Arthritis is something most dogs will experience when they advance in age. As our dogs get older, we may notice them slowing down a bit in their activities or they may limp when walking. Arthritis affects their mobility and quality of life. A good dog bed for older dogs with arthritis (or other joint issues) can help ease some of their symptoms.
Here is a quick look at our selections of dog beds for older dogs with arthritis:
| Best Overall: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed | |
| Best For Large Breed Dogs: Big Barker 7” Orthopedic Dog Bed With Pillow Top | |
| Best For Small Dogs: K&H Pet Products Self Warming Pet Bed | |
| Best Egg Crate Bed: Milliard Quilted Padded Orthopedic Dog Bed | |
| Best Orthopedic Dog Bed: Frisco Plush Orthopedic Front Bolster Dog Bed | |
| Best Waterproof Dog Bed: K9 Ballistics Easy Clean Dog Bed | |
| Best Cooling Bed: Furhaven Wave Fur and Velvet Cooling Gel Deluxe Chaise Dog Bed | |
| Best Warming Bed: PetMedics Calming Orthopedic Plush Dog Bed With Warming and Cooling Memory Foam Pillow | |
| Best Feather Top Bed: K & H Pet Products Feather-Top Orthopedic Dog Bed | |
| Best Splurge Dog Bed: Orvis Memory Foam Couch Dog Bed |
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is caused by a breakdown of cartilage in the joints.
Located between our dog’s joints is connective tissue known as cartilage. Cartilage acts as a cushion to protect the joints as your dog moves.
As our dogs get older, the cartilage breaks down. This results in the bones of the affected joint rubbing together because the cartilage is no longer there to provide that cushioning.
This can cause pain with certain movements.
What Are Some Signs/Symptoms Of Arthritis In Dogs?
Some signs/symptoms of arthritis you may notice in your dog include:
- Pain with certain movements, like getting up from a laying down position or walking.
- Moving slower with all activities.
- Difficulty standing up from a seated or lying position.
- Trouble sitting or lying down.
- Avoids going up and down stairs or jumping on the couch or bed.
- Limping when they walk.
Do Dog Beds Help With Arthritis?
Dog beds can help relieve some of the discomfort your dog may be feeling from their arthritis by providing them with comfort and support as they lay down. A good dog bed will relieve pain put on the pressure points of joints, making your dog more comfortable. It may also provide warmth, which can help reduce the discomfort caused by the arthritis.
What Kind Of Bed Is Good For A Dog With Arthritis?
The kind of bed that is good for a dog with arthritis will depend on your dog and their needs and preferences.
Generally, for a dog with arthritis, you will want a dog bed that supports their body weight, as well as provide adequate cushioning for their joints.
For some dogs, a bed that is low to the ground is better so they don’t have to step up into it or step down to get out of it, which may cause them pain.
Other dogs may need a bed that is higher to better suit their size.
There are dogs that prefer a cooling bed to help them sleep more comfortably, particularly in the hotter months, while others may like a heated dog bed. Heated dog beds can help relieve stiffness and pain your dog may be feeling in their joints. This type of bed may also be beneficial in the winter.
Some dogs like a pillow bed and some like a bolster bed so they have a place to lay their head and something to lean up against while they sleep.
You may have to try a few different dog beds to find what type your dog likes and will be more comfortable being on.
Do Older Dogs Need Orthopedic Beds?
Orthopedic beds are great for older dogs, especially if they have arthritis or other joint ailments.
Orthopedic dog beds provide support and cushioning to your dog’s joints. This can give them a more restful sleep.
A good supportive bed can also help them to get up quicker after lying down for a nap.
Orthopedic dog beds come in a few varieties to help support your dog and their joints.
How To Choose The Best Dog Bed For Your Dog
There are a TON of dog beds out there to choose from. How do you know which bed will be the best fit for your older dog with arthritis? A few things to consider:
Dog Size
How big is your dog? Look for a dog bed that will not only fit their size but their weight also.
Type Of Cushioning
What is the cushioning that is used on the bed? Memory foam or egg crate? Memory foam will conform to your dog’s shape and create warmth, while an egg crate cushion will provide support with increased airflow and coolness.
Cushion Thickness
How thick is the cushion of the bed? Will it be enough to support your dog’s weight?
Waterproof
Is the bed waterproof? Incontinence is an issue for some dogs as they get older and a waterproof layer can help keep the cushion of the bed dry in case of an accident.
Washable
How is the bed washed? Most have a cover that is removable and washable.
Easy Assemble/Disassemble
How easy is the bed to take apart and put back together when you take the cover off to wash it?
Non-Skid Bottom
A dog bed with a non-skid bottom helps protect against the bed moving as your dog gets into and out of it.
CertiPUR-US Certified
If your dog bed contains foam, having it CertiPUR-US Certified means the foam has been made with safe materials with regards to “emissions, content, performance, and durability.
Best Dog Bed For Older Dogs With Arthritis
These are some of the top rated dog beds for older dogs with arthritis, according to users. Information is from the manufacturer. All of these dog beds provide support for your dog’s joints. They are also easy to clean, with a removable, machine washable cover. Any additional information will be noted.
*Note: none of these dog beds are chew proof.
For a look at other types of dog beds for your dog, check out our post HERE.
