After a long day of energetic activities, your dog's joints and entire body are significantly impacted and need support and rest. Large dogs typically sleep 12 to 14 hours daily, while small dogs spend 14 to 16 hours. Given the substantial rest time, the best orthopedic dog bed is a significant gift you should give your furry friend to help them rest and regain health for their next journey.
Seeing your furry friend happy and healthier each day will also make you feel pleased, knowing you helped improve their health and well-being.
First, let's answer the question:
1. What is an orthopedic dog bed?
Unlike regular dog beds made from cotton or mattresses, orthopedic dog beds are designed with high-density orthopedic foam that evenly distributes body weight while sleeping, reducing pressure on bones and joints, especially in dogs' necks, backs, and hips. Orthopedic beds ensure that joints are relaxed, reducing stress and pain while promoting deeper sleep in dogs, especially older dogs.
2. Are Orthopedic Dog Beds Good for Dogs?
You will be surprised by the distinct benefits that orthopedic dog beds provide. With a unique design that reduces body pressure on joints, they help alleviate joint pain for older dogs or dogs with hip dysplasia while sleeping. This improves their mobility and enhances the quality of their sleep, helping them live longer and healthier each day.
3. How to Choose the Best Orthopedic Dog Bed?
There are many different types of orthopedic beds on the market. Knowing which product to choose can be challenging with diverse designs, sizes, and types. Don't worry—we will help you. With over ten years of experience manufacturing orthopedic beds and serving over 2,000 customers in the US, GauGau confidently presents nine essential criteria to help you choose the best orthopedic bed for your dog.
3.1 Size of dogs
Choosing the right size is crucial; a bed that is too small will make your dog uncomfortable, while a bed that is too large does not maximize orthopedic support and makes your dog feel insecure. Expert advice: to ensure a proper fit, measure your dog from nose to base of the tail and ensure the bed is 3 to 5 inches wider than that measurement.
You need to consider not just the width but also the height and thickness of the bed. For small dogs, injured dogs, or those having difficulty moving, a bed 4 inches high and thick is sufficient. The bed's thickness must be more significant for larger dogs to support their large bodies. The standard thickness of orthopedic beds ranges from 3 to 5 inches, with special types going up to 7 or even 10 inches for giant dogs.
- Large and extra-large orthopedic beds suit breeds like Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, and Labrador Retrievers…
- Medium and small orthopedic beds are ideal for breeds like Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and Australian Shepherds…
3.2 Materials, types of foam used to make orthopedic beds
There are four main types of orthopedic foam used in beds:
- Memory Foam: Made from polyurethane foam with good elasticity and durability. It's expensive but recommended.
- Gel Memory Foam: This is similar to memory foam but with an added gel layer on top. It helps cool and ventilate and offers good durability. It's the most expensive and recommended.
- Orthopedic foam is a premium foam that provides exceptional support for your dog's joints and bones. This type of foam is usually firmer, helping to maintain its shape and durability over time, making it ideal for older dogs or dogs with joint problems.
- Egg-crate Foam: This is polyurethane foam in an egg-crate shape. It increases breathability and is used as a mattress cover. It's inexpensive but less durable.
Among these standard materials, memory foam and gel memory foam are of the highest quality and durability for making the best orthopedic beds.
Memory foam and gel memory foam are the most durable materials for orthopedic beds. They support your dog's body, maintain their shape over time, and help reduce replacement costs. Older dogs, dogs with joint issues, or those recovering from surgery benefit significantly from high-density orthopedic foam. However, young, healthy dogs also need this bed to prevent chronic arthritis and hip dysplasia later in life
See more: What type of foam is the best for dogs with arthritis?
The thickness of the memory foam is also a determining factor in the bed's durability. The thicker it is, the more influential the orthopedic support.
All these materials are produced safely and environmentally friendly, meeting CertiPUR-US® standards and creating a healthy living environment.
3.3 Bed Design & Dog Sleeping Style
The best orthopedic dog beds come in various designs and styles, from rectangular beds with bolsters to flat or round beds. Observe your furry friend's sleeping style to choose the most accurate bed. A bolster orthopedic dog bed is ideal if your dog likes to lean against objects while sleeping. A flat orthopedic bed is best for dogs that sleep stretched out or on their backs.
3.4 Benefits for your dog
What benefits do you expect orthopedic beds to bring to dogs with arthritis and hip dysplasia?
- Support joint health and ensure a straight spine.
- Reduce pressure points on joints and the entire skeletal frame during sleep.
- Promote deeper sleep, helping your dog avoid joint or knee pain.
- Circulate air and cool the body, reducing sweat during sleep.
Some beds have been proven to slow the development of arthritis, increasing longevity.
As a dog owner and direct caregiver to your dog, I believe you know exactly what to expect.
3.5 Features of orthopedic bed
Non-slip bases: Keep the bed stable on the floor, ensuring your dog's safety and giving you peace of mind.
- Removable covers: Offer optimal convenience for easy cleaning.
- Durability: Orthopedic dog beds are more durable than regular beds because they are made from higher-quality materials.
- Non-allergenic memory foam: Along with breathable, moisture-wicking covers, keep your dog in the most comfortable condition.
3.6 Price and Value for Money
When choosing a suitable price range, think of it: if you select a cheap bed that breaks down after a few days or the first wash, you must buy another bed. So, is buying a cheap bed worth it? The price of a bed depends on many factors that you need to consider:
- A larger bed size also means a higher price, but this is reasonable if you have a large dog.
- Of course, the material determines the price. An orthopedic bed made from high-density memory foam will cost more than one from egg crate or sponge foam.
- The thickness of the bed also affects the price. Orthopedic beds with a thickness of 3 to 5 inches will cost less than those of 7 to 10 inches.
In summary, always remember that a good-quality product will cost more than a regular product. But in the long run, the best orthopedic dog beds offer superior features and durability compared to regular beds.
The average price of regular orthopedic dog beds ranges from $80 to $250. Buying a bed priced over $300 with high-density gel memory foam, large size, and thickness of over 7 inches made from the highest-quality materials will help your giant and old dog have the best health. The sincere advice here is to avoid choosing cheap, low-quality beds, which might lead to costly orthopedic surgeries for your beloved furry friend.
3.7 Cleaning and Maintenance
The best orthopedic dog beds are expensive, so prioritize easy-to-clean products:
- Choose beds with removable, machine-washable covers.
- Regularly check the cover for wear and tear and replace it when needed.
- Keep the bed dry to increase durability and prolong its use.
3.8 Warranty and Return policy.
Nothing is 100%, you know what I mean. Sometimes, mistakes or problems happen that no one wants. You may receive a different-colored orthopedic bed than you expected, the size does not fit, or there are some defects in the product you wish the manufacturer to handle when you are not satisfied with it.
You must have the seller's warranty and return policy; they will help you solve the problem perfectly, according to your wishes.
3.9 Customer Reviews and Ratings
This criterion is also essential in helping you choose the best orthopedic dog bed. Read and refer to the opinions of customers who have bought and used the product before to make the best choice for your furry friend.
We have summarized these critical criteria from years of dedicated work toward a "Global Pet Health" program. Sometimes, your dog might take time to get used to the new bed. You only need to place the bed near your bedroom or where your dog wants to lie. You can also use their favorite food or toys on the bed to help them recognize it as their home.
If you are looking for the best orthopedic dog bed that meets all the above, refer to it here. Our orthopedic dog bed will be a wonderful gift for your dog.
One last piece of advice: "The best orthopedic bed is the one that suits your dog and you the best."
Thanks for reading! We hope this information helps you find the perfect bed for your furry friend.