If you think choosing the best dog bed for hip dysplasia is as simple as just buying a good orthopedic dog bed and calling it a day, think again.
Yes, an orthopedic bed is the best choice, but there’s more too it than that.
Hip problems don’t just affect the “bad” joints, they take a toll on your dog’s whole body.
We’re going to talk a bit about how hip dysplasia should impact your dog bed buying decision.
Then, I’ll tell you my top 5 picks for dogs of all sizes.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Dog Bed for Hip Dysplasia
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I’m not going to get into a huge definition of hip dysplasia, as we’ve discussed that in the past.
If you’re looking for more information, I suggest checking out this article on the signs & symptoms, and these tips on how to lower your dog’s risk.
We’re going to be looking at how the symptoms that most affect your decision when buying the best dog bed for hip dysplasia.
1. Joint pain
Pain is the most obvious symptom that affects your decision, as you’ll want a bed that helps relieve pressure on your dog’s aching joints.
While I’ve seen pet people recommend egg crate style mattresses, I recommend memory foam hands down every time.
Why? Simple: as a human with bad hips (and a bad back), I’ve slept on those egg crate mattress toppers, and I’ve slept on memory foam.
The egg crate style was nowhere near as comfortable as it claimed to be! Memory foam, on the other hand, became a regular staple in my bed.
While dogs have different physiology than humans, I don’t think I’ll ever be convinced that egg-crate foam is superior to memory foam.
2. Difficulty getting up and down & decreased range of motion
Hip dysplasia makes it challenging for your dog to rise from a sitting or laying position. I’ve seen this personally when I had senior dogs.
You’ll want to take that into consideration, as a very flat dog bed is really no better than having them lay on the floor.
A slightly elevated bed may be a good option because it allows them to put their front feet down first, then ease into a standing position.
However, you need to know your dog here. Some dogs also have a hard time getting up onto elevated surfaces.
My German Shepherd was fine with getting onto a higher dog bed (a couple inches off the ground), but my Lab/Collie wouldn’t sleep on anything that required extra work.
Of course, she was kind of a diva dog, so that may have had something to do with it!
3. Decreased activity
A drastic decrease in activity levels means your dog is going to be spending a lot more time sleeping in his bed, so quality matters here.
It’s worth it to spend a few extra bucks to get something that retains its shape and holds up to constant use.
Again, that’s why memory foam is such a good choice. Just make sure it’s good memory foam.
How can you tell? I use the guarantee as a measuring stick.
If a bed has a 5- to 10-year guarantee (it’ll say something like “guaranteed to hold its shape”), then I feel pretty confident that the brand used premium memory foam.
If it doesn’t come with any sort of guarantee, or has something measly like a 90 Day Warranty, then I move on.
While it’s not a 100% accurate measure of a bed’s quality (I’ve seen good beds with cruddy warranties), I really feel like superior products are backed by superior warranties.
So, now that we have an idea of what to look for and factors to consider, let’s check out my top 5 picks.
Top 5 Best Dog Beds for Hip Dysplasia
If you want to just grab one of my top picks, check out the handy table. If you need a bit more about why I picked them, read on for fuller descriptions, pros, and cons.
| Bed Name | Top Features | Where to Buy It | |
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Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed  |
Made for large dogs, great support, made in the USA, 10-year warranty. Read our Big Barker dog bed review. |
|
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All-Aluminum Kuranda with Heavy-Duty Vinyl | Chew-proof, super sturdy, can be used indoors or outside. Check out our full Kuranda dog bed review. |
|
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Furrybaby Premium Dog Bed | Premium high density hypoallergenic memory foam, removable cover |
|
|
BuddyRest Juliet Dog Bed |
Orthopedic, antibacterial, water-resistant. |
|
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Brentwood Home Deluxe Gel Memory Foam Orthopedic Pet Bed | Great guarantee, easy maintenance, gel memory foam |
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There are a couple “new” dog beds on this list that I haven’t talked about in the past, as well as a few “oldies but goodies.” Let’s take a closer look at what makes them the best dog beds for hip dysplasia.
1. Best Bed for Large Breeds with Hip Dysplasia
The Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed
Features & Pros
- Memory foam that is calibrated just for the big dogs.
- Truly large sizes (their large is bigger than the XL in most other brands!)
