The 6 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds For Pups Of All Ages And Sizes

Forbes

15 hours ago

Not every dog bed labeled "orthopedic" actually supports your dog's joints. The best orthopedic dog beds use high-quality memory foam designed specifically to relieve pressure from sensitive areas like your pup's hips, elbows and spine, without flattening after a few months of use. Beds like the Casper Dog Bed, our top pick overall, evenly distribute your dog's weight and provide comfort that standard beds simply can't match—especially for senior dogs, large breeds or pups recovering from surgery.
The best orthopedic dog beds, from brands like Casper, Orvis and more, can protect your pup's joints ... More and help them rest more comfortably.
If you're wondering whether your dog needs better support, start by observing their sleep habits. 'Discomfort may not always be obvious," says Dr. Jennifer Bruns, veterinarian at PetSmart Veterinary Services. "Dogs may avoid their bed entirely or prefer lying on the floor if the bed is not supportive enough.' Small behavioral clues like these can reveal if your pup would benefit from an orthopedic upgrade.
To help you choose a dog bed that's right for them, we've included a range of tested and expert-approved picks, like the Orvis RecoveryZone ToughChew Couch Dog Bed, which is durable enough to survive dogs who might normally shred up a bed in days, and the Sealy Lux Pet Dog Bed, designed specifically to keep pups cool. Whatever your dog's needs, the right orthopedic bed can noticeably improve how comfortably they sleep and the ease with which they move afterward.
Casper Sleep
Type: Bolstered rectangle | Sizes: 3 | Colors: 3, including Gray, Blue and Sand | Outer material: Nylon, polyester and olefin microfiber | Inner material: Memory foam, polyurethane support foam | Washable cover: Yes
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Many of the dog beds we've tested feel comfortable at first but start sinking and losing their support after just a few months. Casper's bed solves this problem with two layers of foam: a sturdy polyurethane foam base that gives the bed structure and keeps your dog properly elevated, plus a memory foam layer on top that cushions joints and evenly distributes weight. Forbes Vetted senior mattress editor Bridget Chapman says her dog has slept on the Casper bed daily for more than a year, and it still feels just as firm and supportive as it did on day one. (Her pup still loves it, too.)
The Casper also has firm foam bolsters around the edges, which provide dogs with a cozy spot to rest their heads or curl up against. Its cover is soft, durable and easy to unzip and toss in the washing machine (though it does take a little more effort to get back on), and the zippers tuck neatly into hidden pockets so they won't scratch your floors.
There's also some slightly loose fabric on top, which is intentionally designed for dogs who like to paw and dig around before getting comfy; it's made from tough, bonded microfiber that doesn't easily rip, even if your pup makes digging a regular habit. (Though if something does happen, replacement covers are sold separately.) Forbes Vetted managing editor Emmy Favilla says her dog often takes advantage of this feature, happily pawing at the material before settling in for a nap. And because it has a clean, understated look, the Casper blends easily into just about any room—something our editors have appreciated after months, or even years, of having it in their homes.
FurHaven
Type: Bolstered rectangle | Sizes: 5 | Colors: 3, including Brownstone and Granite Gray | Outer material: Velvet microfiber | Inner material: Orthopedic foam (convolute, solid or memory foam) | Washable cover: Yes
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Orthopedic dog beds can be expensive, and if you're shopping for a puppy or an older dog, it doesn't always make sense to splurge. That's why I originally bought the FurHaven Sofa Dog Bed—and why I've repurchased it multiple times since. It's less than half the cost of many premium options (under $60 for a large size), but this bed still provides supportive cushioning that gives dogs of all ages the comfort and joint support they need. The foam isn't quite as thick or dense as pricier beds, but even after a few years, it still hasn't flattened down to the floor.
FurHaven also lets you choose from a few types of foam, including egg-crate convolute foam, solid orthopedic foam and responsive memory foam, depending on what your dog needs. I've tested multiple versions and found each comfortable and supportive enough for my 50-pound dog (and roomy enough for another 40-pound pup to squeeze in). The soft velvet-like cover washes easily, hides fur very well and hasn't ripped after countless cycles in my machine. Putting the bolsters and foam back inside after cleaning does take a little patience, but that's pretty typical for washable dog beds.
Amazon
Type: Bolstered rectangle | Sizes: 5 | Colors: 3, including Autumn Brown, Modern Gray and Navy | Outer material: Faux-felt polyester | Inner material: Quad-layer memory foam and cooling gel | Washable cover: Yes
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If your dog overheats easily or struggles to settle comfortably, a cooling orthopedic bed might be particularly beneficial. The Sealy Lux Pet Dog Bed has a four-layer foam design specifically meant to keep dogs cooler and relieve pressure from sensitive joints. The top layer uses cooling gel to draw heat away from your dog's body, which makes a noticeable difference in warm weather. Beneath that, a memory foam layer contours to your dog's shape, and supportive foam underneath keeps your dog elevated off the floor.
Another helpful feature is the charcoal-infused bottom layer, which is designed to absorb pet odors and keep the bed fresher between washes. When it is time to clean the bed, the polyester cover zips off easily and can be tossed directly into the washing machine. This bed also has bolstered edges on three sides, giving pups a comfortable place to rest their heads or curl up against something supportive. Meanwhile, the open front makes it easy for older pets, dogs with joint pain or pups recovering from injuries to step in without extra effort.
Amazon
Type: Bolstered rectangle | Sizes: 8 | Colors: 36 (though not all colors are available in every size), including Gray, Brown and Navy | Outer material: Flannel or plush flannel | Inner material: Egg-crate orthopedic foam | Washable cover: Yes
