviewing all the dog beds featured in this article, the Petformed mattress stands out as the best option.
It offers excellent support for joint regeneration, stays cool during hot weather, and is very easy to clean, with both the cover and filling being washable. The cover is also highly durable.
Additionally, the Petformed mattress doesn’t absorb odors and features hypoallergenic filling, making it a great choice for sensitive dogs.
It’s the only bed in our review that has firmness suited to the dog’s weight, ensuring optimal comfort and joint support.
The price is also quite reasonable, especially considering the manufacturer’s claim that the bed lasts 5 times longer than standard foam beds.
Overall, we find the Petformed mattress to be a top choice for any dog owner looking for a high-quality orthopaedic bed.