Getting your dog a comfy bed is one of the best ways to spoil your big furry friend. Especially if they suffer from arthritis. Remember that big dogs have different needs from little canines.
To keep your dog from claiming the couch as their own (well, to try, anyway), we’ve gone and rounded up the 8 best dog beds for large breeds with arthritis. We have reviewed and ranked them below. Along with an additional 6 honorable mentions!
Our Top Picks
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall: Big Barker Orthopedic Bed | This bed is designed for bigger breeds and provides excellent relief for dogs with pain and mobility issues. It’s made in the US and is as luxurious as it is visually appealing. | Check Price |
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Runner Up: BarkBox Memory Foam Platform | This soft-but-rugged bed comes in a wide range of sizes and colors, and clocks in at an affordable price point – without sacrificing your pet’s comfort. | Check Price |
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Best Value: Furhaven Pet Orthopedic Foam Mattress | If You Want To Offer Your Dog Comfort In Their Old Age Without Breaking The Bank, This Comfortable Mattress Is A Great Option. It Doesn’t Have All The Bells And Whistles Of Pricier Beds, But The Manufacturers Doubled Down On Comfort And Support For Your Aging Furry Friend. | Check Price |
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Best Couch Style: Furhaven Orthopedic Couch Dog Bed | This couch-style bed comes in a dizzying array of sizes and colors – there’s something for every breed and need in the Furhaven lineup. The bolsters provide extra support for your dog’s head, and the quilted cover is both luxurious and easy to clean – truly the best of both worlds. | Check Price |
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Best For Larger Breeds: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed | This luxurious and tasteful bed works well for medium-large to large dogs up to 100 pounds. It comes in a range of muted colors with a removable cover that’s easy to wash. | Check Price |
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Best Washability: Brindle Waterproof Memory Foam Dog Bed | This is a comfortable and easy to wash dog bed for those elderly dogs who tend to lose control of their bladders. This bed provides comfort and dignity. It is waterproof and easy to clean to keep your caretaking duties as easy as possible. | Check Price |
How We Chose the Best Dog Beds for Arthritic Dogs
As your dog ages, its joints will become stiff and movement is painful. Sometimes sleeping will become difficult for them as well due to pressure on their joints. A good orthopedic bed can make a world of difference. Several factors went into our evaluation process, and we’ve ranked them for you based on the following:
Size
Dogs of all ages need joint support as they age. We judged beds not just based on whether they were long enough for larger breeds, but thick enough to provide proper support to heavier dogs.
Comfort
Orthopedic beds must strike a fine balance to be effective. Sore joints require firm support, but tired bodies want something soft and comfy to snuggle up against. In order to be most comfortable, the core should be composed of sturdy memory foam designed to provide support for joints.
The top layers and cover of the bed should be softer and more luxurious.
Waterproofing
The unfortunate reality is that as your dog ages, they have less control over their bladder. We ranked these dog beds based on how easy they were to clean so that your caretaking responsibilities are made as easy as possible.
Durability
Arthritic or not, your dog is still probably going to take a stab at gnawing on your bed (Try these chew-toys to keep your dog entertained, instead) and it’s important that the bed be built sturdy enough to handle some wear and tear. Along with being able to stand up to regular washing.
READ MORE: How to Wash a Dog Bed Without a Washing Machine. Keep your home clean and smelling fresh with these care tips.
Best Dog Beds for Arthritic Dogs Reviewed
1. Best Overall: Big Barker Orthopedic Bed
Product Ratings
| Size | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
| Waterproofing | 5/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
Brand: Big Barker | Materials: Microfiber and furniture-grade foam | Maximum Size: 60” x 48” x 7” | Features: Headrest
What We Liked
- Designed for larger breeds
- Comfortable Microfiber is easy to clean
- Clinically proven to reduce pain and improve mobility
What We Didn’t Like
- Customer service is a hit or miss
Our overall favorite orthopedic dog bed by a long shot comes from Big Barker, which has also taken top ranking in a number of our other listings (Like this listing of our Top Dog Beds for Large Dogs!)
This is a proper bed for your dog, which has been designed from the ground up to provide larger arthritic dogs with the joint support they need to be comfortable later in life. A University of Pennsylvania study showed that joint pain was decreased and stiffness improved after dogs used this bed for just a month.
