If your dog is older, recovering from surgery or dealing with arthritis, or you just want to provide extra comfort, you might want to consider an orthopedic option. Dogs spend about half of their lives sleeping, usually sleeping all night and then taking cat naps throughout the day. Because dogs sleep so much, don’t they deserve a comfy place to rest?
These beds typically feature memory foam, egg-crate foam, or other thick materials and padding that can cushion joints and provide support during rest. Although these bedding choices aren’t as environmentally friendly as those made strictly of organic cotton or wool, the tradeoff is that they can be especially beneficial for your pet and a quality product lasts longer, so you won’t have to keep replacing it. If a foam product has a distinct chemical odor, be sure to air it out and let it off-gas outdoors before bringing it inside.
Ready to give your dog happy dreams? Here are the best orthopedic beds for a great night’s sleep:
If you want to coax your dog off the couch, consider offering the cushy alternative of the BarksBar bed. It comes in three sizes for every shape of a dog, and all feature 4 inches of human-grade orthopedic foam. There are cotton-padded wall bumpers around the sides that contour to your pup’s head and neck, and it’s a little bit lower in the front to allow easier access for achier (or shorter) dogs.
Best Overall
BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed
The cover is removable and easy to wash. The bottom of the bed has a nonstick rubber backing to keep it from slipping on tile or hardwood floors.
Price at time of publish: $87
If you really want to splurge on your big buddy, the Big Barker is an easy choice. These massive beds feature 7 inches of therapeutic foam made exclusively by Big Barker with no off-gassing. It’s topped with a contoured foam edge for neck and head support. The bed comes in three sizes: large, extra-large, and giant.
Best High-End
Big Barker 7 Inch Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed
A company-commissioned study by the University of Pennsylvania found that owners said the bed improved joint function by 18% and reduced pain by 22% in large dogs with arthritis. The foam is guaranteed to keep at least 90% of its shape for 10 years, or the company will replace it for free. The microsuede cover is machine washable and water-resistant.
Price at time of publish: $280
Get your pup off the couch and onto a mini version of their own. This Furhaven Sofa-Style bed has egg-crate foam which offers support and allows airflow so the bed doesn’t get too hot. There are supportive bolsters on three sides with an easy step-up entry on the front.
Best Budget
Furhaven Pet Dog Bed
It comes in five sizes. The top sleeping surface of the bed is covered in cozy faux fur and the sides are microsuede. The cover can be tossed in the wash for easy cleaning. There are also versions of this bed with quilted versus plush tops, but these versions aren’t as durable or as popular with pets.
Price at time of publish: $35
Few dogs can resist this fuzzy round bed from Best Friends. Called a “calming donut,” this bed lets small dogs curl up into the comforting middle while supporting their head and neck on the sides. The non-toxic filling is all responsibly sourced, according to the manufacturer, and is made without flame retardants, formaldehyde, and other potentially harmful products.
Best for Small Dogs
Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Bed in Shag Fur
The bed is self-warming with your pet’s own body heat, making it a good choice for seniors and dogs that are always chilly. We’ve found that puppies also seem to love burrowing in the fun and comforting shagginess of these beds.
Although side bolsters can offer great support, they can get in the way for a dog that really likes to spread out at nap time. This Barkbox bed is an excellent choice for serious sprawlers. Available in five sizes, the bed features 3 inches of gel memory foam for therapeutic support.
Best for All Types of Sleepers
Barkbox Orthopedic Ultra Plush Pressure-Relief Memory Foam Dog Bed
The bed comes in a light neutral gray. Its plush cover is water-resistant (not waterproof) and easily machine washable. Known for its popular monthly subscription pet toy service, Barkbox includes a toy surprise with each bed purchase.
Price at time of publish: $43
Some dogs are hot all the time and will seek out a cool tile, linoleum, or concrete floor no matter how many soft beds you offer them. Although the coolness can be refreshing, the hard surfaces can be hard on aching joints. This K&H cooling dog bed is a supportive alternative.
Best Cooling
K&H PET PRODUCTS Cool Bed III
You just fill the bed with water, which is a safer alternative to beds that are filled with gel. The bed is 22 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than a dog’s 102-degree body temperature. You may want to put a towel under the bed to absorb slight condensation. Many said floor sleepers were quite happy to move to this more supportive bed instead.
Price at time of publish: $61
Made with memory foam that’s the same grade used for baby mattresses, this bed from Friends Forever comes in four sizes all the way up to XXL jumbo. The cushioned bolster provides extra support nearly all the way around, with enough of an opening in the front for an easy step up onto the bed.
Best for Large Dogs
Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed
The soft, removable cover comes in four muted shades. It’s tear-resistant, has a water-resistant liner, and has a non-skid bottom. It’s machine washable, and fur and hair don’t cling easily to the suede-like surface.
Price at time of publish: $66
If your pet has achy joints from arthritis or is facing recovery from surgery, this Pet Fusion bed is a solid spot for supportive rest. It offers four inches of memory foam and generously-sized bolsters on the sides for additional help.
Best for Arthritis or After Surgery
PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed
The washable cover is waterproof to protect the foam mattress. That’s especially helpful for struggling senior dogs. The soft cover is also easy to spot clean, so you don’t have to toss it into the washer each time there’s a stain. There’s a nonskid bottom to keep the bed in place on wood and tile floors.
Price at time of publish: $120
Some dogs have trouble with the bolsters of orthopedic beds. Although they can offer great support for the neck and head, these permanent cushions can get in the way when a pup is trying to clamber on or off the bed. It’s also particularly tough for older, less agile dogs or smaller puppies. Frisco offers a flat yet orthopedic pillow bed.
Best for Seniors or Puppies
Frisco Plush Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed
Packed with shredded memory foam, the bed still has plenty of comfort and allows a pup to hop up or down at any spot. It comes in several colors and is reasonably priced. The removable cover is machine washable.
Price at time of publish: $40
What to Look for in an Orthopedic Dog Bed
Support
Here at Treehugger, we generally try to steer clear of synthetic foams that are largely plastic-based. However, when it comes to helping pets stay comfortable, and with few green alternatives on the market, it’s best to look for a dog bed that uses high-quality memory foam.
Our top pick is the BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed, for its combination of support and easy-to-wash cover. If you’re willing to splurge for a large dog, the Big Barker orthopedic bed, is backed by university research and a 10-year warranty.
Size
When shopping online, don’t just rely on the photo on retailers’ sites. Many pet beds come in different sizes, so the breed pictured may not accurately represent all the options. It’s a good idea to check the measurements against the size of your dog.
Removable Cover
If your pet might be prone to accidents, get a bed with a removable cover like the BarksBar bed or many of the others on our list. For additional protection, take the cover off and wrap the foam with a garbage bag or pee pad before replacing the cover.
Why Trust Treehugger?
At Treehugger, we are advocates of animal welfare, including our pets and other domestic animals. When it comes to recommending dog products, we prioritize what’s best for pets while also keeping sustainability in mind. To make this list, our dog expert researched the best supportive dog beds on the market. We also looked for beds made with sustainable materials, but unfortunately could not find much that met our criteria.
The proud mom of a border collie mix rescue dog, Mary Jo DiLonardo has fostered 30 dogs and puppies. They’ve gone through their share of dog beds and some have been very choosy. For more than 25 years, Mary Jo has covered a wide range of topics focused on nature, pets, health, science and anything that helps make the world a better place. She has spent six years with Treehugger, formerly under the Mother Nature Network brand.