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Smaller dogs often prefer beds that feel cozy and secure but aren't challenging to climb into. Bedsure's Orthopedic Dog Bed is a great pick for little pups because of its lower entry point and small front opening, a design that makes it easy for small or senior dogs to step in and out without added effort. Its egg-crate foam base is designed to cushion joints and pressure points, so it should feel especially comfortable for older small breeds or dogs recovering from injuries.
The bed has four-sided bolsters to create a snug, enclosed space that smaller dogs often find comforting, especially if they like to curl up rather than stretch out. There's also a waterproof liner beneath the removable cover, which protects the foam if your dog has an accident or a spill happens. The soft flannel cover comes in dozens of colors and zips off easily whenever you need to wash it. And the bottom of the bed is designed to be non-slip, so it'll stay in place even on slippery hardwood floors.
Chewy
Type: Pillow with headrest | Sizes: 3 | Colors: 4, including Burgundy, Khaki and Charcoal Gray | Outer material: Microfiber | Inner material: Orthopedic foam | Washable cover: Yes
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If you have a big dog, you've probably noticed that most dog beds just aren't built to handle their weight. The foam usually feels supportive at first, but within a few months it flattens out and your pup ends up practically lying on the floor. The Big Barker Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed is designed with thick, mattress-quality foam specifically designed for larger breeds—Favilla says it feels more like lying on a human mattress than a standard dog bed. (Yes, she tested it out herself.) After several months of using the Big Barker at home, her large, arthritic senior dog consistently chose this bed over all the others in the house.
Instead of sinking into the foam, large dogs stay comfortably lifted off hard surfaces, and the bed is even strong enough to support two big dogs at once; the XL size easily accommodates a couple of Labs, pit bulls or similar-sized breeds. There's also a raised pillow along one side for extra comfort, so dogs can rest their heads or lean against it without restricting how much they stretch out. Vets often recommend this type of sturdy support to help prevent joint pain, especially in bigger or older dogs.
Its microfiber cover is soft, washable and does a good job resisting muddy paw prints, slobber and fur (though, like many of our favorite beds, getting it back on after washing takes a bit of patience). Just keep in mind: This bed is substantial, both in terms of price and floor space. If your dog doesn't need quite this much room, or your home is short on extra space, a smaller option like the Casper might be a better fit.
Orvis
Type: Bolstered rectangle | Sizes: 3 | Colors: 4, including Brown and Slate | Outer material: Ripstop nylon and polyester | Inner material: Dual-layer orthopedic foam | Washable cover: Yes
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The Orvis RecoveryZone ToughChew Couch Dog Bed is specifically built for pups determined to rip apart everything they sleep on. Unlike typical dog beds, this one has a rugged, upholstery-grade cover reinforced with ripstop nylon beneath—similar to fabric used for backpacks or camping gear—so it's almost impossible for teeth or claws to tear through. Hidden brass zippers and built-in handles are intentionally tucked out of sight, further limiting tempting chew targets. And just in case your dog somehow does manage to chew through it, Orvis backs this bed with a no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee.
Inside, the bed is designed to provide strong orthopedic support, with a dense 4-inch foam base and an additional softer layer on top that helps ease pressure from joints and sore muscles. Solid foam bolsters around three sides create a secure space that many dogs naturally gravitate toward, while the front is open for easy access. The washable cover does a surprisingly good job at hiding fur and dirt, and there's a waterproof liner underneath so the foam won't get ruined even if your pup has an accident. It's definitely pricier than other beds, but if you're tired of tossing shredded covers into the trash, the investment makes sense.
The Forbes Vetted team is made up of pet parents who regularly research, test and recommend pet products, including the best dog beds, the best dry dog food and the best dog leashes. For this guide to the best orthopedic dog beds, we relied on firsthand experience with many of these beds, plus extensive research and consultations with veterinary experts.
To find the best orthopedic dog beds, we combined long-term personal use, in-depth product research and insights from trusted veterinary professionals to ensure each recommendation is worth your investment.
Buying an orthopedic dog bed involves more than just choosing one labeled as 'orthopedic.' To ensure your dog benefits from improved joint health and comfort, here's what veterinary experts recommend looking for.
The most important feature in an orthopedic dog bed is the foam. Look specifically for high-density memory foam or a multilayered orthopedic foam base that's firm enough to prevent sinking. Bruns says true orthopedic beds 'provide proper joint support and even weight distribution to minimize pressure points on sensitive areas like hips and elbows.' Waggel's resident veterinarian Dr. Aimee Warner adds a simple test: 'Push your hand into the foam," she says. "If it slowly comes back and maintains its shape, you're likely seeing real support and not just marketing.'
Bolstered edges around the bed, like those you see on picks like the Casper and Bedsurebeds on this list, aren't just decorative. 'Side bolsters are a welcome addition, especially for dogs who curl up or need head and neck support,' says Warner. But accessibility also matters, particularly for older or mobility-challenged pets. Bruns advises pet owners to choose a bed that's easy for dogs to step onto, noting that low-profile designs without steep edges or high bolsters minimize strain and reduce discomfort.
Orthopedic beds typically represent a bigger investment, so it's important that they're both durable and easy to clean. According to Warner, washable covers are essential—especially for older dogs prone to accidents or those recovering from procedures. 'Neglecting to seek out washable covers can be a hygiene nightmare,' she says. Look for beds with removable covers that are machine washable (like every pick on our list) and ideally water-resistant to resist drool, dirt and accidents. Regularly cleaning and occasionally rotating the bed will also help extend its lifespan and keep your dog's sleeping area clean and comfortable.