Are Elevated Dog Beds Good For Arthritis? (Fully Explained)

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When your dog is suffering from arthritis, you want to make sure you do the best you can to keep them healthy, happy and pain free.

Without the right type of bed for your dog to rest on they can experience achy/tight joints, restless sleeps, and avoidable pain.

Many people are unsure whether or not elevated dog beds can help with arthritis, so…

Are Elevated Dog Beds Good For Arthritis:

Among the many different dog bed styles, elevated dog beds are one of the most suitable for dogs with arthritis. An elevated dog bed will provide a dog with an even yet firm surface that offers support as well as relief for their whole body.

When choosing a dog bed for your pup with arthritis, it can be a daunting task. So what are elevated dog bed like?

There are many benefits associated with elevated beds that make them an excellent choice for a dog suffering from arthritis.

In this post, we’ll be diving deep into what exactly makes them ideal for arthritis.

We’ll also be weighing the pros and cons of elevated beds compared to other popular dog bed types to determine which is the best choice for arthritis.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

are elevated dog beds good for arthritis

What Makes An Elevated Dog Bed Good For Arthritis

There isn’t a canine lover who wants to see their pet suffering from arthritis without trying their best to ease the animal’s pain.

One of the best solutions surrounding helping a dog with arthritis live a comfortable life is to invest in an elevated dog bed.

These types of dog beds provide the support your dog’s joints need to alleviate pressure placed on them.

Since elevated dog beds offer a firm and even sleeping surface, a dog’s body weight is evenly distributed without certain areas carrying more weight when a dog sleeps.

This alleviates pain felt from arthritis and prevents a dog from feeling unnecessary pain.

Additionally, elevated dog beds also place less pressure on a dog with arthritis’s joints because they are slightly raised.

A dog’s joints have a break from gravity and have the cushioning they need when laying on the bed.

Moreover, elevated dog beds are better at temperature control in hot climates, which allows a dog not to need to move around too much and cause their joint pain to flare up during hot weather.

Interestingly, numerous types of elevated dog beds have different firmness levels, with some being comparable to human mattresses with pillow tops and springs.

This allows them to provide comfort to dogs with arthritis.

Since elevated dog beds come in different sizes, heights, and firmness levels, you can surely find one that will suit the needs of your dog’s arthritic condition.

Are Elevated Dog Beds Better For Arthritis Than Other Types Of Dog Beds?

The burning question on your mind is likely if an elevated dog bed will be better for a dog with arthritis than other dog bed types.

Essentially, whether an elevated dog bed will be better for your dog with arthritis will depend on their behaviors, preferences, and the severity of their condition.

However, an elevated dog bed could be ideal in most instances.

Elevated dog beds are raised off the floor at a manageable height. Since the height is low or easily adjustable, your canine won’t have any issues getting on or off the bed.

Most dogs who have arthritis find it difficult to be mobile. An elevated dog bed might seem like a poor choice for dogs with mobility issues, but it isn’t.

A raised bed makes the process of changing positions for your dog considerably easy.

It also allows your dog to lift themselves and lower themselves easier than when using a flat surface type dog bed.

Elevated dog beds can be more comfortable than other dog beds. They provide a cushion feel without the need for stuffing.

Additionally, most dogs get hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

Dogs with arthritis can get uncomfortable quicker as they cannot move around as easily to cool themselves off or to warm up.

With an elevated dog bed, your pet will be lying on a surface above the ground. They will be above the cold cement or floor in the winter, which will help with temperature regulation.

In the summer, they will be cooler due to the bed being raised and heat being allowed to escape through the bottom of the bed.

Pros

They are effortless to clean.
Easy to move, and some are portable.
Comfortable yet firm to reduce pressure on arthritic joints.
Varying firmness and comfort levels to suit a dog’s specific needs.
Durable, weatherproof, and some are chew proof.
Allows for better air circulation to keep a dog from overheating

Cons

Some elevated dog beds are pricey.
Some don’t have adjustable height settings or are too high.
It can be harder to assemble.
Harder for clumsier canines to use.

