The 7 Best Dog Beds for Older Dogs

Do you have an older dog? When was the last time you bought a new bed for your aging pup? If it’s been awhile, you may want to think about trading out the bed that worked for your dog at a younger age for one that will give him more support in his senior years. 

As dogs get older, they often develop arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint problems that can cause them pain and discomfort. The goal is to keep your aging dog as comfortable as possible. One way to accomplish this goal is to provide your furry friend with the best dog bed that is designed for older dogs. You just need to know what to look for. With so many different models and types of dog beds, how do we know which is the best? Our guide is here to help you make the best decision possible for your pup!

Compare the 7 Best Dog Beds for Older Dogs

PRODUCT	PRICE	SIZE	MATERIAL	WASHABLE
KOPEKS Orthopedic	Check Latest Price	XL 35 x 10 x 10	Micro suede cover, 100% memory foam interior	Cover is removable  and  machine washable
Brindle  Waterproof	Check Latest Price	S 22 x 16 x 4  M 34 x 22 x 4  L 46 x 28 x 4	Velour cover and memory  foam  interior	Cover is removable  and  machine washable
Big Barker  Pillow Top	Check Latest Price	L 48 x 30 x 7  XL 52 x 36 x 7  Giant 60 x 48 x 7	Microfiber outer, orthopedic foam  interior	Cover is removable  and  machine washable
DogBeds 4Less Orthopedic	Check Latest Price	S/M 35 x 20 x 4 M/L 37 x 27 x 4 L 41 x 27 x 4XL 40 x 35 x 4 XL 47 x 29 x 4 XXL 55 x 37 x 4 J 55 x 47 x 4	1 denim c over, 1 microsuede cover, memory  foam  interior	Cover is removable  and  machine washable
K&H Pillow Top Orthopedic	Check Latest Price	S 18 x 24  M 24 x 30  L 28 x 36	Orthopedic foam base and overstuffed bolsters	Cover is removable  and  machine washable
BarksBar  Snuggly Sleeper	Check Latest Price	M 32 x 22L 40 x 30	Memory  foam and cotton padding	Cover is removable  and  machine washable
Furhaven Orthopedic	Check Latest Price	S 16 x 12 x 3  M 30 x 20 x 3.5  L  36 x 27 x 3  J 44 x 35 x 4.5  JP 53 x 42 x 5	Orthopedic foam core and plush faux fur  outer layer	Machine wash removable cover/ hand wash inner core

Reviews of the Best Dog Beds for Older Dogs

1. KOPEKS Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed 

About: 

The KOPEKS Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed is equipped with a 100% memory foam mattress, a non-slip base, and a waterproof lining. Additionally, this bed comes with a microsuede cover that is removable and machine washable. This bed is designed specifically for dogs to be able to stretch out across the mattress. 

Features: 

• 7 inches of orthopedic memory foam
• 3 inches of pillow
• Waterproof inner layer
• Anti-slip base

Tips: 

This bed is equipped with hypoallergenic premium memory foam to provide your dog relief from arthritis and joint pain, while also being great for allergy-prone pups as well. This bed is not recommended for chewers, however. 

2. Brindle Waterproof Memory Foam Pet 

About: 

The Brindle Waterproof Memory Foam mattress is perfect for dogs who sleep in crates. This Brindle bed is equipped with a velour cover and a waterproof inner lining. The mattress is 4 inches thick with extra support to conform to your dog’s body weight and relieve pressure on joints and provide your dog relief from hip dysplasia and arthritis pain. 

Features: 

• 4 inches thick (2 inches of comfort memory foam and 2 inches of high-density support foam)
• Zippered velour cover is removable and machine washable
• Hypoallergenic 
• 3 year warranty

Tips: 

For best results, wash on gentle cycle in cold water. 

3. Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed

About: 

The Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed is made specifically for large breed and extra-large breed dogs. This bed is equipped with three layers of orthopedic foam and can withstand up to 300 pounds. The removable cover is designed for dogs that are light scratchers or diggers, but not heavy chewers. 

