• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer
dogwheelchairlife_logo

Dog Wheelchair Life

Teaching people to care for a paralyzed dog

  • Home
  • Resource Page
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Resource Page
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • IVDD
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Other Spine Problems
  • Daily Care
  • Resources
  • Amazon Favorites
  • IVDD
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Other Spine Problems
  • Daily Care
  • Resources
  • Amazon Favorites
Dog sleeping in orthopedic dog bed

Best Choice in Orthopedic Dog Beds: For Senior Pets

Home » Blog » Best Choice in Orthopedic Dog Beds: For Senior Pets
February 26, 2021 by Sharon Seltzer
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Why an orthopedic dog bed is the best choice
  • Dog beds made from egg crate foam
  • Memory foam dog beds
  • How to test the quality of a dog bed+−
    • Here are the must have features. Not all orthopedic beds are the same.
  • Beware of beds that could cause problems
  • Orthopedic beds can aid a variety of health problems+−
    • Here are the most common conditions:
  • Six of my favorite dog beds+−
    • Elevated dog bed
Dog sleeping in orthopedic dog bed.

Have you shopped for a dog bed lately? The experience is overwhelming. I’ve raised 9 dogs and consider myself to be an experienced pet mom, but I was confused about buying a new mattress. There are so many brands and styles. If you’re in the same boat, there’s one thing I know for sure, the best choice are orthopedic dog beds.

This is especially true if you have a senior, arthritic or disabled pooch.

The key is to learn how to sift through the dog bed lingo so you can pick the right mattress for your pet’s stage of life.

Note: This post has affiliate links. Read my policy here.

Why an orthopedic dog bed is the best choice

Like humans, a quality mattress can prevent joint stiffness in your pup. It also reduces the risk of developing pressure sores and boosts overall health by providing a good night’s sleep.

Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, DipABVP is an advocate of orthopedic dog beds for older dogs and those with mobility problems. In an article for VeterinaryPartner.com Dr. Brooks said,

“An orthopedic bed is a crucial investment…. These beds are designed to protect pressure points….”

Veterinary Partner

Dr. Brooks went on to explain that painful pressure sores (decubitus ulcers) and bulging sores called hygromas develop when a dog can’t change positions easily. Some dog beds restrict movement because they’re too soft or too deep.

Orthopedic mattresses help a dog move easily in their bed. They take pressure off the joints and improve blood flow to the body. They’re designed to support a dog’s spine and joints without adding undue pressure and while gently molding to their shape.

They do this by using materials made from two variations of quality foam: medical-grade egg crate foam and thick memory foam.

Dog beds made from egg crate foam

Egg crate foam for orthopedic dog bed

Egg crate mattresses have high peaks and low dips that makes them look like the inside of an egg carton. They work by evenly distributing a dog’s weight over the top of each peak which reduces pressure to bony areas like the spine and hips.

Mattresses made of egg crate foam are also known for keeping a dog’s body temperature cool and comfortable.

Memory foam dog beds

Orthopedic mattresses made from memory foam relieve pressure points the opposite way. Instead of resting on top of the mattress, memory foam contours and hugs a dog’s body.

The mattress is made of dense foam with tiny open cells. When a dog lies on it, air moves from one cell to another providing just enough support to embrace the body. And even though a pooch is being hugged by the mattress, it’s easy for them to move and change positions. 

How to test the quality of a dog bed

Orthopedic dog bed
Big Barker orthopedic dog bed

Here are the must have features. Not all orthopedic beds are the same.

The bed should be made of medical-grade memory foam or egg crate foam. Choose the thickest mattress available.

The cover should be removable and washable.

The cover should be made from anti-bacterial fabric.

Be sure to choose a bed with a non-slip bottom.

Pick the shape that best fits your dog’s physical condition – A flat rectangular shape is great for dogs who like to stretch while they sleep. Beds with bolsters add protection for dogs with mobility or balance problems.

Beware of beds that could cause problems

Orthopedic dog bed
Milliard egg crate dog bed

The words “orthopedic mattress” are misused often so beware of claims. A quality bed should never be made of chunks of foam or small particles. These beds become lumpy and can add extra pressure to a dog’s joints.

In addition, you should never be able to completely flatten a well-made orthopedic bed. You can test this by pushing your hand down on the mattress. If you feel the ground below, look for another option. This type of bed won’t support your dog’s body evenly.

Orthopedic beds can aid a variety of health problems

Here are the most common conditions:

Arthritis

IVDD – Intervertebral Disc Disease

Hip dysplasia

Muscle loss due to old age

Recovery from orthopedic surgeries

Neurologic conditions and paralysis

Fractures 

Sprains

Six of my favorite dog beds

Milliard Quilted Padded Orthopedic Dog Bed With Egg Crate Foam

This bed is made from durable egg crate luxe foam for great support and comfort. It has a thick pillowtop layer for added comfort.

The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed

Made from premium memory foam, the mattress is designed for dogs of all sizes who suffer from arthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia and mobility problems. It also provides orthopedic support for dogs after surgery.

JOYELF Orthopedic Dog Bed with Memory Foam and Bolsters

Made with a solid memory foam base, this bed has bolters that protect your dog’s neck and hugs their body. It has a non-slip bottom and is washable.

