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The Best Dog Beds For Older Dogs With Arthritis
| Editors Pick | Brand | Rating |
| Best Overall | PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed | 4.7⭐ |
| Best Budget | Furhaven Pet Orthopedic Foam Dog Bed | 4.5⭐ |
| Best Runner Up | Big Barker’s Orthopedic Dog Bed | 4.8⭐ |
| Best Washable | Laifug Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed | 4.7⭐ |
| Best Elevated Bed | The Kuranda Dog Bed | 4.6⭐ |
| Best For Donut Bed | The Original Calming Shag Donut Cuddler | 4.7⭐ |
Unfortunately your dog seems to be going through some new aches and pains. And you’ve gotten the news that it looks like they have arthritis. Now you want to find them the best dog bed for arthritis, to help ease their discomfort.
Sadly, this is all too common as pups become older and they start to slow down and need more rest.
The best thing for them is uninterrupted sleep to give them the energy they need to be their normal selves again! And a great way to help them get this beauty rest is by getting them a nice comfy bed.
Below you’ll find our top 7 best dog beds for arthritic dogs.
Without further ado… Let’s jump into the list!
Table of Contents
What Is Arthritis In Dogs?
One in five dogs will have arthritis, according to the Arthritis foundation.
If you have a senior dog, chances are they either have arthritis or will at some point in their lives.
Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints, which leads to pain, stiffness, and a decrease in mobility.
Two types of arthritis can affect dogs: osteoarthritis (the most common type) and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is caused by the deterioration of the cartilage in the joints. This can be due to injury, infection, weight gain, or old age.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints.
Signs Of Arthritis
The most common sign of arthritis in dogs is limping or lameness.
If you notice your dog favors one leg over the other, it’s time to take them to the vet for a checkup.
Other signs of arthritis include:
- Stiffness
- Difficulty getting up from lying
- Difficulty going up stairs or jumping
- Taking a narrow stance in the rear limbs
- Weakness of muscles in the rear limbs
What Type Of Bed Is Best For An Arthritic Dog?
Various types of beds can be beneficial for an arthritic dog.
The most important thing to remember is that the bed should be comfortable and support joints.
Some of the different types of beds that are available include:
Orthopedic Dog Beds
These beds provide support and comfort for dogs with joint issues. They typically have a thick layer of memory foam that contours to the dog’s body and relieves pressure on the joints.
Heated Dog Beds
These beds use heat to provide relief for arthritic dogs. The heat helps to increase blood circulation and relax muscles.
Elevated Dog Beds
These beds allow your dog to sleep off the ground, which can help to reduce pain in the joints.
After speaking with our veterinary consultant Dr. Littlejohn he concluded the best bed for dogs with arthritis is an Orthopedic bed.
What Kind Of Bed Is Best For Senior Dogs?
Senior dogs can benefit from any type of bed that is comfortable and supportive. The goal is to find them a bed that can prevent any issues, like arthritis, from developing.
For older dogs, the best bed type is an orthopedic memory foam bed. One that contours to their body and provides support for their joints.
Top 7 Best Dog Beds For Arthritic Dogs
Best Overall: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
After careful analysis on the variety of dog beds available, the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Lounge & Bed takes the cake when it comes to being the overall best dog bed for arthritis.
This is also our pick for the best dog bed for hip dysplasia.
This bed has a wide range of sizing options to accommodate most breeds and their arthritic needs.
It has it all, orthopedic memory foam, comfy bolsters to act as a head rest, removable & machine washable covers, a non-slip grip along the bottom so it stays in place, and waterproof lining around the memory foam.
It’s the perfect size for small-large size dogs, ranging from 25-inches in length up to 44-inches. It’s not so big where it will take up too much room in your home but not too small where your doggo will have to squeeze to make room.
Even if you have a little guy or girl they’ll feel like a king/queen in this bed!
The bed has glowing reviews from thousands of purchasers. All whom share how their beloved pups adore this bed and have no problem taking to it.
A worry when spending money on a bed can definitely be, “I hope they use the darn thing!” and it’s clear that’s no issue with this bed.
What’s also nice about this bed is replacement covers are available separately if needed.
