Best Rated Orthopedic Dog Beds

Your dog sleeps up to 18 hours a day!!

So, you want them to be just as comfy on their bed as you are on yours.

And finding the best orthopedic dog bed is not easy.

But you already know this and that’s why you’re here.

A couple of months back my 9-year-old GSD, Charley had hip surgery.  The vet had ordered at least 6 months of restricted movement.  So I built her a playpen and started hunting for a bed.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a single one that would fit the size of her pen.  Yes, I was stupid and built the pen before I had the size of the bed!  Rookie error, I know!

Anyway, I had a bed made.  But I did a ton of research on these beds…

I wanted to know what the best design is.  What’s the most comfortable thickness.  Which foam density is the best and what materials would make her the most comfortable.

There’s so many options out there.  And trying to figure out all the specs like density, materials, country of origin and styles could take you 5 days!

So, I’ve narrowed down the search for you and brought you some of the best rated orthopedic beds all in one place.

Each bed has it’s own pros and cons list (yes, I’ll share with you what I don’t like about them too).  There is also a handy buyers guide.  And I’ve compared the beds side by side in the comparison table too.

So at the end of it all, you’ll have all the information you need to make the best choice for your pooch.

Best Rated Orthopedic Dog Beds – Comparison Table

If you’ve got time and want to hang around, just use the links below and be magically transported to any section you’re interested in.

Quick Navigation Menu

1. Best Rated Orthopedic Dog Beds – Comparison Table
2. The 3 Best Rated Orthopedic Dog Beds with Comfort in Mind
   • Big Barker 7″ Orthopedic Dog Bed
   • First Quality Thick Orthopedic Dog Bed by Better World Pets
   • DogBed4Less Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
3. Buyers Guide for Orthopedic Dog Beds
   • Why You Should Buy Your Dog an Orthopedic Dog Bed
   • Choosing the Right Size Bed for Your Dog
   • Measuring Your Dog
   • Weighing your Dog
   • Favorite Sleeping Position?
   • Dog Bed Styles
4. Conclusion

Why You Should Only Consider The Best Rated Orthopedic Dog Beds

Buying an orthopedic dog bed is a big investment.  These things don’t always come cheap if you’re after quality.

So what exactly are you supposed to consider when choosing a bed?

I’ve narrowed it down to 5 important things to consider.

Here they are…

1.  Durability.
2. Easy to clean.
3. Comfort.
4. Support.
5. Portability.

Best Rated Orthopedic Dog Beds

Big Barker 7″ Orthopedic Dog Bed

Why is the a best rated pick?

If you’re in the market for an ultra high quality orthopedic bed for your pooch that molds perfectly to their body, then the Big Barker 7″ dog bed is for you.

The Big Barker pillow is a whopping 7″ thick, providing maximum sleep comfort for your dog.

And the company gives a 10 year guarantee on the firmness. They promise that your GSD’s bed will retain 90% of it’s original shape – or your money back! Now that’s a sweet deal!

This sleek edition is made from 3 layers of high density foam. The top and bottom layers are 2″ H10 Comfort Foam. While the middle layer is 3″ H45 support foam.

In a nutshell this means the bed won’t sag. It molds to your dogs body and supports those heavy joints and pressure points.

In fact, this bed is probably better made than some regular furniture pieces.

The Big Barker cover is made from 100% microfiber which is soft but still thick. From customer feedback, it even stands up to those dogs who like to scratch a nest before lying down. This is a great benefit considering our best friends have tough nails.

The cover is easy to clean and machine washable. According to customer feedback, even after several washes the cover is still in pristine condition. And no shrinkage has been reported.

I recommend washing on a cold setting and if you want to use a dryer, use it on a low setting. Or air dry – the choice is yours.

Removing the cover for washing is a breeze. Just unzip the heavy duty zipper by all the way around. Check out the video below to see just how easy it is.

If you’re fashion conscious, the Big Barker comes in 3 elegant colors to suit any home décor.

See Color Options on Amazon.

In today’s world of mass manufacturing, anything that’s hand made stands out. Each Big Barker is hand crafted in the U.S at their California factory. I think that’s a classy act!

The bed is made from non-toxic materials and contains no heavy metals or fillers.

