How To Choose The Best Orthopedic Pet Bed For Your Furry Friend

Your pet is a member of your family. They’re always ready to greet you when you get home. They may even go on vacation with you. And you make sure they eat high-quality food and get enough exercise during the day.

Simply put, you want the best for them. So, when they’re not sleeping well at night, neither are you. If your pet is having trouble getting comfortable at bedtime, an orthopedic pet bed might help.

Table Of Contents

• What Is An Orthopedic Pet Bed?
• Benefits Of An Orthopedic Pet Bed
• Features To Look For In An Orthopedic Pet Bed
• How To Transition Your Pet To A New Bed
• Give Your Furry Friend The Bed They Deserve

What Is An Orthopedic Pet Bed?

First, it’s good to establish what exactly makes a pet bed “orthopedic.” An orthopedic pet bed is a bed that’s been specially designed to support your furry friend’s bones and joints, particularly the hips and elbows.

Orthopedic pet beds are usually made with memory foam to relieve the pressure on your pet’s body, whereas regular pet beds are often filled with cedar shavings or cotton batting.

While this type of bed might be fine at first, the filling eventually settles. When that happens, there’s not much support separating your furry friend from the hard ground.

Orthopedic pet beds are different, and the filling is sturdy enough to hold up over time. This means when your pet lies down, they won’t feel the floor underneath them. Instead, they’ll have a pleasant night’s sleep on a cozy, supportive surface.

Does Your Pet Need A Special Bed?

You might be saying to yourself, “But my pet sleeps in my bed.” That’s great, but it doesn’t take away the need for their own bed. And if you have multiple pets, they should each have their own bed as well.

But how do you know if your furry friend needs a special orthopedic bed?

There’s no doubt if you have a senior pet, they’ll prefer an orthopedic bed for their daily naps. Senior pets are more likely to have conditions relating to their age, and a cozy, supportive bed helps keep them comfortable.

But contrary to popular opinion, orthopedic pet beds aren’t just for aging pets. Pets of all ages can enjoy the support offered by this type of bed. But some pets really need this extra comfort at night.

If your pet has any of the following symptoms, it’s time to upgrade their bed:

• Difficulty crawling into or out of their current bed: If they struggle getting in or out of bed, switching it up to something fluffier may do the trick.
• Waking up stiff and sore: A mattress is supposed to support and comfort. If your pet is waking up sore, that means it’s not doing its job.
• Avoiding sleeping in their bed: If they don’t want to sleep there, this should say it all!
• Tossing and turning once they get in bed: This could indicate that they are having trouble finding a comfy position.

Dogs

When it comes to dogs, certain conditions can impact your pet’s sleep. If they suffer from any of the following, they’ll enjoy an orthopedic pet bed:

Arthritis

Arthritis is a progressive inflammation of joints due to the deterioration of cartilage. For dogs, arthritis is most commonly felt in the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. Easing these joints is the objective, and a comfy bed can help.

A lean body type: Breeds like Greyhounds, Whippits, Dobermans, Salukis, and Ibizan Hounds are some examples of skinny dogs. Thanks to their naturally lean bodies, when they lie down, there’s no padding or fat separating their bones from the floor.

It’s no wonder they’d be looking for the plushest, comfiest spot in the house.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is when the hip joint doesn’t fit quite right and can move in and out of the socket, potentially causing cartilage damage or arthritis.

It is hereditary and quite common with large breed dogs, like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds. With all of that soreness caused by the condition, pets with hip dysplasia need more supportive beds.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Common soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and muscle damage from big things like being in a car accident or small things like jumping off a high surface. Dogs suffering a soft tissue injury will feel relief in a plush bed.

Back problems

There are certain breeds more likely to get back problems, including Dachshunds, German Shepherds, and English Bulldogs. A bed with extra stuffing that keeps the back in line will help alleviate some of the pain.

But these beds aren’t just for pets with current symptoms or conditions. If your pet’s breed puts them at high risk for developing orthopedic problems later in life, we recommend buying them an orthopedic bed now.

In general, certain dog breeds have a greater predisposition for orthopedic conditions. Breeds that you might want to consider an orthopedic bed for even before they show signs of a condition are:

• Labrador Retriever
• Rottweiler
• German Shepherd
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Chihuahua

There’s no reason to wait until they show signs of pain. In fact, sleeping in a supportive orthopedic bed can help stave off some of these conditions, giving your dog more time pain-free.

Cats

When we talk about orthopedic beds for pets, you might immediately think that we’re only talking about dog beds. But they can be for your feline friends as well. In fact, cats sleep even more than dogs.

Cats also suffer from orthopedic conditions and can benefit from these beds. You might not even realize that your cat is in pain because, in the wild, showing pain is a sign of weakness. As a result, they have adopted an instinct to hide their discomfort.

