The 10 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024
Written By Vedrana Nikolic | Canine Coach, B.A Ethnology & Anthropology, M.A Semiotics.
Edited & Fact Checked By Renae Soppe | Double B.A Journalism & Science.
Last Updated: 7th January 2024
We all know that for humans, having a proper, comfortable bed can make a world of difference in how we feel the following day.
Why should it be any different for dogs? Well, the truth is, it isn’t. Our pets deserve to get the most out of their night’s sleep. That’s why this guide is dedicated to finding the best orthopedic dog bed available in Australia.
Related: The Best Dog Beds Australia.
We teamed up with veterinarians, canine behavioural experts, and doggy parents across the nation to help us test dozens of the top-rated orthopedic dog beds Australia offers. After months of research, and much deliberation, we created this list with the best of the best. Let's check it out!
Quick Picks - The Top 3
Our Number 1 Pick -
The Barney Bed
- 3-layer high-quality orthopedic memory foam base & reinforced easy-to-clean material covers
- Hundreds of genuine 5-star reviews on Google
- Range of sizes, suitable for every dog
- 100% Australian-owned and designed
Runner Up -
Fur King Personalised Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Australia's only personalised orthopedic dog bed
- Multiple layer, high-quality memory & orthopedic foam base
- Reinforced, scratch-proof, easy-to-clean cover
- Water-resistant & safe in the washing machine
- 100% Australian-owned
- Lightning-fast free shipping
Third Choice -
Imperial Pet Care Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Spinal & joint supporting orthopedic foam base
- Bolsters on 3 sides for extra support, plus an easy access entry point
- Machine washable and easy to clean
- Incredibly affordable
- 100% Australian-owned and designed
- Lightning-fast free shipping
Australia's Best Orthopedic Dog Beds Reviewed
A dog bed that’s perfect for a French Bulldog or a Chihuahua will certainly not work for a Great Dane! That’s why our top list contains comfortable dog beds in all shapes and sizes.
We want to make finding the perfect bed for your dog easy, so we teamed up with our expert panel and tested out a range of beds in every size and style. Take a look, and we'll help you find the right choice for your pooch.
#1: Best Overall: The Barney Bed
What sets this product apart from the rest?
Dr Kathryn Rosalie Dench - M.A VetMB MRCVS.
Gentle Dog Trainers Expert Reviewer
"The Barney Bed is a great choice in the top spot for the best ortho dog bed. It's has a three-layer orthopedic memory foam base and an anti slip base. Our tests on this bed have lasted over three years and there's been no sagging or reduction in quality. In my opinion, Barney bed is perfect for dogs with orthopaedic issues including osteoarthritis, and also great for dogs in perfect health."
There aren't enough superlatives to adequately describe how good the Barney Bed orthopedic dog bed is. Our dogs who had the pleasure of testing it out absolutely loved it, and so we do too!
In fact, I think if you had to buy one bed for your dog this would be it. It not only provides unmatched support and comfort but is guaranteed to never become saggy.
Made with the highest-quality orthopedic foam, combined with reinforced materials on the covers (which are also machine washable), this product was built for comfort and durability. There's a good chance it will last a canine lifetime with only minimal care. You can see why they have hundreds of 5-Star Google reviews.
The Barney Bed being tested by our independent expert team.
Our team of researchers found that this bed comprises three layers of orthopedic comfort, the base of this bed adapts to your dog’s body without sinking and the memory foam bolsters make for some seriously comfortable chin resting.
There are five sizes, small, medium, large, extra large and XX large, meaning every breed of dog on this Earth will fit into one of these beds. They provide a size guide on their website that lists exact breeds and the corresponding bed size that would be most suitable. They also actively encourage anyone to contact them to get advice on which bed would suit their dog's needs.
Related: The Best Human Dog Beds.
Shipping is free and the beds are delivered straight to your door, in a well-packaged box. It usually arrives within 2-3 days.
They also have a 100% natural linen cover range featuring four stylish colours, oat, liquorice, sakura pink and forest, as well as a bouclé luxury cover. As you can imagine, all of these features add up to a luxurious bed with a price tag to match. If more budget-friendly options are what you're after, be sure to check out our number three choice.
This Barney Bed is suitable for small dogs, like a Chihuahua, to extra large dogs, like a Great Dane.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell | |
Cell |
#2: Runner Up: Fur King Personalised Orthopedic Dog Bed
Australia's first and only personalised orthopedic dog bed by Fur King ticks all the boxes when it comes to comfort and cuteness. Are your dogs like mine and play musical beds for the best spot in the house? Cut out the confusion by giving them each a name-tagged orthopedic bed.
