The 6 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds of 2026, Tested by Our Pups
As dogs age, they tend to sleep more and lose muscle mass. As a result, they’re more likely to experience painful joints since they have less tissue to cushion their pressure points. Many older dogs also develop arthritis or experience injuries that lead to discomfort. The best orthopedic dog beds help relieve the pain associated with these issues. These beds are made of resilient memory foam that offers even, medium-firm support to reduce stress on pressure points and joints. But it’s not just senior dogs who can benefit from a supportive bed. Veterinarians say orthopedic beds are a smart choice for dogs of all ages.
To select the best orthopedic beds for large and small dogs, we tested 22 popular options with a group of mostly senior pups who napped and lounged on each one for several weeks. We also consulted veterinarians to determine which features are most important. Our top pick is the Petfusion Ultimate Dog Lounge, which earned high marks for support, comfort, and durability. For a more budget-friendly option, the Bedsure Pet Orthopedic Dog Sofa provides great support and comfort, though it’s not as durable or easy to clean as our Petfusion pick.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.
Our top picks for the best orthopedic dog beds
Best overall: Petfusion Ultimate Dog Lounge – See at Chewy
Best budget with bolsters: Bedsure Pet Orthopedic Dog Sofa – See at Chewy
Best budget mat: Bedsure Pet Orthopedic Mat – See at Chewy
Best stylish: Lay Lo Dog Bed – See at Lay Lo
Best for small dogs: Big Barker Barker Junior – See at Big Barker
Best for crates: Big Barker Ortho Lift Crate Bed – See at Big Barker
Best overall
The overall best orthopedic dog bed is the Petfusion Ultimate Dog Lounge, a bolster-style bed with a durable twill cover and supportive memory foam mattress. We’ve tested the large size with a 45-pound Labradoodle and a 45-pound beagle-basset hound mix. Both dogs rested comfortably on this bed and were evenly supported by the dense memory foam.
Our experts say many dogs, like our Labradoodle and hound testers, prefer to have something solid to rest their backs against while they sleep. This bed’s soft yet sturdy bolsters wrap around the sides and back of the bed and extend partially across the front, giving dogs plenty of spots to snuggle up or prop their heads.
The memory foam thickness varies depending on the bed size. The jumbo bed features 6 inches of foam for added support, while the extra-large and large beds are 4 inches thick, and the small bed is 2 inches. The brand does not offer a bed in a size medium.
Amy Graves/Business Insider
Be warned that if your dog is a heavy shedder, loose fur can be stubborn to remove from the cover. A sticky roller left behind lots of fur, but the best pet hair remover, the Chom Chom Roller, got the job done.
You can easily run the cover and liner through the washer and dryer, but it’s somewhat difficult to weave the bolsters back into the cover. Aside from a small amount of pilling after washing and drying, the cover is extremely durable. It’s also easy to spot clean, and the waterproof liner does a good job protecting the mattress from liquids and moisture.
Best budget with bolsters
Bedsure Pet Orthopedic Dog Bed
This well-designed bolster bed with a wide entry and nonskid bottom comes in more sizes and colors than any other dog bed we tested and recommend.
For an affordable bed with plenty of sizes and colors to choose from, it’s hard to beat the Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed, which costs between $50 and $100 depending on the size and color combination you choose. The bed impressed us so much that we named it the top budget pick in our guides to the best dog beds and best large dog beds.
The bed has a 4-inch egg-crate foam mattress that provides medium-firm support. Even the extra-large size held up without sinking or sagging under the weight of a 70-pound English cream retriever. Her guardian moved it wherever she went, even outdoors, and she comfortably slept on it for hours at a time. While the bed is somewhat heavy, it’s still fairly easy to carry because its dimensions aren’t overly wide or awkward.
Amy Graves/Business Insider
The cover held up well, and the waterproof liner protected the foam during our soaking test. Spot-cleaning the cover after we smeared it with dirt and peanut butter had mixed results. We tested the bed in two different colors, and the cream top of the caramel version held onto some dirt. While the stain came out in the washer, machine washing wasn’t as convenient as washing other beds. Because the bolsters can’t be removed, you’re left with a wet, bulky bed that takes longer to dry.
The liner’s zipper also proved unreliable. On one cover, it got stuck after repeated use, and on the other, it fell off after two rounds in the washing machine. Still, given the bed’s overall durability and affordability, we recommend it with the caveat to handwash the liner and handle the zipper gently.