The microsuede cover is machine-washable and easy to maintain. Additionally, everything is hand-made in the US and comes backed by a 10-year warranty. You can buy this luxe bed with complete confidence. It’s not cheap, but the best things in life rarely are.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY2. Runner-Up: BarkBox Memory Foam Platform
Product Ratings
| Size | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
| Waterproofing | 5/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
Brand: BarkBox | Materials: Plush and memory foam| Maximum Size: 45” x 29” x 4” | Features: vacuum packed for easy transport
What We Liked
- Truly waterproof
- Machine Washable
- Comes vacuum-packed for easy transport
- Fabric is comfortable
- We loved the really competitive price point
What We Didn’t Like
- Flimsy zippers
BarkBox produces a wide range of highly effective memory foam pet beds. Among the many sizes at your disposal is this model which we found particularly suited to medium-sized breeds.
The soft, plush fabric outer layer is perfect for your dog to snuggle up on. The bed is stuffed with memory gel foam that has many benefits for arthritic dogs. In addition to relieving pressure points and soothing joint pain triggered by arthritis, the firmness of this platform makes it easy for your elderly dog to get in and out of bed.
We found the bed easy to maintain and clean. The waterproofed removable cover is machine washable, so care is a cinch. Some reviewers noted the zippers are a weak point in the construction, so handle them with care.
This mattress arrives conveniently vacuum-packed: just unfurl it upon arrival and you’re ready to roll.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON3. Best Value: Furhaven Pet Orthopedic Foam Mattress
Product Ratings
| Size | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
| Waterproofing | 3/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
Brand: Furhaven | Materials: eggcrate foam | Maximum Size: 53” x 42” x 5” | Features: Non-Slip Bottom
What We Liked
- Huge choice of colors
- Sturdy support
- Plush Sleep Surface
What We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t wash well
This budget pick provides a lot of bang for your buck. It comes in a huge array of colors so that you can easily find a bed to suit your taste and your dog’s needs.
The Furhaven comes in multiple variations, including cooling memory gel foam and orthopedic foam depending on your dog’s need. The traditional open design of the mattress allows Fido to stretch out in any position he feels like. It also comes in a wide range of sizes to suit dog breeds of all sizes.
As you might expect from a budget bed, this mattress doesn’t wash or wear as well as some of its pricier opposition. However, we really appreciated that while it might not clean as well as other breeds, it doesn’t sacrifice comfort for your pet.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON4. Best Couch Bed: Furhaven Orthopedic Couch Dog Bed
Product Ratings
| Size | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
| Waterproofing | 5/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
Brand: Furhaven | Materials: polyester | Maximum Size: 53” x 42” x 9.5” | Features: bolster cushions
What We Liked
- Quilted cover is both luxurious and visually appealing
- Construction is breathable and provides great airflow
- High-grade orthopedic foam
- Competitive price point
- Huge range of sizes for dogs from smallest to largest breeds
What We Didn’t Like
- The bottom sealant is prone to cracking
The second Furhaven on our list is a great option for dogs who might want bigger head support. The polyester is soft and encourages your pooch to snuggle up. It’s also remarkably hardwearing, so it will withstand occasionally being turned into a chew toy.
The bed comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, but all of them have a luxurious quilted and padded cover for comfy sleep. The orthopedic foam stuffed inside helps to relieve pressure from sore joints and relieve the pain of stiff and arthritic joints as your dog ages.
The base has a tendency to split with time, but otherwise, we found no complaints about durability. The bed is also easy to clean. Combined with a competitive price point, this a great all-around choice for owners and their pets.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY5. Best for Larger Breeds: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
Product Ratings
| Size | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
| Waterproofing | 4/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
Brand: PetFusion | Materials: polyester, cotton| Maximum Size: 50” x 40” x 13” | Features: bolster cushions
What We Liked
- Supports dogs up to 200 pounds.
- As luxurious as a mattress for humans
- High quality memory foam.
- Despite the size and sturdiness, the bottom is thoughtfully designed not to mark your floor
What We Didn’t Like
- Really bulky – you need a lot of floor space for this one
PetFusion is among the finest manufacturers of pet products if you appreciate quality and don’t mind paying for the privilege.
