As of: February 21, 2024, 10:21 a.m
By: Julia Schuster
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A comfortable place to sleep is essential for a dog.
An orthopedic dog bed is particularly suitable for four-legged friends with joint problems.
© PantherMedia / Brosch
Why an orthopedic dog bed is not only useful for old animals and what you should pay attention to when buying one.
Here you can find out everything you need to know about the special beds.
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High-quality food, toys, walks, cuddling and playing – most dog owners do almost everything to ensure that their pets are well.
This also includes healthy sleep.
An adult dog sleeps around 17 to 18 hours a day, puppies and old dogs sleep up to 22 hours.
A comfortable place to sleep is even more important.
A growing trend among dog lovers is orthopedic dog beds.
But what's so special about it?
What is the difference between an orthopedic dog bed and a normal basket?
What advantages does it offer?
And what do you have to pay attention to when buying?
Here you will get answers to all important questions.
Orthopedic dog beds on Amazon
Table of contents
What is an orthopedic dog bed?
Which dogs are suitable for an orthopedic dog bed?
What are the advantages of an orthopedic dog bed?
This is what you should pay attention to when purchasing
How big should the dog bed be?
Video: How to tell if your dog is in pain
Product recommendations
What is an orthopedic dog bed?
An orthopedic dog bed is a specially designed bed designed to promote dog comfort and health.
The beds are designed to provide optimal support for the dog's joints, muscles and spine.
The main focus is to minimize pressure points, improve blood circulation and relieve joint pain.
A normal basket usually uses simple foam without any special properties.
The material does not adapt to the dog's body.
Orthopedic dog beds, on the other hand, are filled with high-quality materials that adapt to the shape of the dog's body.
Commonly used materials are memory foam, viscoelastic foam or other layered foams that allow for even weight distribution.
This reduces pressure on joints and muscles.
How to recognize an orthopedic dog bed
You can recognize an orthopedic dog bed because it is significantly thicker than a normal bed.
When you sit on the cushion yourself to test, you shouldn't feel the floor.
Which dogs are suitable for an orthopedic dog bed?
Dogs with joint problems in particular benefit from an orthopedic dog bed.
These include diseases such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, hip dysplasia (HD) or elbow dysplasia (ED), but also joint stiffness or muscle tension.
Veterinary statistics show that around one in five dogs in Germany suffers from osteoarthritis.
Older four-legged friends are mostly affected.
Such a bed is also suitable for dogs with back problems as it keeps the spine in a neutral position.
What are hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia (HD)
is an abnormal development of the hip joint that is often associated with severe pain.
German Shepherds, Labradors and Golden Retrievers are particularly affected.
But dogs of other breeds and sizes can also suffer from HD.
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
is a hereditary developmental disorder of the dog's skeleton that occurs during growth.
This limits the functionality of the elbow joint, which can be very painful for the dog.
The disease occurs particularly frequently in large, fast-growing dog breeds such as the Chow Chow, Rottweiler or Bernese Mountain Dog.
Especially as they get older, dogs need more sleep and therefore lie in their bed more.
An orthopedic dog bed can help reduce the risk of pressure sores.
Because large dogs place a correspondingly greater strain on their joints due to their greater weight, an orthopedic dog bed is recommended at a young age.
This way you can prevent possible joint problems.
This also applies to dogs with a thin build.
Because their low body fat means they have less padding for their joints, they can hurt if they lie down for long periods of time.
Thanks to its special properties, an orthopedic dog bed offers additional support.
Conclusion:
An orthopedic dog bed is a sensible purchase for your pet.
If you are unsure whether your dog needs such a bed, ask your veterinarian.
What are the advantages of an orthopedic dog bed?
Joint and Muscle Protection:
Orthopedic dog beds are typically designed to allow for even weight distribution.
This can reduce pressure on joints and muscles, which is especially important for dogs with arthritis, joint problems, or other orthopedic conditions.
Spine Support:
These beds provide firm support for the dog's spine.
This helps maintain proper spinal alignment and can help prevent or relieve back problems.
Insulation and warmth:
Some models have insulating properties that can help preserve the dog's body heat.
This can be particularly beneficial in colder environments or for dogs prone to joint stiffness.
Longevity:
High-quality orthopedic dog beds are usually well-made and durable.
They can last longer than traditional bed types and are more resistant to wear and tear.
Prevention and recovery:
Orthopedic beds can also help dogs recover more quickly from injuries or surgeries related to muscles, joints, or bones.
