Large Orthopaedic Dog Beds

Our Vet Recommends Orthopaedic Dog Beds

Our experienced Veterinarian Surgeon, Olivia Busom, uses Tuffies Dog Beds. Olivia is acutely aware of how important it is to prevent early onset of osteoarthritis in dogs. It is usually a problem that presents in the latter years of a dog’s life, but early prevention is crucial. Make sure that your dog has an orthopaedic bed and is always warm and free from sneaking floor chill. It is the best prevention. With the correct bedding you give your dog the best chances of living longer without arthritis. The term, orthopaedic dog bed, simply describes a firmer, more supportive mattress. It is of course important that the dog bed remains firm and supportive and does not go flat. None of our dog beds go flat and they remain firm and supportive for many years. The cheaper dog beds will always look nice and thick, but they are usually filled with loose fluff that migrates out to the sides. This then virtually leaves the dog almost directly on the floor.

Olivia says:

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common (yet often under-diagnosed) diseases seen in older dogs worldwide by Vets. This condition is estimated to affect around 2 in 5 of dogs during their lifetime. Managing the condition to ensure your dog can remain as comfortable as possible can be done with both medication and lifestyle changes. There are many medications available for pain relief for older animals. This is something to discuss with your own Veterinary Surgeon if your dog is already suffering. With regards to lifestyle changes, there are important things to consider. One of the most important things is to provide your dog with a supportive and comfortable bed. This is particularly important from an early age so that the onset can be postponed later in the dog’s life.

Prevention

As dogs get older they will spend more and more time sleeping. That is why it is a very good investment to get them an orthopaedic dog bed to suit their ongoing needs. As they get older and as the condition progresses we commonly see dogs presenting with sores over their joints. Often on the hock and elbows. I usually recommend that older arthritic animals have at least one good quality supportive bed available. This allows them to get comfortable and reduce the risk of ‘bed sores’. Uncontrolled bed sores may cause further issues and discomfort down the line. The bed is non-slip, ensuring the bed doesn’t move away from them when they are getting on. This is important for elderly patients whom are more susceptible to injuries. There are plenty of different styles of beds available. Mattresses are great as there is no border for the dogs to have to navigate prior to getting comfy. ‘Tuffies’ beds fit the needs of our older arthritic patients and reduce pain and suffering by providing a great level of comfort, support and are easily cleaned when accidents happen!