So how will you know your cat is in pain? Subtle changes in behavior may clue you in, such as hiding, loss of interest, poor self-grooming, unusual vocalizations, restlessness, or even missing the litter box.

The same sort of things that might result in orthopedic pain in dogs can also affect cats, including:

Fractures

Whether they land hard on their feet, fight, or experience some other trauma, fractures can result in orthopedic pain.

Degenerative Joint Disease

Osteoarthritis is quite common in cats, affecting their hips, knees, ankles, and elbows. As its name suggests, the condition gets worse over time, though it can be managed and slowed down.

Hip Dysplasia

Cats with hip dysplasia may limp or have visible difficulties walking. They also may be reluctant to run, jump, or climb. Certain breeds are more susceptible to the condition, including Siamese and Maine coon cats.

Tendon Contractures

Both kittens and older cats can suffer from this condition. For kittens, sometimes the tendons in their legs will contract, making them walk on their ankles and wrists. For older cats, the condition could be brought on by trauma.

Breeding History

Beyond the breed itself, breeders could contribute to the orthopedic health of a dog or cat. Good breeders will breed pets without a family history of orthopedic problems. However, some bad breeders do not.

As many conditions have genetic components, responsible breeding is crucial to ensure your pet does not have a lifetime of pain management ahead of them.

Whether their predilection toward orthopedic issues is due to their breed or because of their breeder, an injury, health condition, or age, you can help ease their pain with an orthopedic pet bed and keep them happy, healthy, and playful for a long time to come.

Benefits Of An Orthopedic Pet Bed

When you crawl into bed at night, you don’t want your mattress to flop to the ground. You want a comfortable mattress with just the right amount of support. Just like you, your pet needs a quality sleep surface to call their own.

Your pet will feel a difference when they go to sleep on an orthopedic pet bed. The thick foam helps distribute their weight evenly and prevents pressure from building up on their joints.

It can also increase blood flow, as it removes the pressure from sleeping on the hard floor or insufficient bed. In addition, the extra support helps keep their spine aligned to prevent back pain while alleviating any existing pain as well.

More rest for your furry best friend means they’ll likely be more friendly and active during the day and will stay at a healthier weight because they’re moving around more. That’s a win in our book!

Features To Look For In An Orthopedic Pet Bed

If you’re ready to buy an orthopedic pet bed for your dog or cat, you might feel overwhelmed by all of the available choices. There are so many different options on the market today.

So, how do you decide which one is right for your pet? Don’t worry — we’ve compiled below a list of things to consider before you purchase a new bed for your cat or dog.

Available Size

Pets come in all different sizes. So do pet beds! That’s why it’s important to pick the right size bed for your pet. Otherwise, they might feel cramped in their new spot or insecure because of too much extra space.

Either way, when you buy a bed that’s the wrong size, your pet won’t be comfortable. To find a bed that’s just right, look at the size charts for the type of bed you want to get.

Then, compare those measurements to your pet’s size to ensure it’s a good fit. As a general rule of thumb, if your dog is between bed sizes, go for the larger size. This way, they’ll have enough room to stretch out.

As you’re picking the right bed size, make sure you consider your pet’s preferred sleep position. If they curl up in a tight ball, a smaller bed might be better. But if they stretch out in a Superman pose, you’ll want to make sure they have plenty of space.

You not only want to think of the surface area of the bed but also the height. If a pet has challenges jumping up, think of getting a bed that’s lower to the ground so that it will be more comfortable for them to get in and out.

To get an idea, Newton orthopedic pet beds come in three sizes that accommodate a range of pets:

• Small (21” x 25” x 6”) Suitable for small pets such as a Pomeranian, toy poodle, pug, or cat.
• Medium (25” x 39” x 7”) Suitable for medium pets such as bulldogs, Australian sheepdogs, or small Labrador retrievers.
• Large (30” x 55” x 8”) Suitable for large and extra large dogs such as golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, or Great Danes.

Quality Of Materials

Not all orthopedic pet beds are created equal. Some companies fill the mattresses with cheap materials that won’t hold up over time. Or, worse, they use chemically-laden foam that leeches an odor whenever your pet lies down.

Neither of these will help your dog or cat sleep better at night. So, when you’re looking for a bed, focus on the quality of materials used.

At Newton, we believe your pet is a part of the family, and the type of mattress they sleep on matters.

That’s why our Orthopedic Pet Bed is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and safe for your furry friend. You won’t have to worry about them inhaling VOCs or other chemical emissions from the mattress off-gassing when they’re sleeping.

In addition, our beds are made from a breathable material that’ll help prevent your pet from overheating at night. Your best friend is sure to have a great night of sleep on this comfortable Newton bed!

Washability

As much as we love them, pets aren’t always neat and clean. Some pets are just learning the house-training ropes. Sometimes they get dirty and smell. When the unavoidable funk happens, you need a way to quickly and easily clean their sleeping space.