Features: 

• Orthopedic foam
• Removable microfiber cover 
• 10 Year Warranty

Tips:

Machine wash the cover in cool water on the gentle cycle for best results.

4. Dogbed4less Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed 

About: 

The Dogbed4less Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed is equipped with a waterproof liner plus two external covers. This bed has gel-infused orthopedic memory foam that helps with regulating your dog’s temperature and will keep him cool in the summer and warm in the winter. 

Features: 

• Waterproof lining (for pups prone to accidents)
• Gel-infused memory foam mattress
• 2 removable covers (1 denim, 1 microsuede)

Tips: 

The unique thing about the bed is that it comes with two removable covers that are both machine washable. So, throw one in the wash, and cover your dog’s bed with the other one so he will always have his bed available to him. 

5. K&H Pet Products Pillow-Top Orthopedic Bolster Lounger

About: 

The K&H Pet Products Pillow-Top Orthopedic Bolster Lounger Dog Bed is equipped with an orthopedic foam base and overstuffed bolsters. Additionally, this bed has a soft, fluffy pillow top. The overstuffed bolsters provide older dogs with a supportive ledge to rest against, while the light pillow top gives them the extra comfort they need.  

Features: 

• Zippered mattress and bolsters
• Removable cover that is machine washable
• Comes in multiple sizes

Tips: 

This bed is great for older dogs with arthritis and joint pain, but it is not recommended for chewers. 

6. BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper Orthopedic Dog Bed 

About: 

The BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper Orthopedic Dog Bed is designed with grooved memory foam, a cotton-padded cushion around the rim, and a non-skid base. The cotton-padded walls help provide your pup with a supportive place to rest his head. 

Features: 

• Non-slip base with rubber backing
• Orthopedic memory foam
• Cotton-padded cushion
• Cover is removable and machine washable

Tips: 

When you get this bed, you will need to insert the provided foam into the base and zip closed before use. For best care, wash the removable cover on the gentle cycle with cool water. You can vacuum and spot clean in between washes. 

7. Furhaven Dog Bed Deluxe Orthopedic Traditional Mat

Features: 

• Removable cover with zipper
• Foam core
• Plush faux fur
• 4 size options
• Several color options

Tips: 

Removable cover is machine washable – on the gentle cycle in cold water. For best care, wash the inner foam core by hand. 

Shopping Guide for the Best Dog Beds For Older Dogs

The most important component of your dog’s bed should be comfort. Older dogs need more support than younger dogs. For this reason, it is a good idea to look for a bed that is made with orthopedic memory foam for soft, yet sturdy support. The more pressure you can get off of your dog’s joints the better. You’ll likely want to find a bed that has bolsters, raised walls, or supportive cushions so your dog can rest his head and neck. 

Another thing to consider when choosing a dog bed for an older dog is your particular pup’s sleeping habits and preferences. If your dog likes to stretch out and sleep on his side or stomach, with his head resting on the floor, you may want a long, rectangular mat. However, if you have a dog that enjoys curling up and burrowing in to sleep you may want to get a round bed with bolsters. 

You may also want to ask yourself the following questions when shopping for a bed for your aging dog. Does your dog have arthritis or joint pain? Does your dog have trouble regulating his own temperature? Does he get too hot or too cold very easily? Is your dog prone to accidents? Does your dog have trouble climbing stairs or jumping on a couch or bed? Does your dog chew up everything? All of these are good questions to ask yourself before you purchase your next dog bed for your aging pup. Older dogs may have one or all of these things to consider. 

If your dog has a lot of accidents, but you are set on a dog bed that is not waterproof because it fits all of your dog’s other needs, you can always get a water-resistant cover that can be removed and cleaned whenever your dog has an accident. 

What Kind of Dog Bed is Best for Older Dogs? 

