12 of the Best Orthopedic Dog Beds for Superior Support

We want our dogs to live long and happy lives. But dogs undergo the aging process just like we people do, and that means that their bones and joints will ache as they grow older. That's why choosing a comfortable bed for them is so important. "Most older dogs suffer from some degree of osteoarthritis and can benefit from a bed with extra padding," explains Dr. Jennifer Coates, veterinary expert at Chewy. "Memory foam, egg crate foam, or thick polyester fill can all help support painful joints. Extra padding also provides insulation against cold floors that can worsen a dog's symptoms."

Orthopedic dog beds are designed to ease the joint pain and stiffness that comes with old age or in dogs with chronic conditions such as hip dysplasia and arthritis. Choosing a bed that is easy for your dog to get in and out of, and that provides support and comfort on aching bones will help your dog to rest easier and more comfortably. You should also select a bed that has a washable cover, Dr. Coates says, because your dog might be prone to bathroom accidents and you will want to be able to easily clean the dog bed.

So, how do you go about choosing the best ergonomic dog bed for your longtime friend? "It's important to watch how a dog sleeps to determine the right style of bed for them," says Dr. Coates. "For example, if you notice that your dog always sleeps curled up into a ball or snuggled up against pillows or furniture, a bed with raised sides, like the MidWest QuietTime Defender Orthopedic Bolster Cat and Dog Bed with Removable Cover ($14.82, chewy.com), would be a good choice." Dogs that stretch out may benefit from a flatter bed that allows them to lay across it, while dogs that tend to get overheated would get the most rest on a dog bed with a cooling gel layer.

Ahead, the best orthopedic beds for senior dogs.

Not only is this expert-recommended bed a stylish option, but it also features an orthopedic egg-crate base and raised sides for the ultimate comfortable sleeping experience. The fabric protector is made from Teflon, so it is water-, stain- and dirt-repellent and designed to be long-lasting and durable.

Shop Now: MidWest QuietTime Defender Orthopedic Bolster Cat & Dog Bed with Removable Cover, from $14.82, chewy.com.

This bed has a foam base similar to the company's signature mattress and a cushion that detaches from the base for convenient travel with your best friend. Its cover is dense, more durable, and easily washed, so it'll hold up against ruff play and dreams of running for years to come.

Shop Now: Tuft and Needle Dog Bed, from $96, tuftandneedle.com.

The mattress brand combined pressure-relieving memory foam and durable support foam to create a bed that loves Fido back. The supportive foam bolsters of the bed also create a safe space for dogs to lay their heads—literally and figuratively.

Shop Now: Casper Dog Bed, from $125, casper.com.

Dogs that are between 50 and 250 pounds need a bed that can handle their size. Big Barker beds are designed for larger dogs that need orthopedic support, and this design features a headrest as well.

Shop Now: Big Barker Dog Bed, from $150, bigbarker.com.

This easy-to-assemble bed is made with ultra comfortable memory foam and pairs with a soft, removable microfiber bed cover that's hypoallergenic and easy to clean.

Shop Now: Zee.Dog Dog Bed, from $90, zeedog.com.

This bed is made with a soft yet supportive orthopedic foam base with a soft polyester-acrylic cushion that reverses to matching polyester sherpa. Recycled high-loft memory fiber polyester fill. And it's easy-care: The removable cover is machine-washable.

Shop Now: Pendleton Plaid Kuddler Dog Bed, from $179, pendleton-usa.com.

Purple engineered a pet bed that holds up to pets and their human's expectations. The ultra-tough cover resists stains, odors, moisture, and accidents, making cleanup a breeze—and proprietary technology comfy, which keeps everyone happy.

Shop Now: The Purple Pet Bed, from $149, purple.com.

The quilted sleep surface of The Duchess folds out to provide an expanded sleep area, great for larger dogs or multi-pet households. It also folds up to transform into a more compact sofa position, great for smaller dogs. The entire base features provides five layers of cushion technology, while the sofa-style bolsters are overstuffed with fiber to provide added comfort and neck support.

Shop Now: La-Z-Boy Duchess Fold Out Sleeper Sofa, $199, la-z-boy.com.

This durable bed features a layer of gel to keep your dog cool, and actually conforms to his body shape for added comfort. Plus, its make-up provides odor control for freshness as well as comfort. 

Shop Now: Sealy Lux Premium Memory Foam Dog Bed, from $85, chewy.com.

Created in conjunction with veterinarians, these patented "human quality" pet beds provide orthopedic support at key pressure points­—perfect for healthy, aging, or injured pets.

Shop Now: Katherine Elizabeth Pet Products Chad Denim Bolster Bed, from $159, bedbathandbeyond.com.

For a dog that likes to sleep freestyle, this ultra-thick, high density memory foam carries a five-year guarantee and will not flatten. It's constructed using top-of-the-line heavyweight fabrics that are machine washable, and the removable water-resistant liner, which protects the memory foam, is also easily laundered. 

Shop Now: Jax & Bones Kensington Fog Memory Foam Pillow Bed, from $219, jaxandbones.com.

This bed gives your dog a little extra comfort and complements any home décor. The low profile height and orthopedic (egg crate) foam is ideal for older or arthritic pets. The super soft, plush interior lining unzips for easy machine washing to keep your pet's sleeping space clean and your home smelling fresh.

Shop Now: Tucker Murphy Pet Hepler Orthopedic Dog Bolster, $88, wayfair.com.