Best Overall Dog Bed For Older Dogs With Arthritis
This is a good overall dog bed. It contains 4 inch thick memory foam, a waterproof liner, and a non-skid bottom.
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
- Available in 4 sizes.
- Comes in 4 colors.
- 4 inch memory foam.
- CertiPUR-US Certified foam.
- Waterproof inner liner.
- Water resistant.
- Recycled “green” poly-fill.
- Non-skid bottom.
- Pre-filled bolster.
- Removable, washable cover.
Additional Information:
- Cover is thin and tears easily if your dog digs or nests before settling into bed.
Best Dog Bed For Older Dogs With Arthritis: Large Breed Dog
This dog bed is specially made to accommodate a large breed of dog and is Made in the USA.
Big Barker 7” Orthopedic Dog Bed With Pillow Top
- Available in 3 sizes.
- Comes in 4 colors.
- CertiPUR-US Certified memory foam.
- 3 layered foam.
- Stays cool.
- Removable, washable micro-suede cover.
- Made in the USA.
Best Dog Bed For Older Dogs With Arthritis: Small Dogs
This dog bed is designed for small dogs and contains self-heating filling to keep your dog comfortable.
K&H Pet Products Self Warming Pet Bed
- Available in 3 color combinations.
- Self heating material radiates heat back to your dog as they lay in the bed.
- Eco friendly with the filling made from recycled water bottles.
- Non-skid bottom.
- Entire bed is machine washable.
- Inside of the bed is lined with micro fleece.
Best Egg Crate Dog Bed For Older Dogs With Arthritis
This dog bed has a pillow top upper layer and an egg crate bottom layer. This bed is also made to fit into a standard dog crate.
Milliard Quilted Padded Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Fits a 42 inch crate.
- Pillow top upper layer.
- Removable, washable cover.
- Non-slip bottom.
Best Memory Foam Dog Bed For Older Dogs With Arthritis
This Frisco dog bed has 3 inches of foam with 1 inch of memory foam on top and a wrap around bolster for support.
Frisco Plush Orthopedic Front Bolster Dog Bed
- Available in 2 colors.
- Comes in 3 sizes.
- Wrap around bolster,
- 3 inch foam.
- 1 inch memory foam.
- Large and X-Large beds are CertiPUR-US Certified.
- Poly-fill bolster.
- Entry dip in the front.
- Removable, washable cover.
Best Waterproof Dog Bed For Older Dogs With Arthritis
The K9 Ballistics dog bed has 2 waterproof layers to help contain any accidents and a cover that is like a fitted sheet for easy on/off to clean.
K9 Ballistics Easy Clean Dog Bed
- 5 inch orthopedic foam.
- Certi-PUR Certified foam.
- 5 inch bolster pillows.
- Microfiber sides.
- Faux fur top.
- Absorptive layer to catch “accidents”.
- 2 waterproof layers.
- Removable, washable cover.
Best Cooling Dog Bed For Older Dogs With Arthritis
This Furhaven dog bed has gel infused memory foam and micro gel beads to help keep your pup cool while they sleep.
Furhaven Wave Fur and Velvet Cooling Gel Deluxe Chaise Dog Bed
- Available in 3 sizes.
- Comes in 2 colors.
- Pressure activated gel infused memory foam.
- Micro-gel beads absorb body heat.
- CertiPUR-US Certified foam.
- 2 velvet covered bolsters.
- Removable, washable cover.
Best Warming Dog Bed For Older Dogs With Arthritis
The PetMedics dog Bed has a reversible pillow that has warming faux fur on one side and cooling micro suede on the other so your dog can sleep comfortably no matter the temperature.
PetMedics Calming Orthopedic Plush Dog Bed With Warming and Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
- Available in 2 sizes.
- Anti-skid bottom.
- Reversible memory foam pillow: one side with warming faux fur, the other with cooling and drying micro suede.
- Water resistant liner.
- Mesh storage pocket in the front.
- Removable, washable bed and pillow covers.
Additional Information:
- Needs to be assembled, but easy to do.
Best Feather Top Dog Bed For Older Dogs With Arthritis
This feather top bed contains 5 inches of memory foam with soft duck feathers on top.
K & H Pet Products Feather-Top Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Base is 5 inch medical grade orthopedic memory foam.
- Top is 1.5 inch duck feathers.
- Micro-fleece sleeping surface.
- Removable, machine washable cover.
Best Splurge Dog Bed For Older Dogs With Arthritis
If you are looking to splurge a little on your pup, the Orvis memory foam couch bed has a 4 inch thick cushion, water resistant liner, double bolsters, and can be personalized.
Orvis Memory Foam Couch Dog Bed
- Available in 3 sizes for dogs up to 90 lbs.
- Comes in 6 colors.
- Can be personalized for an extra fee.
- 2 stacked polyester filled bolsters.
- 4 inch thick, deep, removable cushion.
- The cushion is orthopedic memory foam.
- CertiPUR-US Certified foam.
- Hypoallergenic, water resistant liner.
- Liner is removable and washable.
- Furniture grade polyester microfiber cover.
- Cover is removable and washable.
Additional Information:
- Can be a little difficult to put back together once you wash it.
No one likes to see their precious dog get old and slow down in their movements. It is especially difficult to see them limping in pain or having trouble getting into or out of bed.
A good dog bed for older dogs with arthritis can provide your pup with comfort while supporting their joints, helping to alleviate some of their discomfort.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.