5 Supportive and Cozy Orthopedic Dog Beds
Senior dogs and large dogs might especially welcome a supportive bed to call their own.
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Senior dogs and large breeds need and deserve special care, and that extends to their dog bed. "Orthopedic dog beds don’t have a strict definition. They are generally known as dog beds designed for full body support, and are especially popular for larger and older dogs," says Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour. "Memory foam is a popular material because it offers great pressure relief and body contouring."
"As dogs age, arthritis and mobility can become an issue," says Dr. Anna Kaufman, veterinarian at Bond Vet. "A comfortable place that is soft, especially when compared to a hard floor, can aid with this."
We found seven of the best-rated and best-reviewed orthopedic dog beds. Each was sent to a family with a dog for at-home review while our staff evaluated the materials and claims. These are our five favorites. We list the price for size small. It will cost a bit more to size up.
Best Deal
Pros
- Super soft bed top
- Several textile certifications
- Eight sizes, each under $110
- Tens of thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon
Cons
- Consider sizing up
Sizes: Eight, from 15" x 20" to 42" x 53" | Fill: Egg-crate style foam | Cover: Polyester | Bolster: Most of the way around with an opening in front, sofa-style | Machine-washable cover: Yes | Waterproof liner: Yes | Nonskid bottom: Yes
WHAT TO KNOW: The top of this bed is super soft polyester, the foam feels firm, and there's a nonskid bottom, making this bed feel like a sturdy, luxurious nest for your dog—for a price that's lower than many others. And many shoppers agree—it has tens of thousands of five-star customer reviews on Amazon.
Bedsure Pet says that their dog bed carries two certifications: It's certified to the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which means it's been tested to ensure there are no unsafe levels of harmful substances in the fabric. The brand also says it uses CertiPUR-US certified foam, which means the foam is made without certain chemicals that are known to be harmful and that is has low VOC emissions.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: The measurements are from the outside of one bolster to the outside of the opposite bolster, so keep in mind that your doggie's inner sleep space will be smaller. Some Amazon reviewers suggested sizing up, and we agree. Our tester dog, Finley, age 8, is shown in a size large (25" x 25"), but probably could have benefitted from an XL (32" x 42"). Every one of the eight sizes available on Amazon is under $110, so any version is a good deal.
Pros
- Silky faux-fur top
- Solid foam interior
- No bolsters, just raised ends, making it easy to flop onto
- Cover is machine-washable
Cons
- No waterproof liner or nonskid bottom
Sizes: Five, from 20" x 30" to 42" x 58" | Fill: Solid foam | Cover: Polyester | Bolster: Raised on each end | Machine-washable cover: Yes | Waterproof liner: No | Nonskid bottom: No
WHAT TO KNOW: This bed from Furhaven has a faux-fur top for silky comfort. With raised ends but no donut-shaped bolster, it's easy for a dog to flop onto the middle and later step back off. (Some dogs like being surrounded by bolsters, others do better with a flatter top they can sprawl out on.) There's no waterproof liner, nor is there a nonskid bottom, but the cover can go in the washing machine.
The longest size of this bed is the largest on our list, a whopping 58 inches long, recommended by the brand for any breed. You can buy a water-resistant mattress protector separately for less than $10.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: An 11-year-old tester dog, a Toxirn named Alexander Hamilton, suffers from leg pain. His owner almost counted him out of our testing, saying, "He never touches new beds." However this Furhaven with a solid-foam interior won Hamilton over. "He went right to it and slept on it immediately," his owner reported.
Pros
- Memory foam is the same used for human mattresses
- Full-body support
- Bolsters all the way around, for dogs that prefer a nest
Cons
- No waterproof liner or nonskid bottom
Sizes: Three, from 19" x 26" to 35" x 45" | Fill: Memory foam and polyurethane foam | Cover: Polyester, nylon, and polyurethane | Bolster: All the way around | Machine-washable cover: Yes | Waterproof liner: No | Nonskid bottom: No
WHAT TO KNOW: This Casper dog mattress is designed as a mini version of its human mattress. The brand does not market its dog bed as "orthopedic," but it fits the definition from the experts we spoke with. The foam provides full-body support and there's a bolster all the way around.
The cover is washable, but it is not waterproof, and the bed doesn't have a nonskid bottom. Unless it's on a carpet, it might slide around a bit.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Our staff members and testers loved the memory foam in this dog mattress. We tested with a big dog, Willow, a poodle and Great Dane mix who has been sleeping on it for more than six months—and loving it. "Every evening, she brings her toys and other prized possessions to it," her owner said.