- 10-year warranty that promises the foam will retain 90% of its shape or you get your money back
- High-quality American made therapeutic foam
- Entire bed is Made in the USA
Cons
- It’s only good for large dogs. Since the foam is calibrated for them, it may actually be bad for your smaller dog’s hips
- It’s a bit pricey (although not completely unattainable)
- I don’t love the colors. That’s just me, though. You may like them.
Bottom Line
Like I said, this is my top choice for large and giant dog breeds with hip dysplasia. It is not, however, a good choice for small to medium dogs.
2. Best Elevated Bed for Aching Joints
Another favorite of mine, the All-Aluminum Kuranda with Heavy-Duty Vinyl, especially if your dog is an aggressive chewer.
Sure, most senior dogs are past their “chew the house to shreds” phase, but puppies can have hip dysplasia, too.
Features & Pros
- Elevated design may make it easier for dogs to get up from a sitting position
- The design also helps to evenly distribute your dog’s weight, taking pressure off painful joints
- The aluminum frame and vinyl material is tough, so your dog won’t be likely to chew through it
- Easy to clean (just hose it off)
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Some dogs with hip dysplasia may have a hard time getting up onto it.
- Only comes with a 1-year warranty.
- The vinyl may not be the most comfortable fabric for dogs with aging skin.
Bottom Line
Even though the 1-year warranty is a bit short, Kuranda has a good reputation overall and I’ve heard from many dog parents that the beds really do last a long time.
Just make sure your dog is okay with an elevated bed, as some dogs just plain don’t like it.
3. Best Budget-Friendly Option
The Furrybaby Premium Dog Bed is new to me, but it comes highly recommended. It’s a great budget-friendly option for those who just can’t afford other beds on this list.
Features & Pros
- Five sizes designed to fit most dogs (and a really handy graphic showing the sizes, scroll down on the Amazon listing to see it)
- Premium hypoallergenic high-density memory foam base
- A removable waterproof and machine washable inner liner
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Not made in the USA
- Only comes in one color (the other options on this listing are for a blanket)
- Guarantee is a little vague (while the promise a new bed if you are not satisfied, they don’t say how long they’ll offer that guarantee)
Bottom Line
As I said, this is a good option for a tight budget, as most sizes are under $100 (albeit by just a few cents in the case of the large bed).
4. Best Buddyrest Dog Bed for Hip Dysplasia
If you follow our dog bed posts, you’ve seen me talk about the BuddyRest Juliet Dog Bed. Although it’s not the most popular of all the BuddyRest dog beds, it’s my personal favorite.
Features & Pros
- Made with premium genuine viscoelastic memory foam
- LiftTex technology helps your dog get on and off it easier
- Crytpon suede fabric is both dirt and water-resistant
- Comes with a 10-year warranty, Made in the USA
Cons
- It’s pricey! Quite possibly the priciest of the BuddyRest beds, and definitely the most expensive on this list.
- Not the prettiest dog bed (again, personal preference).
Bottom Line
If you have the budget for it, you really can’t go wrong with the Juliet. Sure, there are more stylish Buddyrest beds, but this one has all the features that are beneficial to a dog with hip dysplasia.
5. Brentwood Home Deluxe Gel Memory Foam Orthopedic Pet Bed
While the Brentwood Home Deluxe Gel Memory Foam Orthopedic Pet Bed is new to me, the brand itself isn’t.
I have one of their meditation pillows, and it’s held up to two years of heavy use, so I trust the brand.
Features & Pros
- 2-inch gel memory foam layer to keep your dog cool
- 2-inch therapeutic base foam layer won’t flatten
- Waterproof liner protects the foam layers
- Durable upholstery-grade cover is thick and resists wear and tear.
- 3-year warranty & Made in USA
Cons
- No size large enough for giant breeds. It maxes out at 120 lbs.
- The sides are just stuffed with plain old stuffing (not a major issue, but be aware)
Bottom Line
Like I said, I have a Brentwood Home pillow and it’s been through the wringer, yet it’s still standing (or sitting, so to speak).
It’s also the most stylish bed on this list, so if you want something that goes with your decor better, this is a great choice.
My Recommendation
Obviously, I think all of these are great options, since they’re on the list. However, if you have the budget for it, I’d go with the BuddyRest Juliet (for all sizes) or the Big Barker for large dogs.
These are just my top picks for the best dog beds for hip dysplasia. If you don’t find one you love, just follow my guide for choosing another.
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