I recommend checking out the buyers guide below for details of how to choose the correct size bed.

The Big Barker 7″ Dog Bed is the cream of the crop when it comes to orthopedic beds. It’s perfect for GSD’s with hip dysplasia or for post surgery support.

But even if you have a healthy, bouncy dog – the Big Barker is a great choice too.

If you want a high end bed that’s durable, über comfortable and one your dog will love and enjoy for years to come. The Big Barker is for you.

And considering it received a 5 star rating from 848 customers on Amazon. The Big Barker 7″ Sleek Edition earns it’s place as a best rated orthopedic dog bed.

You can teach your dog to accept their new bed by using the priming method I share in this video…  I show you how to do this with a toy, but you can use it to teach your dog to like just about anything!

Click here to see the Big Barker Dog Bed on Amazon.

Click here to see additional waterproof inner on Amazon.

Depending on how your bed is packaged when shipped, it may take a few hours for it to plump up to it’s full size.

Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Made from 3.2lbs of high density memory foam.	The waterproof cover is sold separately.
Heavy duty zipper all the way around. So cover can easily be removed.	Your dog might take time to take to the bed.
Cover made from 100% soft, thick microfiber.	Bed will need to 'degas' for a few days.
Cover is easy to clean.	Can be too firm for some dogs.
No toxic chemicals and bacteria resistant.	Cover can be static in dryer air.
10 year guarantee that bed will retain 90% of its shape.
Handmade in California, U.S.A.

First Quality Thick Orthopedic Dog Bed by Better World Pets

Why is the a best rated pick?

Better World Pets take a different approach to using memory foam technology. So if your softness and support is important for you, then consider this orthopedic bed.

The inside of the bed is made from 100% shredded memory foam. The shredded foam makes for a softer mattress. But without compromising on support.

As I mentioned previously, some dogs just don’t like a mattress that’s too hard. It’s something to consider, especially if this will be your dog’s first orthopedic bed.

On Amazon, the mattress is advertised as 5″ thick but the manufacturer’s website says 6″. I’d go with the manufacturer’s specs here.

Either way, the bed provides ample comfort for large dogs, older dogs and dogs with joint problems. And will gently mold to your dog’s body to support their pressure points too.

The mattress is lined on the bottom and sides with a TPU waterproof lining. And with the cover designed with 180 GMS waterproof fabric this bed is 100% waterproof.

Feedback from the manufacturer says they will refund your money in full if the mattress ever gets wet.

The First Quality Orthopedic Dog Bed comes with a durable cover that is easily removed through the two-sided zipper. And they are an attractive grey with a choice of 3 contemporary trims. So, you should find one that blends in nicely with your décor.

See color options on Amazon.

The bottom of the mattress is non-skid, making it easy for your dog to get on and off the bed. This is especially important if you have tiled or wooden floors.

The beds are designed in the U.S. and manufactured in China. And 10% of the proceeds of each sale is donated to the Humane Society of the United States. A nice touch considering how important the organization is to the treatment of animals.

Better World Pets believes so much in their product, they promise a 1 year, no-questions-asked, refund if you are unhappy with the bed in any way.

If you want a dog bed that offers that all important support for better sleep. And your dog likes that extra bit of comfort, this bed from Better World Pets is by far the right choice. And since it scored 4.5 stars from 768 customers on Amazon it definitely belongs in the 3 top picks.

Click here to see the First Quality Bed on Amazon.

First Quality Dog Bed Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
6" unique use of memory foam tech to provide support AND softness	Shredded memory foam technology which some owners didn't like.
180 GMS waterproof cover. And TPU waterproofing on the bottom and sides.	Some owners reported that the bed may need to degas for a few hours before use.
Cover is machine washable and easy to remove.	Bed attracts and shows hair easily.
Non-skid bottom.	The bed may be too firm for some dogs.
1 year no questions asked refund. And if the mattress gets wet you also get a refund.
It's flexible, so the bed is easy to travel with.

Depending on how your bed is packaged when shipped, it may take a few hours for it to plump up to it’s full size.

DogBed4Less Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

Why is the a best rated pick?

Memory foam aids better sleep, reduces or eliminates joint pain and improves quality of life. If you’re looking for a bed that does all this for your GSD, then this extra large orthopedic bed is for you.

