The Best Dog Beds for Older Dogs

Written by Angie Menjivar
Updated: March 14, 2023
© Javier Brosch/Shutterstock.com

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Every dog owner agrees that dogs don’t live long enough. The phases between puppyhood and senior years are packed with plenty of fun memories but that never takes away the pain of watching your dog get older. Things he used to be able to do he now struggles with. As a puppy, he could just tire himself out, plop himself into any position on the floor, and take a good snooze. Now that he’s older, his joints have changed, he may have developed arthritis, and he needs extra care. As dog owners, this is what you sign up for and part of providing him with the care he needs during his senior years is ensuring he has a comfortable place to rest.

Dogs are much like humans except with shorter lifespans. As you age, you notice that things start feeling different as well. The cool thing about being human is that you can verbalize any discomfort you feel and find solutions to help you feel better. Although your dog can’t talk to you, you know him better than anyone. You know when he’s not feeling well. You can pick up on the slightest changes, like a slower rise in the morning after resting or more difficulty getting into a comfortable position at night. To ensure that you can keep him comfortable, you need to invest in a high-quality dog bed for older dogs.

These types of beds are equipped with orthopedic support. Often, you can find memory foam that conforms to your dog’s body, reducing any pressure on his joints. Typically, these beds also have a lower edge, so your dog doesn’t have to struggle to get over an edge that’s too high. These beds for older dogs are also equipped with built-in pillows, so your dog has plenty of support around his head and neck area. These dog beds make a huge difference for your older pup’s comfort and selecting the most appropriate one for your favorite canine companion is a big decision.

There are plenty of options for you to select from online and we’ve highlighted five of our favorites. We wanted to provide you with a selection that gives you a solid understanding of what options you have, including the best models for small dogs and the best for larger dogs. We highlight different features to help you decide, like waterproof options in case your dog may be suffering from incontinence. We also provide you with a guide to help you select the right one and cover some additional tips for supporting your aging dog.

  1. FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Cat & Dog Bed
    • Orthopedic dog bed
    • Variety of different sizes
    • Available in 14 different colors
    • Bed cover is removable and machine washable
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler Sherpa Dog Bed
    • Support pets of up to 25 pounds
    • Available in a variety of different colors
    • The bottom is water-resistant
    • Easy to clean
    Check Amazon
  3. FurHaven Faux Sheepskin Snuggery Gel Top Cat & Dog Bed with Removable Cover
    • Removable machine washable cover
    • Lined with insulating Sherpa fleece
    • Available in different colors
    • Hooded blanket for pet to snuggle under
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Kopeks High Grade Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
    • Made with premium memory foam
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Cover is waterproof
    • Anti-slip bottom
    Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Dog Beds for Older Dogs

#1 Best Overall: FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Cat & Dog Bed

The best overall dog bed for older dogs is the FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Cat & Dog Bed.

Not only is this an orthopedic dog bed that your senior pup will love laying on, but it also comes in a variety of different sizes, to suit any size dog. The sizes range from small all the way to jumbo plus and you can select different types of foam like cooling gel foam, memory foam, and orthopedic foam. It’s available in 14 different colors, including diamond blue plush and suede clay, plush and suede espresso, quilted wine red, and quilted navy just to name a few. Your dog gets a new, comfortable bed, and you get to pick a color that matches your interior decor.

This dog bed is a classic bolstered sofa design to give your pup the ultimate comfort and a built-in pillow where he can rest his head. The main sleeping surface is lined with plush faux fur and the bolsters are wrapped in easy-care suede. Both of these materials were chosen intentionally to be soft and gentle on your dog’s nose and paws. The egg crate orthopedic memory foam base helps relieve all those pressure points on your dog’s joints and improves the quality of his sleep. The bed cover is removable and completely machine washable for your convenience. Just be sure to refer to the specific washing instructions and you’ll have an amazing product that’s soon to become your dog’s favorite place to lay his head. Unfortunately, some customers have reported that the zipper fastening is not very strong and can break.

Pros and Cons of the FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Cat & Dog Bed

ProsCons
This bed has bolsters to provide extra support.The zipper is not very strong and can break.
The memory foam filling provides support for dogs joints.
It is covered with suede and soft faux fur material.
There are several sizes available.
It has a removable cover which is machine washable.
Best Overall
FurHaven Plush & Suede Orthopedic Sofa Cat & Dog Bed
  • Orthopedic dog bed
  • Variety of different sizes
  • Available in 14 different colors
  • Bed cover is removable and machine washable
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best for Small Dogs: Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler Sherpa Dog Bed

As the best option for small best we recommend the Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler Sherpa Dog Bed.