Unfortunately, not all orthopedic pet beds are washable. If you buy one that isn’t, you’re stuck with a stinky bed in your house for a long time. No one wants that!

Instead, look for a completely washable pet bed, like the one from Newton.

Cleaning up has never been easier! With our pet beds, you can clean every part of the bed, not just the outside cover. This means your pet’s sleep environment is truly clean.

Just remove the cover and toss it in the washer. Then, rinse the inner core off in your tub or take it outside and spray it with a hose. Even the bolsters are washable (more on this in the next section).

After all of the parts are dry, reassembly is a breeze. This means a stench-free house with a bed that smells new again. Yes, please!

You might wonder how often you should clean your pet’s bed. Pet beds should be laundered about once a week in order to keep your pet safe and healthy. For animals that go outside and could track dirt and debris inside, it’s clear why.

Speaking of going outside, you want to be sure to clean your pet’s paws after an outdoor excursion. In addition, it’s good to vacuum your pet’s bed regularly.

Bolsters

When you look at an orthopedic pet bed, you might notice that some of them have raised sides. This raised element is called a bolster.

Similar to the pillow you use at night, bolsters provide extra support for your pet’s body. They also provide a sense of security by giving them an environment like they’d find in the wild. This feeling of safety can help them sleep better overall.

If your pet enjoys lying on the arm of the couch, a bed with bolsters is a great choice. But there are also flat orthopedic pet beds available. These are a better option for some animals, especially those that like to spread out in their sleep.

Just be sure that you can remove the bolsters from any bed you purchase. As we mentioned above, it’s important to be able to easily wash your pet’s sleeping space. While it may take slightly longer to put it all back together, it’s worth it in the long run.

Durability

Your furry friend will love their bed. It’s a safe space where they can lounge during the day or get cozy at night. Because they use it so much, it needs to be able to withstand daily wear and tear.

Choose a durable pet bed with a strong inside core. With this design, your pet won’t break the material down or flatten it when they’re getting into bed.

You’ll also want to check the outer cover. Make sure it’s composed of a durable, thick material that won’t rip easily. If you can find one that’s also stain-resistant, that’s a bonus!

Of course, if your pet chews on everything, even the best-constructed bed can get destroyed. So, when you first introduce your pet to their new bed, make sure you supervise them to discourage destructive behavior.

If your pet is one of those chewers, you’ll also want to look for a pet bed with hidden zippers to take away temptation!

Style

Because the ped bed will likely be in your bedroom or living room, you’ll want to choose something that will match your interior as well.

While the inside of the pet bed is all about performance, the outside should be in a color and material that’s pleasing to your eye and seamless to your space.

Orthopedic Pet Bed Special Features

There are a few extra features you might want to look for when you’re buying an orthopedic pet bed. These can make your pet’s life a little easier.

First of all, if your pet has trouble staying warm, a heated bed can help. The heating element inside this type of bed keeps your four-legged friend warm all night long. There are also nesting beds, preferred by smaller or hairless breeds, that allow the pet to burrow into the bed.

There are also pet beds that have a cooling element. If your pet tends to overheat, this is a must-have feature.

If you’re trying to get your pet’s temperature just right, look to Newton. The temperature-regulating core in our pet bed helps pets stay at a comfortable temperature as they rest.

The same Wovenaire technology that’s used in our baby mattresses is key to the breathability of our bed for your fur baby. Wovenaire is 90% air and helps ease joints, cushion pressure points, and improve air circulation. More air means more comfort.

Lastly, orthopedic pet beds that are water-resistant are a cinch to clean. Our Pet Bed is designed so most messes stay on the cover instead of getting absorbed into the core. This means easy cleaning and less stinkiness trapped in the material.

How To Transition Your Pet To A New Bed

Teaching an old dog new tricks is famously a no-go. But teaching a pet to embrace their new bed shouldn’t be too hard.

First, make sure you’ve selected the right bed. A supportive, comfortable bed that will allow them their favorite sleep position should be the winner.

Next, you’ll want to find a good location. If your pet already has a favorite spot, put it there. If they don’t take to it where you’ve placed it, try again in a new location — perhaps, where they like to hide or hang out during the day.

Lastly, think about scent. Your pet probably has a good nose and likes the smell of familiar things. You can take a blanket or even an item of your clothing to put on the bed so that they’re drawn to it.

Give Your Furry Friend The Bed They Deserve

By choosing an orthopedic pet bed that meets all of your pet’s individual needs, you can ensure they’re comfortable at night and get the sleep they need to run, play, and spend more quality time with your family.

Our Pet Bed at Newton gives your pet the gift of quality sleep and you the gift of easy cleaning. That’s a win-win for both you and your furry best friend!