We all love our dogs. They’re the ones that see us in the best light and will always be up for fetch. Whether your dog is one you found, adopted, or was a gift, you undoubtedly love it with all your heart. You remember the time you installed a
dog seat cover in your car after their first accident that had your car seat smelling for weeks. You know their favorite
dog toy that has been in their mouth and who knows where else.
Our dogs are a part of our family. For many of us, we grew up with them, for others you raised them as if they were your own children. As time passes, our dogs age. They aren’t up for as much running around and playing fetch as they used to be. They aren’t as strong as they were some years ago but they’re just as lovable. Things start to change for them and we have to be there to help them through the process
As their bones and joints start to ache, we have to make changes so that things are easier for them. One of the ways to do this is to replace their
regular dog bed with an orthopedic one. Orthopedic dog beds are built to give your dog the support and comfort they need. They’ll help to reduce the pain from arthritis and improve your dog’s overall health and energy. After all, don’t you feel great after a good night’s sleep? So does your dog and an orthopedic dog bed will help with that. If you’re not sure where to begin shopping for one or even what to look for, no need to worry. We’ve got you covered.
Price
When you’re shopping for an orthopedic dog bed, you can expect to spend anywhere between $50 and $200. You’ll find cheap orthopedic dog beds both online and at the store but it’s best to avoid those because they’re made with inferior materials and won’t last long. You’ll find yourself shopping for a new one in no time. So it’s best to get a good one the first time.
You’re probably wondering, why such a huge gap in the price range. Well, the price of your new orthopedic dog bed will be affected by its size, the foam used, as well as the materials used for the cover. As usual “you get what you pay for” applies so you will find cheaper beds are made from weaker materials while the ones costing a bit more will be made with more durable materials.
Features
Shopping for an orthopedic dog bed isn’t tremendously complicated; however, there are a few things to look out for to ensure that the bed you buy is a perfect fit for your furry friend.
Here’s what you need to keep an eye out for when shopping for an orthopedic dog bed:
- Type of Foam - the foam used will be what determines whether or not your dog has the support or comfort they needs.
- Cover Material - the cover material will go through a lot so you want to ensure that you get one that’s durable, and easy to clean so that it will last.
- Size - the size that you pick will depend on the size of your dog and how he/she sleeps. You want to get a bed that isn’t too small or too big for your dog.
- Design - this one is subjective and will matter to some people and won’t matter to others. If it matters to you then get an orthopedic dog bed that will work well with your décor rather than clash with it.
Construction and Design
Orthopedic dog beds don’t have a wide range of designs; after all, they’re beds. However, there are two different types: the flat ones and those with bolsters that look like sofa beds. Neither is particularly better than the other and the one you choose will depend on your dog’s sleeping style above all else.
Most orthopedic dog beds will feature a cover that’s typically made from polyester that has a lining of sorts to make it waterproof so liquids won’t soak into the foam. The covers are almost always removable and will either come with one or two zippers. Nowadays, most orthopedic dog beds will also have a non-slip/non-skid bottom so it won’t slide on the floor which makes it safe for your dog to sleep on.
There are also a variety of different types of foams used in dog beds. The most common foam used in orthopedic dog beds is solid memory foam. It's used either by itself or with another type of foam as a base. There are also beds which use shredded memory foam, egg crate foam, among others. You’ll find different beds built with different quality materials but there are many great ones on the market that you can get for a good price.
Performance and Ease of Use
Cover
One of the first things you need to consider when buying your dog’s orthopedic bed is the cover. Now you want to choose a bed with a cover that’s durable, one that is easy to remove, waterproof and if you can swing it, tear proof. Often times, you’ll find that the covers are made from polyester, which ensures that they’re strong yet comfortable. While the cover itself is not waterproof in most cases, it will come with a lining which is and this is important because the lining will prevent any liquids from soaking into the foam, which is the last thing you want.
The covers are almost always removable, but look out for a bed cover with two zippers, which will make it easier to remove and put on. Plus, always go for one that’s machine washable. It takes out a lot of the hassle of maintenance.
Supportive Foam Construction
Many orthopedic dog beds are built with solid memory foam. Some also have shredded memory foam, egg crate foam or other types of foam. Memory foam is preferred by many pet owners as it reacts to your dog’s weight and body temperature and conforms to each curve and angle. This allows it to become soft where it needs to be and firm where it needs to be which reduces provides much better support and comfort for dogs especially the older ones who need it the most.