This ortho comfort deep dish cuddler is the perfect dog bed for small dogs. It’s designed to support better sleep for pets up to 25 pounds. It provides warmth and that sense of security that small dogs need to drift off into restful sleep. You can purchase the standard option or the jumbo option if you want to give your pup more room. It’s available in a variety of different colors like beige, black, fuchsia, oyster, and even teal. It’s ideal for your pup to cuddle into or sprawl out. The rear bolster wall helps to ease joint pain while the shorter front wall delivers head, neck, and overall extra orthopedic support.

The bottom is water-resistant, which protects your floors and the entire bed itself is machine washable and dryer safe. It’s stuffed with virgin airLOFT fibers to keep it soft for up to three times longer than the second-hand fibers you would normally find in other pet beds. Plus, the Sherpa fabric creates optimal warmth and insulation while also offering a lightweight and plush environment for your small dog to enjoy.

The only drawback to this product is that some customers have reported that the bolsters do not hold their shape well when pets are laid on them.

Pros and Cons of the Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler Sherpa Dog Bed

ProsCons
This bed has a rear bolster and a smaller front bolster wall.The bolsters do not hold their shape well when pets are laid on them.
It has a water-resistant bottom to protect it from any accidents.
It contains virgin airLOFT fibers to keep it soft for up to three times longer than other beds.
It is covered with soft Sherpa fabric.
The entire bed is machine washable.
Best for Small Dogs
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler Sherpa Dog Bed
  • Support pets of up to 25 pounds
  • Available in a variety of different colors
  • The bottom is water-resistant
  • Easy to clean
Check Amazon

3. Best Value: FurHaven Faux Sheepskin Snuggery Gel Top Cat & Dog Bed with Removable Cover

A good quality dog bed doesn’t need to cost the earth, which is why we recommend the FurHaven Faux Sheepskin Snuggery Gel Top Cat & Dog Bed with Removable Cover.

This bed has an outside layer that is made with polyester while the interior sleep surface is lined with insulating Sherpa fleece. This bed is unique because it features an attached blanket that you can use as-is or you can convert into a tented burrowing cave. This is perfect for dogs that love to burrow and snuggle in warmth. The hooded blanket exterior is made with easy-care micro suede and all the fabrics are very soft to the touch, so your dog can enjoy a luxurious resting experience. To make it convenient for you, the dog bed cover is removable and completely machine washable. It’s available in different colors like espresso, cream, blue, gray, and pink.

There is a warning for this bed, however. If your older pup is known for destructive chewing, this may not be the best option for him.

Pros and Cons of the FurHaven Faux Sheepskin Snuggery Gel Top Cat & Dog Bed with Removable Cover

ProsCons
This bed has an outside polyester layer and a Sherpa fleece interior.It is not suitable for dogs that chew.
It has an attached blanket that can be used as a burrowing tent.
The cover is removable and machine washable.
There are several different colors available.
Best Value
FurHaven Faux Sheepskin Snuggery Gel Top Cat & Dog Bed with Removable Cover
  • Removable machine washable cover
  • Lined with insulating Sherpa fleece
  • Available in different colors
  • Hooded blanket for pet to snuggle under
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best for Big Dogs: Kopeks High Grade Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

For larger dogs we recommend the Kopeks High Grade Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed.

This high-grade orthopedic memory foam dog bed with a pillow is available in brown and gray. It’s made with premium memory foam, it’s hypoallergenic, and has double layer protection. The removable cover is waterproof so it is protected from any accidents. Plus, this bed is made with a soft, plush suede material with an anti-slip bottom. Once you feel this, you’ll see the difference between the type of dog bed you can consider high quality because it’s reminiscent of high-end mattresses.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that this bed is not suitable for dogs that chew as they can damage the cover.

Pros and Cons of the Kopeks High Grade Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

ProsCons
This bed contains high-grade orthopedic memory foam.It is not suitable for dogs that chew.
It is hypoallergenic.
It has a waterproof cover to protect is from accidents.
It is covered with a soft suede material.
It has an anti-slip bottom.
Best for Big Dogs
Kopeks High Grade Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
  • Made with premium memory foam
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Cover is waterproof
  • Anti-slip bottom
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Selecting a comfortable dog bed for your pup sounds like a relatively easy decision but once you review the different models out there, it can be hard to make that final buying decision. To help keep you focused on selecting the best option for your dog, we highlight some of the factors you should consider.

