Top 8 Reasons to Invest in an Orthopedic Dog Bed

High-quality orthopedic dog beds can be pricey. But cost should not be an issue where the comfort and well-being of your dog are at stake. So, should you dig deep into your pocket to provide an orthopedic bed for your dog?

You should get an orthopedic dog bed because it reduces joint pain and provides support and comfort in dogs with arthritis or spinal cord diseases. Orthopedic beds also enhance sleep quality and support your dog’s overall wellness. Besides, you only buy an orthopedic bed every 2-5 years.

If your current dilemma is whether you should get an orthopedic dog bed, I say you should. I’ll tell you exactly why you should get an orthopedic dog bed below.

Why Get An Orthopedic Dog Bed?

If you’ve visited my blog before, you’ll know that I have a gorgeous German Shepherd named Willow. In fact, she is the sole reason for this website, so I can detail and share my experiences, good or bad.

A few years ago, my dog was diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis and slight hip dysplasia. I bought her an orthopedic bed to help relieve her symptoms, and along with exercise modification and medication, I’m pleased to say that she is doing exceptionally well.

But your dog might not have all these issues, and you may ask, “why get an orthopedic dog bed?”

Let me explain…

1. Orthopedic Beds Ease Joint Pain if Your Dog Has Arthritis

Arthritis is the number one orthopedic disease among dogs, affecting about 20% of the canine population. That goes to say that almost a quarter of all dogs will live with the pain caused by osteoarthritis inflammation, which can deform and cause lameness with time.

Unfortunately, arthritis is a no-cure disease and can only be managed to alleviate its symptoms and slow its progress.

The University of Pennsylvania has proven that using an orthopedic bed is an effective way to manage canine arthritis. Dog owners involved in the clinical study reported that the Big Barker orthopedic dog bed helped with arthritis pain and joint stiffness. Dogs who slept on the therapeutic bed also showed improved joint and muscle function, better sleep, and overall wellness.

Read my article, Are Orthopedic Dog Beds Good for Arthritis? for a complete account of how orthopedic dog beds help to ease joint pain in arthritic dogs.

2. Your Dog will have Better Spine and Joint Support

People invented orthopedic beds to support the spine, joints, bones, and muscles.

Dogs with arthritis feel extreme pressure on joints when sleeping on a regular bed. That’s because the materials used to make regular dog beds move easily. As a result, they do not allow your pet’s joints and muscles to adapt to the changed bed level, aggravating arthritis pain.

Instead, orthopedic beds support the spine, joints, and muscles by keeping them firm at a consistent bed level. This comfort position cushions your dog from pressure points and eases arthritis symptoms like pain and joint stiffness.

Besides, on the even level of an orthopedic bed, your dog’s body weight is uniformly distributed. Consequently, your pet sleeps better with greater comfort.

3. Your Dog’s Joints and Bones are Cushioned from Hard Surfaces

A regular dog bed filled with polyester fiber exposes your dog’s bones and joints to the hard surface below the bed. That’s because the fiber sinks and partitions easily under the pet’s weight.

High-quality orthopedic beds are made from multiple layers of memory foam. That means the bed is well-raised, and there’s no chance your dog’s joints will feel the pressure of the hard surface beneath the bed.

For example, my favorite Big Barker orthopedic dog bed is made of three layers of first-rate foam, providing extra support and comfort to your dog’s musculoskeletal system. You can see my German Shepherd chilling on hers in the below photo. Look how deep the bed actually is!

4. Your Arthritic Dog will Experience Better Mobility

According to the UK Canine Arthritis Management, osteoarthritis impacts your dog’s entire body. This includes the pet’s joint flexibility and overall mobility.

As arthritis progresses, the pain intensifies, and the joints become largely deformed. If left unmanaged, the disease can cause total joint failure, and your pet can become immobile.

Managing canine arthritis means protecting your dog’s joint and muscle structures so the disease does not progress quickly.

The support and cushioning function of an orthopedic bed is crucial in slowing down your dog’s arthritis progress.