The bed is American made in California, with 100% therapeutic 3.2 lbs memory foam. This size bed measures 40″ x 35″ and is a full 4″ thick. Perfectly suitable for a large dog like my German Shepherds.  But there are smaller sizes too if you have a small or medium sized dog.

The bed also has an internal waterproof cover which is removable. As per the manufacturers specifications this inner can only be hand washed.

The outside cover is also removable and made from 100% durable denim which is easy to clean. Just pop it in the washing machine and it’s good as new.

From customer feedback the strong denim fabric holds up well to nest-scratching dogs. No complaints of ripping through the cover have been reported.

You can dry the denim cover in the dryer on a low heat setting. The manufacturer reports less than half an inch shrinkage on the first wash. But, this will not affect the fitting.

If your dog suffers from allergies, the denim cover is great. The foam is also bacteria, mold and mildew resistant which is an added benefit for those allergies and keeping things hygienic.

As a bonus, you also get a brown micro suede cover for free with the bed. This is a nice touch since you’ll always have a cover available when the other’s in the wash!

If you ever need a replacement cover, these are easy to come by on Amazon, sold directly by the manufacturer.

Unlike some other beds reviewed here, the covers lack the balance between style and functionality.

There is no warranty with this bed but with 3.2lbs of solid, high quality memory foam this bed should hold it’s own. And the manufacturer claims their beds last up to 7 years.

This high density memory foam molds to the contours of your dog’s body, so it provides good support.  And it’s gentle on the pressure points. It’s great for senior dogs with joint problems and even for post surgery care.

This bed is light weight enough to move around the house with ease. But due to it’s size it’s not suitable for traveling with.

This bed from DogBed4Less scored 4.5 stars from a whopping 2675 customers. Making it by far a best rated orthopedic dog bed.

It’s a durable bed that offers the kind of support and comfort you’d expect from a high quality orthopedic bed. If this is what you want for your dog and style is not an issue, then this bed from DogBed4Less should be on your list of choices.

Despite it’s lack of style against other more attractive beds the features of this bed merits it’s place as a pick for one of the best.

Click here to see DogBed4Less Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed.

DogBed4Less Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
4" 100% memory foam mattress.	The zipper is only one sided making the cover more difficult to remove.
Comes with 2 covers - denim and microfiber. So you have an extra when one is in the wash.	Some owners reported noise from the inner waterproofing.
Comes with an inner waterproof cover which can be hand washed.	There's no warranty. But manufacturer claims beds last up to 7 years.
Denim cover hold up to a nest scratcher.	At times raw material is sourced from Asia.
Designed and made in the U.S.	Only suitable as an indoor bed.
Outer cover can be machine washed. Minimal shrinkage that will not affect fitting.	Not practical to travel with.

Depending on how your bed is packaged when shipped, it may take a few hours for it to plump up to it’s full size.

Buyers Guide for Orthopedic Dog Beds

Why You Should Buy your Dog an Orthopedic Bed

Orthopedic beds are specialized beds made with materials like High Density and Comfort foam.  And they are much more dense than regular foam beds.

These beds are particularly good for senior dogs, dogs recovering from surgery and dogs with muscular and skeletal problems.  But they are great for healthy adults and puppies too.

They give extra support and mold to the curves and contours of your dog’s body making them extra comfortable.

But comfort and support are not the only reasons you should consider an orthopedic bed for your dog.

5 reasons why your dog should have their own bed.

Broken Sleep – Having even the smallest of best friends spending the night on the bed can cause broken sleep. And studies have proven that broken sleep affects cognitive functioning the following day for up to 4 hours.

Lack of sleep which is caused when your sleep is broken during the night can also lead to things like weight gain. You, your family and your dog deserve healthy sleep every night.  So give them their own comfy bed to sleep on and the problem is solved.

Spreading of Parasites – Of course you take extra special care to make sure those pesky parasites don’t infest your dog or your home.  But during the hotter months it takes just one to annoying flea to cause a problem.

If your dog has their own bed, it’s so much easier to contain the problem to one area and stop it in its tracks.

Dirty Bed Linen – If your dogs are like mine (and I’m sure they are!) they love to dig and roll in the dirt.  And don’t forget those exciting puddles they love to take a dip in!