Best budget mat
If your dog tends to sprawl out rather than cuddle up against bolsters, Bedsure makes an affordable mat that will keep them comfortable. The mattress-style bed is available in several colors, textures, and sizes. However, the eggcrate foam is only 3 inches high, except for the largest size bed, which is 4 inches high. Still, it offers more density and support than similar beds under $80.
While the thinner foam is less supportive than the other beds recommended in this guide, our dogs still took long snoozes on the mat, including two Leonbergers and a beagle-basset mix. Typically, the Leonbergers took turns, but even when both lay on the bed together, they were quite cozy and evenly supported.
Amy Graves/Business Insider
This mat outperforms the competition with a wide range of sizes and durable cover options. The top of the cover also has a waterproof backing to protect the foam from accidents. You can choose from a sherpa-like material or a quilted cooling cover. The cooling cover features polyfill between the top material and the waterproof backing, adding a bit more loft and comfort. Some options also come with a nonslip bottom, but not all, so read the description carefully before purchasing.
The sherpa material is difficult to spot clean since debris can become embedded in the fibers. However, both the sherpa and cooling covers came completely clean in the washing machine. The zipper runs along two sides of the bed, so it’s easy to remove the cover for washing.
Best stylish
Lay Lo Dog Bed
The Lay Lo Dog Bed combines comfort and style in a simply designed bed that provides top-notch orthopedic support.
While the Lay Lo Dog Bed is one of the priciest orthopedic options we recommend, we think it’s worth it if both quality and aesthetics are important to you. It features a two-layer foam mattress: an inch of cushiony memory foam and a denser foam on the bottom. You can choose from more than 20 attractive cover colors and prints, which are also sold separately.
It was easy for a short-legged 45-pound hound mix to step onto the 4-inch-thick size medium bed and circle around before settling in. While he gravitates toward bolster beds, we were surprised to see him choose this bed over other options on several occasions. It also has a nonslip bottom for stability on hardwood and tile floors.
Lisa Sabatini/Business Insider
The cover comes in neutral gray and ecru colors, bolder greens and reds, and prints like classic checker and houndstooth. The green grid cover we tested is made of a thick but flexible woven polyester that fits the mattress like a glove. Some of the other covers are made of recycled polyester and are textured rather than smooth. All covers have a fabric handle with a removable vegan leather wrap for easy carrying.
The cover readily absorbed the warm water we poured over it, and some moisture made it through the removable water-resistant liner. If additional protection is a high priority, you can purchase a waterproof liner from Lay Lo.
The bed passed our other tests with flying colors, from durability to ease of cleaning. However, when we reassembled it after washing, we had to take extra care not to catch the mattress liner in the cover’s zipper. Be sure to compress the surrounding foam as you close the zipper.
Best for small dogs
Among the best orthopedic dog beds, the Big Barker Junior has the most versatile design. The bed resembles a chaise lounge, with a curved bolster at one end. We tested the size medium bed with a 10-pound chihuahua mix and a 12-pound terrier mix, and its firm core uniformly supported their bodies.
The foam was resilient, too, bouncing back immediately after our tester removed heavy weights to test for flattening. So long as your small dog does not have a problem climbing onto a surface 4 inches off the floor, it’s a great choice.
Alex Rennie/Business Insider
The microsuede cover was unscathed in our scratching, digging, and seam-strength tests. “This thing is durable with a capital D,” freelance reporter Alex Rennie says. Peanut butter, dirt, and black tea were easy to remove with spot-cleaning with dish soap and water. However, with only machine washing, peanut butter left oil stains on the cover.
Although this bed is expensive (the waterproof liner itself starts at $50 for the size small), it should last a lifetime. Big Barker even offers a 10-year guarantee because it is confident that the foam will retain 90% of its original shape and thickness for that long.
Best for crates
The Big Barker Crate Bed is far more durable and supportive than a typical crate pad, making it a great choice for any dog who rests a long while in their crate. A 45-pound basset-beagle mix was well supported, and their guardian also lay on the pad and couldn’t feel the floor underneath.
