As fur moms and dads, we treat our dogs like our children. We only want to give them the best stuff when it comes to their food, health, and the things that come in contact with them. Like their hoomans, dogs can also suffer from aching joints, especially when they wake up and get up from their sleeping nook. When it comes to comfortable dog beds, an orthopedic dog bed is the best among all types.
Dog beds come in all varieties of shapes and sizes. As your dog gets older, he or she may start to experience stiff and aching joints. According to Christopher Durin, DVM, “An orthopedic bed must be able to conform to the animal’s body, distributing your dog’s weight evenly across the surface. This eliminates pressure points on the joints.” Arthritis is a common illness among older dogs, particularly with large-breed dogs. A worn-out dog bed or a makeshift dog sleeping place may not be suitable for a dog’s joints, and you should consider replacing it.
An orthopedic bed has a superior quality which ensures the comfort of your dog’s sleep. If you’re interested in buying an orthopedic dog bed, check out The Furry Companion’s comprehensive guide on why you should make the switch.
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Benefits of an Orthopedic Dog Bed
An orthopedic dog bed is specifically designed to provide support for a dog’s body, particularly its bones and joints. Unlike regular dog beds which collapse under the weight, an orthopedic dog bed reacts to its weight and provides support to its body.
Although it is more expensive than regular dog beds, its excellent qualities make up for the price you paid for it.
Read on to learn the reasons why you should get your dog an orthopedic dog bed:
1. For Older Dogs
As dogs get older, they can experience muscle degeneration, and their body will start to deteriorate, which causes pain and chronic inflammation in the body. At this tender age, you can take measures that will control the disease, but any treatment will no longer cure it. The best you can do is controlling and making sure that the pain will be lessened at much as possible. An orthopedic dog bed is one way to do it.
As mentioned, older dogs are prone to arthritis, joint pain, and muscle loss. These cause pain and discomfort. An orthopedic dog bed does not collapse under pressure, which is a quality that is perfect for older dogs to get up with ease. Although it is hard to admit, old dogs may only have a few years left to live and for you to be together with. It is in your hands to make sure that they live these years as comfortable and as pain-free as possible.
2. For Sick Dogs
A supportive dog bed eases muscle and joint problems in dogs. An orthopedic dog bed provides relief from pain and stiffness in the body. It is especially important for larger breeds and dogs with arthritis. Properly managing your dog’s lifestyle can effectively address any pains and illnesses that he or she may experience. Muscle and joint problems, if left unattended, can result in extreme pain and discomfort and, worse, loss of mobility.
It is always important to regularly consult your veterinarian for your dog’s condition. Joint problems can occur to dogs at around 5 to 6 years of age.
3. For Injured Dogs
Injuries can cause discomfort, which can affect your dog’s mobility, energy, and overall personality. An orthopedic dog bed can significantly affect the recovery process of dogs suffering from orthopedic injuries. The care that you will give to your dog after successful surgery is crucial to his or her successful recovery.
Your dog needs to get sufficient sleep and rest to help speed up its recovery. Post-op condition can cause lethargic feeling within the first few days, so having a comfortable bed to sleep on and which offers orthopedic support can be a great help. “Orthopedic beds help maintain the comfort of older dogs or those who are convalescing,” Marty Smith, DVM and Angela Walter, DVM, add.
4. For Active Dogs
If you have an over-energetic buddy, then he or she certainly has an active lifestyle of running around and chasing things. As such, they would need a comfortable bed to sleep on to recharge energy.
An orthopedic dog bed consists of memory foam which conforms to the dog’s body. Because of this, it is more comfortable for dogs than sleeping on regular dog beds.
Things to Look for an Orthopedic Dog Bed
When buying stuff for our dogs, we don’t just look at the surface. We don’t settle for just striking appearance. In choosing the right orthopedic dog bed for your dog, there are several factors that you should consider and specs to look for. After all, it is better to take your time and evaluate what type of orthopedic dog bed you are buying to ensure that it will be what your dog needs. See what customers say about Orthopedic dog beds here.
1. High-Quality Orthopedic Support
As we are talking about the orthopedic dog bed, make sure that what you are buying is authentic and has good quality. Examine the amount of support of the beds you are choosing from.
An orthopedic dog bed consists of memory foam which conforms to the body of your dog. Unlike typical foam materials, it is superior in providing support. The best orthopedic dog bed has at least 4 inches of memory foam; anything thinner than that won’t give the support that a good orthopedic dog bed offers. You should also look for a bed with a non-skid bottom to keep it from slipping out or sliding across the floor as your dog moves.
