The 12 Best Dog Beds For Old Dogs

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There are so many different things to consider when shopping for a new bed for your pup. In addition to just thinking about their breed and any particular health issues that they might have, you also have to consider their age. 

The bed that was best for your canine companion a few years ago might not be as good of a fit now. That’s because older dogs cannot always find comfort in the beds that younger puppies enjoy. 

In fact, according to Georgina Ushi Phillips, DVM, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) estimates that “around 20% of dogs suffer from some kind of joint pain [1]and that number is certainly higher in older or senior canine populations.” As a practicing veterinarian and veterinary writer, Ushi Phillips says that certain types of dog beds can assist older dogs and dogs with joint pain can benefit from dog beds that are specifically designed to make life easier for them!

In an effort to help you find the best dog bed for your senior dog, we’ve put together a list of our top 12 picks as well as some advice on how to go about the dog bed shopping process.

Editor Favorites:

1. Casper’s Memory Foam Dog Bed

The same brand that offers people like you and me a good night’s sleep with its well-renowned mattresses makes sleep solutions for pups, too! The Casper memory foam dog bed comes in several sizes to accommodate a wide array of breeds. All of the styles are sleek and stylish, pairing well with nearly all types of home decor. 

The high-quality, rectangular beds feature slightly raised sides intended to offer both neck and head support. Plus, the memory foam does wonders for achy joints. The cover can be removed for cleaning purposes, and the zipper is hidden, making it possible to keep curious chewers from… Well, chewing on it! 

2. Original Bully Bed

If you’ve heard of Bully Beds before, it’s for good reason. This brand is bringing its A game with a line of orthopedic dog beds made specifically for large breeds as well as aging or arthritic dogs. There are a number of options to choose from, so there’s something for every dog.

For example, there’s an original bed with one side that is raised, a three-sided bolstered bed, a round sherpa-top bed, and even an infrared heated bed! All beds come with a 20-year warranty so you can trust that these beds will stand up to even the roughest wear and tear.

3. Yeti Trailhead Dog Bed

The Yeti brand is known for producing durable products that will hold up in even the roughest of conditions, which is perfect for aging dogs that need constant support. This memory-foam bed also features extra cushioning with reviewers saying the bed retains its shape even after years of use. The two-in-one bed features a removable insert as well, which you can use for your dog as a bed when traveling or as crate liner. The bed has a sturdy bottom, which is waterproof as well, making the bed a good fit for all surfaces, even ones that are outdoors.

4. BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper

You may have noticed that a lot of orthopedic dog beds are constructed with large dog breeds in mind. But what if you have a small little guy that likes to cozy up in a bed with high sides, making him feel safe in his little comfy napping nest? If that’s the case, then you might want to consider this budget-friendly option from BarksBar! 

The smaller size is just the thing for small breeds. Not only does the bed feature human-grade orthopedic foam, but it comes with cotton padded walls and a quilted gray cover as well. Plus, the cover is removable, meaning it can be put directly into your washing machine or vacuumed, if needed. Last but not least, the rubber grip base keeps the bed from sliding around on hard floors.

5. Dogbed4less Ultimate Memory Foam Dog Bed

Not all dogs prefer raised sides or bevels. Instead, some pups would much rather sleep on a completely flat bed. This larger dog bed offers that large and flat space that dogs like this prefer, but it comes with all of the support that they need, too. 

In addition to the machine-washable cover, this dog bed also has an additional internal cover with a zipper. It’s waterproof, which further protects the gel-infused memory foam on the inside. The bed offers superior pressure support and allergen protection, helping your dog feel less pain and fewer aches, all while improving circulation.

Related: What Can Dog Probiotics Do For Your Canine? 

6. Furhaven Pet Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Dog Bed

This orthopedic bed for smaller dogs is seriously so cute. Great for dogs that would rather snuggle underneath a blanket on your lap than lie on the floor, this bed allows dogs like this to cozy up to their heart’s content, even if you’re nowhere to be found. 

The round bed features a raised hood along one side, allowing dogs to either get comfortable underneath the soft fabric or burrow inside the bed like a cave, depending on their preferences. The exterior is lined with faux lambswool, and the interior medical-grade foam is paired with a cooling gel. And the best part? It’s extremely budget-friendly! 

7. The Original Calming Donut 

If you have a small dog that just seems to be getting more anxious with age, you may want to consider the Original Calming Donut by Best Friends by Sheri. Shaped like a donut, this dog bed is made with virgin AirLOFT fibers, which are intentionally purported to keep their shape up to three times longer than other mattress fillers. The bed is definitely the perfect shape for dogs that like to curl up and get cozy. The donut features comforting shag fabric on the exterior as well as large, seven-inch walls. 

8. Furhaven Orthopedic, Cooling Gel, and Memory Foam Pet Bed

You can find orthopedic dog beds that feature all-around bevels, one beveled side or even three beveled sides, but this bed is unique in that it only features two, giving your pup the perfect corner to snuggle into. The orthopedic interior is designed to soothe achy joints, whereas the bed’s overall larger size makes it suitable for big dog breeds up to 95 pounds.

9. Milliard Quilted Padded Orthopedic Dog Bed

If your dog spends a fair amount of time in their crate, you’ll want to make sure they have a comfy spot to sleep while they’re in there. This comfortable orthopedic dog bed can be used both in and out of the crate, but the fact that it comes as an elongated shape is appreciated because it fits most standard-sized crates.

Plus, the non-slip bottom ensures that your dog won’t accidentally move it around into an uncomfortable position in their crate when you’re not home. The bed comes in three sizes and features a zippered, removable cover over egg crate foam.

