Puppies can often use just about any bed that’s given to them. Their joints and muscles are new and youthful. When your dog gets into their twilight years, you often have to pay a bit more attention to their bedding. Older dogs often develop arthritis and similar joint problems. They don’t get up and down quite as well as they once did.

Beds for older dogs often need to include things like memory foam and lower edges. Of course, just because a bed was designed for older dogs doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best option out there. In this article, we’ll review several beds for older dogs so that you can choose the best option for your senior pooch.

We recommend keeping your dog’s specific health needs in mind while looking at these beds. If your dog has bladder incontinence, choosing a waterproof bed will be extremely important, for instance. Dogs with arthritis will need an orthopedic foam.

A Glance at Our Top Picks (2026 Update)

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		KOPEKS Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed	Waterproof liner Washable Memory foam	Check Price
Best Value		Furhaven Pet Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Dog Bed	Attached blanket Washable Memory foam	Check Price
Premium Choice		Big Barker 7” Headrest Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed	Retains its shape Designed for older dogs Machine washable cover	Check Price
		Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed	Waterproof liner Machine washable cover Lowered entry for easy access	Check Price
		BarksBar Snuggly Orthopedic Dog Bed	Orthopedic foam Cotton-padded rim Non-slip rubber padding	Check Price

The 7 Best Dog Beds for Older Dogs

1. KOPEKS Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed – Best Overall

As the best overall dog bed for older dogs, we highly recommend the KOPEKS Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed. It features an orthopedic-grade memory foam that provides support for sore muscles and joints. If your dog has arthritis or is dealing with some of the common soreness that comes with age. The zippered cover can be removed for easy washing. It features a micro-suede construction, which provides a soft platform for your canine.

There is a built-in headrest that your dog can use if they so desire. However, the other sides are completely flat to allow for easy access. An anti-slip rubber bottom prevents the bed from moving around as your dog gets comfortable. This makes it easier for your canine to settle into the bed since they don’t have to deal with it moving underneath them. It also prevents the bed from travelling across your floor.

A waterproof liner is installed underneath the outer cover and protects the foam from any accidents.

2. Furhaven Pet Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Dog Bed – Best Value

For smaller dogs, we love the Furhaven Pet Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Dog Bed. It is a great option for dogs that love to snuggle. The attached blanket can be converted into a burrowing cave for dogs that like to be enclosed while they sleep. Alternatively, it can be used as a blanket instead. Both options are particularly great for older dogs that seem affected by drafts, as the blanket helps keep the dog warm.

The sleep surface and underside of the blanket are lined with Sherpa fleece, which is a great insulator. The outside is covered in micro-suede, which is soft and very easy to clean. It also works best in the hotter months, as it doesn’t do much to insulate the dog.

The top of the sleeping surface features a gel-infused memory foam, which is designed to help support joints. It also keeps your pet cool for more restful sleep. The cover is removable and completely machine-washable. For these reasons, this is the best dog bed for older dogs for the money.

3. Big Barker 7” Headrest Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed – Premium Choice

The Big Barker 7” Headrest Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed is definitely a pricey option, but if you have a large dog, this bed is an excellent choice. It comes in sizes large, extra large, and giant, but it will be too big for smaller dog breeds. It also comes in four different colors.

This bed was designed specifically for older dogs with arthritis and joint problems or dogs that are at risk of developing joint problems. It helps to ease joint pain and is made in the USA from high-quality orthopedic foam. The bed was even part of a study performed by the University of Pennsylvania about the quality of life impact for dogs.

It will retain 90% of its shape and shouldn’t flatten over time. It is made with a microfiber cover that is machine washable. Even though this bed is meant for dogs with joint problems, it can also be used for dogs recovering from surgery.

4. Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed

The Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed is a well-rounded option for large senior dogs that need joint support and a comfortable place to rest. The high-density egg-crate foam distributes your dog’s weight evenly to relieve pressure on sore joints, and the 4-sided bolster design gives dogs a cozy place to rest their head while the lowered entrance makes it easier on stiff legs getting in and out. The outer cover is made from soft flannel and can be removed and machine washed in seconds, while an internal waterproof liner protects the foam from accidents. The foam itself is CertiPUR-US certified and the cover is OEKO-TEX certified, which is a reassuring touch for safety-conscious owners.

That said, some reviewers have noted that the bolsters can flatten out with regular use over time, which may reduce the head and neck support the bed initially provides. The egg-crate foam, while good for pressure relief, is also not as dense as traditional memory foam, so it may not hold up as well for very heavy dogs over the long term.

5. BarksBar Snuggly Orthopedic Dog Bed

For older dogs, you may want to consider the BarksBar Snuggly Orthopedic Dog Bed. It is made with orthopedic-grade foam, which makes it quite comfortable. It is supportive of your dog’s joints and can prevent unnecessary pain and stiffness. A cotton-padded rim provides a comfortable sleeping surface for your canine and provides them with a place to rest their head if they need to. It is also machine-washable, which is useful for senior dogs that are prone to accidents.

Non-slip rubber padding is installed on the underside of the bed, helping prevent slipping as your dog moves around. The design is neutral to work with any home décor.

This bed is not chew-proof in the least, though. In fact, it isn’t particularly suitable for dogs that like to chew. This isn’t usually a problem for senior dogs, but some do still like to chew. If your dog falls into this category, you probably want to look elsewhere for a dog bed.

We also recommend getting a bed that is a size bigger than your dog needs, as the sizes are a bit smaller than you’d expect.

6. Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed

The Dogbed4less Memory Foam Dog Bed features a waterproof liner, as well as two external covers. The internal liner is waterproof to protect the internal memory foam. The memory pad is infused with gel to help keep your dog cool. The orthopedic foam supports your dog’s joints and can prevent stiffness, especially in the morning when your dog gets up. It is machine-washable after your remove the cover, and the waterproof pad is straightforward to wipe off when necessary.

The main problem with this bed is that it isn’t particularly waterproof. While it does include a waterproof cover, this seems to only be useful for very small spills. In fact, larger spills and accidents often soak right through the cover and liner. If your dog is prone to accidents, you should avoid this bed and purchase our top pick, which is much more waterproof than this one.

The cover also isn’t easy to get off for washing, which can be a problem if you’re trying to remove urine-soaked bedding. The inner liner is not machine washable, so make sure you remove it and wash it by hand.

7. Happy Hounds Oscar Orthopedic Dog Bed

Compared to all the beds we’ve reviewed, the Happy Hounds Oscar Orthopedic Dog Bed is extremely simple. It features a simple, box-like design with no headrest of any sort. This may be useful to dogs that have a hard time stepping over bed rests to get into the bed. The bed does feature a decorative cord trim, but this really works mostly to add some durability to the stitching. The design is completely reversible, which may allow for some longevity between washings. However, we doubt anyone is going to simply pull off the cover and flip it inside out instead of washing it, so this is a bit of an unnecessary feature.

The cover is completely machine washable. The micro-suede and sherpa fabric is soft and suitable for most dogs, even if it isn’t quite as luxurious as other options. This bed is quite basic. However, if that’s all you need, then this may be a suitable option.

However, in most cases, there are other options out there that are better for about the same price. There are multiple sizes available, but most are pretty comparable in price to better beds of the same price.

While this bed is machine washable, it is a bit of a pain to clean. The cover doesn’t come off easily. This may not seem like a big deal, but it can be if you’re dealing with a dirty bed and a mess you’re trying to contain.

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Bed for Older Dogs

There are quite a few things you need to keep in mind when choosing a bed for your older canine. Sometimes, the bed your senior dog sleeps in can be particularly important. If your dog has arthritis or other joint problems, the correct bed can lessen their stiffness and pain substantially. Typically, these beds have orthopedic foam. Besides that, their design can vary widely.

