There’s nothing better than a cozy afternoon snooze-fest with your pup. But right when you’re on the verge of sleep, you hear “pap pap pap” as your dog spins circles around their bed trying to get it juuuust right. It’s time to get your pup an orthopedic dog bed that gives them the perfect support during each nap—no more spin-cycle playing wack-a-mole to smooth out the lumps!
Are Orthopedic Dog Beds Different Than Regular Dog Beds?
Most ordinary dog beds are made with a cotton or poly fill—basically, they’re just filled with soft fluff that smooshes down under the weight of your dog. Orthopedic dog beds, on the other hand, are made with a supportive orthopedic foam or memory foam that forms to the shape of your dog’s body as they lay on it. This relieves pressure points while still bouncing back to its original shape once your pup gets up.
Remember those Tempur-pedic mattress commercials earlier in the 2000s where a lady jumped on a bed next to a full glass of wine, and the wine didn’t spill? Orthopedic dog beds are made with foam that functions exactly the same way!
Why Is Orthopedic Foam The Better Choice For A Dog Bed?
Orthopedic foam helps cradle your dogs body—supporting it in all the right places, and taking pressure off their joints. A solid orthopedic foam mattress is always going to keep its shape—rather than getting lumpy—and will last much longer than other ordinary dog beds. This means they may cost more upfront, but you won’t need to replace it nearly as often—saving you money in the long run.
A typical cotton fill or poly fill dog bed just can’t offer your dog the same support and comfort. The filling often shifts around and clumps together, which leaves your dog trying to squirm around the awkward lumps and bumps to get comfy. Ordinary dog bed mattress fillers also flatten down more quickly. Leaving your dog with this thin layer of non-supportive lumpy material to try to snooze on.
Orthopedic Foam Dog Bed Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Gives your dog’s body and joints added support ✅ Helps relieve pressure points ✅ Less likely to flatten over time ✅ Eases aches and pains from joint pain ✅ Last much longer than ordinary dog beds ✅ Come in lots of attractive styles, colors, sizes ✅ Often made with higher quality materials | 👎Often much more expensive upfront (but lasts longer in the long run). 👎Many can still be damaged by digging or chewing, which can be a tough pill to swallow after investing in a good one. 👎Some companies use foams that aren’t certified for safety and may be made using harmful chemicals. Look for CertiPUR-US foam. |
What Type Of Dog Can Benefit From An Orthopedic Bed
Honestly? Any dog! Orthopedic beds tend to last longer, and be more comfortable for all dogs. But the pups who will benefit most are:
- Senior Dogs
- Dogs with arthritis and other joint pain
- Dogs with hip dysplasia
- Dogs recovering from an injury or surgery
- Overweight dogs who tend to have more joint pain due to excess weight
- Small breed dogs and underweight dogs who may not have enough fat and fluff to keep pressure off their bones
Best Orthopedic Dog Beds Of 2023
1. Frisco – Plush Orthopedic Front Bolster Dog Bed
BUY HERE: $49.57-$92.09 at Chewy
We love the look of this Frisco Orthopedic Front Bolster Dog Bed, and the fact that it’s extremely budget-friendly compared to some of the more splurge-worthy beds on our list. The entry dip in the front makes it easier for older dogs and dogs with joint pain to get in and out. It’s made with 3″-thick CertiPUR-US foam, poly-fill bolsters, and has a washable cover for easy clean-up.
Sizes: M, L, XL
Colors: Gray, Beige
Water-resistant: No
Washable Cover: Yes
Manufactured: Large and X-Large covers are made in China, and the beds are filled in the US using CertiPUR-US foam. The Medium size bed is entirely made in China with the same standards – per Chewy.
| Why We Love It |
|---|
| ✅ Budget-friendly ✅ Front dip makes it easy to get in and out ✅ Washable cover |
2. BARK – Memory Foam Mattress Bed
BUY HERE: $27.49-$38.99 at BARK
BUY HERE: $29.99-$94.99 at Amazon
This classic platform bed from BARK gives your pup all the space they need to spread out and snooze on the 3″-thick therapeutic, cooling memory foam mattress. Choose your (or your pup’s) favorite material—fleece, sherpa, or canvas—for the cover. With a water-resistant and machine washable outer cover, humans are bound to love this easy-clean bed, too!