Be cautious of manufacturers who claim that they’re selling authentic memory foam. When they ship the bed to you, it might turn out to be just regular foam. You, as the owner, need to be capable of differentiating the two because it is the main feature and it is what you are paying for. Additionally, fake memory foams wear out more quickly or may even worsen your dog’s joint conditions.
2. Size
Orthopedic beds come in a variety of sizes. You need to choose one that matches the size of your dog. You can measure the size of your dog and find a bed that will perfectly match with him or her. A little tip: you’ll want to go for a size that’s a little bigger—but not too big—than what you think you’ll need. It will give your dog more area to move around to be comfortable.
3. Durability
As mentioned earlier, regular dog beds and fake memory foams get worn out more quickly. It is normal even if your dog behaves well and doesn’t have destructive behavior. As such, you’ll have to be careful and have keen eyes in choosing one which can last for a long time. Examine its materials thoroughly, and do not hesitate to ask for information from the seller of the orthopedic dog bed. “Real memory foam can be rather expensive, so if you know your dog likes to drag things around and try to roll over them until they’re flat, make sure that you get one that’s sure to remain in once piece for a long time,” Susan Cropper, DVM points out.
You can also look for extra features that come with the orthopedic dog bed. These include waterproof materials or those that come with a headrest that can make it more comfortable for your dog. Dog beds made from waterproof materials or with a waterproof inner lining can protect the foam from water spills, urine, and odors. This feature allows the bed to last longer.
4. Easy to Clean and Maintain
Our dogs tend to shed their fur on their beds when they sleep. It can accumulate over time and smell even if you regularly clean it. So, as the owner responsible for the condition of your dog, a bed you can clean with ease is a crucial factor you need to consider.
There are removable and machine-washable dog bed covers that are a very convenient feature for your dog’s bed. It saves time because it’s easy to wash, and you can make sure that the mattress is thoroughly clean.
5. Price
Finally—the price. An orthopedic dog bed is generally more expensive than regular dog beds because it comes with the benefits we stated above. In shopping for an orthopedic dog bed, you have to be prepared to spend money. Keep in mind that buying an extremely cheap bed can sacrifice your dog’s health and comfort. However, you can find a lot of mid-range orthopedic dog beds that are of high-quality materials. Make sure that you will invest in one that is worth the price you’re paying.
In setting up your dog’s orthopedic dog bed, place it in an area away from doors and windows, where the heat, cold, and the wind enter. Also, put it away from areas with a socket or any possible tripping hazards. For a smoother transition, you can place the orthopedic dog bed in the same location as your dog’s previous bed. Check out Orthopedic Dog Bed in Amazon here.
Final Thoughts – Orthopedic Dog Bed
The comfort of your doggo is always dependent on you, as their hooman. Now you’ve learned all about the orthopedic dog bed, including its benefits and the things you must consider before buying one. We hope that we have helped you decide whether you should consider making the switch or not.
FAQs About Orthopedic Dog Bed
Are orthopedic dog beds worth it?
Yes, orthopedic dog beds are best for dogs suffering from joint problems. Old dogs are prone to injuries, arthritis, muscle loss, and hip dysplasia.
What’s the best orthopedic dog bed?
Orthopedic beds are an excellent choice for injured and old dogs. The best orthopedic beds are FurHaven Deluxe Plush Memory Foam Bed, PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed, and Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed. You can purchase Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed via Amazon here.
Do orthopedic dog beds really help?
Yes, it does provide additional help. The orthopedic dog bed has additional support for the muscles, spine, and joints. It also helps relieve pressure on the joints by distributing the weight.
What is an orthopedic dog bed made of?
Orthopedic dog beds are usually made of thick foam. Unlike ordinary dog beds, these are made of more expensive fillings to provide comfort.
Do dogs really need beds?
Giving dogs a place to sleep is like giving him a place to retreat to. Dogs also need beds just like humans.
Do dogs need blankets?
Your pet dog does not necessarily need a blanket. However, providing one can keep your dog feel more warmth especially during cold weather. To generate more body heat in the winter, you can also let them snuggle your blankets comfortably. Some dogs could also opt to use blankets even if it’s hot. It really depends on their personality.
Are dog beds made in China safe?
No, because most of the dog beds from China contain harmful chemicals. Pet beds from China have dangerous metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury.
Is Big Barker bed worth it?
Yes, because it provides the right amount of support that your big dog needs. This dog bed is made of quality foam specifically to accommodate large breeds.
What size dog bed should I get?
The size of the dog bed to get depends on the size of your dog. A dog that weighs 30-40 lbs should get a 25″ x 35″ bed. A 30″ x 40″ bed is best for dogs that are 50-60 lbs. For dogs that weigh 70-80 lbs, 35″ x 45″ bed is a perfect choice.
Whats the difference between orthopedic and memory foam?