Things to Consider Before Buying an Orthopedic Pet Bed
Size
Depending on how large your pet is, you’ll want to look for a bed that’s not only big enough for them to sit comfortably in, but also long enough for them to stretch out their body, which can feel really relaxing for dogs with joint achiness. You also want to make sure that the bed you choose is thick enough to fully support your dog’s weight. For very large dogs, we recommend the KOPEKS Orthopedic Memory Foam Pillow Dog Bed, which held two 90-pound dogs easily in our tests.
Weight
Another factor that’s important to consider is the weight of the bed you pick. If you like to move your dog’s bed from room to room or carry it outside for them to lounge in under the patio umbrella when the weather is nice, then it can be helpful to choose a bed that is lightweight and easy for you to carry without strain. The FurHaven Pet Orthopedic Ultra Plush Lounger (which is also our best overall pick) is our favorite lightweight option.
Price
There are some amazing, budget-friendly orthopedic pet beds that won’t break the bank that can provide your dog comfort and relaxation, but the more expensive options on our list tend to use higher-quality materials or have extra neat design features (like the L.L Bean Therapeutic Dog Couch). Generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from $45 at the bottom end of the price range, and $300 at the top.
How We Tested Orthopedic Pet Beds
To find the best orthopedic pet beds for every size dog across the price spectrum, we sent 20 of the most popular orthopedic pet beds to our testers, who had dogs ranging from 16 to 125 pounds. We then rated the beds on the following qualities:
- Comfort: We introduced their pets to the orthopedic pet beds and took careful note of whether their dog chose the orthopedic bed over their standard bed. We also felt the beds, taking note of how soft the fabric was, how cushioned the beds felt, and the level of support that the beds offered our pets.
- Value: We also took the price points into consideration and noted whether the quality of each bed aligned with its cost. We took note of any special features, like removable covers, hidden zippers, or eye-catching design details.
- Durability: After testing the beds, we examined whether their appearance or performance had changed from the start to the end of our testing. We looked for loose threads or rips and attempted to clean each bed according to the included instructions.
In the end, our testing pups helped us narrow down our list to find the 9 best orthopedic pet beds for every dog.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Cai Cramer is a staff writer on the commerce team at PEOPLE and a certified dog-lover (her Bernadoodle, Peyton, bestowed her that certification title). Cai consulted extensive testing results from the PEOPLE Tested labs from 20 testers who used the beds with their own dogs. To inform this story, Cai spoke to veterinarian Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, DVM, medical director of Behavior Vets of New York and resident of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.
What Is PEOPLE TESTED?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
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