5 Best Dog Beds For Senior Dogs – 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide

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When dog owners get beds for their dogs, they don’t often think of how the dog’s needs may change as it grows older.

If your dog is getting up there in age or is getting slower and more frail, it’s very important that they have a comfortable bed that is sufficiently soft to be easy on their joints and skin. Your senior dog deserves the best in practical comfort.

Because older dogs regress in many ways from the time they were in the adult prime of their lives, their dog bed needs are, in fact, more similar to those of puppies.

Now, choosing a dog bed might seem like a simple enough task. But there are a ton of options out there on the market, so how do you narrow them down to the best picks?

Don’t worry — this article is just what you need. We’ll review and compare our picks for the best dog beds for senior dogs across a range of different budgets.

We have tested all of these beds, and all give excellent value for the cost.


Our Top Dog Bed Picks For Older Dogs

Based on our own testing, research, and experience, here are our top selections:

  1. FurHaven Microvelvet Luxe Lounger Dog Bed
  2. Majestic Pet Memory Foam Rectangle Dog Bed
  3. Bully Beds Infrared Dog Bed
  4. FurHaven Elevated Reinforced Cot Dog Bed
  5. Majestic Pet Sherpa Bagel Dog Bed

1. FurHaven Microvelvet Luxe Lounger Dog Bed

FurHaven Microvelvet Luxe Lounger Dog Bed - large dog sitting on top

FurHaven’s Microvelvet Luxe Lounger bed, which has a nearly perfect average customer rating on the FurHaven website, would be our first recommendation for a senior dog.

Why? It’s soft yet firm enough to support the back and neck, its shape cradles older dogs that prefer to sleep on their side, and it has a step-on design that is easily accessible. The quilted, lightly padded, micro velvet sleep surface provides maximum comfort and a cozy experience.

This bed is available in a wide variety of sizes (small-giant) and colours (espresso, blue, etc.). Whatever the breed and size of your senior dog, you’ll be able to find a version that’s perfect for it, and FurHaven provides a sizing guide to make it easy for you.

Additional Info

The Microvelvet Luxe Lounger bed has an ergonomic design and provides therapeutic back and neck support. Although it has a baseline of orthopedic support, it is available with three different medical-grade mattress types: orthopedic foam, memory foam, and cooling gel foam.

If you live in a hotter environment or your older dog has trouble staying cool, go with the cooling gel foam. If your dog has arthritis or other joint issues, go for the orthopedic foam. Otherwise, the memory foam will provide added comfort by conforming to your dog’s sleep position.

Note that FurHaven uses CertiPUR-US foam, made in the USA and without harmful heavy metals, flame retardants, or other potentially dangerous chemicals.

The zippered cover is removable, washable, and made using overlock safety stitching for enhanced durability. The cover can be machine or hand-washed.

In our experience, this bed is very well-made, very comfortable, and easy to vacuum, with a cover that washes nicely.


2. Majestic Pet Memory Foam Rectangle Dog Bed

Majestic Pet Memory Foam Rectangle Dog Bed

The Majestic Pet Memory Foam Rectangle Dog Bed is easy for a senior dog to get on and off of, and its shredded memory foam filling is orthopedic, comfortable, supportive, and soft — ideal for ailing joints.

The bed pulls out all the stops and it can support practically any sleeping position. It has a quality build that will last many years.

This memory foam rectangle bed comes in small (20″x27″), medium (36″x29″) and large (36″x44″) sizes. The small size is suitable for dogs weighing up to 25 lbs, medium up to 45 lbs, and large up to 110 lbs, but keep in mind that your senior dog has likely lost some weight since its adult years.

Features

In addition to the bed being filled with shredded memory foam, the base of this bed is made of heavy-duty 300/600 Denier fabric that is water-resistant.

The zippered slipcover of this bed, which is easily removed, is woven from outdoor-treated polyester that is durable, resistant to chewing, water and stains, and provides 1000 hours of UV protection.

The bed can be used both indoors and outdoors, and the slipcover is machine-washable.

What’s great about this bed is that it not only comes in an array of different colours, but over 25 (wow!) different patterns as well, meaning it’s easy to find the perfect aesthetic for you and your dog.


