Hunter needs a new bed.
It is very hard watching our dogs age. Suddenly they have a hard time getting up from the floor, have a problem with the stairs, and if they used to sleep in your bed they longer come to bed with you.
Many older dogs will start having arthritis and joint pains, and it is important that you choose the best dog beds for dogs with arthritis. Not all dog beds will work as well for senior dogs.
Providing dog beds for senior dogs will bring them tons of happiness and great comfort during their golden years.
We consider having a bed a necessity not a luxury. Shouldn’t it be the same for your furry friend?
I’m going to show you the 4 best dog beds for senior dogs, and explain how you choose the right one for your senior dog.
Table of Contents
Types of Dog Beds
There are several dog beds that are available, but there are only a few styles that are good dog beds for senior dogs and for dogs with arthritis.
Dog beds that have fillers of regular foam, cotton wadding, or cedar chips (which many beds are filled with) aren’t thick enough or firm enough to cushion painful areas such as elbows, hips, knees, shoulders or spines and should not be considered for senior dogs or dogs with arthritis. The following types of dog beds are good for senior dogs and dogs with arthritis.
- Orthopedic Beds – These typically are a mattress type which provides orthopedic support, and helps senior dogs feel comfortable and snugly in their old age. They are made with memory foam, which is highly recommended for older dogs. They help ease the pain of achy joints and the stiff foam makes it easier for old dogs to get up after laying down. Memory foam conforms to your dog’s shape but provides support for aching joints. The memory foam in orthopedic beds is temperature sensitive and when it is warmed by contact with your dog’s body, it softens just enough to prevent painful rubbing, without losing its firmness.
- Warming Beds – Heated dog beds are another good choice for dogs with arthritis. The warmth works to relieve your dog’s aches and pains. There are 3 different types. Some have a cord that needs to be plugged in like a heated blanket. Some can be microwaved, and others will retain your dog’s own heat to keep them warm.
- Elevated Beds or Cots – The height helps arthritic dogs stand and lie down more easily. It is made with a breathable fabric that helps keep them cool in the summer. It will work indoors and outdoors. Elevated beds are not cozily though.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Bed That Fits Your Dog Best
- Does your dog like to curl up in a ball, lean against something or likes to sleep with their head resting upon a raised pillow. If they have any of these habits, you will want to get your dog a Donut or Bolster dog bed. This style will fit them the best and keep them the most comfortable.
- Needed size. Measure your dog while they are laying down to know what size will fit your dog best. Another guide is by weight. 1-10 pounds = extra small, 11-25 pounds = small, 26-40 pounds = medium, 41-70 pounds = large, 71-90 pounds = extra large, 91-110 pounds = extra extra large.
- Make sure the cover is washable. It is going to get dirty and you will need to wash it.
- Check what the warranty is, especially for how it will retain its shape.
- Water-resistant – If your dog has issues with blatter control, or is frequently wet from swimming, you are going to want to make sure your dog bed is water-resistant. If it isn’t, you can add a waterproof mattress protector in between the cover and the filler. Just purchase an inexpensive one that might be purchased for a child s bed and cut to size.
- Make sure it has real memory foam.
- Check what the thickness is before you purchase a bed. It should be at least 3″ thick but for senior dogs 5″ or more is the best and for large breeds I recommend 7″ of memory foam. The thicker the more support and comfort.
- Durability – Dogs like to be destructive, make sure it can hold up if you have a chewer or scratcher.
- The style that fits your dog. All dogs sleep differently so you should get a shape to fit how they like to sleep. A dog that curls up might prefer rounded beds, possibly with side supports. A sprawled out pooch will prefer a more open mat style.
My Recommendations of Best Dog Bed for Senior Dogs
Big Barker Dog Bed – This is my #1 Choice. I consider this the best dog bed for senior dogs that are large and dogs with arthritis. In reviews, customers have raved about the bed’s impressive support and design.
Features:
- Extra support for large dogs. This bed provides unparalleled comfort and support for large dogs.
- Maximum amount of orthopedic foam with 7″ of high-quality comfort and support foam.
- 10 year guarantee warranty. The warranty guarantees that bed will retain 90% of its shape for 10 years, or you’ll get your money back.
