Best Orthopedic Dog Beds for Senior Dogs

The best orthopedic dog bed for a senior dog fits the dog’s full length, has a thick layer of supportive foam, and comes with a removable, washable cover. This guide compares five orthopedic beds by foam construction, thickness, size range and cover design, using manufacturer specifications.

Older dogs often show it when lying down and getting up gets harder. The AKC lists trouble getting up, reluctance to jump or use stairs, limping, muscle loss in the hind legs and irritability when touched as common signs in aging dogs. It also notes that dogs with arthritis may struggle with stairs or getting onto the sofa and may stand with the hind legs narrow.

The Merck Veterinary Manual says dogs with osteoarthritis may be slow to rise after resting, and it lists household enrichment and accommodations among the non-drug measures. A supportive bed is one such household accommodation. It is not a treatment, and these signs have many possible causes, so talk to your veterinarian about any change in how your dog moves or rests.

How We Chose

We compared manufacturer specifications for each bed against the practical needs of an older dog and the person who cleans up after one. Beds are ordered by how well they fit this use case, not by any score. You can read more about our process on the How We Research page.

Foam type and thickness: only what the manufacturer states, with no medical claims.
Height of the bed: a design feature we report in inches where the maker lists it.
Cover and liner: removable, machine-washable covers and waterproof liners where the maker provides them.
Size for big dogs: beds with large and extra-large sizes, with exact dimensions.
Non-slip base: noted only where the maker lists it.

Our Picks

Each Amazon button goes to a specific size listing noted in the pick. Check that size against your dog before you buy.

For big dogs with occasional accidents: Bully Beds Original Orthopedic Dog Bed

This bed suits large senior dogs whose owners want protection built in. It comes with an internal waterproof liner and a non-slip base, so there is less to add on later. The Amazon link below is for the Large size (48x30x7 inches).

Key specs (per the manufacturer):

Sizes: M 34x22x4 in, L 48x30x7 in, XL 52x34x7 in, XXL 60x48x7 in
CertiPUR-US memory foam, 4.5 lb density
Removable, washable microfiber cover
Internal waterproof liner included, plus a non-slip base

Consider: The Medium is 4 inches thick, while Large and up are 7 inches, so the bed sits taller in the sizes big dogs need.

Check price on Amazon

For stiff dogs that struggle to step up: Dogbed4less Orthopedic Premium Memory Foam Pad Dog Bed

At 4 inches thick in every size, this is the lowest-profile bed in this guide, which means less height to step over. It also comes in crate sizes, which helps if your dog rests in a crate (our dog crate size guide explains how to measure the crate floor). The Amazon link below is for the XXL (55x37x4 inches).

Key specs (per the manufacturer):

Sizes: M 35×20, L 37×27, L Crate 41×27, XL 40×35, XL Crate 47×29, XXL 55×37, Jumbo 55×47 (inches)
One solid piece of gel-infused memory foam, 3.2 lb density
Waterproof internal zip cover
Machine-washable external cover in denim, microsuede, canvas or ballistic options

Consider: It is 4 inches thick in all sizes, so there is less cushioning depth than the 7 and 10 inch beds below, and you need to pick an external cover fabric.

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For large and giant dogs that like a headrest: Big Barker 7″ Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed, Headrest Edition

This bed suits large and giant senior dogs that want a thick, flat sleeping surface with a raised headrest. The manufacturer makes it 7 inches thick in every size. The Amazon link below is for the XL (52x36x7 inches).

Key specs (per the manufacturer):

7 inches thick in every size
Sizes: Large 48x30x7 in, XL 52x36x7 in, Giant 60x48x7 in
Available in Sleek, Headrest and Sofa styles
10-year warranty

Consider: Every size is 7 inches thick, so there is no lower-profile option, and the headrest style adds a raised section to the bed.

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For very large dogs: LaiFug 422 Jumbo Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

This one-size bed is built for very large dogs that like to rest their head on a raised pillow. It pairs two foam types with a double pillow design and a water-resistant cover over a waterproof liner.

Key specs (per the manufacturer):

One size: 50x36x10 inches, for dogs up to 200 lb
30D soft foam plus 45D memory foam
Pillows of 3 inches and 1.8 inches
Removable, machine-washable, water-resistant 100% microfiber cover with a waterproof liner

Consider: At 10 inches thick with a single size, it is the tallest bed here and takes up a lot of floor space, so measure the spot first.

