Dog beds provide support to a canine’s body, especially for a large and old pooch. Instead of letting the senior pet sleep on the floor, you should get the best dog bed for large older dogs. It will let the pooch rest well while reducing joint pain and susceptibility to various orthopedic problems.
Take note that letting your dog sleep on your bed isn’t healthy. Dogs are notorious bed hogs who will claim the entire bed in the middle of the night. Aside from that, dogs carry dirt on their paws, which will transfer to your bed. All of these are bad for your sleep and will soon take their toll on your health.
Below, I reviewed 10 of the best dog beds that you can get for your senior pooch. See which one suits your pet well.
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Benefits of dog beds
If you sleep on a cozy mattress, so should your dog. Just because your dog looks fine sleeping on the floor doesn’t mean it’s okay. Over time, it will stress their joints and make them prone to various health problems.
Also, dogs need to have a den where they can retire at night. This satisfies the natural instincts of canines in the wild where they burrow in tight spaces to hide from predators.
If you’re not yet sold, the following benefits of dog beds will surely convince you:
- It reduces joint pain. Large and old dogs are prone to joint problems so it’s important to give them the support they need. An orthopedic dog bed will help a lot here. It will disperse the pressure on the dog’s joints so it can sleep well. This will also delay the onset of various orthopedic problems associated with old age.
- It keeps your dog warm. During a cold night, it’s brutal to leave your dog sleeping on the floor. You should give it a cozy bed to stay toasty. Take note that dogs are sensitive to temperatures and can get sick pretty easily if exposed to the cold for too long.
- It will keep your furniture safe. Many dog breeds shed a lot and it’s always a pain to remove tumblefurs from the furniture. A dog bed will help reduce this since the pooch will prefer to lounge on its bed and not the floor.
- It will give you a good night’s sleep. A dog bed isn’t just beneficial for your dog, but also for you! Instead of letting your dog invade your bed, you can give the pooch its own mattress. This will allow both of you to sleep soundly at night.
Best Dog Bed for Large Older Dogs – Top 10 Picks!
OUR #1 CHOICE
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RUNNERS-UP
[su_service title=”Bully Beds Orthopedic Dog Bed” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
If you’re looking for a better warranty, I recommend that you consider the Bully Beds Orthopedic Dog Bed. This has a 20-year no-flat warranty, which is one of the best guarantees of all the dog beds I’ve seen before.
This is made of a thick layer of support foam and a top layer of orthopedic foam. It’s also equipped with a comfort foam bolster that will serve as your dog’s pillow.
Aside from that, this has a waterproof liner and a microfiber top cover. Overall, this is 7” thick and easy to access even if your dog is old and arthritic.
Moreover, the foam material of this dog bed is CertiPUR-US certified to be free of any heavy metals and harmful chemicals. It’s hypoallergenic and very supportive of the joints.
If you’re looking for a dog bed that can stand the test of time, this might be what you’re looking for. I purchased this for my 9-year-old Bulldog and he’s been happy about it.
I also like its 2XL size and chocolate color. It’s also pretty solid and not like other dog beds that get flimsy and shredded in just a few months.
Aside from that, they have amazing customer service. I was able to contact the Bully Bed’s customer service agent and he gave me tips to encourage my dog to sleep on it. It worked like a charm!
[su_service title=”K9 Ballistics Orthopedic Dog Bed” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
If your dog prefers a flat and bolster-free bed, you should get the K9 Ballistics Orthopedic Dog Bed instead. This is made of supportive orthopedic bed foam with a Ripstop ballistic cover. The cover is made to be chew, dig, and scratch-resistant as long as your doggo has moderate intensity.
Moreover, the cover of this bed is machine-washable for added convenience. It also has a water-resistant layer to catch fluids in case your old doggo relieves itself while in bed.
For its price, I can say that this is an excellent find. My pup did his best to chew off the cover but his efforts are nil. But to be fair, my doggo isn’t much of a chewer, and that no bed is 100% chew-proof.
I’ve purchased several K9 Ballistics products before and I’m always amazed at the quality of each one. This bed is just one of my favorites from this brand and my dog will surely agree.
The only struggle I faced with this bed is putting the cover back on. The foam doesn’t have a separate liner so it’s tricky to slip it back into the cover without help. Other than that, this dog bed is worth the purchase.