3. Bully Beds Infrared Dog Bed

Bully Beds Infrared Dog Bed

When the health of a senior dog is in decline, it needs extra help. The Infrared Dog Bed by Bully Beds provides exactly that, in more ways than one.

In our buying guide, we mention that older dogs tend to be sensitive to heat and have a harder time staying cool. The Infrared Dog Bed addresses this, and it also helps your dog feel better in terms of energy and reduced pain.

This bed is expensive, but for good reason. It has an average customer rating of 4.9/5 stars on the Bully Beds website.

How It Works

This is the only dog bed that has FDA medical device certification. What it does it take the natural far infrared radiation (FIR) emitted by your dog’s body heat and reflect it back to the skin. This is done through special ceramic coated fibers that use your dog as a power source.

What does this do? It dilates blood vessels, which enhances tissue oxygen levels and increases blood circulation. The infrared emissions are absorbed deep into tissue, accelerating healing, increasing comfort and providing additional energy.

Related to this is the thermal insulation properties of the fabric. The reflecting of FIR allows heat to escape from the bed, moderating the sleep temperature and keeping the bed from sleeping hot. Your dog’s natural body temperature is maintained, and through a level of thermal insulation, it is able to stay cooler.

Additional Info

The Bully Beds Infrared Dog Bed is beneficial for joints, elbows, hips, and the whole body. It increases stamina, soothes hip dysplasia, and quickens surgery recovery times.

Almost everything about this unique bed screams “older dog”! It’s very durable and lasts a long time even with frequent washings.

As Bully Beds is a brand tailored to large dogs, the bed is available only in large, XL, and XXL sizes.


4. FurHaven Elevated Reinforced Cot Dog Bed

FurHaven Elevated Reinforced Cot Dog Bed - green, with long-haired dog on top

Also mentioned in our buying guide is the fact that senior dogs often benefit from an elevated bed because they don’t have to lower or raise their bodies as much.

For this kind of bed, the FurHaven Elevated Reinforced Cot bed, which has an impressive 4.8/5 customer rating with 28+ reviews on the FurHaven website, would be one of our top recommendations.

This cot is a hammock-style bed that stands just over six inches off the ground. It has three main benefits:

  1. It allows fresh air to circulate underneath your dog, improving circulation.
  2. It keeps your dog cooler while resting.
  3. It keeps your dog off uncomfortable surfaces that may be too hard, hot or cold.

At the end of the day, this bed is perfect for older dogs with mobility or joint issues.

Additional Info

The Elevated Reinforced Cot Dog Bed is made of a mesh fabric that is fade-resistant, breathable, and resistant to allergens, pet dander, mites and fleas. This sleep surface is supported by four metal legs with screws to keep it secure.

This bed helps dogs stay cool even if they are a breed that tends to overheat or even on a hot day outside. It’s easy to move the bed indoors, outdoors, to different rooms, or even in the car trunk as needed.

Because of the properties of the mesh fabric and bed itself, it’s easy to keep the sleeping surface clean, especially since the mesh is resistant to mold and mildew. No washer or dryer are needed — just hand-wash the cot with mild soap and air dry.

The Elevated Reinforced Cot Dog Bed comes in extra small, small, medium and large sizes. It’s also available in colours espresso, deep blue, grey and forest.

Based on our experience and research, this bed works extremely effectively for keeping dogs cool. Once your senior dog tries it, he or she will almost surely grow to love it.


5. Majestic Pet Sherpa Bagel Dog Bed

Majestic Pet Sherpa Bagel Dog Bed - Beige Metallic Charlie

If your older dog is of a small breed, you may be more interested in a round bed like this.

This high-quality bagel bed by Majestic Pet is designed to be comfortable and stylish, and is ideal for smaller breeds that like to curl up and snuggle while they sleep.

This bagel bed is stuffed with high-loft, premium polyester fiber fill. The full bolster helps keep your dog secure and serves as a great head rest. The bed also promotes a straightening of the spine.

Features

The Majestic Pet Sherpa Bagel Bed is woven from durable cotton twill, with a sherpa center. The base is made from a 300/600 denier fabric that is water-resistant, thus helping protect from spills or other accidents that your senior dog is likely to have.