Sealy Orthopedic Dog Bed

This high quality therapeutic dog bed is lavender infused to calm your pup. Made of memory foam, it provides support for dogs of all ages with arthritis and other joint or bone problems.

Big Barker Orthopedic Beds for Large Dogs

Big Barker specializes in beds for big dogs. Each is made with a durable orthopedic mattress that’s 7 inches thick and offers a 10 year warranty against flattening. Big Barker also ran a clinical study that showed dogs using their mattress showed less pain and more flexibility after 28 days.

Elevated dog bed

Veehoo Elevated Dog Bed

While this bed doesn’t have an orthopedic mattress, it’s a cot worth knowing if you have a disabled dog. The raised legs make it a good option for dogs who have trouble getting in and out of a typical pet bed. The mesh, breathable mattress is made to support a dog’s body and it has no-slip feet for safety.

If your dog is incontinent, take a look at this story: Ultimate Guide for Waterproof Dog Beds, Blankets and Liners.

About Sharon Seltzer

I’m a blogger, professional writer and co-founder of the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society. I’m also a pet mom who’s raised 9 dogs, 6 cats and lots of other critters. When my dog Sophie became paralyzed in 2008, it was a lonely experience. It took months to find all of the resources to help her live a quality life. My mission is to share those services with other pet owners and to teach people how to care for a disabled dog.

You May Also Like

Dr. Jenny Moe with a canine patient

From PT to Myofascial Release Specialist to Owner of Doggon’ Wheels

Dog receiving laser therapy

At-Home Light Therapy for Dogs

Young and old dog standing together

When Dogs Grieve the Loss of a Pet: Bailey’s Story

Dog born with Cerebellar Hypoplasia

Falling In Love With A Dog You Saw Online

Previous Post: « Labrador retriever enrolled study for dogs with back pain Morris Animal Foundation Study for Dogs With Back Pain
Next Post: Ultimate Guide for Waterproof Dog Beds, Blankets and Liners Dog sleeping in waterproof dog bed »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Takahashi Kazuma

    September 2, 2021 at 9:45 pm

    Do you recommend a Gel Memory Foam dog bed for a dog with IVDD? Or is it better to go with an egg-crate or normal memory foam?

    Reply
    • Sharon Seltzer

      September 4, 2021 at 5:10 pm

      Takahashi, I haven’t seen a gel memory foam dog bed. Do you have the name of the brand? I wonder if you don’t see them often because of the possibility of the gel leaking if a dog gets a little rough with the bed? In any case, I don’t have a preference between egg crate or memory foam. The thing you don’t want is a mattress that’s made of chunks of memory foam. It should be in one solid piece. Hope this helps. Great question. – Sharon

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sidebar

Sophie-on-grass
Join Our Newsletter and Receive the Essential Guide of Products For Handicapped Dogs

Essential Guide of Products
Click Here for the E-Book

Walkabout Harnesses – Mobility Products For Dogs
My favorite harnesses for disabled dogs.
My favorite harnesses for disabled dogs.

HandicappedPets.com
walkin-all-pet-products[1]

Must-Read Articles
German shepherds are prone to Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs: What Pet Owners Should Know

Josie the dog doing physical therapy

9 Dog Physical Therapy Exercises You Can Do At Home

Longhair dachshund with IVDD

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs: Understanding the Condition


Barkertime Products for Incontinent Dogs
Barkertime-collage

Recent Posts

  • Best Dog Life Jackets for Safety and Fun
  • Enter To Win an Indoor PawRamp from Alpha Paw
  • From PT to Myofascial Release Specialist to Owner of Doggon’ Wheels
  • At-Home Light Therapy for Dogs
  • Will You Join The Dog Aging Project?

Recent Comments

  • Sharon Seltzer on What You Should Know About Pressure Sores and Hygromas in Dogs
  • Lauren on What You Should Know About Pressure Sores and Hygromas in Dogs
  • Sharon Seltzer on Why Hydrotherapy for Dogs Is Quickly Gaining Popularity
  • Sharon Seltzer on Dog Wheelchairs: How to Choose The Right Cart for Your Pet
  • Joesph on Dog Wheelchairs: How to Choose The Right Cart for Your Pet

Archives

  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020

Categories

  • Daily Care
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • IVDD
  • Other Spine Problems
  • Resources

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

DogWheelchairLife.com is a blog that teaches pet families how to care for their paralyzed dog. As the owner, I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Amazon Influencer Program. These are affiliate programs designed for sites to earn advertising fees (commissions) by linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate and Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, visit the Affiliate Disclosure page

We Are A Resource for Pet Owners

Dog Wheelchair LIFE teaches pet families how to care for their paralyzed dog. This is not a medical site and I am not a veterinarian. I am a blogger and pet mom who was the caretaker for Sophie, a paraplegic dog. I’m also a co-founder of the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society in Las Vegas, NV and an animal writer who has contributed to websites and magazines.

The information shared on this site is based on my personal experience and the research I do for each story. Please do not use the content from this blog in place of professional veterinary care.

Articles from this site may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from me, Sharon Seltzer.

Join Our List

  • Legal/Privacy
  • About
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2022 · Dog Wheelchair Life · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Solution

Close Popup

Join our newsletter and get my free e-book

Essential Guide of Products For Handicapped Dogs!