This spacious bed is absolutely enormous, and the strongest bed on our shortlist. With a maximum load-bearing capacity of over 200 pounds. The biggest of big dogs will still be supported and comfortable on this behemoth bed.
Six solid inches of high-grade memory foam keeps pressure away from aching joints and makes it easy for your elderly dog to climb in and out of bed. You can buy a pet blanket separately that’s designed to coordinate with the bed. If you want to give your pet the full luxe experience.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY6. Best Washability: Brindle Waterproof Memory Foam Bed
Product Ratings
| Size | 4/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
| Waterproofing | 5/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
Brand: Brindle | Materials: polyester, memory foam | Maximum Size: 46” x 28” x 4” | Features: Inner waterproof encasement
What We Liked
- The foam is really well designed to relieve pressure points
- Dense but soft construction conforms closely to your dog’s shape
- Hypoallergenic material is suitable for dogs with allergies
What We Didn’t Like
- One of the least durable options in our lineup
As dogs age, it’s inevitable that they have more bladder accidents than normal. It’s worth taking sensible precautions if your dog has reached this life stage and investing in a waterproof bed. Brindle’s memory foam bed is ideal for older, arthritic dogs.
The removable microfiber cover is comfortable and snuggly. It is easy to slip off and throw in the wash after an accident. The mattress is 4 inches thick. Manufactured with an even split of memory foam and high-density support foam to provide your dog with a pain-free sleep.
It’s especially well-suited for dogs with conditions such as hip dysplasia but will support any dog with aching joints. The material is hypoallergenic and a good choice for dogs or owners with allergies.
We also appreciated the variety of sizing options. This is a versatile choice for most dog breeds. A plus is that it comes with a 3-year satisfaction guarantee.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON7. Best Luxury Option: BarksBar Orthopedic Dog Bed
Product Ratings
| Size | 4/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
| Waterproofing | 4/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
Brand: BarksBar| Materials: Polyester, cotton, wood, rubber | Maximum Size: 40” x 30” x 10” | Features: headrest, no-slip bottom
What We Liked
- Ideal for dogs up to 100 pounds
- Highly supportive foam construction with luxurious bolster cushions
- Visually appealing and integrated into home decor style
- Beautiful quilted cover
What We Didn’t Like
- Bolster is soft and not as supportive as other models
This bed is one that provides comfort to your dog and also fits in with your sophisticated home decor. A beautiful and comfortable offering from BarksBar.
Things get off to a strong start with the non-slip bottom which keeps the bed from sliding on or scratching your wooden floors.
We loved that the base is made to be solid and stable. It provides security as your dog climbs in and out while offering a great base of support for heavy dogs with arthritis. The base is topped with 4 inches of memory foam for perfect pressure relief.
The quilted top cover is easy to spot-clean in the event of minor spillages or accidents. You can also remove the cover and pop this in the washing machine on a cold cycle for a deeper clean.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY8. Best Odor Control: Sealy Lux Orthopedic Dog Bed with Cooling Gel
Product Ratings
| Size | 4/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
| Waterproofing | 3/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
Brand: Sealy | Materials: Linen, Cooling Gel | Maximum Size: 32” x 42” x 8”| Features: deodorizing layer, cooling gel
What We Liked
- We loved how easy this model is to clean
- Supportive of dog’s joints
- The base is stable
What We Didn’t Like
- Not as waterproof as others
Sealy caters to owners of large and older dogs suffering from sore joints with this fantastic orthopedic dog bed.
This mattress is infused with cooling gel so your pooch gets a restful night’s sleep. The multilayered design is thick and sturdy enough to support all kinds of breeds. The sturdy base is designed to offer firm support for larger dogs. It won’t cause joint pain.
In addition to the cooling gel, it features a charcoal-infused layer to absorb any foul odors.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWYComparison Chart
| Products | Best Overall | Runner-Up | Best Value | Best Couch Bed | Best for Larger Breeds | Best Washability | Best Luxury Option | Best Odor Control |
| Overall Rating | 5/5 | 4.75/5 | 4.25/5 | 4.75/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.25/5 | 4.25/5 | 4/5 |
| Size | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 | 5/5 | /55 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Waterproofing | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
The Winner
The Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed won by a mile with our reviewers. It’s sturdy enough to provide support to large and heavy dogs but is soft enough for all types of breeds. It’s easy to wash, made in the US and is a suave and tasteful addition to any home.