- Made in the USA, handcrafted.
- Easy to clean. 100% microfiber cover is machine washable.
- High quality and positive customer reviews.
Pros – Best at providing extreme support for arthritic older dogs. Only dog bed that offers XXL size.
Cons – Comes with a higher price tag than most, however it has the best warranty you will ever get with a dog bed, and you will never have to buy another dog bed.
BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed – This is a great bed for the dog that loves to curl up and have support or that likes to drape their head and neck over a pillow.
Features:
- Great support for medium to large sized dogs.
- Handcrafted.
- Comes in 2 sizes. 32″x32″ and 40″x30″.
- Built-in nonslip rubber backing on bottom side to prevent sliding on wooden or tiled floors.
- Removable, machine-washable cover.
- Positive customer reviews.
Pros – Offers great support and comfort for medium to large sized dogs. Available in 2 sizes.
Cons – Is machine washable, but no protection for foam if your pet has an accident. I suggest putting a mattress pad on the foam under the cover for added protection and you should be fine.
You can read a full review of the Barksbar Dog Bed here.
Kopeks Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed with Pillow – Great bed for large dogs or several dogs that like to spread out and like sleeping on a pillow.
Features:
- Available in 3 sizes
- 7″ thick memory foam plus 3″ thick pillow
- Premium memory foam Hypo-Allergenic
- Waterproof fabric with zippered cover
- Anti-slip bottom
- Machine washable
- Positive Customer Reviews
Pros – A very good price for a quality dog bed with this thick of foam. Waterproof fabric keeps foam clean and odor free.
Cons – I couldn’t find any from any reviews and offers everything that I recommend.
Joyelf Orthopedic Dog Bed Memory Foam Pet Bed – Great bed for dogs that like to snuggle or curl up when sleeping.
Features:
- Available in 3 sizes.
- Nonslip rubber backing.
- Waterproof Coating.
- Water and tear-resistant materials.
- High-density memory form.
- Hidden Zippers.
- Padded Bolsters.
- Machine washable.
- Cooling mat.
Pros – Very comfortable bed for dogs who like to curl up. Works for medium to large dogs up to 100 pounds, or multiple smaller dogs.
Cons – Comes with a cooling mat, which is great in summer, but older dogs that are suffering from joint point actually should have heat and be keep warm.
What A Dog Bed Provides
- A dog bed provides a sense of security. Keep the bed in the same location so your dog knows it is their special place. They will appreciate a place to claim as their own.
- Protects the home. Dogs can be dirty and if they spend most of their time on their dog bed, it will keep your carpet cleaner.
- Comfort. If you have a senior dog and they used to sleep on your bed or couch, you will notice that they might stop lying on the furniture because it is too hard for them to get on. Having their own bed will give them someplace comfortable to sleep or rest.
- When your dog has someplace to lay that reduces their pain and discomfort you will see that they will be more active during the day.
Conclusion
Dog beds for senior dogs are important for your dog’s well-being. I have reviewed the 4 best dog beds for seniors for whichever sleeping style your dog may choose. Having an older dog that is suffering with joint pain makes it even more important that you are providing the best dog beds for dogs with arthritis. You will be surprised how much better your dog can feel with the right bed.
Being a dog owner, you already realize that all dogs spend a lot of time sleeping and older dogs spend even more time sleeping and resting. I strongly recommend that as your dog ages, that you provide them with someplace comfortable for them to rest.
A place that will help make their body feel better and not quite as sore. I believe dog beds are important for our dogs at any age, but when you have a senior dog, it is even more important to help keep them comfortable and to relieve some of the pains they are feeling.
Remember, any bed to lay on will make it more comfortable, but I recommend that for an elderly dog the orthopedic foam is the best choice for their comfort and for helping them get up after laying for an extended time.
Whichever bed you choose for your dog, make sure it is machine washable and I highly recommend if it isn’t waterproof that you either add a mattress protector cut to size or even a plastic garbage bag under the cover to protect the foam and keep it clean.
Please let me know if you have other great recommendations below or leave any questions or comments and I will get back to you. You can follow justforyourdog.com on Pinterest, FaceBook or Twitter for all the latest updates on dogs.
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