One of the issues many people have had with memory foam in the past is that it tends to get quite hot after a while as there’s no circulation within the foam itself. However, many manufacturers have started to make memory foam with air pockets or other technologies to provide circulation and a cool sleeping surface for your dog.
Memory foam is rated in terms of pounds rather than thickness. The scale is currently 3 – 5 pounds with 3-pound memory foam being the less desirable one and 5-pound memory foam being the best out right now. The 5-pound memory foam will give your dog the best support and last the longest but it’s often more expensive than a 3 pound or 4-pound memory foam.
Size of Dog Bed
Last but not least, is the size of your dog’s orthopedic bed. You want to pick one that will fit your dog perfectly. Not too big and not too small. You can measure your dog when they’re sleeping and also note how they sleep. This will give you an idea of the right bed for them. Each dog is different so the orthopedic dog bed that will work for your neighbor’s dog, won’t necessarily work for yours. So pay attention to your dog’s weight, size, and sleeping style and get the right bed for them.
Now that we’ve covered what you need to know when buying an orthopedic dog bed, let’s turn our attention to our top picks. Check out these five comfortable and affordable ones to see how they compare and what they have to offer.
Features
PetFusion was started by a group of people determined to deliver quality products that suit any home décor. Their vision is to deliver seamless design that doesn’t cost a fortune, and that’s why it’s beloved by so many pet owners across North America.
The PetFusion Ultimate Orthopedic Dog Bed & Lounge stands out, with a solid 4-inch memory foam base, it will provide your dog with the support and comfort they need. This bed is great for older dogs with arthritis or other age-related ailments and can improve their energy levels and overall health.
The smart design includes a base and “green” recycled polyfill support bolsters, which are made with 65% comfortable polyester and 35% cotton twill. It has a water-resistant and tear-resistant cover, with a non-skid bottom. The cover is removable and machine washable, and the color makes it easy to see and remove hair. Additional covers are also available for purchase if you so wish.
Available in small, jumbo, large and extra-large in either slate gray or brown, The PetFusion Ultimate Orthopedic Dog Bed works well for virtually every size and breed. It’s easy to assemble, the bolsters are pre-loaded in the fabric cover, and you can easily insert them into the memory foam base and zip it up. With a 12-month warranty that covers all manufacturer defects, you really can’t go wrong.
Features
Brindle uses the highest quality materials to deliver reliable and innovative pet products adored by dogs and their owners alike. While their products may be a bit pricey, Brindles’ quality products are loved and trusted by many pet owners and their furry friends.
The Brindle 4-Inch Orthopedic Dog Bed is available in small, medium, and large sizes, as well as three gorgeous colors: mocha blue, charcoal black, and khaki. The 100% waterproof encasement cover protects the bed from dirt, hair, and accidents. The zippered velour cover is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. It’s also ridiculously soft, removable, and machine washable. In case these features aren’t enough to sway you, Brindle even throws in a 3-year warrantee.
Within the cover is a two-layered memory foam mattress; two inches of comfortable memory foam are supported by two inches of high-density support foam underneath. This bed is designed to conform to your dog’s weight and pressure to soothe arthritis pains, achy joints, and other age-related ailments. Overall, the Brindle 4-Inch Orthopedic Dog Bed is a wonderful dog bed that both you and your dog will love.
Features
Milliard had an interesting start as a small family company in 2009 that specialized in selling candies. Now, they have grown into a reputable company with top-quality products in multiple categories, including pet products. Milliard serves thousands of loyal customers across the country and have earned praise for their designs, durability, and affordability.
The Milliard Premium Orthopedic Dog Bed comes in four different sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large. We’re reviewing the Medium model, however, all of them share the same features and only differ in size.
This dog bed brilliantly combines durability and support at a great price. A 2-inch layer of three-pound memory foam contours to your dog’s shape, providing comfort and therapeutic relief for ailments such as arthritis and achy joints. The memory foam is certified by CertiPUR-Us and has extra support from two inches of polyurethane foam underneath.
The waterproof cover features a protective TPU lining in case of any accidents, is made of 100% polyester which adds longevity, and has a non-slip bottom making it safe for use on any type of floor. The zipper opens along both sides of the bed, so its easily removable. You can also easily machine-wash and dry the cover, decreasing the strain of maintenance.
Overall, the Milliard Ultimate Orthopedic Dog Bed is a brilliant dog bed at a great price.
Thanks for reading our orthopedic dog bed review. We hope you found the right one for your furry friend.