The bed has a tough microsuede cover with well-constructed seams and zippers that aced all durability tests. In testing, the two-layer foam core never flattened and filled back out in less than a minute after we removed dumbbell weights that had been laid on it for four hours. The cover acquired a “dusty” look after washing, drying, and regular use, which is common with microfiber. We discovered the cover shrunk slightly after washing and drying, but we were able to reassemble it with a little extra effort.
Lisa Sabatini/Business Insider
The bed’s price and height may be deal-breakers for some. You’ll also need to purchase the waterproof liner separately. The 4-inch-thick foam could take away too much headroom from taller dogs unless their crate is very tall, while shorter dogs with limited mobility may find it difficult to step in and out of their crate. Like the brand’s Barker Junior bed, which we recommend for small dogs, this crate pad carries an unbeatable 10-year guarantee.
What to look for in an orthopedic dog bed
Lisa Sabatini/Business Insider
The veterinarians we spoke with say there are several key features to consider. Here’s what to look for when choosing a supportive orthopedic dog bed.
Materials and support: The reality is that brands can market their beds any way they want, and not all orthopedic foam is equal. However, what works for humans has been shown anecdotally to work for dogs, too. “The memory foam approach, which is used in a lot of human beds, has made it to the dog arena, whereby they show that the pressure is more evenly distributed over a larger area, so there’s less risk of sores and it’s more comfortable for the dog in general,” says Dr. Joseph J. Wakshlag, a veterinarian and professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
The best orthopedic dog beds we recommend contain either polyurethane memory foam or what a brand may describe as orthopedic foam. If a bed contains lower-quality foam, it will break down faster and may feel flimsy or springy. You’ll also want to look for a bed made with foam that’s at least 2 inches thick. We’ve found that anything thinner lacks orthopedic support, no matter how small a dog may be.
Comfort: Both bolstered or flat beds are suitable options, but it’s important to choose the design that complements your dog’s sleeping style. Meredith O’Connor, a dog behaviorist and trainer, says dogs sort out to be side sleepers or flat-out stretchers on a dog-by-dog basis. If your dog is a side sleeper who likes to lean against something while they sleep or prop their head up while lying down, a bolster bed is your best bet. Flat beds are excellent options for dogs who sleep sprawled out with their head even with the rest of their body.
Ease of entry: Conditions such as arthritis and mobility challenges can make it difficult for dogs to get in and out of bed, but certain features can help ease your dog down to rest safely. Look for nonskid bottoms, reasonably thick pads that aren’t too high to step onto, and wide spaces between bolsters so your dog won’t encounter any obstacles climbing in and out of bed.
Durability: The best orthopedic dog beds can set you back some change, so a bed that flattens, gets worn looking from rounds in the washing machine, or is easily ripped or scratched open will not pass muster. Consider beds with a dense memory foam core protected by either a waterproof cover or liner. Covers made of polyester and cotton both held up well in our testing.
Water resistance and ease of cleaning: Since some senior dogs and those recovering from surgery are more likely to have accidents and other hygiene issues, we recommend purchasing a waterproof bed with a cover that is easy to spot clean and comes completely clean after a stint in the washer and dryer.
Sizing: To ensure your dog has room to stretch out, choose a sleeping surface slightly larger than their length measured from the nose to the base of the tail. Dogs with longer legs will also need a deep enough bed to accommodate them.
Return policies and warranties: We recommend beds with at least a 30-day return policy, but keep in mind that some refunds only apply to unused beds. The pricier the bed, the more likely you’ll see a manufacturer warranty for defects. Before you buy, make sure to read the company’s return, exchange, and warranty policies closely.
Certifications: Materials safety certifications ensure that some or all of the materials in a product are free of materials known to be harmful to people. Products with the CertiPUR-US certification contain polyurethane foam that is made without formaldehyde, ozone depleters, prohibited phthalates, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals. In addition, the foam has low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions and is not treated with flame retardants, which contain carcinogens and other toxins. A polyurethane foam producer needs to meet the criteria set by the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam to receive certification. The certification process includes submitting test results and samples along with a fee of several thousand dollars. The OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification is given after a manufacturer submits to an application process that includes a fee. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 signifies that every part of a product is free of various substances that may harm human health. To receive a Greenguard Gold certification, a manufacturer submits samples for laboratory testing to verify that they meet low chemical emissions standards set by UL Solutions, an international materials safety organization.