Comfort

Obviously, comfort is crucial to keep your beloved pooch feeling as good as possible. Your sweet, older dog needs plenty of rest to recover from the day. Activities like going on walks may become more difficult and he’ll need a place to return to where his joints are well supported and he can sink into the foam. Just because a dog bed is made with some type of memory foam doesn’t mean that it is high-quality. Unfortunately, there are products made with low-quality foam, which renders them essentially useless. The weight of your dog could actually flatten the foam enough to where your dog is basically sleeping on the floor.

Features

The features of a dog bed are also ultra-important. For example, many senior dogs deal with incontinence issues. This is uncomfortable for them, and it does require your careful attention to keep their space clean. Not all dog beds are waterproof. They can offer luxurious comfort but if your dog were to have an accident, it would essentially be ruined. It’s very difficult to get the smell of urine out of a foam mattress, so you can imagine the stench that would arise from an accident like that.

Therefore, if you’re concerned about your dog potentially wetting the bed, you should invest in a waterproof dog bed. These dog beds have an inner lining that protects the foam and although the outside cover may get wet, the foam remains protected. Another important feature is how easy it is to pop the cover into your washing machine to be cleaned thoroughly. Whether or not your dog has incontinence issues, the dog bed needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. Being able to pop it into the washing machine makes it a lot easier for you to keep up with cleanliness.

Durability

Investing in a high-quality dog bed requires that it be durable for the life of the product. Older dogs tend to spend a lot more time in their beds than more active pups. They’ll wear a low-quality dog bed down very quickly. That’s why it’s so important to select a high-quality product that can withstand regular use. Additionally, if your dog does have incontinence issues, then that bed’s cover will see the cycle of a washing machine more frequently, which requires that the materials be strong and durable. It’s important that you purchase a model that offers comfort, and appropriate features, and is made to last.

How to Support Your Aging Dog

Just like updating your dog’s bed to one that has orthopedic support and extra features is important, so are several other actions you can take. For example, when your dog moves into his senior years, his dietary needs change. You should be feeding him dog food specifically designed for senior dogs. Your dog simply isn’t expending as many calories as he did when he was younger and more active, so he needs food that delivers nutrient support and helps to prevent obesity.

As much as your dog may not be up to it, incorporating regular exercise into his lifestyle is of vital importance to keep him healthy. Your dog may have different limitations now that he’s older, so it’s important to connect with your vet and determine what an appropriate exercise schedule looks like for your specific pooch.

Speaking of connecting with your vet, regular exams for older dogs are necessary because older dogs are susceptible to the development of different health conditions. Aging is not exactly a pretty process but if you’re proactive about your pup’s health, you can move in quickly with treatments and medications that keep him comfortable through his senior years.

Along with more regular vet checkups, your dog may need some additional help with grooming. You can switch to a milder shampoo for bath time and can incorporate regular brushing to prevent any matting or tangles from developing in his fur. Most grooming you can do yourself at home but there are occasions when you may want to incorporate the help of a professional.

You may even be interested in CBD oil for dogs, as it works miraculously to ease pain, ease anxiety, provide sleep support, and can be an overall soothing supplement that helps your dog feel better. As your dog’s quality of life declines, you can offset it with these simple actions. More importantly, however, is the quality time you spend with your pup. Your dog won’t have the same zest for life he did as a puppy but alongside you, he knows his life has been well-lived.

About the Author

Angie Menjivar is a writer at A-Z-Animals primarily covering pets, wildlife, and the human spirit. She has 14 years of experience, holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and continues her studies into human behavior, working as a copywriter in the mental health space. She resides in North Carolina, where she's fallen in love with thunderstorms and uses them as an excuse to get extra cuddles from her three cats.

The Best Dog Beds for Older Dogs FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are raised dog beds good for old dogs?

Yes, a raised dog bed offers your dog the support he needs throughout his body. His joints may ache as well as his muscles, so having a raised dog bed is like giving him a great sigh of relief. This alleviation of pressure on his joints also improves his quality of life for the years ahead.

Are orthopedic beds good for old dogs?

Yes, in fact, they’re suggested for older dogs. Orthopedic dog beds provide your pup with extra support so that any symptoms relating to arthritis or other joints conditions can be relieved while he rests.

What kind of bed is best for an older dog?

The five beds we highlighted above offer the best support for an older dog. These are orthopedic models that have the features an older dog needs to rest comfortably. Some also offer waterproof bedding that can hold up to accidents if your dog has incontinence issues.

Is memory foam good for older dogs?

Yes, memory foam is appropriate for older dogs because it conforms to their bodies. Memory foam is soft, plush, comfortable, and can relieve your dog of the pressure he feels regularly on his joints. It is important to only purchase high-quality foam, however. Low-quality foam will just sink but high-quality, dense memory foam can support even large and extra-large breed dogs.

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