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For dogs that like to lean on bolsters: Furhaven Quilted Sofa Dog Bed

This sofa-style bed has bolsters on three sides, which suits dogs that like to lean or tuck in. It offers several foam options, so you can choose the support that fits. The Amazon link below is for the Large size.

Key specs (per the manufacturer):

Foam options: convolute orthopedic, solid orthopedic, memory foam and a gel option
Sizes: Medium, Large, Jumbo, Jumbo Plus
Three bolsters
Removable, zippered, machine-washable cover

Consider: No liner is included (a water-resistant liner is sold separately), so it is not waterproof as sold. The manufacturer page lists no dimensions, and you must choose the foam option yourself.

Check price on Amazon

Quick comparison

Bed	Sizes listed by the manufacturer	Suits
Bully Beds Original	M 34x22x4, L 48x30x7, XL 52x34x7, XXL 60x48x7 (in)	Big dogs with occasional accidents
Dogbed4less Memory Foam Pad	M 35×20 up to Jumbo 55×47, plus two crate sizes (in); 4 in thick	Stiff dogs, low profile
Big Barker 7″ Pillow Top	Large 48x30x7, XL 52x36x7, Giant 60x48x7 (in)	Large and giant dogs, headrest
LaiFug 422 Jumbo	One size, 50x36x10 (in)	Very large dogs, raised pillows
Furhaven Quilted Sofa	Medium, Large, Jumbo, Jumbo Plus (no dimensions listed)	Dogs that lean on bolsters

What to Look For

Foam type and thickness

Orthopedic beds typically use memory foam, solid foam or a layered combination. Manufacturers describe their foam in different ways: density in pounds, firmness ratings or layer names. Those numbers are not directly comparable across brands, so treat them as descriptions, not as a ranking.

Thickness is easier to compare. The beds above range from 4 to 10 inches, and a thicker bed gives more cushioning depth. Which suits your dog is a judgment call, and your veterinarian can tell you more about what your dog’s joints need.

Low entry height

Bed height is a design feature rather than a medical one, but it matters day to day. A thinner bed sits closer to the floor, so there is less to step over. A thick bed or one with raised bolsters or a headrest gives more cushioning but may have a taller edge. Look at the bed’s profile and note which side has the lowest edge to walk onto.

Waterproof, removable covers

The AKC says a removable, waterproof cover is ideal for older dogs, and that machine-washable covers help with puppies and with older dogs that have lost bladder control. Among the beds here, Bully Beds and LaiFug include a waterproof liner, Dogbed4less has a waterproof internal cover, and Furhaven sells its liner separately.

Size

A large dog should be able to stretch out fully without hanging off the edge, so measure your dog lying in a natural stretch and compare that to the bed’s length and width. If you are between sizes, choose the larger one. For help finding more options, browse our dog beds category. If the bed will go inside a crate, check the crate’s interior against the bed dimensions first, and see our crates and playpens guides.

Caring for an Orthopedic Bed

Follow the care label or the manufacturer’s instructions for both the cover and the foam. Covers that are listed as removable and machine washable are easy to keep fresh, and a waterproof liner or internal cover protects the foam if there is an accident. Let every part dry fully before putting the bed back together.

For general tips on cleaners and odor control, see our cleaning and odor control section. If your senior dog is having accidents more often, mention it to your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do orthopedic beds help arthritis?

A bed cannot treat arthritis. The AKC says a supportive bed may ease discomfort for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia, and Merck lists household accommodations among non-drug measures. Talk to your veterinarian about a plan for your dog.

How thick should an orthopedic dog bed be?

The beds in this guide range from 4 to 10 inches thick, according to their manufacturers. A thinner bed sits lower to the floor, and a thicker bed offers more cushioning depth. There is no single correct thickness, so choose based on your dog’s size and how easily your dog gets onto the bed.

Do I need a waterproof liner?

A liner is helpful if your senior dog has accidents or sleeps damp after being outside, because it protects the foam. Some beds here include one and some sell it separately, so check before you buy.

What size orthopedic bed should I buy for a large dog?

Measure your dog stretched out and choose a bed that is longer and wider than that measurement. If your dog is between sizes, go up. Compare the manufacturer’s dimensions, not just the size name, because Large and XL vary between brands.

Sources

About the author

Best Pet Supplies Guide

Best Pet Supplies Guide publishes research-based buying guides, size guides and care how-tos for dog, cat and pet home supplies, using manufacturer specifications and guidance from reputable pet-care organizations.