You can also choose from small to giant sizes. The biggest option is 68” long and 40” wide. It’s also available in four color options: black, blue, green, and tan.
[su_service title=”PetFusion Ultimate Orthopedic Dog Bed” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
The PetFusion Dog Bed is made with a memory form base to provide superior support on your dog’s joints. This is made of solid foam so it doesn’t shred or separate into pieces after a few years.
Another thing that I like about this dog bed is its calming effect. Its three sides have bolsters that allow my dog to burrow on it. This satisfies canines’ wild instincts of burrowing in their dens to avoid predators.
Aside from that, this dog bed has a polyester and cotton blend cover. It remains comfortable to touch aside from its excellent breathability. And since older dogs are prone to incontinence, this dog bed has a waterproof inner liner to catch moisture before it gets into the foam.
Also, this has a non-skid bottom so the bed won’t slide around even as your dog tosses and turns. I also like the aesthetic design that blends with home décor pretty well.
Take note that the bolsters of this bed are made of recycled polyfill contained in a separate lining. It’s very easy to remove and is generously filled.
Based on my experience with previous PetFusion beds, this one has a better cover design. Now, it has two zipper compartments to load the bolsters and to make it easy to assemble after washing. By the way, you can machine-wash the cover and tumble it dry.
[su_service title=”The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
Another bolstered dog bed I recommend is the one from The Dog’s Bed. This has bolsters on three sides and it’s made of 2” orthopedic memory foam and 2” base foam. This is aside from the soft bolsters that your dog can use as a pillow.
Moreover, this has a waterproof liner to catch accidents if your senior doggo has incontinence. This is also an excellent option for canines with hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, ACL tear, and more. It works well in eliminating pressure from the joints of dogs.
This is also designed for canines with limited mobility. Despite its bolstered design, this has an opening so the doggo won’t have to lift its leg too much just to step into the bed.
Also, this comes with a quick-drying cover made with soft fabric. It’s plush and very comfortable that my two dogs can’t get enough of it. I also like the reinforced seams that won’t unravel even after countless washings.
The only niggle I have for this dog bed is the noisy cover. It gives off a loud swishing noise as if someone in a tracksuit is rubbing his legs. Anyway, it’s just a small issue that I can live with. Besides, my dog’s bed isn’t in my bedroom.
[su_service title=”Sealy Lux Orthopedic Dog Bed w/ Cooling Gel” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
During the summer season, a breathable dog bed is necessary. The Sealy Lux Orthopedic Dog Bed is one of the best options here. It’s made with Quad Element Foam that provides ample support on the canine’s joints. This is composed of energy gel foam, memory foam, and bio-orthopedic foam for the best support. Also, the mid foam layer has an egg-crate shape to let air flow underneath as your dog sleeps.
Moreover, the base foam is infused with charcoal so it will absorb and neutralize odors. This keeps the bed fresh and stink-free.
Aside from that, this has a soft fabric cover that’s easy on the skin. It’s machine-washable for added convenience. There’s also a non-slip bottom as well as a waterproof liner that will keep the bed in good shape.
If your aging dog loves to climb on the couch, you can get this bed as an alternative. This feels like a soft couch but lower so your old buddy won’t have to exert its joints too much.
Overall, I really think this is a nice bed because my tabby cat tries to steal it from my dog from time to time. However, I wish they will not place the seams at the top part of the bed because it wears fast. Other than that, this is still an amazing option for a senior dog.
[su_service title=”Pet Support Systems Orthopedic Dog Bed” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
The Pet Support Systems Orthopedic Dog Bed is made of high-quality memory foam that supports the dog’s joints and bones. It’s an excellent way to ease your old dog’s discomfort due to arthritis, hip dysplasia, joint inflammation, and more.
What I really like about this dog bed is its material. The foam is five times denser than other foam beds for dogs I’ve seen in the market. Despite its 2” thickness, this sports a 2.5 lb. foam that doesn’t flatten too easily. It also has the right firmness without being too uncomfortable.
Aside from that, this is wrapped in a machine-washable cover available in gray, denim, chocolate, and tan colors.
Moreover, this bed is protected by a 3-year warranty. For this price range and quality, this is already decent.