10. Pendleton Red Ombre Kuddler Bolster Dog Bed with Removable Cover

If you’re looking for a functional yet fashionable dog bed, look no further. This adorable dog bed features a reversible cushion with two sides — one that’s a soft, faux sherpa and the other that’s a red and black plaid. The headrests are made from faux suede, for an overall look that any stylish pup will love.

11. Paw.com PupRug Faux Fur Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Bed

Plaid and sherpa not really your dog’s style? You could, instead, go with this orthopedic dog bed with thick memory foam, but that could also double as a faux fur rug. 

Choose from three sizes (there’s even an extra-large size for giant breeds) and either a curved or rectangular shape. All are filled with pressure-relieving, orthopedic memory foam for a greater level of comfort and less joint pain. 

12. Sealy Lux Pet Dog Bed

If your dog is prone to overheating (maybe you have a fluffy breed and live in a warm climate), you may want to buy a dog bed that’s made with cooling in mind. This orthopedic dog bed features quad-element foam and is coated in a cooling gel. The removable cover is machine washable, and a charcoal base absorbs odors, so your dog’s bed doesn’t become known as the stinky area of your home. 

Related: The 11 Best Family Dogs 

What to Consider When Shopping for a Dog Bed for Senior Dogs

One of the above options catch your eye? Here are a few things you’ll want to consider as you shop, to determine if a particular dog bed is right for your pooch.

Support

One of the primary things that older dogs need out of a bed is support. Whether or not they suffer from arthritis, older dogs need lots of cushioning, to help ease pain on their joints, as well as to help them avoid later injury. You don’t want a dog bed that’s going to flatten out and leave them essentially sleeping on your hard wooden floors. Look for something that will retain its support over time.

Warmth 

Another factor that you might want to consider, that’s not always front of mind when shopping for dog beds for senior dogs, is warmth. 

In general, older dogs typically don’t run as hot as their younger counterparts, which means they may need a little more help maintaining their ideal body temperature — especially if they’re not a particularly fluffy breed. In these cases, look for dog beds that will help them stay cozy and warm.

However, you may have a dog that overheats easily. In those cases, you’ll want to look for dog beds that will help them stay cool, via cooling gels and breathable fabrics and materials that make for greater airflow. 

Medical conditions

You likely want to keep your dog’s medical conditions in mind, too. Depending on their needs, your vet may suggest a particular type of dog bed. 

Beyond arthritis, conditions that may impact your dog’s mobility might include hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. These require more support. 

Additionally, older dogs may deal with medical conditions that make them less likely to make it outside for a potty break. For that reason, you may want to go with a water-resistant bed that features a waterproof liner or that’s especially easy to keep clean.

Material

On that note, take a look at the various materials that were used to make the dog bed. You, obviously, want them to be safe and human-grade, but you also want to look for materials that are durable, long-lasting and easy to clean. You may also want materials that repel allergens, dirt, hair or liquid. 

As far as the internal material, it’s handy to understand the differences between the types of fillings that are used for dog beds. A regular foam filling will really vary according to the manufacturer. 

If a dog bed is branded as containing simply “foam,” then that foam could be a range of thicknesses, with a range of support. However, these foams are usually used in less-expensive dog beds, so they are at least budget-friendly.

A memory foam base, on the other hand, is typically a bit pricier, but it does offer extra support and it’s usually more durable than regular foam. 

Egg crate foam looks like an egg crate, as you probably guessed. While it might not be as durable as memory foam, egg crate foam does allow for greater airflow, which you might want if your dog runs hot rather than cold.

Heating

Yes, you can buy dog beds that are heated. Some feature infrared heating capabilities, like the Bully Bed options mentioned above, but others are more like a traditional heated blanket, which you need to actually plug into the wall. Heated beds come with both their benefits and their drawbacks, so you’ll have to decide on your own whether or not a heated bed is right for your pup.

Caring for Your New Dog Bed

Once you purchase one of the above best dog beds for senior dogs, you want to ensure that you (and your dog!) take care of your investment. After all, some of these dog beds are several hundred dollars. You don’t want your dog’s new bed to be destroyed almost as soon as you bring it home.

If you know that your dog is likely to chew and shred, look specifically for a dog bed that can withstand clawing, biting, gnawing and all the rest. You may also want to identify why exactly your dog is exhibiting this behavior. Is it because they’re bored? Anxious? You can talk to your vet about various ways you can deal with these behavioral issues.

If you’re aware that your pup has an incontinence issue, you’ll likewise want to look for a bed that’s waterproof and easy to clean. 

When you do decide to clean your dog bed, make sure to read all of the various cleaning recommendations carefully. Some dog beds can be entirely washed in your washing machine, while others only feature washable covers. Similarly, some can be dried in your dryer, while others need to be air dried.

Give Your Pup a Better Sleep, With One of These Favorite Dog Beds

If your dog is getting up in years, make sure that they always get a good night’s sleep, every night, with one of these 12 best dog beds for senior dogs. 

You might also be interested in: 13 of the Most Expensive Dog Breeds 

12 Best Dog Beds for Old Dogs

1. Casper’s Memory Foam Dog Bed 
2. Original Bully Bed
3. Yeti Trailhead Dog Bed 
4. BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper 
5. Dogbed4less Ultimate Memory Foam Dog Bed 
6. Furhaven Pet Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Dog Bed 
7. The Original Calming Donut 
8. Furhaven Orthopedic, Cooling Gel, and Memory Foam Pet Bed 
9. Milliard Quilted Padded Orthopedic Dog Bed 
10. Pendleton Red Ombre Kuddler Bolster Dog Bed with Removable Cover 
11. Paw.com PupRug Faux Fur Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Bed 
12. Sealy Lux Pet Dog Bed