Orthopedic Dog Beds
If you have an older dog in your life, you’ve probably been trying to figure out the best ways to keep him comfortable in his golden years. For many dogs, the luxury of an orthopedic dog bed is one of the best ways to do it.
There are many considerations when determining what kind of orthopedic dog bed you want to get for your dog. Some are constructed very simply of heavy-duty foam. Others use memory foam to cushion, and even more use heat. All of these are viable choices, depending on your dog.
Foam Beds:
The least expensive and longest running type of orthopedic dog bed uses orthopedic foam, commonly called egg crate foam. It gets its name from its shape, which resembles the base of an egg carton with recesses and points.
The thicker the foam, the more supportive this type of bed is. Medical grade foam is best because it will last longer and is less likely to break down. Less expensive and thinner foams break down faster under the dog’s weight and become flat. For larger dogs, a good thickness of between 5-8 inches will help not only get the dog up off the floor and support him but will also not break down.
Memory Foam Beds:
This is a newer innovation in orthopedic dog beds. It is based on the popularity of memory foam mattresses in the human realm. These beds, like the Temper-pedic dog bed, use the popular memory foam to cradle to the dog’s individual shape.
These orthopedic dog beds are not as thick as the orthopedic foam ones, but the idea is that the dog bed molds to the dog’s shape. One advantage to this is that every area of the dog is supported as needed, and the bed helps to hold in the dog’s own body heat.
These beds can sometimes cost a little bit more depending on the brand, but there are advantages to this type of foam. You can also find some dog beds that are primarily orthopedic foam but that have a memory foam top layer, so this might be a more cost-effective way to go.
Heated Beds:
The beds are used to not only support a dog but to more importantly address two things that often happen with old age: the inability to regulate one’s body temperature and arthritis. Heat is good for stiff joints to relieve inflammation and soothe.
There are a few ways to have a heated bed:
1. Self Heating dog beds: These are beds with orthopedic foam, but they also utilize a reflective thermal core layer. This layer helps to radiate the dog’s own body heat back up and throughout the bed.
2. Electrical Heated Beds: These are very much like electric blankets for people. Just plug the bed’s cord into the wall and adjust the heat level for your pet.
3. Turn any dog bed into a heated bed using a special dog bed heater. These are specially made and sized units that are flat. Simply slip them inside a bed of your preference and then plug that into the wall.
Dogs that chill easily enjoy these beds immensely, and they can also benefit very arthritic pets.
A Few Tips:
Select a bed based on your individual dog in order to meet his needs. If your dog likes digging up blankets to make a bed, a snuggle-type dog bed might work out very well. If your dog is stiff, selecting a heated bed will help loosen his joints up.
Remember to always place the bed in a warmer location in the house. Steer clear of tile floors (which are chilly). If you have a sunny window, try placing the bed in the sun’s rays. Dogs absolutely love sleeping in the warmth of the sun, so you get a double bonus placing an orthopedic dog bed there.
Lastly, periodically rotate the dog’s bed a quarter to half turn so that the dog uses all of the bed. It’s kind of like flipping our mattress. This way the foam lasts longer.
Orthopedic Dog Beds
Buddy Beds Orthopedic Dog Beds
Bowsers Orthopedic Dog Bed
Bramton’s Sleep Right Thermo Dog Cushion
Cabela’s Orthopedic Dog Bed
Cesar Milan’s Gel Orthopedic Napper
Comfort Pet Double Orthopedic Pet Mat
Doggy Snooze Orthopedic Dog Beds
K & H Heated Orthopedic Dog Bed
Gel Pedic Orthopedic Dog Bed
Kuranda Dog Bed
Max Comfort Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Bed
Orvis Memory Foam Bed
Pamper me Puppy Gel Orthopedic Dog Bed
Pet-Mate Orthopedic Pad with Microban
