Key Points

• Dog beds with memory foam help dogs with joint pain.

• A self-warming bed is good for small or short-haired breeds not accustomed to cold weather.

• Being den animals, dogs may enjoy enclosed houses or beds.

If you have a senior dog or one who suffers from osteoarthritis or other bone or joint issues, it's important to find the most comfortable dog bed for their health. Below are the nine best-rated dog beds for comfort and design. The beds on this list include all kinds of designs, from donuts to caves to orthopedic foam with a headrest. 

No matter what breed of dog you have or what kind of sleeper they are, there's a bed for them.

1. Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed

The Big Barker Dog Bed has a thick foam mattress and headrest. It provides support for your dog's joints and muscles, which is great for senior dogs and large breeds prone to orthopedic issues. Customers say the mattress is firm, so it's more suited to larger dogs as a small dog's weight may not be enough to sink into the foam.

87 percent of the reviews on Amazon are five-star. The negative reviews include comments about the difficulty of removing and replacing the cover for washing. The cover is also not waterproof, so this bed may not be the ideal choice for senior dogs or puppies that have accidents.

Be sure to measure your dog and check the bed size before purchasing. You not only want it big enough for your dog but make sure that you have enough space for the bed as the larger sizes take up a lot of space. The Big Barker Dog Bed is also one of the priciest beds. If your dog isn't used to this style of bed, they may not like it, and you're out a chunk of change.

Photo source: Amazon.com

2. Casper Dog Bed

The Casper Dog Bed contains memory foam to conform to your dog's body. The largest size isn't as big as the Big Barker, but it does have a bolstered border around the entire bed. This is good if your dog tends to sprawl out and move around. The border keeps them from rolling off.

The cover is removable and machine-washable. A few customers mentioned that the foam was flat upon arrival, but they fluffed it up using a hair dryer.

The Casper Dog Bed ranks higher on Amazon than the Big Barker and is a bit less expensive. Without the large headrest, putting it away under your bed may be easier if needed.

Photo source: Amazon.com

3. BarksBar Orthopedic Dog Bed

The BarksBar Orthopedic Bed has a cotton-padded rim that is taller than the Casper Dog Bed. Three and a half inches of orthopedic foam are the base to support your dog's bones and joints. Like the others, there's a removable and machine-washable cover.

Your dog is even less likely to fall out of this bed with the higher sides. It also creates more of an enclosed space for a more den-like feeling. The BarksBar Orthopedic Bed isn't as large as the previous two beds, but it's recommended for medium breeds.

Photo source: Amazon.com

4. PetFusion Orthopedic Dog Bed

The PetFusion Orthopedic Bed contains memory foam and is one of the largest beds on the list. The XXL Jumbo size is 50" by 40" and holds a dog weighing at least 100 pounds.

The cover is machine-washable, and replacement covers are available. The covers are water-resistant with a waterproof inner lining. This one is more eco-friendly, with recycled "green" support bolsters.

The PetFusion Orthopedic Bed ranks within the top 100 beds on Amazon with over 18,000 reviews, 84 percent of which are five-star. A few of the negative reviews mention the material on the bottom of the bed easily ripped or chewed through.

Photo source: Amazon.com

5. K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper

Do you have a small dog that is not well-suited to the cold weather? The K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Sleeper is for them. It has the same technology as "space blankets," retaining and reflecting your dog's body heat. It's stuffed with polyfill made from recycled bottles.

This K&H Pet Products bed comes in only one size, and it's for small dogs. Chihuahuas and other short-haired dogs especially enjoy the bed's self-warming feature. The entire bed is machine-washable and comes in three different colors.

Photo source: Amazon.com

6. Best Friends by Sheri Luxury Shag Faux Fur Donut Cuddler

The most popular style of bed for calming is the donut cuddler. The Best Friends by Sheri Bed is one of the most popular and top-rated dog beds for providing relief from anxiety.

The donut shape of this bed fits well for a dog who likes to curl up when they sleep. The bolstered sides surround your dog in a faux fur-lined hug as they sink into the soft center. Best Friends by Sheri Bed is in the top ten dog beds on Amazon and is on most lists of the best dog beds on the market.

Photo source: Amazon.com

7. Snoozer Cozy Cave Pet Bed

Dogs are den animals, so they enjoy more enclosed spaces. For a dog with anxiety, this makes them feel safer and protected. The Snoozer Cozy Cave Pet Bed provides this den atmosphere. It's also great for dogs who like to burrow and snuggle for warmth.

The editorial team from Fetch by WebMD says cave beds are "great for nervous pups or dogs that get cold easily. They help retain warmth and give protection to a dog who values privacy." 

This is great for a dog who loves blankets but may get tangled up and drag them around. The hooded piece of the Snoozer Cave Bed stays in place, so it's easier for your dog to get comfortable.

The largest has a 45" diameter, so measure your dog to see if this is a good fit. Most of the negative reviews comment on the filling. It may be difficult for some dogs to get into the bed; however, there's a zipper in the back where you can remove some of the filling if needed.

Photo source: Amazon.com

8. Petmate Indigo Dog House

If your dog spends any time outdoors by themselves, they need a place to retreat. The Petmate Indigo House provides a dry space for your dog to stay. In case of rain, the door is offset, and the raised floor and side moats redirect water so your dog doesn't get wet.

For added protection against the elements, the company sells the Petmate Indigo Dog Door separately. They also sell a mat custom fit for this dog house as well. The dog house has insulated walls, but in freezing temperatures, consider getting a heated pet mat to go inside the dog house too.

The Petmate Indigo House is in Amazon's top 20 in the category of Dog Houses. Some complaints from customers include comments about their dog not wanting to go inside. However, this is probably due to improper crate training rather than a flaw with the design of the dog house.

Photo source: Amazon.com

9. Brindle Memory Foam Dog Bed

The Brindle Memory Foam Dog Bed differs slightly from other orthopedic beds. This one features shredded memory foam. This makes it more breathable and well-suited for dogs that burrow and move around.

The cover is machine-washable, but customers complain that it's not waterproof or chew-proof. If your dog is a heavy chewer, they may tear the bed to bits, and if they're prone to accidents, cleaning the filling is nearly impossible.

The Brindle Memory Foam is light and allows for more airflow, but there may be better choices for dogs with joint problems. Holistic pet wellness expert Katelyn Son of Veterinarians, says that the shredded memory foam tends to lose shape over time, so this may not be the best long-term choice.

Photo source: Amazon.com

10. Calming Dog Calming Cuddle Bed

For a dog with anxiety, the Calming Cuddle Bed provides comfort and relief from stress. This donut-style bed has soft faux fur and raised sides to give support to your dog's head and neck.

There's a pocket on every Calming Dog product to house their Calming Inserts. These inserts offer calming scents with a valerian oil-based formula to promote relaxation.

Photo source: CalmingDog.com

Putting Your Dog To Bed

Every dog is different, so even if you purchase the most popular choice of comfortable dog beds, it may not be right for your dog. You know your dog better than anyone else, so select the bed that suits their needs. You're sure to find one of these beds that's just perfect.

From small breeds to large, this list has you covered. Several of these beds have orthopedic foam, which is great for dogs with hip and joint issues, but they're comfortable for all dogs. Measure your dog, size up their needs, and choose the most comfortable dog bed for your pooch today.

*Note: All references to prices and rankings are current as of April 2023.

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