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colors: Navy, espresso, grey, black windowpane, stripe, white windowpane, sand
Water–resistant: Yes
Washable Cover: Yes
Manufactured: Made in China
| Why We Love It |
|---|
| ✅ Budget-friendly ✅ Cooling memory foam helps keep your pup cool and snug ✅ Water-resistant and washable cover for easy clean-up |
3. Furhaven – Deluxe Chaise Lounge Orthopedic Dog Bed
BUY HERE: $14.99-$232.99 at Furhaven (product listings separated by type of bed cover)
BUY HERE: $20.45-$148.99 at Amazon
The Furhaven Deluxe Chaise Orthopedic Dog Bed offers three options for your dog’s inner mattress—orthopedic foam, memory foam, or cooling memory foam. All mattress foams are made with medical-grade orthopedic foam made in the USA, and come with a 90-day limited coverage against material defects. You may also qualify for their 60-day Worry-Free Program.
Sizes: S, M, L, Jumbo, Jumbo Plus
Colors: 16 colors and materials to choose from (like blue almond, iceberg green, and platinum gray)
Water-resistant: No
Washable Cover: Yes
Manufactured: Bed filling made in USA with USA-sourced filling materials. Bed cover is made in China.
| Why We Love It |
|---|
| ✅ Your choice of mattress foam—orthopedic foam, memory foam, or cooling memory foam ✅ Lots of color options ✅ Made with medical-grade foam |
4. Orvis – Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed
BUY HERE (WITH TWEED OR QUILT COVER): $269.00-$389.00 at Orvis
BUY HERE (WITH FLEECE COVER): $269.00-$389.00 at Orvis
BUY HERE (WITH TOUGHCHEW): $389.00-$509.00 Orvis
If this sweet angel’s face isn’t evidence enough of how comfortable the Orvis Memory Foam Bolster Bed is, then maybe the thousands of 5-star reviews will convince you. This bed is made with 3½”-thick Low-VOC CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam, and has a hypoallergenic, water-resistant, and removable cover. It’s also available with ToughChew fabric.
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Colors: 11 colors, including navy tweed, charcoal chevron, and field khaki
Water-resistant: Yes
Washable Cover: Yes
Manufactured: Inner components made in USA. Bed covers made in China.
| Why We Love It |
|---|
| ✅ Side bolsters add comfort and support, yet front opening allows for easy-access in and out of bed ✅ Able to be personalized with your dog’s name ✅ Water-resistant and removable cover ✅ Available in ToughChew material to help hold up better against diggers and chewers |
5. Barkbox – 2-in-1 Memory Foam Faux Fur Donut Cuddler Dog Bed
BUY HERE: $42.99-$69.99 at Amazon
This incredibly cozy donut bed will keep your dog snug as a bug! The BarkBox 2-in-1 Donut Cuddler Dog Bed includes a removable center pad, which means your dog can pick their favorite cuddle style. Your pup can choose to snooze in the donut with padding, in the donut alone, or even on the inner pad alone. So many options for comfort! Plus, it comes with a free toy!
Sizes: S, M, L
Colors: Sand, Grey
Water-resistant: Yes
Washable Cover: Yes
Manufactured: Designed in NYC, USA. Made in China.
| Why We Love It |
|---|
| ✅ Budget-friendly ✅ Both bolster cover and mattress cover are machine washable ✅ Removable inner pad allows your pup to snooze in three different ways ✅ Chipped foam helps cradle your pup as they nestle in |
6. BEDSURE – Waterproof Orthopedic Dog Bed
BUY HERE: $36.99-$129.99 at Amazon
The Bedsure Waterproof Orthopedic Dog Bed is made with a CertiPUR-US certified inner foam core. It’s surrounded by a waterproof mattress liner, and a removable ulta-soft flannel and velvet bed cover. With over 18,000 5-star reviews, it meets both pet parent and dog approval!
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colors: Grey, brown, dark green, navy blue, pink, turquoise, washed blue
Water-resistant: Yes, waterproof liner
Washable Cover: Yes
Manufactured: Made in China with CertiPUR-US certified foam
| Why We Love It |
|---|
| ✅ Made with waterproof inner liner ✅ CertiPUR-US certified foam ✅ Sizes options for nearly any breed ✅ Stylish color options |
7. Big Barker – Orthopedic Dog Bed
BUY HERE: $239.95-499.95 at Big Barker
Ok, you’re going to be coughin’ up a pretty penny for the Big Barker dog bed, but this thing is a TANK! Not to mention, it comes with a 10 year warranty to protect your dog’s sleepy-time investment. It’s perfect for large and giant breeds, and it’s built tough to hold up against dogs who really dig digging and need to nest (it scores 100,000 or higher on the standard Wyzenbeek Abrasion test). Plus, we love that it’s made entirely in the USA with certified CertiPUR-US® foam—no harmful chemicals here!