Key Features
- Non-slip bottom
- Machine-washable cover
- Waterproof memory foam
- Available in 3 colors and 4 sizes
- Bolster sides for extra support and to act as a pillow
Best Budget: Furhaven Pet Orthopedic Foam Dog Bed
If you’re looking for an orthopedic dog bed that doesn’t break the bank but still will provide the support needed to help with your does arthritis then the Furhaven Plush Ergonomic Contour Orthopedic Dog Bed could be the one.
Regardless of the size of your dog, this brand has very affordable options for small, medium and large doggos. It offers great support with its contoured form.
It has both ends elevated to act as a headrest, as well as orthopedic foam to make sure your pup is experiencing optimal support for their neck, back, hips and joints.
The orthopedic foam is extra thick to ensure the bed remains super comfortable and that it will last a long time without being flattened.
So even though this is our best budget option, it’s not going to be ruined and unsuitable for your dog in a matter of days/weeks.
Another bonus to this bed is there’s a zippered cover. You can easily remove it and put it in your washing machine.. because accidents happen!
It has over 23,700 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 stars.
Key Features
- Affordable
- Orthopedic foam support
- Elevated bolsters on both ends
- Available in 11 colors and 6 sizes
- Zippered, machine washable cover
Best Runner Up: Big Barker’s Orthopedic Dog Bed
The Big Barker 7″ Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed is our choice for the best runner up dog bed for arthritis. This particular bed would also be our choice for the best orthopedic dog bed for large breeds as it’s calibrated for big dogs.
It’s made with 1 bolster side and a flat side to give your dog the best of both worlds. If they want to lie with their head elevated, they can. And if they’d like to lie flat, they can also do that to maximize their comfort.
The bed has 4 different types of American made foam, 4” contoured foam for the head rest, and 3” of H45 comfort foam sandwiched between 2” of H10 comfort foam.
Even a human would be comfortable lying on this bed. As of writing this, the bed comes in 3 sizes, large (48” x 30” x 7”), extra-large (52” x 36” x 7”), and giant (60” x 48” x 7”).
The company that makes these beds did a focused study. They have clinically proven that after using the Big Barker for 28 days dogs experienced less pain and more mobility.
So, outside of having over 5,700 reviews with 87% of buyers being raving fans… This bed has also been tested in a concentrated study and proven to help with mobility and pain.
What’s also great is the company is so confident that the bed will last and not flatten over time they even offer a 10-year warranty.
Key Features
- 10-year warranty
- Ideal for large breeds
- Comes in 4 colors and 3 sizes
- Made with 4 layers of American-made foam
- Proven and tested to help dogs with arthritis
Best Washable Dog Bed: Laifug Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
The Laifug Orthopedic Memory Foam Extra Large Dog Bed is our choice for the best washable dog bed for dogs with arthritis. It has two layers of protective surfaces, a waterproof lining and a soft, zippered removable cover that makes washing the bed simple.
This bed can withstand any size dog up to 150 lbs. It’s got a nice bolster headrest that is 7” high while the rest of the bed is 4”.
The flat 4” portion of the bed is made of thick memory foam and the company claims that it will keep its shape and not flatten over time. They say it will keep 90% of its shape and support for the 3 years.
Based on the reviews that statement seems true. Many reviewers share that the bed has been used for long periods of time and still in great shape.. And of course that their dog has taken quite the liking to their new bed and remained happy with it.
It’s been reviewed over 6,400 times with 79% of people giving this bed a shiny 5 star review.
Key Features
- Waterproof lining
- Bolster headrest is 7” high
- Great for any size dog up to 150 lbs
- Comes in 8 different colors and 3 sizes
- Soft, zippered removable cover for easy washing
- Thick orthopedic memory foam will keep that will keep its shape
Best Elevated Bed: The Kuranda Dog Bed
You might be wondering, is an elevated dog bed good for arthritis? The answer is yes!
Based on all the options available, we determined that the Kuranda Dog Bed is the best elevated dog bed for arthritis. This bed is chew-resistant, has immense durability, and has an elevated design that helps alleviate pressure to joints.
This product is patented for it’s high strength, lightweight design. It’s built to support up to 250 pounds.
In addition, most people looking for the best bed for senior dogs are concerned about their mobility. This Kuranda Dog Bed although elevated is rather close to the ground. Its no different then a 4″ dog bed.