If your dog snoozes on your bed, you’re bound to be washing bed linen until the cows come home.  And lest’s be honest…

There’s nothing worse that sliding into bed only to feel little grains of dirt all over the place!  You can keep your sheets fresh and crisp by giving your dog their own special bed to sleep on.

Allergies – I have an annoying dust allergy, which flares up especially during our dry winters.  I like to keep dust to a minimum to help me out.  And if my dogs were on my bed it would be so much harder to contain the problem.

Maybe you have an allergy too.  So keeping their sleeping area separate is an easy way to keep dust from spreading to your bed.  And it makes things so much easier to clean up.

Okay, all the reasons I just gave are for you.  But there’s one reason a special bed for your dog is important…

They Want a Den – Your dog is actually a den animal.  It’s in their nature to want a place of their own.  They need a space where they can relax, sleep and snooze throughout the day.they like to have a space of their own.  A den with a bed is healthy for their psychological well-being.

And having a place where they feel safe does wonder when they feel stressed like during a thunderstorm or when Independence Day fireworks are going off.

Choosing the Right Size Bed for Your Dog

Choosing a bed to fit in with your dog’s weight and size can be tricky.  But if you know how to measure them and what to look for it’s pretty easy.

The first rule is that no part of your dog’s body should hang off the bed.  So no matter which way they sleep they should fit with space to spare.

I recommend always going one size up from the size recommended by the manufacturer.  It’s the safest bet.  And your dog will love you for that little bit of extra space.

All you need to know before you make a choice is your dog’s stats – height and weight.

Measuring Your Dog

You know when your dog is all stretched out and comfy?  That’s the measurement you want to take.  Measure from the tip of their tail to the tip of their nose.  And then add an extra 5″ for good measure.

You also need to measure the height of your dog.  So pull the tape from the top of their head to the tip of their front paw.

Now you have the stats you need to make sure your pooch is going to be super comfortable on their new bed.

Weighing Your Dog

Most manufacturers will give a weight class for each bed.  So you must know what your dog weighs, if you don’t the bed will sag in the middle.  Even if it is one of the best rated orthopedic dog beds buying a bed that can’t handle your dog’s weight will be a waste.

Go for a bed that can handle more than your dog’s current weight.  It’s a smart move because you’re guaranteed that the bed can handle the punch.

And don’t make the mistake of thinking this doesn’t matter for petite pooches.  It’s important to know what your dog weighs – big or small.

Favorite Sleeping Position?

Your dog is just like you – they also have that favorite sleeping position where everything is just right for the best sleep.  So check which sleeping style your dog has.

Stretched out? Curled up – like my 2 girls do.  Or like my boy… He sleeps on his back with his legs in the air.  He also like sleeping curled up.  Check out this picture of his crazy sleeping position.  And yes, it’s on the couch.  But my dogs each have a personal couch!

To choose the right style of bed, you must know your dog’s favorite sleeping position.

So, let’s dive into the different styles…

Dog Bed Styles

Rectangle and Square Beds

If your dog is a side-sleeper these kinds of beds are perfect.  They have no raised sides so your dog is free to stretch out to their heart’s content.  rectangle and square beds are the most standard and you’ll find loads of choices here.

Bolster Beds

Bolster beds have a raised side.  If your dog is like mine and has various sleeping styles like back sleeping, stretching out or even curling up a bolster bed will work great.

Nested Style Beds

These kinds of beds are specially made for dogs who like to curl up into a ball.  It’s a special favorite for smaller dogs. Like a bolster bed its got raised sides  But with the nested ones the sides are raised all the way around.

If you go for a nested bed, just keep in mind your dog might want to stretch out too.  So go with a size that will accommodate them when they’re is a stretchy mood.

Conclusion

So there you have it!

You’ve got all the information you need to shop with confidence and pick one of the best rated orthopedic dogs beds.

Whether your dog is a stretchy-out kind of dog or likes to curl up, you can make the right choice and give your dog a bed they will enjoy until the cows come home!

Now you have all the information you need to shop with confidence and make the best bed choice for your dog.

Check out my favorite orthopedic dog bed choices on Amazon…
Big Barker 7″ Orthopedic Dog Bed
First Quality Orthopedic Dog Bed by Better World Pets