The correct bed for your canine will meet your dog’s specific needs. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all best bed out there since each dog has a different set of health challenges. Keep your specific dog in mind when deciding which bed they need.

Waterproof

Many senior dogs are prone to accidents. This may simply be because they are old, or it may be due to a specific health condition. Even if your dog has complete control of their bladder now, many dogs lose it at some point in their senior years. When a dog is experiencing bladder incontinence, it tends to affect them most in their sleep when they aren’t conscious. For this reason, their bed tends to get soaked often.

We recommend waterproof beds for most senior dogs. However, for those that are prone to accidents, this is a vital feature. Some beds aren’t waterproof at all. Even those that are advertised as waterproof often can’t withstand a lot of moisture.

Typically, waterproof beds have an internal lining that is waterproof. The outer cover will get soaked, but the foam inside will be protected. This liner is usually made of plastic. However, some use very thin plastic that tends to tear and crack easily, which renders it un-waterproof after some use. Check the reviews to ensure that the bed is actually waterproof.

Washability

Many beds for seniors are machine washable. This is helpful when your dog is having lots of accidents since handwashing a pee-soaked cover every few days can be quite troublesome. Usually, the outer cover at least is machine washable. The actual memory foam isn’t since the foam is typically orthopedic quality. You’ll need to remove the cover and wash it separately, wiping the plastic off by hand.

Be sure that the cover can actually withstand multiple washes, though. Some may hold up well after the first wash, but after a few cycles, it may start to wear down. You also need to consider how easy the cover is to remove and put back on the bed, as this can be unnecessarily difficult in many cases.

Foam

The type of foam used is important. This is the main deciding factor in whether or not the bed can actually help your dog’s joint pain and stiffness. If the foam is low-quality, the bed probably isn’t actually going to help much.

With that said, it is very difficult to judge a foam without actually getting a bed and using it for a while. Even feeling a bed in person doesn’t tell you much, as it could very well wear down after a few months of use.

For this reason, we recommend reading reviews like ours before making a decision on a bed. Otherwise, you may find yourself with a flattened piece of foam in only a few months.

Durability

When purchasing an expensive orthopedic bed, you should ensure that it is durable enough to withstand regular use. Seniors can be quite hard on beds, even if they aren’t as rowdy as they once were. They often use beds quite often, which means they tend to wear down a lot.

Furthermore, these dogs tend to have more accidents, which can quickly wear down a bed.

How We Selected These Dog Beds for Older Dogs

This buyer’s guide was carefully crafted by our writers and editors in collaboration with our team of in-house veterinarians. The dog beds reviewed here are rated on a combination of factors: brand reputation, customer reviews across multiple retail outlets, personal experience, and in some cases, feedback from our own dogs! Together, we choose and review only the best dog beds available, to help you make the most informed decisions that foster the well-being of your furry friends.

Why Trust Dogster?

Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online since 2004, which means we have a lot of experience with dog beds. We are a team of passionate dog owners who care about our pups as much as you do yours. We want the best for every canine on the planet. Dogster’s writers, editors, and veterinarians are deeply invested in the well-being of our pets, and we believe that all pet owners share this dedication to providing only the highest quality products and services for our dogs.

Conclusion

Out of all the beds we reviewed, we preferred the KOPEKS Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed. It is waterproof, made of suede, and comes with high-quality foam. It is mostly suitable for larger dogs, though. If you have a smaller dog, you’ll need to look elsewhere. For larger dogs, it is one of the best beds on the market.

If you have a smaller dog, you may consider the Furhaven Pet Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Dog Bed. It can be turned into an enclosed sleeping space for smaller dogs that like to snuggle. It is washable and full of gel memory foam.

We hope that our reviews helped you find the perfect bed for your ageing pooch. Senior dogs often have a variety of different needs and deserve a bed that can meet those needs. Keep your dog’s specific challenges in mind when choosing a bed, and you can’t go wrong.

• Related read: 10 Best Dog Beds for Pit Bulls – Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: Image Credit: Yobab, Shutterstock