Many dogs suffer from back pain or joint problems. Poor sleep posture can make these symptoms worse. Special orthopedic dog beds have been designed so that your dog can sleep as healthily as possible. This is often a great relief, especially for older dogs or animals with previous illnesses.
In this article I will introduce you to five different orthopedic dog beds and our orthopedic dog bed test and show you how exactly such a bed works, what the advantages and disadvantages are and what else you have to consider.
My favorite orthopedic dog beds
My big orthopedic dog bed test
tierlando orthopedic dog bed Goofy VISCO
This orthopedic dog bed promises optimum lying comfort and maximum relief for the back and joints.
This is ensured by the three-layer structure with memory foam. At the bottom there is a 5cm thick layer of comfort foam, which merges into a 3cm thick layer of viscose foam. At the top, a 1cm thick layer of cotton wool ensures a particularly soft lying surface. This structure is also common in human medicine.
A mattress protector is included in the scope of delivery, which protects the mattress from dirt and moisture and also guarantees low wear and tear. The cover is made of artificial leather and can be wiped clean. You can also completely remove the cover if necessary.
The mattress can also be used separately and without the border. So you are as flexible as possible.
JOYELF Memory Foam orthopedic dog bed
This dog bed is made of firm memory foam. This material, which has a high density, is also often used for mattresses for people, as it adapts to the body of the person lying on it, offering maximum sleeping comfort. The foam is flame retardant, so that the safety of your four-legged friend is also ensured.
The dog bed is covered with a soft, warming fabric. There are also large, fluffy pads on the sides that comfortably frame your dog as he sleeps, giving him a snug, secure feeling. The cushions are filled with cotton and are therefore breathable, yet skin-friendly and soft. So that the dog bed does not slip, the floor is equipped with non-slip rubber material.
The covers are removable and can easily be washed in the washing machine. Then they are simply attached to the bed again using the zippers. The zippers are well hidden so that your dog cannot injure himself.
With the order, the manufacturer supplies a free squeaky toy in the shape of a bone as a gift.
Pointer orthopedic dog bed with insert pillow
This dog bed, which is made in Germany, is pleasantly soft. Nevertheless, the edge is dimensionally stable so that your dog cannot fall out of bed. The shaping «basket» was developed under veterinary supervision and is therefore perfectly tailored to the needs of four-legged friends.
An orthopedic pillow is placed in the bed so that your four-legged friend can sleep in a healthy way. This guarantees a high level of lying comfort. Therefore, this orthopedic bed for dogs is also suitable for animals with joint problems or (chronic) pain.
The material is durable, stable and machine washable. The cushions can be washed at up to 95 degrees Celsius. At these temperatures, germs can be easily removed, so that the dog bed always remains hygienically clean.
Knuffelwuff orthopedic dog bed Madison
The next product in our orthopedic dog bed test is made of artificial leather and is therefore much easier to care for than the fabric versions. As a rule, a simple damp wipe is sufficient and the product is clean again.
Of course, the imitation leather is not as fluffy as fabric, but some dogs actually prefer this surface. It does not absorb odors, is water and dirt repellent and the hair does not get caught on the fabric.
The material is very stable and well made, so that even playful, high-spirited dogs cannot easily destroy the bed.
In our orthopedic dog bed test, the orthopedic cold foam mattress always ensures optimal lying comfort, which supports the regeneration of your pet and keeps it healthy in the long term.
Bedsure orthopedic dog bed
This orthopedic dog bed consists of a 6.35 cm thick memory foam layer, so that it adapts perfectly to the body shape of your pet. So your fur nose can sleep relaxed and healthy. The non-slip underside keeps the bed stable in place.
The dog bed is made of imitation linen. This surface hardly absorbs any liquid, does not discolour and does not give hair a chance to adhere to it. In addition, there is a waterproof insert for the mattress, so the bed is well protected even with incontinent dogs or four-legged friends with a large flow of saliva. Due to the modern, simple colors, this dog bed fits perfectly into every apartment.
The side border consists of three connected cushions and is filled with microfiber and about as firm as a sofa. The cushions can be removed for washing.
Purchase advice: orthopedic dog bed test
How does an orthopedic dog bed work?
An orthopedic dog bed usually consists of a mattress that adapts to the dog’s body shape, but is still stable. In most cases, memory foam is used, which supports your four-legged friend’s spine and allows him to sleep much healthier. This relieves back and joint problems and supports regeneration.
But what exactly is the difference to a normal, non-orthopedic dog bed?
A normal dog bed is softly padded and not dimensionally stable. As a result, the spine sags when you sleep. There is pressure on the dog’s body that neither protects the joints nor relieves the pain.
An orthopedic dog bed, on the other hand, offers a dimensionally stable, adaptable mattress that enables the most natural possible position when lying down. The sensitive parts of the body are relieved, especially the back, shoulder and hip area. Instead of putting pressure on the entire body, an orthopedic mattress provides a point load that promotes an anatomically correct posture.
An orthopedic bed therefore contributes significantly to a comfortable lying position and healthy sleeping behavior for your dog.
When does my dog need an orthopedic dog bed?
An orthopedic dog bed is recommended and useful for all dogs. In this way you prevent pain from occurring in the first place as a result of incorrect lying positions.
A must is a rigid bed for dogs that already have ailments, such as dogs with back, shoulder, hip, or other joint problems. This is the only way you can enable your darling to sleep as pain-free as possible.
Pros and cons of an orthopedic dog bed
An orthopedic dog bed offers many advantages. It is healthier and more comfortable for your four-legged friend. You also prevent pain and can thus avoid expensive vet bills.
The only downside to orthopedic dog beds is that they tend to be more expensive than regular dog beds. However, money shouldn’t be the most important consideration when it comes to your loved one’s health. Always remember that going to the vet will always cost significantly more than a one-time purchase of a good dog bed.
Of course, every single product has its individual advantages and disadvantages. You can find out more about this in our orthopedic dog bed test.
What should you pay attention to when buying?
When buying an orthopedic dog bed, you should pay attention to the following points:
1. Filling material
The filling material should be so thick that the dog cannot sink through to the floor, otherwise the functionality of the dog bed could no longer be guaranteed. In practice, this means that a bed for large and heavy dogs must be thicker than for small, light four-legged friends.
There are three different filling materials: Viscofoam, Styrofoam and foam.
Visco foam, which is also often referred to as memory foam, has the advantage that it adapts to the shape of your loved one’s body and thus enables optimal pressure relief and regeneration. However, the material is relatively expensive.
Styrofoam fillings are reminiscent of the filling of beanbags for people. The material is very cheap and adapts to the dog’s body – although not as well as memory foam. However, the small styrofoam balls make noises with every movement, which are annoying in the long run. To prevent the beads from sticking together, a dog bed filled with Styrofoam must be regularly shaken up.
Foam is the compromise between the first two filling variants. It makes no noise, is cheap and adaptable. However, the…