Our Top Picks Summary

Canines in their senior years almost revert to puppyhood in terms of care and support. Older dogs sleep more and need uninterrupted periods of rest to sustain their energy levels. That’s why getting your furry companion the right bed for its golden years is paramount. 

If you’re anxious about choosing the perfect bed for your older pal’s needs – then we’ve got some great news. We’ve compiled an all-inclusive list of some of the best dog beds for older dogs, along with a detailed buying guide to help you look after your furbaby’s unique needs. 

Our Top Pick

As always, we’re going to start by introducing you to our top pick for the best dog bed for senior canines – Furhaven Pet’s Plush Sofa Orthopedic Dog Bed. 

Apart from being a best-seller on Amazon with rave reviews, this dog bed offers an egg-crate orthopedic support foam base to look after your older furbaby’s pressure points and joints. Its three-sided bolster design works to provide optimal head, back, and neck support for a more restful sleep.  

Why do You Need a Specific Dog Bed for Older Dogs?

dog beds for older dogs

As stated earlier, senior canines have special needs as far as their sleep and comfort are concerned. Here are some reasons why getting the right dog bed for your older canine matters.

Special Considerations for Senior Dogs

A canine’s body undergoes some changes as it ages. For instance, senior doggos often experience decreased mobility because of hip dysplasia, arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, etc., which cause muscle and joint pain.

Orthopedic dog beds are designed to provide optimal comfort for relieving achy joints. Also, beds for aging dogs come equipped with waterproof materials (or a water-proof inner liner) to help pet parents with hygiene in dogs with incontinence.

Warmth

As canines age, their metabolism slows down. That means they’re not as active as before, and they also tend to face issues when it comes to maintaining body temperature. That means any dog bed you buy should be equipped to help your doggo feel warm and toasty as it sleeps.  

Support

Even if your dog is lucky enough not to suffer from conditions like arthritis, it’ll still need a bed that provides ample cushioning for its body. Like humans, dog bones tend to lose their density in advanced years, which means you need to pay special attention to their orthopedic needs. 

How to Choose the Best Dog Bed for Older Dogs 

senior dog beds

Apart from age-related considerations, here are some factors that you should keep in mind when looking to buy a bed for your older canine. 

Material

Older dogs sometimes develop incontinence issues and need a bed that’s easy to clean and maintain to ensure hygiene. That’s why it’s a good idea to look for dog beds that offer features like a waterproof or water-resistant cover that repels fur/dust and can be spot-cleaned. 

Filling 

Typically, beds for older dogs will contain a mattress that’s either orthopedic or includes a memory foam base. Some beds even offer a combination of the two. Both orthopedic and memory foam are excellent filling choices for dog beds because they’re ideal for canines that need extra-support for joints and muscles. 

Washable

Buying a dog bed that’s entirely washable or comes equipped with a removable and machine washable cover is a smart move because there’s always a chance of doggy accidents occurring. 

However, keep in mind that memory foam beds are wholly washable and need to be protected from spills. That’s why investing in a waterproof inner liner for your dog bed is something you should look into. 

Durability

Durability is always a concern when buying pet products, and dog beds are no different. To ensure your money is well-spent and you don’t have to deal with hassles like returns or low-quality goods – look for beds that come equipped with warranties. 

Another pro tip is to go through customer reviewers to figure out if the dog bed you’re interested in promises quality construction. 

Price Point 

Budget always plays a role when you’re shopping for pet products. The good news is that dog beds are available in a stunning range of options, and that includes a diverse price range. 

It’s up to you to decide which bed will suit your doggo the most according to the features list. While some dog beds are more expensive than others, you can be sure their price includes quality and substance. 

Best Dog Beds for Older Dogs

Furhaven Pet – Plush Sofa Orthopedic Dog Bed

The Plush Sofa Dog Bed by Furhaven is available in small, medium, large, and three other size variations. Apart from that, this high-quality orthopedic bed also offers the comforts of an egg-crate foam suitable for pets with joint pain, arthritis, hip dysplasia, etc. 

The bed is designed to provide comfort and support for cuddlers and headresters, and the sleep surface is lined with plush faux fur to help your doggo ward off the chill. The cover is zippered and easy to remove, along with being machine washable. 

Last but not least, you can also look forward to Furhaven’s 90-day limited coverage program – designed to provide customers with protection against material defects. 

Big Barker 7" Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed

The Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed by Big Barker is ideal for extra-large and large breeds. But here’s what makes this entry one of the best orthopedic dog beds on the market – the product’s therapeutic foam is clinically proven to improve mobility in older dogs in just 28 days. 

The micro-suede removable cover is soft enough to provide you doggo with ample comfort, and it’s also machine washable. Finally, the bed’s foam comes equipped with a whopping 10-year warranty against flattening. Impressive, right?

Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler 

If you’re on the hunt for warming beds that are suitable for small dogs, then say hello to the OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler by Best Friends. The item is available in four sizes and is ideal for canines that like to curl up as they sleep. 

The design includes a 13.5” rear wall and a 9” front wall for relieving joint pain and providing head/neck support. The filling consists of AirLOFT fibers for ample cushioning and can retain its loft for longer than most other pet beds, plus it’s non-toxic. 

There’s no removable cover with this item, but the entire bed is washing machine safe and features a waterproof bottom to protect your floors. 

PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed

PetFusion’s Ultimate Dog Bed is suitable for small, medium, and large canine breeds that need extra cushioning in their golden years. The bed also features a 4” memory foam mattress for improved doggy health, mobility, and energy. And, no doubt, pet parents will appreciate the waterproof liner that accompanies this product. 

The cover is a tear-resistant polyester/cotton blend that’s also water-resistant, easy to remove, machine washable, and can be spot-cleaned. Along with a bolster-design for uber-comfort, a non-skid bottom, and an optional pet blanket, there isn’t much this memory foam bed doesn’t have.

K9 Ballistics Easy Clean Dog Bed

If your furbaby suffers from incontinence and loss of bladder control, then the Easy Clean Dog Bed by K9 Ballistics will suit you and your pup just fine. In fact, this product comes highly recommended by our editors, and here’s why –

Unlike other dog beds that feature a zippered removable cover, this orthopedic dog bed includes a microfiber cover that you can take off like a fitted sheet without any hassle, and of course, the cover’s machine washable too. The sleeping area is lined with faux fur to help keep your doggo warm during nap time, and the material is durable to boot. There’s also a 5” thick orthopedic foam that’s perfect for canines of all sizes. 

Furhaven Pet – Orthopedic Chaise Lounge

Some of the best orthopedic dog beds on the market are produced by Furhaven, and that’s why the brand’s Chaise Lounge finds its way at number six on our list. The bed is available in various sizes and can suit pups and older dogs alike, thanks to its high-quality orthopedic-memory foam and pet-friendly design. 

The classic chaise construction offers high-loft cushion support for headresters and doggos who like to sleep stretched out. The bed’s base is an incredible combination of medical-grade orthopedic foam and a top layer of cooling gel memory foam with microgel beads that help wick away heat on hot summer days. There’s also a zippered microsuede washable cover (with a faux fleece sleep surface) that’s easy to clean and remove. 

Utotol Warming Dog Bed

The Warming Dog Bed by Utotol comes highly recommended for extra-large and large dogs. While this product isn’t a memory foam dog bed, it consists of high-quality PP cotton padding at the base and rims (which measure up to 6.7” in height). That means the Utotol dog bed can provide ample cushioning for dogs with joint issues, even without memory foam.

The bed’s raised rim design will suit your anxious pup and works brilliantly as head support too. The anti-wear cover is a mixture of jacquard, oxford cloth, and nylon. And, there’s a non-slip bottom to ensure the bed stays in place. Not only is this bed made from top-notch materials that’ll last, but it will make sure your dog sleeps comfortably through the night. 

KOPEKS 5.5 Inch Thick High Grade Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed 

Are you looking for a dog bed with a 4.5 rating on Amazon that blends in with the home décor and offers your pup the comfort of high-grade orthopedic foam? If yes, then look no further than KOPEK’s Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed. 

Aside from hypoallergenic, this dog bed also comes equipped with a machine washable cover (suede), a non-slip bottom feature, and a pillow-top construction for restful dog sleep. There’s also a waterproof liner to protect the foam mattress from doggy accidents. 

Brindle Waterproof Designer Memory Foam Pet Bed

The Designer Memory Foam Dog Bed By Brindle has numerous features to recommend it to dog parents. It’s suitable for small, medium, large, and extra-large pups and is available in two different design variations. 

The mattress includes 2” of comfort memory foam combined with 2” of high-density support foam for superior support and cushioning that’s ideal for older dogs. There’s a washable and removable velour cover that’s dust and fur resistant, and there’s a 3-year warranty too. You’ll have a happy pup on your hands if you do plan on getting this bed for your dog. 

K&H PET PRODUCTS Ortho Bolster Sleeper Pet Bed

The K&H Dog Bed is made from medical-grade orthopedic foam, includes an overall bolster design (with easy access), and an easy to clean and remove plush velvet cover. Moreover, from a price point perspective, the product is incredibly economical and has an excellent customer rating on most online retail sites. Oh, and it’s suitable for small dogs too. 

Our Final Thoughts

Getting an orthopedic dog bed for your pup is a good idea, but it’s almost a necessity for aging canines with joint and muscle concerns. If you’re looking to make your senior doggo’s life a whole lot easier and pain-free, look for an orthopedic bed that scores high in factors like durability, washability, and top-quality, non-toxic filling. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best dog bed for older dogs?

There’s no one perfect dog bed that’ll suit older canines of all sizes and breeds. However, to make sure your pup gets the very best of life (even in its senior years), look for an orthopedic dog bed with a non-toxic filling. 

Generally, experts recommend a memory foam mattress that offers exceptional support for aching joints and muscles. It’s also a good idea to opt for self-warming beds that consist of a plushy fabric that promotes and aids body temperature regulation. 

Are elevated dog beds good for older dogs?

Pet parents prefer elevated dog beds because they can function as indoor and outdoor beds, offer enhanced ventilation, and help distribute your canine’s body weight evenly. 

However, older dogs with mobility problems may find it difficult to climb on or off an elevated dog bed. And that’s why when you’re purchasing an older dog’s bed, it’s best to look for products that offer easy access and don’t require your canine to extend too much effort. 

How much are dog beds for older dogs?

How much a dog bed for an older dog costs will mostly depend on the features it offers. Orthopedic dog beds with good quality medical-grade or memory foam will generally be a little pricier than their cotton padding counterparts. However, a maximum of $250 will get you a top-tier dog bed with all the necessary features and an incredible warranty like Big Barker.