Our expert, Rachel Bean, says yes, orthopaedic beds are well worth buying, “especially for older and arthritic dogs”. But what makes a mattress orthopaedic? It all comes down the material it’s made out of. Applying a cooling element has been shown to help reduce inflammation in joints, according Countner, so an orthopedic bed with built-in cooling gel can provide an extra level of comfort for your aging dog. The Sealy Lux Orthopedic Dog Bed is made with memory foam and cooling gel to dissipate heat while your dog is resting. As if that isn’t all enough, the bed is machine washable – and at 30C. Throw their other toys and blankets in there too and you have a fully clean boudoir for your pup. Casper is renowned for its human mattresses, so you can rest assured that you're getting a high-quality product with the Casper Dog Bed. It's made from pressure-relieving memory foam that feels supportive and durable. Small bolsters on each side give dogs a spot to rest their heads, but there's plenty of room on the bed's interior if your dog wants to go bolster-free. Although expensive, you’re paying for a full piece of furniture here, not just a dog bed. This is perfect for smaller spaces, where the idea of having a dog bed taking up room is unappealing. With this, you’ve got the drawer and surface space on top, allowing the bed to fit seamlessly into your home and provide extra storage (which admittedly has ended up being used for dog toys, leads and treats).

If your dog enjoys bringing in bones, treats, toys—whatever they might find— to their bed, then this easy-to-clean, supportive bed with a removable cover will appeal to you. The L.L. Bean Therapeutic Dog couch features memory foam on the inside and comes with a durable yet soft cover made from 100% cotton. Even if your dog is an angel behavioural-wise, you will want a bed that is very sturdy with strong materials and a washable cushion. Materials such as nylon and tweed are heavy duty, and the best dog bed will be able to cope with both their sleeping habits and playtime/downtime. We only chose beds which are up to the task. Some dog beds are designed with feet, so they’re raised off the ground, and dogs do seem to prefer them. While not essential, there are a number of benefits to raised beds, including better temperature regulation, making the bed easier to get in and out of and preventing bugs, mould and damp under the bed. How to clean dog beds Over the course of three months (and more, as some of these beds have been in use for over a year), we tested 19 dog beds. Two large-sized dogs and one medium-sized dog — a 13-year-old golden retriever, a 7-year-old foster golden/lab mix, and a 5-year-old foster paralyzed pitbull mix — made up the core testing team. We then evaluated each bed according to the following criteria to sort the best dog beds: There are a few other key things to look for, too. You will likely want something that is easy to wash, with a removable outer cover. A bed that doesn’t lose its shape over time is also crucial. It also needs to be large enough for them to sleep how they wish, but not so large that they don’t feel safe.Platform beds on four legs can be good for dogs who usually chew or destroy other beds, or if your dog seems to like being high up (many rescues can like to look over the area rather than being low down for instance).

Our tester was a blind, arthritic 13 year old pointer mix who is used to sleeping on her owner’s bed but can no longer jump up to it. No other dog bed has ever interested her, but the Red Dog bed was an instant hit. It is donut-shaped so dogs can automatically assume a rounded, calming position. Plus, there's a natural crevice around the bed's circumference that allows dogs to burrow deep into the sides, adding another layer of comfort. The base of the bed is made with charcoal to help absorb odors, and it's available in several sizes and four color options. As soon as I took out this bed, both my dog and cat were obsessed. I barely had a chance to put it down before they started trying to get in!" noted our tester. Your small-sized senior (dog or cat!) will have no problem catching up on their beauty rest in this bed. Regardless of their preferred sleeping style—curler, sprawler, leaner, or all of the above—the wrap-around bolster makes it easy for a dog to find the right spot for lounging and snoozing. "It looks as cute as it’s cozy, so you can place it in any room of the house." The Heyday Bed by West Paw has a simple yet versatile design that gives dogs of all sizes and ages a comfortable place to rest.

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The Casper Dog Bed gives your dog a place to relax with memory and support foam that provides much-needed relief from orthopedic pain and discomfort. Large- and giant-breed dogs are especially prone to joint and mobility problems and benefit from beds that provide ample body support. The Big Barker 7" Headrest Edition features a triple-layer orthopedic foam base and is designed for dogs weighing 50 to 250 pounds. The design of this orthopedic bed features a built-in entry dip to make getting in and out more approachable—which is very important for a dog with mobility issues or stiff joints. The cover can be removed and machine-washed for easy care, but the bed itself should never be submerged in water. This is really a personal preference, Rachel says. Some dogs feel more secure in an enclosed space and a bed with sides can provide a feeling of being held and hidden. However, a bed with no sides, or a dog cushion, might be better for allowing your dog to fully stretch out. Yes. The best dog beds have many benefits, including providing physical comfort and keeping dogs warm or cool, as necessary. They can also give your dog a space to rest. "Dogs resting on the floor can pose a tripping hazard to people in the house and may even put the dog in harm's way, especially if the dog is allowed in the kitchen when people are cooking," says veterinarian Martin. In addition, dog beds can serve as a training tool.