Regardless if you have a small or giant dog, there’s a bed for your pooch. This is available in small to 2XL sizes so there’s no need for your doggo to suffer from very small beds.
It took my dog a few days of coaxing before he finally flops into this bed. And from then on, we can’t get his old ass out of the bed when it’s time to wash the cover. I think that’s more than enough proof of how comfy this bed is.
The only thing I wish they will improve is the thickness of the cover. I got the tan-colored one and it’s a bit thin and I’m afraid it won’t last as long as the foam does.
[su_service title=”The Dog’s Bed Orthopedic Dog Bed w/ Faux Fur” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
If your dog doesn’t like the bolstered version of The Dog’s Bed, you should get one with the faux fur top. This bed sports the same high-quality foam from the brand. It’s 6” thick and composed of a 2” high-density memory foam and a 4” base to keep the bed stable.
Aside from that, this is covered by a plush fabric with a faux fur layer on top. It’s very cozy and warm, especially during the winter season. Although the cover has a furry material, it’s easy to wash and it’s safe to clean in the washing machine.
All of The Dog’s Bed mattresses are designed to reduce joint pain and the risk of orthopedic problems. So if you have a large and aging canine, this might be the best bed to purchase.
To add, I like how firm the foam is so it doesn’t squash easily. There’s also a separate water repellent lining inside to repel fluids in case your doggo have accidents in bed.
Also, this is an excellent bed for dogs recovering from post-operation conditions. It has the right firmness without being too uncomfortable.
However, the cover could make use of improvements. If you have an aggressive digger or chewer, this faux fur cover will not last long. Anyway, fabric covers are easy to replace so I don’t really consider this as a deal-breaker.
[su_service title=”Petlo Orthopedic Dog Bed” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
The Petlo Orthopedic Dog Bed has a bolstered design to keep your doggo comfy and cozy. This is made of high-density memory foam with plush bolsters. It will help reduce your dog’s joint pain while satisfying its natural instinct to burrow.
Moreover, this dog bed has a water-resistant cover that you can easily clean in the washing machine. The brand also sells replacement covers in case the first one gets worn out.
Aside from that, this dog bed is easy to assemble. I’ve bought many bolstered dog beds for my pets and one of the common struggles is putting the bolsters in place. With this one from Petlo, I was surprised that the bolsters slip smoothly without too much work.
In addition, there’s a non-skid bottom to prevent the bed from sliding around. You can also get this in either brown or gray colors as well as large and XL sizes.
If your dog is in between being a large and extra-large dog, I suggest going for the largest size. Overall, this is a great purchase and much cheaper than other beds.
Lastly, I want to highlight the excellent customer service of Petlo. My overexcited dog bit the bolsters and the filling starts coming out. The company is kind enough to send me a replacement, free of charge! That really says a lot about the company’s commitment to its products.
[su_service title=”Dogbed4less Premium Orthopedic Bed” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
My last recommendation for this roundup is the Dogbed4less Premium Orthopedic Dog Bed. It’s made of a solid, non-toxic, 4” memory foam. It’s gel-infused for an added cooling effect. Whether it’s summer or winter, your dog will find this bed comfortable to use
Moreover, this comes with a waterproof liner to repel fluids since senior dogs are prone to accidents. Meanwhile, the external cover is made of cotton denim. It’s tough and can endure moderate chewing and biting. I also like the heavy-duty zippers that look like it will hold up for years.
Aside from that, this dog bed is available in a wide range of sizes. The biggest one is 55” x 47” x 4”, which can accommodate Great Danes, German Shepherds, and similar canines.
Overall, this is a sturdy and affordable dog bed. The cover doesn’t wear out fast, which is a big deal for me since my dog is a bed hog. It also holds its shape very well without all the bunchy and misshapen shapes that other cheap beds usually end up with.
I have a senior dog with mobility issues but the height of this bed is just right for him. He’s asleep within minutes after flopping into this bed. Short to say, this bed is dog-approved and has been holding up for almost two years now.
How to choose a dog bed for senior dogs
With hundreds of options in the market, finding the best dog bed for large older dogs can be difficult. But to help you, the following is my checklist whenever I’m purchasing a new bed for my dogs:
✔️Dog needs
Each dog is unique so the first thing I always consider is my pet’s needs. This will affect the bed type that you need as well as the material and design.