Plus, the elevated orthopedic design helps relieve pressure on their joints.
Arthritis is tough on a dogs body and joints so the elevated aspects of this dog bed actually proves effective at reducing their discomfort.
Key features:
- Chew-proof
- Easy to clean
- Can hold up to 250 lbs
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Elevated dog beds help dogs cool off easier
- Uses elevation to help provide relief to aching bones and joints
Best Donut Dog Bed: The Original Shag Donut Cuddler
For dogs with arthritis that low to snuggle The Original Calming Shag Donut Cuddler Dog Bed is a great option.
It’s super soft and cozy, giving your pup the feeling of being wrapped in a cloud.
This bed is also great for dogs that have anxiety issues as it has a raised edge which creates a sense of security.
It’s made of vegan faux shag fur that’s cozy, supportive and warm.
The bed has deep crevices as well as a bolstered border. Whether your doggo likes to burrow and snuggle up or sprawl out to sleep, they will be able to get the best of both worlds in this bed.
The cover is also easily removable as well as machine washable.
Key Features:
- Bolstered border
- Cozy, flexible and warm
- Machine washable cover
- Deep crevices for burrowing
Other Top-Rated Dog Beds For Arthritis
Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed
The Bedsure Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed is one of the top-rated beds for achy dogs. It has two layers of memory foam, with the top layer being softer and conforming.
The outer cover doesn’t stain, stick to fur/hair or easily absorb liquid (urine, vomit, drool). You can machine wash and dry it on low heat.
This bed is designed for senior dogs with arthritis up to 75 pounds.
What’s also nice about this bed is they have an array of sizes available so whether you have a small or large dog, you’ll find a size of this bed that meets their needs.
It has just over 6,400 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Key Features
- Affordable
- Non-skid bottom
- Made of 100% memory foam
- The outer cover is machine washable
- Has a water resistant and tear proof cover
- Comes in 4 sizes (small, medium, large, extra large)
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Make My Dog Comfortable With Arthritis?
The best way to keep a dog with arthritis comfortable is to consult your vet. Every diagnosis comes with a unique set of circumstances, and only your vet will be able to provide you with the specific guidance you need.
In addition to following your vet’s orders, there are a few general things you can do to make your dog more comfortable:
Get them a supportive bed – This is one of the most important things you can do. A comfortable bed will help take the pressure off their joints and allow them to get a good night’s sleep.
Exercise – Exercise is vital for all dogs, but it’s especially crucial for those with arthritis. Getting moderate exercise will help to increase blood circulation and flexibility. Swimming is the best form of exercise for dogs with arthritis.
Supplements – There are several supplements on the market that can help to relieve arthritis pain. Consult your vet before giving your dog any supplements.
Weight Control – Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is important for overall health. Still, it’s especially crucial for those with arthritis. Excess weight puts additional stress on the joints, leading to pain.
Avoid Inflammatory Food – Like, people, certain foods can cause inflammation in dogs. Avoid feeding your dog food high in sugar, grains, or processed ingredients.
Do Orthopedic Dog Beds Really Help?
Yes, orthopedic dog beds can provide significant relief for dogs with arthritis. The thick layer of memory foam contours to the dog’s body and takes the pressure off its joints.
What Is The Best Dog Bed For Older Dogs?
The best dog bed for old dogs is an orthopedic memory foam bed. The most popular choice on the market today for dog beds for older dogs is the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Lounge & Bed. It has it all, orthopedic memory foam, comfy bolsters, machine washable covers, a non-slip grip bottom, and waterproof lining.
Final Thoughts
As your doggo ages, they don’t have to experience a great deal of discomfort. By getting an orthopedic, memory foam bed for your dogs arthritis and joints can take a break and heal so when you come home they can spring into action and give you their best hello.
Our best overall choice, the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Lounge & Bed, is the best dog bed for older dogs with arthritis.
So if your dog is unfortunately experiencing more than one challenge, this bed can help aid many aches and pains.
If you have a big or giant doggo on your hands then the Big Barker 7″ Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed, which is our runner up choice, would greatly suit them.
If you have a dog bed that your four legged friend who has arthritis loves and we missed it on our list, please let us know in the comments below!
We constantly look for new products that come out to make sure our list stays up-to-date with the best beds out right now.
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