Pros
- Extra-long 55-inch size
- Every part can be washed clean
- Free shipping and 100-night return policy
Cons
- Not a foam center, so some worry it is not as comfy
Sizes: Two, 21" x 25" and 30" x 55" | Fill: Woven polymer mattress that can be hosed or showered clean | Cover: Polyester | Bolster: All the way around | Machine-washable cover: Yes | Waterproof liner: No | Nonskid bottom: Yes
WHAT TO KNOW: With its generous 30" x 55" size, Newton is a great choice for large dogs. And though it doesn't have a waterproof liner, every part of this dog bed is washable. You can hose down or shower off the woven polymer mattress and run the bolsters and cover through the washing machine.
The brand claims it does relieve pressure points, and many online reviewers on the brand's site agreed. Newton offers a 100-night return policy if you buy from the brand site (as well as free shipping).
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Our 12-year-old tester, Daisy, has been using the Newton bed for six months and it has held up, even though "she tries to use it as a toy," her owner said. Because it is a woven polymer plastic and not foam, a dog can't easily rip it apart or scratch it up. However, some online reviewers said they feel the Newton isn't as warm and comfy as a traditional foam bed.
Pros
- Memory foam interior
- Sherpa bed top
- Dozens of colors and patterns
Cons
- No return option once you've opened the bed
Sizes: Three, from 22.5” x 28” to 34.5" x 44" | Fill: Memory foam | Cover: Bouclé bolsters and sherpa bed top | Bolster: All the way around | Machine-washable cover: Yes | Waterproof liner: Yes | Nonskid bottom: Yes
WHAT TO KNOW: The brand is well-known for its washable rugs so washable pet beds are a natural extension. There are dozens of colors of bolsters, plus patterns such as tartans and plaids, to coordinate with your home decor. The bed tops themselves are always sherpa.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Ruggable's memory foam nest seems especially comfy for small dogs up to 25 pounds, like James, a 9-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. That said, there's also a medium size for dogs up to 60 pounds and a large size for up to 80 pounds. The bolsters go all the way around, donut-style.
In some online reviews, readers who purchased the wrong size or whose dog didn't take to the bed complained that the pet bed is non-returnable if it has been opened, so keep that in mind. You can read the return policy here.
How we test the best orthopedic dog beds
Fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab advised on materials and foam types to look for, but this guide is primarily based on at-home use tests and expert interviews.
For this guide, we drew on previous Textiles Lab research on the best dog beds, expert input from veterinarians and our fiber scientists, and at-home trials with seven dog bed finalists. Dog owners—pulled from friends and family who have tested for the Good Housekeeping Institute before—reported on comfort, support, durability, and ease of cleaning after their dogs used the beds for several weeks.
What to look for when shopping for the best orthopedic dog bed
When looking for an orthopedic dog bed, Erin DeAngelis, director of hard goods at Pet Supplies Plus, suggests looking for these features:
✔️ Memory foam or high-density foam: "This molds to your dog's body, giving them more support and helping to ease pressure on their joints," says DeAngelis.
✔️ Firmness: "A firmer bed helps prevent sagging and makes it easier for a dog to get up," she says.
✔️ Bolsters or raised edges: "These can provide extra support and make your dog feel secure," says DeAngelis who notes that some dogs might prefer a flatter top.
✔️ Non-skid bottom: This might not be such an issue if the bed is placed on a carpet, but if it will be on a hardwood floor or tiles, a non-skid bottom "keeps the bed from sliding around, which is especially helpful for dogs with mobility issues," DeAngelis says.
✔️ Removable, washable covers: "Keeping the bed clean is important, so look for covers that you can easily remove and wash," she says. All the choices on our list have washable covers.
Does your dog need an orthopedic dog bed?
While it's always best to check in with your veterinarian first, DeAngelis says that an orthopedic dog bed might benefit these kinds of dogs:
Senior dogs: "Older dogs often have arthritis or joint pain, and an orthopedic bed can help them feel more comfortable," DeAngelis says.
Large breeds: Bigger dogs can be more prone to hip dysplasia and joint issues, according to the American Kennel Club, so large dogs benefit from the extra support.
Any dog with arthritis or hip dysplasia: A supportive bed can also offer comfort to small- and medium-sized dogs suffering from these common ailments, DeAngelis says.
Active dogs: "Dogs that are always on the go can benefit from the muscle and joint support these beds offer," she says.
Dogs recovering from surgery: "If your dog is recovering from surgery, an orthopedic bed can help them heal by providing extra support," DeAngelis says.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Contributing Writer Jessica Hartshorn shares a multi-family home with a cousin, and between them, they have two cats and a dog. For this story, Hartshorn also leaned on many other dog owners for their testing, opinions, and cute dog photos. She also consulted the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab for their expertise on materials and foam types used in dog beds.
Jessica (she/her) is a contributor with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home, pet, and parenting products for families. A mom of two young adults and a cat, she was previously the Entertainment Editor at Parents and the Senior Lifestyle Editor at American Baby. When not testing toys, subtly starting at people's strollers, or taking meetings to learn about new car seats, she likes to travel. In 2026, she's made it to every continent except Antarctica.
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