5. Orthopedic Beds Support Spinal Cord Health

Spinal cord and column diseases are a threat to dogs. A study found that 27.8% of participating dogs suffered some form of intervertebral disease, and the incidence rate increased with age.

Like musculoskeletal diseases, intervertebral diseases are characterized by inflammation, pain, and tissue degeneration. Often, dogs suffering from these diseases have to undergo surgery and endure long days of recuperating.

Whether your dog is just suffering from a disease of the spinal cord or has undergone surgery for the same, a bed that provides support and relief is necessary. Consider investing in an orthopedic bed to ease the pain and promote faster recovery.

6. Your Senior Dog will have Better Sleep Quality

Science has confirmed that sleep quality and quantity diminish with age, even for dogs. Poor sleep harms your dog’s quality of life.

If an uncomfortable bed is what prevents your dog from sleeping soundly, then investing in an orthopedic bed is something you owe your furry friend.

The Big Barker study mentioned earlier confirmed that orthopedic beds promote better sleep, improving your dog’s overall well-being.  

7. Your Dog’s Overall Quality of Life is Improved

Who doesn’t enjoy a good night’s sleep on a comfortable bed? Well, your dog does too! And just like you wake up refreshed and energized after a good night’s sleep, your dog will also show renewed energy and overall wellness when it has slept well.

Investing in a quality orthopedic bed promotes well-being for dogs at any age because:

• The spine, joints, bones, and muscles of puppies are still developing. Sleeping on a comfortable bed will support the proper growth of your puppy’s body tissues and structures.
• Orthopedic beds prevent pressure and strain on a dog’s joints and muscles. For a healthy adult dog, using an orthopedic bed has a preventative role against musculoskeletal conditions.
• Senior dogs are more prone to arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. Even if your senior dog does not have an orthopedic disease, age and the effect of years of exercise cause wear and tear to your pet’s joints and muscles. Investing in an orthopedic bed for your senior dog is more of a necessity than a luxury.

8. Your Dog Has a Comfortable Bed for the Longest Period

There’s no doubt that orthopedic dog beds provide greater comfort compared to regular dog beds. Manufacturers make these beds from high-quality material, including top-grade memory foam, waterproof covers, and chew-proof edges.

If you invest in the best orthopedic dog beds, you can rest assured that your dog will have a comfortable sleeping space for the next 2-5 years. With a durable orthopedic dog bed, you won’t need to get a dog bed every few months.

And if you choose the Big Barker bed that my German Shepherd has, it has a 10-year “no-flatten” guarantee making it a risk-free purchase and an overall good investment for your furry friend.

FAQs

Does My Dog Need an Orthopedic Bed?

Your dog needs an orthopedic bed if it is a senior or has a musculoskeletal condition like osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia. While aging causes tissue wear and tear, orthopedic diseases cause joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness and can lead to lameness with time.

An orthopedic bed provides support and comfort in these conditions, improving your dog’s overall quality of life.

Are Orthopedic Dog Beds Good for Arthritis?

There’s research-based proof that arthritic dogs who sleep on orthopedic beds suffer less joint pain and stiffness and have improved mobility and joint function. Besides, these dogs have better sleep, which enhances overall wellness.

Orthopedic dog beds provide these benefits to arthritic dogs because they support joints, muscles, and bones, and your dog’s weight is distributed evenly on the firm surface of the bed.

What Sizes Do Orthopedic Dog Beds Come in?

Dogs of all breeds and sizes can be affected by musculoskeletal problems. As such, orthopedic dog bed manufacturers make them in different sizes to suit your dog. Here’s a summary of the orthopedic dog bed sizes:

• Very small dogs (1-10lb) – L 24″ x W 18″
• Small-sized dog (11-25lb) – L 30″ x W 21″
• Medium-sized dogs (26-40lb) – L 36″ x W 24″
• Large dogs (41-70lb) – L 42″ x W 28″
• Extra-large dogs (71-90lb) – L 48″ x W 30″
• Giant dogs (91-110lb) – L 52″ x W 32″

Note that these are estimations and can vary with manufacturers.