Orthopedic Dog Bed (Pros & Cons For Arthritic Dog Vs. Elevated Dog Bed)

Another popular dog bed choice for dogs that have arthritis is orthopedic beds.

This type of dog bed differs from an elevated bed in that although it provides support, it utilizes different materials and is not made to sit above the ground.

Orthopedic dog beds are often used by dogs with arthritis and hip dysplasia because they are designed to relieve the pressure dogs feel on their joints.

Usually, orthopedic dog beds are made with memory foam and other types of high-density foams that can cradle a dog’s frame.

Also, orthopedic dog beds have slim frames, which makes them ideal for dogs with mobility issues.

However, bigger dogs with less natural fat, like greyhounds, will benefit more from using this type of dog bed as it helps them better retain their body heat.

Pros

Provides firm support for joints.
Reduces pain felt from bone conditions.
Good for dogs with less natural fat.
Variety of firmness and size choices.

Cons

Dogs can easily chew or destroy the foam.
The foam can sag over time and need to be replaced frequently.
Orthopedic beds can be more expensive.
They get dirty easily.

Final Verdict:

Orthopedic dog beds are suitable for arthritis, especially for pups on the leaner side because of their slender frame.

The ones with memory foam cradle a dog and provide the support they need for aching joints.

When it comes to determining if an orthopedic bed would better suit your arthritic dog over an elevated bed, the major factors are cost and whether they overheat easily.

Elevated dog beds provide better air circulation than orthopedic beds which help your achy doggo stay cooler, for longer and without having to adjust their lying position on the bed.

Both dog beds are good for arthritis. If price isn’t an issue, and your pup has trouble cooling off, an elevated bed is the better choice.

If they have trouble staying warm, an orthopedic dog bed would likely suit them better.

Heated Dog Bed (Pros & Cons For Arthritic Dog Vs. Elevated Dog Bed)

Not many people know that there are heated dog beds available. Unlike an elevated dog bed, a heated dog bed is directly on the ground.

Moreover, heated dog beds don’t offer as much support as elevated dog beds.

Heated dog beds are targeted toward smaller and older dogs who need extra warmth during the winter months.

One of the best features of a heated dog bed is that the heat encourages and increases blood flow to a dog’s joints.

This is particularly beneficial for dogs that have arthritis and other joint conditions and diseases. This type of bed also reduces overall body stiffness, which alleviates the pain your dog feels.

Depending on the heated dog bed you choose, your animal will be safe using it.

Surprisingly, many dog owners make the common mistake of believing that a heated dog bed is dangerous, but this isn’t true.

Most heated dog beds work the same as an electric blanket and require electricity, while others have a self-heating element.

Pros

Reduces joint stiffness.
Keeps your dog warm during the winter.
Increases blood flow to a dog’s joints.
Suitable for small breed dogs and senior dogs.

Cons

Does not have an arthritis support design.
Cheap heated dog beds can be unsafe.
Some types require a constant electrical connection which can prove costly.
Not suited to dogs living in warmer climates.

Final Verdict:

Heated dog beds can be a great choice for canines with arthritis because they can reduce joint stiffness and increase blood flow to your dog’s aching joints.

Heated dog beds are usually beneficial if you have a smaller dog or a senior dog with arthritis.

Elevated dog beds are suitable for all dogs regardless of size and age. Moreover, elevated dog beds can be used in warmer climates, unlike heated dog beds.

If you live in an area where it gets warm throughout the year, an elevated dog bed will better suit your arthritic pup.

Plastic Dog Bed (Pros & Cons For Arthritic Dog Vs. Elevated Dog Bed)

Sometimes you don’t have the funds for some of the more popular types of dog beds on the market, like elevated and orthopedic dog beds.

Although this type of bed is affordable, it’s not the best for a dog with this type of condition.

Elevated dog beds provide support and allow a dog’s weight to be distributed, whereas plastic beds don’t offer this.

They’re not as comfortable nor as supportive for a dog’s aching joints.

However, some plastic dog beds are adjustable, and you can add cushioning to make them more comfortable for dogs with arthritis.

Additionally, plastic dog beds don’t provide heating or cooling functions and are placed directly flat against surfaces.

Yet, they can be cooler than a few fabric dog bed options because they’re made from plastic.

They’re also easy to clean and easy for an arthritic dog to access because most have an open access design.

Pros

Very cost-effective.
Easy to clean and long-lasting due to being durable.
Easy to move.
Cushioning can be added to make it more comfortable.

Cons

Not a comfortable design.
Not supportive enough for dogs with joint issues.
Can become too hot or too cold due to being made from plastic.
Hard plastic dog beds can scratch household floors.

Final Verdict:

Plastic dog beds are incredibly easy to clean and move and can be altered to include cushioning.

A plastic dog bed is an ideal choice for an affordable, budget-friendly dog bed option but not the best solution for dogs with arthritis.

If you’re on a tight budget and can only afford a plastic dog bed, consider adding a pillow or thick blanket to make it more comfortable.

If you can afford to do so, getting an elevated dog bed would be much more beneficial for your arthritic doggo than a plastic bed.

Are Elevated Dog Beds Comfortable For An Older Dog

Should you have an older dog suffering from arthritis, you are likely curious about whether an elevated dog bed will be comfortable for them.

Ultimately the design of elevated dog beds makes them ideal for older dogs with this condition.

Older dogs can get on and off them easily without straining their bodies.

Additionally, because they’re made with fabric meant to support aching joints, they distribute a dog’s weight while lying down, making them considerably comfortable for older dogs with arthritis.

Will An Elevated Dog Bed Be Able To Support A Large Dog With Arthritis

What’s great about elevated dog beds is that they come in various sizes, heights, and weight capabilities. This means you can find an elevated dog bed suitable for your dog with arthritis, no matter their size.

On average, a small elevated dog bed can hold up to 80 pounds, a medium-size can handle up to 110 pounds, and a large-sized elevated dog bed can hold up to 130 pounds. Essentially if your large arthritic dog weighs less than 130 pounds, it’s likely you’ll be able to find an elevated dog bed that will be able to support them.

Moreover, in addition to the weight capabilities, the actual design and fabric used with elevated dog beds make them ideal for larger dogs with this condition. The fabric used is pulled tightly across a durable frame, providing a level of springiness other beds don’t provide. This springiness supports larger dogs without being too firm or too saggy.

What’s The Best Elevated Bed For A Dog With Arthritis?

Arguably one of the best elevated dog beds on the market is the Kuranda elevated dog bed. This dog bed has a trifecta. It’s an orthopedic design, is easy to clean, and is chew-proof.

The cot style design on the Kuranda bed allows your pet’s weight to be evenly distributed, thus alleviating pressure on their arthritic joints.

The fabric is secured inside a specifically engineered channel on the frame of the dog bed.

Moreover, the fabric is scratch-resistant, making it durable and sure to provide your pet with years of support.

Unlike other dog beds that have pillows, the Kuranda is incredibly easy to clean.

All you are required to do to clean this bed is rinse it off or wipe it down.

Final Thoughts

We know how necessary it is to provide your dog with the best quality of life possible. If your dog has arthritis, an elevated dog bed could be the ideal choice.

These dog beds are known to provide the support your dog needs for their aching joints.

When the pressure is alleviated, and their weight is more evenly distributed by laying on one of these beds, they experience less pain.

Although other beds like plastic dog beds, heated dog beds, and orthopedic dog beds have specific benefits, they’re not as good a choice for certain dogs suffering from arthritis.

Whether your dog is small or large, young or old, an elevated dog bed could greatly benefit your arthritic pet.

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