READ MORE: The Best Memory Foam Dog Beds. Need more support for your arthritic dog? Check out our tried and tested review of the best memory foam dog beds.
How to Choose the Best Dog Beds for Arthritic Dogs
Consider Your Dog’s Weight
Heavier dogs need something thicker and stiffer to support their weight and take the strain off of their joints while still providing comfort while they sleep. Check the cushion material and make sure it’s stiff enough to be functional. The topmost layers should provide snuggly softness.
This is doubly true for larger breeds who will need stiffer foam and thicker beds than smaller breeds to achieve enough support.
Independence
Arthritis doesn’t just cause achy joints – it presents a serious impediment to your dog’s mobility. As their joints stiffen, they will find it harder to get in and out of bed. A good orthopedic bed won’t slip and slide across the floor. It will be stable enough to easily climb in. While being low enough so they don’t have to clamber up in order to use it.
Look for low profiles and no-slip bottoms to help your dog get into and out of bed without assistance.
Durability
Arthritic or not, your dog may still chew on the bed.
As dogs age, they may lose control of their bladders more often. You may have to wash these beds more than the beds. Since washing is hard on foam, it’s important that an orthopedic bed is extra durable. Ensuring that more-frequent washings won’t break down the foam that is supporting your furry friend.
Read our related article, How to Make a Calming Dog Bed. Dogs with arthritis can become anxious and skittish, and a calming dog bed may help. Learn how to DIY a calming bed!
Honorable Mentions
Here’s a brief look at 6 options that didn’t make our list.
1. The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed – Considered for Best Overall
This bed is comfortable and designed for particularly heavy breeds. It comes with lots of sizes so small-breed owners have options to choose from. The waterproofing is great, but we found the Big Barker Orthopedic Bed more durable and comfortable.
2. Milliard Quilted Orthopedic Bed – Considered for Best Value
This bed is highly supportive and a great choice for those looking for a comfortable bed on a budget. It’s designed to fit in a standard crate as well as make it a great versatile option.
It’s easy to wash and comes with a refund policy. Ultimately, the exposed foam without an additional sealing layer undercut our ability to keep cleaning the bed, so the Furhaven Pet Orthopedic Foam Mattress is the better long-term bed.
3. Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed – Considered for Best for Larger Breeds
The DogBed4less is a great budget option for those looking for a good orthopedic bed for larger dogs. The suede cover is snuggly but removes for easy washing. It is also heavyweight enough to stand up to a larger dog.
However, the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed is much more durable and has better waterproofing. It’s a better choice with larger breeds.
4. The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Sofa Dog Bed – Considered for Best for Larger Breeds
Big dogs will get a kick out of this orthopedic option from The Dog’s Bed. It’s soft and comes in a couch design for extra head support. The bed also comes in a wide range of colors.
However, it’s not sturdy enough for dogs with severe joint pain. The foam is not as thick as would be ideal. We felt the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed provides a more comprehensive support option at a similar price point.
5. Oscar Orthopedic Dog Bed – Considered for Best Washability
Washing takes a toll on your dog bed and the Oscar manufacturers have taken this into account. The Oscar Orthopedic Dog Bed is reversible for a prolonged lifespan. It is built with extra ruggedness in the machine-washable cover.
The only reason it lost to the Brindle Waterproof Memory Foam Dog Bed is that it doesn’t have as many sizing options. Our reviewers found it somewhat less comfortable than the Brindle.
6. K&H Pet Products Bolster Sleeper Bed – Considered for Best Couch Design
We love the endearing and homey look of this bolster sleeper bed. It doesn’t sacrifice comfort. It’s a great choice for small and medium-breed owners. Along with using medical-grade orthopedic foam to ensure your dog’s comfort.
It’s a great budget option and only lost out to the Furhaven Orthopedic Couch Dog Bed for the latter’s greater sizing range and durability.