How we tested the best orthopedic dog beds
We’ve tested 22 different orthopedic beds with dogs of various breeds and weights, ranging from 6 to 15 years old and 12 to 180 pounds. Our tests cover comfort, support, durability, and ease of care.
Comfort and support: Looking for the best options in each design, we looked for signs that our tester dogs were resting comfortably over the course of several weeks. We observed how much time they spent on the beds and whether they appeared fully relaxed while resting or sleeping. We got on the beds ourselves to assess how much support and stability the foam gave us, especially for our lower backs. Lastly, we used barbells and loaded duffel bags to see if any beds failed to support or spring back into their original shape after taking on the load.
Regardless of the foam type, we evaluated each bed to ensure it conformed to our tester dogs’ bodies to distribute pressure evenly.
Ease of entry: We assessed how easily dogs could enter and settle into the beds. While extra-high beds can work for taller dogs and may provide better support, the best orthopedic dog beds tended to be somewhat lower-profile beds that were still firm and supportive. If a bed had a bolster, we made sure the entry points were wide enough for dogs to get in and out with ease. We also gave higher ratings to beds with nonskid bottoms and cover materials that weren’t slippery to help pets avoid any sliding or scooting.
Durability and ease of cleaning: By yanking on zippers, digging on covers with metal dinner forks, puncturing seams with scissors, and scraping bottoms with sandpaper, we looked for hard-nosed durability in these beds. We smeared the covers with dirt and peanut butter and poured black tea on them, to see which beds were easy to spot clean. Then, after machine-washing and drying the covers and liners, we reassembled everything and looked for any lingering spots, stains, or fabric changes. We gave the highest marks to beds that stayed both firm and plush over the course of many weeks.
Waterproofing: The beds we selected claimed to have waterproof or water-resistant liners, and we made sure to test this ourselves. After pouring a cup of warm water onto the sleep surface of each bed, we waited 30 minutes before checking to see if any moisture made it through the liners to the foam mattress.
Orthopedic dog beds FAQs
Are orthopedic beds worth it for dogs?
Yes. Orthopedic pet beds can benefit dogs of all ages — not only seniors or pups with joint issues. These beds use memory foam to evenly distribute a dog’s weight when they are lying down, reducing pressure on sensitive joints. “It is a rather simple concept regarding pressure points,” Wakshlag says. “Depending on how the dog is lying, it creates pressure over areas like hips and elbows.”
In addition to comfort, a supportive bed can promote mobility, which is likely to extend longevity and can also help with behavior issues, says Dr. Katherine Houpt, a veterinary behaviorist and professor at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine who specializes in domestic animal welfare and has studied the sleeping patterns of shelter dogs. “Resilience is very important,” she says. “Dogs do not need or want to sleep on the linoleum. They need a cushioned but supportive surface.”
What is the best type of bed for a dog to sleep on?
We recommend choosing a bed made from evenly supportive memory or orthopedic foam. Wakshlag says stuffed, polyfill beds lack uniform support, which can lead to soreness at pressure points. Meanwhile, Houpt recommends a bed with bolsters. “If you look carefully, you will see they prefer to sleep with their backs against their owner, or against the back of the sofa, or even against the wall,” she says. “Thermoregulation is another big factor, and the dog does want to be in a warm place. That may be another reason they sleep with the back against something, to protect against drafts.”
What’s the best type of bed for a dog with arthritis?
Orthopedic veterinarians at Colorado State University say that managing osteoarthritis in pets involves therapeutic exercises in addition to pain medications and weight management. Wakshlag says a supportive orthopedic dog bed made from memory foam can enhance recovery from therapeutic exercises.
What is the best bed for a dog recovering from ACL surgery?
The right bed can support ACL surgery recovery, says Dr. Brian Collins, a senior lecturer in community practice service at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. He recommends memory foam or similar materials for stability, comfort, and support. This type of foam helps keep a dog comfortable while resting and also stable when they get in and out or turn around. Bolsters can offer added physical support, a sense of security, and a place to rest the head.
For added stability, a nonskid bottom or at least placing the bed on a nonslip surface is important. “It should be easy to get in and out of with a low border or an open side that the dog won’t struggle to step over,” Collins says. “The bed should be big enough for the dog to comfortably turn around, change position, and stretch out on.” In addition, he says a water-resistant bed that you can easily clean is essential for providing a clean environment while the incision heals.