The upholstery fabric is made from premium materials and is resistant to wear and tear.

The bed comes in small, medium, large and XL sizes. Note that the small (for 10-25 lbs) and medium (for 25-40 lbs) sizes of this bed do not include a zippered removable slipcover.

What’s great about this bagel bed is that it comes in a multitude of different patterns and colours, making it easy to find the perfect aesthetic for you and your dog.


Buying Guide

Elderly dogs need a place to rest that is comfortable, cozy, and just for them.

There are so many beds out there and it can get a little overwhelming, so we’ve written this buying guide to help you understand what factors you need to consider when making your choice.

While you know your dog better than anyone, there are some things that you should keep in mind while searching for the ideal bed for your senior dog.

Comfortable

Senior Labrador Retriever lying on the floor

All dogs, no matter their age, want to have a comfortable place to rest. This is even more important for senior dogs, simply because older dogs often do not have as much muscle on their frames and they often weigh less than they did when they were younger.

Because of this, a thick and firm bed may not be the most comfortable type of bed for them, since the thicker foam does not let their bodies sink in comfortably.

Instead, look for a bed that is softer and more pillowy. These beds will conform to their body and will still be easy on their joints.

Orthopedic

Foam mattress texture

A lot of senior dogs have problems with arthritis or other joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. If this is the case with your furry friend, an orthopedic bed may be just the thing your dog needs.

An orthopedic bed will not cure any condition that is causing your dog pain, but it will help it to be more comfortable. An orthopedic bed is specifically designed to support your dog’s joints and relieve the pressure from those areas.

Non-Skid Bottom

A bed that has a non-skid bottom is a good option if you have an older dog.

This is because a bed without a non-skid bottom may slip and slide as your dog tries to get in or out of it, which can be frustrating and potentially painful for a dog who is on the older side.

A bed with a textured bottom will keep your dog’s bed right where it is supposed to be. This is especially important if you keep your dog’s bed on a smooth surface, like a hardwood floor or in its crate.

Waterproof

As dogs get older, they are more likely to deal with incontinence issues. Even dogs who have been house broken and potty trained for years can still have accidents as they get older.

A waterproof bed (or at least a waterproof cover) will prevent urine or other accidents from seeping into the bed, which can lead to bad smells or the growth of bacteria or mold.

Easy To Clean

Just like a waterproof bed is a good idea for older dogs, a bed that is easy to clean is important too. If your dog were to have an accident on its bed, it’s much easier for you if you are able to throw the bed right in the washing machine to give it a thorough cleaning.

This is important even if your dog is not having issues with incontinence because it is recommended that you wash your dog’s bed every two weeks (or even more frequently).

Cooling Features

Thermometer progression

Senior dogs are more sensitive to heat than younger dogs. If you live in an area that frequently gets warm, it is a good idea to choose a bed that will help your dog cool down when it gets too hot.

Look for a dog bed that is made with cooling gel. This will help your dog to maintain a comfortable body temperature.

Other cooling beds may have you add water to it and this is another great way to keep your dog cool.

Elevated

Your senior dog may prefer to have a bed that is elevated as opposed to a bed that rests on the floor.

This is because with some older dogs, especially ones who suffer from joint pain, it is hard to change from a standing position to be completely lying down and vice versa.

A raised bed can make this easier because it gives your dog a little bit of a head start — your dog does not have to raise or lower its body as much to get in or out of bed.


Conclusion

When it comes to senior dogs, it’s more important to get the right kind of bed for them versus younger dogs. This is because older dogs tend to have reduced mobility and a more precarious health situation, and so they will have less of an ability to adapt to bed features that aren’t optimal for them.

Having said that, the best dog bed for your older dog will depend on its size, body type, habits, and individual needs. But even for an older dog, it’s possible that they will like many or even all of the beds listed here, so don’t overthink finding the “perfect” bed.

When you do decide to buy one, the dog beds reviewed above along with our buying guide will help you come to a great decision.

It’s also beneficial to read customer reviews of dog beds and/or get the opinion of experts, if possible. This can help you a great deal in the decision-making process.


Thanks for reading this guide. Which bed are you interested in for your senior dog? Do you have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment below.

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