The Ultimate Guide to Orthopedic Dog Beds

After a long walk in the park or just hanging out with friends, it's nice for your pup to have a nice, warm bed to crash in when they get back home. Not all dog beds are the same, however. Some are made of cheap materials, even if they have a seemingly-expensive price tag.

Many may also look great, but aren't doing much for your dog's bones, especially as they begin to get a little age on them. An orthopedic dog bed may be the answer to all your dog's needs.

What Are Orthopedic Dog Beds?

Many dog beds are filled with polyfill, or wadding. This is used to make a dog bed look fuller. It's also the same material often used in traditional pillows. For anyone who has had a pillow for a long period of time before giving it up, you probably already know how flat it can get, and how quickly. You probably also know how uncomfortable they can get over time.

An orthopedic dog bed, on the other hand, isn't stuffed full of polyfill. Instead, it's made of memory foam, egg-crate foam, and air-filled. This helps give relief to your dog's joints by supporting them in a way that polyfill simply can't do.

So how exactly does the memory foam in orthopedic beds work? Explain That Stuff reports, "The idea of memory foam is incredibly simple. The foam is temperature-sensitive, so it tends to sink more as your body temperature warms it up. Very quickly, it molds to your unique contours. That's why many people find memory foam mattresses help to reduce the symptoms of problems such as back pain and arthritis. "

It works the same way for your pup. As they lay on their fabulous new orthopedic bed, it molds to their unique body shape, meaning they get the support they need. Traditional dog beds just sort of deflate as the polyfill breaks down.

One of the best things about memory foam orthopedic dog beds is that your pup's size doesn't matter. Whether you need a small orthopedic dog bed or a large one, it will suit your dog's needs.

Another type of dog bed filling is egg-crate foam. This foam sounds exactly like the name implies. The top layer looks like egg cartons and helps regulate your pup's temperature. It is thinner, and therefore less supportive.

Air-filled beds are lightweight, and many are also waterproof. This can make it an excellent choice for traveling or days at the lake when your dog needs to rest after an epic day in the water.

One thing you need to make certain of before purchasing an orthopedic dog bed with memory foam is that it's not made of recycled chips. This defeats the purpose of a memory foam bed, after all.

Does Your Dog Need an Orthopedic Dog Bed?

If your dog has been diagnosed with spine degeneration or another ailment that affects the bones, then your dog could definitely benefit from an orthopedic bed. Orthopedic beds are designed to support the spine. It's also good for dogs with arthritis.

Senior dogs are the pups people tend to think of when it comes to orthopedic beds, but all dogs could definitely benefit from it. It's also a good investment because orthopedic dog beds tend to last longer over time. You'll only need to change the bed out because you want to, not because it's only been a few months, and the bed looks like it's ten years old.

Younger dogs can also benefit. They may be a puppy now, but this unfortunately won't last forever. Rather than waiting until they're older to find products to support them as they age, maintaining their health now will pay off later in life.

How to Choose the Right Orthopedic Dog Bed

Your pup deserves the best, so you should do some research on each bed. Some of the factors you should look for include:

• How thick is the bed?
• What is the material made out of?
• Where is the bed manufactured?
• What certifications does it have?
• Is it a complete piece of memory foam or just recycled chips?
• What are other customers saying in reviews?
• How long is the bed expected to last?
• How difficult is it to keep the bed clean?

These are questions you should answer before buying the bed. If you have any questions, the seller should be responsive. If they beat around the bush or refuse to answer your question, then this may be a sign that it's time to walk away.

FAQs

Do orthopedic dog beds have any benefits?

Yes. Orthopedic dog beds are helpful for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia. This is especially true for large orthopedic dog beds, which are designed for larger breeds, which often have more hip problems as they age. When they're in pain, it can be hard to get some sleep. The right orthopedic dog bed can help cushion your dog's joints, and therefore give them some much-needed relief.

It's also a great way to help your dog feel loved as they lounge on their favorite new bed.

Will orthopedic dog beds help my senior dog?

Absolutely. Just as doggy steps can help them reach the couch, an orthopedic dog bed can help them continue to live life on their terms. The memory foam can cushion your dog's body, giving them the support they need. This can feel wonderful on older, achy bones from chasing bunnies and jumping off the couch every time you get home from work.

This doesn't mean that orthopedic beds are just for your senior dogs, however. Younger dogs can also benefit from an orthopedic bed, and could potentially keep their joints healthy longer.

How are orthopedic dog beds different from regular dog beds?

It's all about the filling. As you've probably figured out, if your dog has destroyed its bed, it's filled with material very similar to traditional pillows. In fact, it is the same.

Orthopedic filling is made from memory foam, egg-cartoon foam, or air-filled.

Finding the right orthopedic dog bed doesn't have to be stressful. Yes, there are lots of choices on the market, but choosing one that is made from high-quality materials can help ensure the bed does what it's advertised to do. Contact us for more information on our large selection of orthopedic dog beds, as well as our other products.