For dogs with poor mobility, you need to get a low-rise bed so the pooch won’t have to stress its joints even more. This is the same with canines recovering from a surgical operation,
Meanwhile, nervous dogs will benefit from a bolstered bed. The surrounding feeling of the bolsters will assure the dog and help it calm down.
✔️Bed type
Once you have an idea about what your dog needs, you should now think about the bed type you’ll get. The following are the most common:
- Standard bed. This is one of the most common and cheapest options in the market. It’s made of supportive foam suitable for most light and small canines.
- Orthopedic foam. This is a type of foam bed that’s specifically made of memory foam. Orthopedic dog beds are designed for aging canines and to prevent joint problems in younger ones. It can be bolstered or plain flat.
- Raised dog beds. This bed is made for aggressive chewers. It has a metal or plastic frame with a fabric top. This type doesn’t offer a lot of joint support, especially for large and older dogs. Also, it has an elevated surface that senior dogs will find it hard to access.
- Donut beds. As its name suggests, this dog bed has a donut-shape with a hollow middle. This is cozy and perfect for dogs that like to snuggle. However, it’s not the most joint-supportive bed.
✔️Material
Next, check the material of the dog bed you’re planning to buy. If you’re looking for the best dog bed for large older dogs, always opt for memory or orthopedic foam. This will offer support to your dog’s weight while dispersing the pressure on their joints.
You can also find gel-infused memory foam beds. It has added breathability to keep your dog cool during hotter months.
Whatever choice of foam you prefer, make sure that it’s solid and not shredded. Shredded foam beds are cheap and will bunch over time. This will defeat the purpose of supporting your dog’s joint.
✔️Cover
One of the most important parts of a dog bed is its cover. It has to be comfortable and durable at the same time. Microfiber and microsuede are the most common options since it’s soft and easy to clean. If you want a more durable option, opt for denim or Ripstop canvas.
As much as possible, look for a dog bed with a water-resistant lining. An aging doggo is prone to accidents so this additional liner will save you from the mess.
✔️Size and thickness
Even if you find the comfiest bed, it will be no use if it’s not large enough for your canine. The rule of thumb is that the dog bed should be large enough to accommodate the dog’s body in a lying position. Also, there should be enough room for the dog to stretch its legs.
Allow a few inches from your measurements to ensure that the bed will not be too small. Also, always check the brand’s sizing chart. They always have a reference as to what breeds fit a specific bed size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are elevated dog beds good for older dogs?
A: For senior dogs, it’s best to get a low-lying bed so it will be easier to access. Many old dogs have arthritis so they also find it hard to move and climb elevated spots. Aside from that, it’s not safe for old and arthritic dogs to hop on and off elevated spaces too often. I suggest a bed that you can place on the floor and can be accessed by the dog with no help needed.
Q: Is memory foam beds good for older dogs?
A: Yes, memory foam is ideal for older dogs who have deteriorating joints. Unlike other foam, memory foam conforms to the shape of the dog’s body. It’s much better in dispersing pressure. This foam is also easy to lie on for all dogs. However, it would be a bit too warm during the summer.
Q: Do dogs prefer soft or hard beds?
A: It depends on the dog, but the rule of thumb is that the bed should be firm enough to provide support and soft enough to be comfortable. You wouldn’t want the bed to be too soft or your dog will sink on it and feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, it shouldn’t be too stiff that it’s starting to feel like the floor.
Q: Where should I put my dog’s bed?
A: It’s best to put the dog’s bed on a spot with limited foot traffic. This way, the pooch can rest without disturbance. A quiet corner is an excellent spot for a canine. It will be the dog’s little den so make sure that it’s cozy and comfortable.
Q: What can I do with my dog’s old bed?
A: If you’ve bought your pooch a new bed and disposing of the old one, you can donate it to a local shelter. Just make sure that the bed isn’t too worn out. It should still be in good condition for a dog to sleep on. This way, your money will not go to waste.
Final words
The best dog bed for large older dogs will help ease your pet’s joint pain. It will also give the dog well-rested nights instead of hijacking your own bed. Just make sure that you get one with the right size, material, and features. I suggest investing in durable beds instead of cheap ones that will require replacements in just a few months.