Sizes: L, XL, Giant
Colors: Khaki, charcoal gray, rose, burgundy, chocolate
Water-resistant: Yes (Additional 100% waterproof liners available as accessory)
Washable Cover: Yes
Manufactured: Made in USA
| Why We Love It |
|---|
| ✅ Great for giant breeds ✅ Customizable with your dog’s name ✅ 3 design options (flat bed, headrest, sofa) ✅ 10 year warranty ✅ Made in USA |
8. Barkbox – Memory Foam Dog Couch Bed
BUY HERE: $69.99-$84.99 at Amazon
The Barkbox Memory Foam Couch Bed cradles your pup with its cushy pillow-like bolstered edges, while still making it easy to get in and out thanks to the front opening. Plus, its 2.5”-thick memory foam mattress provides therapeutic support for your dog’s achey joints. Humans will love its easy-clean cover that’s water-resistant and machine washable.
Sizes: L, XL
Colors: Grey, Red
Water-resistant: Yes
Washable Cover: Yes
Manufactured: Made in China
| Why We Love It |
|---|
| ✅ Budget-friendly option ✅ Bolstered edges ✅ Water-resistant and machine washable cover |
9. K9 Ballistics – Tough Rip-Stop™ Orthopedic Dog Crate Bed
BUY HERE: $84.00-$209.00 at K9 Ballistics
The K9 Ballistic Orthopedic Dog Bed is the perfect fit if you’re looking for something inside your dog’s crate. It’s made with CertiPUR-US solid foam and Tough Rip-Stop™ fabric, which makes this bed more durable for active diggers and nesters. The anchor tie downs help hold it in place in your dog’s crate, and the water-resistant, removable cover make it easy to clean. This company’s goal is to make products that last longer to help reduce waste and make a happier Earth, so you can trust you’re buying a quality dog bed.
Sizes: S, M (2″-thick), M (3″-thick), L, XL, XXL
Colors: black, sandstone, blue quartz, light gray velvet, tan, blue, gray ballistic velvet
Water-resistant: Yes
Washable Cover: Yes
Manufactured: Inner mattress made in USA. Cover made in China.
| Why We Love It |
|---|
| ✅ Perfect for dog crates (thicker beds available, too) ✅ Uses Tough Rip-Stop™ fabric to hold up better against digging and chewing ✅ Can be personalized with pets name ✅ Anchor tie downs to help hold it in place |
10. Frontgate – Comfy Couch Pet Bed
BUY HERE: $143.20 – $223.20 at Frontgate
As a pet parent of a pup with severe joint issues myself, this is one of my dog’s personal favorites around the house—plus the velvet color options just look so dang nice. The Frontgate Comfy Couch Pet Bed has two supportive layers: a 1-1/2″-thick orthopedic foam cushion, plus a secondary cushion of softly-spun polyester fill. The cover and removable cushion are both machine washable.
Sizes: M, L, XL
Colors: Micro-velvet comes in flint gray, quarry blue, slate, platinum, and graphite. Micro-chenille comes in castlerock
Water-resistant: No
Washable Cover: Yes
Manufactured: Canada
| Why We Love It |
|---|
| ✅ Double layer of cushioning (1-1/2″-thick orthopedic foam plus removable spun-polyester cushion) ✅ Machine washable cover ✅ Micro-velvet covers repel pet hair, dirt, bacteria and moisture ✅ Stylish color options |
11. Barkbox – Outdoor Waterproof Mattress Dog Bed
BUY HERE: $38.99-$82.99 at Amazon
This one’s for our outdoor-loving dogs and adventure buddies. The BarkBox Outdoor Waterproof Dog Bed has a 3″-thick therapeutic cooling memory foam gel that helps relieve pressure on your dog’s joints after a day of playing or hiking. It’s 600D Oxford Fabric isn’t just water-resistant, but waterproof, which means your pup has somewhere clean to sleep no matter how wet and dirty they get outside. We do want to note, however, that this bed is spot-clean only, and not machine washable.
Sizes: M, L, XL
Colors: Green, blue, red
Water-resistant: Yes. Waterproof cover and zipper
Washable Cover: No
Manufactured: Made in China with safety testing from third-party
| Why We Love It |
|---|
| ✅ Budget-friendly ✅ 3″ cooling gel memory foam keeps your pup cool all year round ✅ Waterproof cover makes this great for use outdoors, in the summer, or during rainy season |
