What is the Most Supportive Dog Bed for my Old Dog?

What is an Orthopedic dog bed?

An orthopaedic dog bed is simply a bed that has enough supportive quality about it to give the dog a healthy rest. Many people think that an orthopaedic dog bed has to be one made from memory foam or a bed with springs. This is not the case at all. As long as you can see, that your dog is supported well. As long as you can see that your dog’s spine is not sinking in and making a curve. If his spine is fairly straight (as if he was on the hard floor) he has a good bed. Obviously the hard floor is too hard on his elbows and joints, which is why we look for a bed. The bed is also necessary in order to insulate from the cold floor.

Hard Bed versus Soft Bed.

The problem is that we have to guess how our dogs are feeling. They never complain when they see us. Therefore we need to think hard about what the best sleeping position would be for them. It might seem like a nice idea to give them a big, soft “pet bed” from a store…. However, the soft beds can be extremely uncomfortable for an elderly dog. It can be difficult, late in life, when you have to “fight your way out” of a bed. If a dog is sinking in to a big, soft bed, it can be too much to try and get out again.

Dog Beds for Old Dogs: Other things to consider.

If your dog is getting older and you are considering a new bed, there are other things to consider apart from the bed being supportive. You also need to think about possible incontinence in late life. Therefore a waterproof dog bed would be an excellent choice for the older dog. If you choose a waterproof dog bed that also comes with a removable and washable cover you will do well. If your dog has an “accident” over night, you can just wash the cover. Often there might be a bit of smell on the waterproof surface as well, but that comes off with a quick wash.

So choose dog beds with later-in-life in mind.