Orthopedic Dog Beds

Orthopedic dog beds are a favorite for older dogs. Many dogs develop joint problems and arthritis as they age. Sleeping on a solid orthopedic bed designed with supportive memory foam can make a huge difference in your senior dog’s comfort level. The best orthopedic dog beds have a thick layer of memory foam to give your dog relief from joint pain.

Heated Dog Beds

There are several different types of heated dog beds that are great for relieving your dog’s pain from hip dysplasia, joint problems, and arthritis. Some heated dog beds require electricity. These heated beds work just like your own electric blanket or heating pad. 

Other heated dog beds use heat-reflective material to capture your dog’s body heat and shoot it back out to him. These beds work like those special emergency blankets for humans. Yet, other types of heated pads and blankets can be heated in the microwave. 

Alternatively, a dog bed built for winter and cold weather can also make all the difference between toasty nights of cozy sleep and uncomfortable nights.

All of these are great options. The key is to consider your dog’s needs and circumstances. An electric heated bed is not recommended for dogs that are prone to accidents or dogs that sleep outdoors in rain or snow. 

Waterproof or Water-Resistant Dog Beds

When dogs get older, they often lose control of their bodily functions and become prone to frequent accidents. If you have an older dog with these challenges, it may be a good idea to look for a waterproof/water-resistant and stain-resistant dog bed for your dog. These beds are also perfect options for outdoor use because they will resist rain, snow, and moisture in the air as well. 

Additionally, older dogs love to hang out where the people are, but sometimes lying on a hard surface like the ground or concrete can be rough on their joints. The good news is, there are a lot of water-resistant fabrics out there to choose from. With a little shopping around, you should be able to find a comfortable bed for your older dog that will have the right combination of fabrics, fillings, and design for your needs and the support and durability that will work for your dog’s needs. 

Elevated Dog Beds

If you want a completely waterproof dog bed, you will need to get your pup an elevated dog bed. These beds are raised up off the ground and typically allow water to either pass right through them or be deflected and bead up on the surface. Although these beds are great for both their waterproofing as well as for keeping your dog cool on a hot day, they may not be the best for all older dogs because your dog will have to be able to jump up on top of the bed. Elevated pet beds also do not provide as much support as memory foam or bolstered beds. 

Elevated dog beds are often considered ‘hammock beds’. These beds typically are made from a PVC material and nylon fabric. Elevated beds are designed to keep your dog up off the hard surface of the ground. 

They are not as supportive as other beds for older dogs, but they do have some advantages. These beds circulate air really well, so if you have a dog that gets too hot easily this kind of bed may be the choice for you. It will allow air to flow around your dog and keep him cool. Elevated beds also support your dog’s full body weight so they keep the pressure off your dog’s joints. These beds are easy to maintain and can be used indoors and outdoors. 

Elevated dog beds are not for every pup though. They may pose a falling risk and be difficult for dogs that have trouble stepping onto or jumping onto stairs or ledges. They are also not great for cold winter nights because they do not have cozy, warming fabric. Instead, these beds are designed to be great for summer and warm weather. 

The perfect combination for your older dog is a bed that comes with orthopedic memory foam, a non-skid base so it won’t slide around under your dog, a waterproof liner, and a removable cover that is machine washable. 

How To Choose The Right Bed For Your Dog

Remember, the most important thing to consider when choosing a bed for your aging dog, is his sleeping habits. If your dog likes to sleep in a cozy ball he will likely need a different kind of bed than a dog that likes to sleep sprawled out. 

Next, you will want to think about the size of your dog. Large dogs have different needs than small dogs. If you get a bed that is too small, your dog is not going to be comfortable. On the other hand, if your dog’s bed is too large, he may not feel secure. 

The third most important aspect to consider when purchasing your next dog bed are the instructions for care and maintenance. Look for a bed that comes with removable covers that are machine washable for easy care. 

Our Closing Thoughts

It can be challenging to watch your aging dog go through life changes. The nice thing is that there are a lot of great bed options out there that will give your aging pup a little extra comfort and support.