Pressure Sore Prevention:
Especially for dogs that have to spend long periods of time lying down, an orthopedic bed can reduce the risk of pressure sores because the foam minimizes pressure points.
This is what you should pay attention to when purchasing
When purchasing an orthopedic dog bed, there are several important factors you should consider.
Here's how to make sure you choose the right bed for your dog's needs.
Here are some aspects to pay attention to:
Size:
Make sure the bed is large enough to give your dog enough space to stretch out.
Measure your dog in his preferred sleeping position and choose a bed that is about 15-20 cm larger than this measurement.
Material Quality:
Look for high-quality materials that are durable and comfortable.
Memory foam or viscoelastic foam are popular options because they conform to your dog's body shape while providing support.
Removable cover:
A removable, washable cover makes cleaning the bed much easier.
Make sure the cover is easily removable and machine washable.
Non-slip bottom:
A non-slip bottom of the bed prevents the bed from slipping on smooth floors when your dog gets in or out.
Height:
Consider the height of the bed.
A higher bed can make it easier for older dogs to get started, while a lower bed is suitable for smaller dogs or those with mobility problems.
Dog Weight:
Check the manufacturer's weight recommendations to ensure the bed is suitable for your dog's weight.
How big should the dog bed be?
The dog bed should be large enough so that your dog can easily stretch out in it.
Measure your dog in his preferred sleeping position and choose a bed that is about 15-20 cm larger.
The following table* serves as your orientation:
Dog bed size |
Shoulder height of the dog |
Example dog breeds |
|---|---|---|
S |
15-30cm |
Chihuahua, Maltese, Jack Russel Terrier |
M |
30-55cm |
French Bulldog, Miniature Schnauzer |
L |
55-68cm |
Australian Shepherd, Labrador, Border Collie, German Shepherd |
XL-XXL |
68-100cm |
Saint Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog |
*Exact dog bed sizes vary depending on the manufacturer.
How to tell if your dog is in pain
Osteoarthritis and joint problems can be very painful for a dog.
An orthopedic dog bed does not replace painkillers or physical therapy, but it can help relieve pain.
Product recommendations for orthopedic dog beds
Joyelf Orthopedic Dog Bed with Squeaky Toy
JOYELF orthopedic dog bed and squeaky toy as a gift © JOYELF
Buy on Amazon
High-quality memory foam adapts ideally to your dog's body shape.
To prevent the bed from slipping, the floor is lined with rubber particles.
You can easily remove the cover and wash it in the washing machine.
The dog bed is available in five different sizes.
Amazon price: from 36.54 euros
Eheyciga Orthopedic Dog Bed
EHEYCIGA Orthopedic dog bed © EHEYCIGA
Order from Amazon
The dog bed is filled with eggshell and memory foam.
The neck rolls on three sides serve as a pillow for the dog.
A waterproof membrane on the bottom prevents liquids from penetrating and the bed from slipping.
You can clean the removable cover in the washing machine.
The dog bed is available in six different colors and ten sizes.
Amazon price: from 57.99 euros
Western Home Orthopedic Dog Bed
WESTERN HOME Orthopedic dog bed © WESTERN HOME
Buy on Amazon
High-density egg crate foam supports and relieves pressure on the dog's muscles and joints.
A non-slip base keeps the dog bed in place.
The cover is machine washable and can be tumble dried.
The dog bed is available in four different sizes.
Amazon price: from €44.99
Jamaxx 4-in-1 orthopedic dog sofa
JAMAXX Premium 4-in-1 dog sofa © JAMAXX
Order from Amazon
The dog sofa can be used in four versions using the zipper: as a sofa with side cushions, as a mattress without side cushions, either with lambskin for cold winter days or with a fine fabric cover for the summer.
The sofa is padded with an orthopedic memory visco foam mat.
The cover is removable and can be machine washed at 30°C.
The dog sofa is available in four different sizes.
Amazon price: from 119.99 euros
Pawz & Pepper Pillow Colorado Ortho
Pawz & Pepper Colorado Ortho pillow slate © Zooplus
Buy at Zooplus
Viscoelastic flakes, which are divided into several chambers, adapt ideally to the dog's body shape.
The cover made of imitation fur retains heat, which is particularly pleasant for muscle and joint problems.
The cover and the inner cushion can be washed in the washing machine at 30°C.
The dog cushion is available in three different sizes.
Zooplus price: from 40.99 euros
The editor Julia Schuster wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked.