Best Beds for Senior Dogs: Our Picks
Getting a good night's rest is important for all our pets, but especially for those a bit older and wiser. Good sleeping habits sets them in great stead to keep on top of their mental and physical wellbeing, particularly as their bodies and minds may be going through changes.
For some older dogs, energy levels can start to wane and you may find they are spending more time resting or sleeping. This means where your senior dog is catching their Z’s needs to not only be comfortable, but is chosen with their changing physical needs in mind.
It can feel overwhelming to know where to start, so here is an overview of the key things to think about when picking the right bed for your senior dog:
1. Support and Comfort
As our pooches age, they will likely experience joint pain, arthritis, and muscle stiffness, so a bed that offers strong support and comfort should be top of the list. Look for orthopaedic beds with memory or high-density foam, which are perfect for making sure that your dog’s weight is spread evenly over the bed’s surface. This can be a godsend so your dog feels less pressure on certain areas that might be sore.
2. Ease of Access
When you’re older, getting in and out of bed can become more difficult - humans and dogs alike! Beds with low or no sides makes it easier for senior dogs to climb in without extra strain on their joints or muscles. Bolster beds can also be great as they provide extra support for your dog’s head and neck, offering an even more comfortable resting position.
3. Material
Your senior dog may have trouble regulating their body temperature, either struggling to stay warm or keep cool. Try and opt for bedding material that can help your ageing dog better regulate their temperature and have a comfortable and peaceful sleep. For example, if your pooch is prone to overheating, a bed that comes with cooling gel layers, or made out of breathable materials is best. On the other hand, plush, insulated fabrics can give extra warmth and comfort if your dog feels the chill.
4. Ease of Cleaning
As they age, senior dogs can be more likely to have nighttime accidents. Looking for a bed option with a removable, machine-washable cover can make a world of difference for easy cleaning. In fact, some beds even have waterproof liners to protect the foam from stains. Even if nighttime accidents are not a problem for your dog, regularly washing your pet’s bed is important basic pet care, so a cover that is easy to remove can make this a walk in the park.
5. Size and Fit
Shop around with your pet’s size in mind. Do they have any mobility issues that mean that they will often be lying in a particular position e.g. with a certain leg outstretched? Take this all into account when choosing your pet’s bed so that it is large enough for them to stretch out comfortably but not so large that it’s difficult for them to find a comfortable spot.
Our Top Picks
We know that there is a bit to think about from this list alone, and that every dog is different! So here are some of our favourite options for our furry family members in their golden years.
Made with an orthopaedic support foam base, this sofa bed is the perfect comfortable choice for senior dogs. It has soft-filled bolstered walls which give extra comfortable support, and easy access thanks to its wide-open front. Available in two sizes, medium and large, the sofa bed is also made out of removable, machine-washable covers so it can be easily cleaned after a nighttime accident.
STAN’s bed is all about giving your senior dog the most comfortable night’s sleep possible. It tries to help with the relief of muscle and joint pain and discomfort by being made of two layers of patented therapeutic fibres. One of the best features is, while not the standard material for dog beds, the 100% linen bed cover encourages better blood circulation, and is naturally hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating.
Looking for a cloud-like bed that gives a lot of love to your senior pet’s ageing joints? Funny Fuzzy’s Spine Protection dog bed is a great choice for senior dogs. The bed’s unique raised headrest design gives extra support for your dog’s head and neck, which encourages your older pet to keep a healthy posture and reduces the risk of joint issues.
This bed is kitted out with high-density memory foam, which is perfect to help soothe your senior pet’s joints. It even comes with a detachable pillow to give extra support if your pet needs it. The fabric is also pet-friendly and comes in a zippered design so that it is easy to take off and clean regularly.
This is another one from PETKIT that could be a dream choice for your senior pet who struggles to regulate their temperature, particularly at night. This is an all-season, double-sided memory foam bed with two sides - one side has a cooling gel that brings extra relief during the hotter nights, and the other gives extra warmth thanks to its crystal fleece top for when winter hits.
We had to throw ourselves into the mix here! While this is first and foremost designed to give your pet a dignified and respectful goodbye, it can also be a blanket that they can know and love as they approach their final days. Our COCOON in Classic Cotton is made from 100% natural cotton and can be the perfect high quality and breathable addition to existing bedding. This then means that when the time comes, you know they will be resting in a beloved blanket that has been treasured by them.
We can all agree on what a difference the right bed makes to your night’s sleep, and your older pooches are no exception! Choosing a bed that is tailored to your dog’s changing needs as they age is so important to make sure that they are getting the rest that they need to have a happy and healthy life, and enjoy their golden years with those they love most!