When deciding on an ortho dog bed you want something that supports your pup's tendons, ligaments, joints, bones, and muscles. With its three-layer high-quality memory foam base, similar to our number one choice, this bed provides all the support they need.
The bed is made from scratch-proof, water-resistant and machine-washable materials, meaning it will last a dog a lifetime and won't sag like other traditional dog beds.
Our team of experts note that the bolsters on all four sides give a calm, secure feeling, while also providing a headrest for dogs that like to stretch out for ultimate relaxation.
What sets it apart from the Barney bed is the limit in sizes. There are three different sizes (small to large), meaning it will be suitable for most dog breeds (sorry again, Great Dane owners).
Australian-owned and lightning-fast, free shipping. This bed is one of the best options to gift your classy canine.
This Fur King bed is suitable for small dogs, like a Chihuahua, to large dogs, like a Husky.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell | |
Cell | |
Cell |
#3: Most Affordable: Imperial Pet Care Orthopedic Dog Bed
Quality and affordable orthopedic dog beds within Australia are in short supply. However, don't despair if you don’t have the budget to invest in a quality orthopedic dog bed - our expert team has found a great option that could suit your needs. This bed from Imperial Pet Care not only has a supportive memory foam base but also fluffy bolsters on three sides to provide extra support for sore joints.
Unlike our first two options, the base of this bed is made with recycled shredded memory foam for optimal joint and muscle support and for promoting spinal alignment. The bolsters, on the other hand, are filled with fluffy polyester filling. This filling was made from recycled materials, which is always a plus - at least in our book.
The Imperial Pet Care Dog Bed being tested by our independent expert team
Another thing I liked about this bed is that it is accessible, even to dogs with reduced mobility, such as elderly dogs or those recovering from surgery. This is because the bed features a low entry point on its front, with cosy bolsters on three of its sides. It was also appreciated by my toy poodle who has osteoarthritis, with its easy entry and plush bolsters making it easy for him to kick back and enjoy a serious snooze.
The Imperial Orthopedic Dog Bed also features a cover made of quilted soft fabric with a sturdy zipper. It was easy for me to remove the cover to wash it when it got dirty. Finally, when buying this bed, you can choose between three different sizes, as well as different bed covers. This allows you to change up materials and colours, keeping your pup's snooze space like new.
This Imperial Pet Care Orthopedic Dog Bed is suitable for small dogs, like a Chihuahua, to large dogs, like a Husky.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell | |
Cell |
#4: Best for Versatility: Snooza Ortho Sofa Bed Soho
This orthopedic dog bed from Snooza stands out as one of the best beds for dogs available in Australia.
The great thing about this bed is its memory foam mattress. This one features an extremely comfortable orthopedic support foam base, along with bolstered walls that add a feeling of protection and comfort, helping create a sense of calm for anxious dogs.
The base layer is made of a special blend of recycled PET fibre and premium Australian-made foam, specifically designed for dogs. Also similar to our number three choice is the fact that this bed only has bolsters on three sides. Still offering a comfy spot to lay my dog's head, but allowing easier access for him. In short, everything my dog needed for a comfortable night!
The foam insert is wrapped in tailor-made removable covers. You can wash the covers in the washing machine, which is always a plus for keeping the bed and your dog clean. Last but not least, the grey covers also make this dog bed look extra stylish!
This option from Snooza looks and feels like a luxury dog bed and comes in two sizes - medium and large - meaning it's a great option for most dog breeds.
This Snooza Ortho Sofa Bed Soho is suitable for small dogs, like a Chihuahua, to large dogs, like a Husky.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell | |
Cell | |
Cell |
#5: Runner Up Orthopedic Bed For Large Dogs: Furhaven Jumbo Plus Pet Dog Bed
Finding the best large dog beds for extra large to giant breed canines can be extremely difficult, especially when you're looking for an orthopedic bed with sufficient support. Luckily, our expert panel has tested out orthopedic beds of every size and have selected the best options for your pooch.
As we know, large dogs can get quite heavy, and most memory foam mattresses for dogs are simply not designed to support that much weight. The problem becomes even worse if your pet is dealing with health issues like arthritis and hip dysplasia (which is more common among giant breeds too).
If you decide not to go with Barney Bed, then this option from Furhaven is a good choice, since it has medical-grade memory foam combined with cooling gel foam on top. The bed looks and feels just like a therapeutic mattress designed for humans. In addition to this, there is also a raised headrest which many of our doggy testers enjoyed using.
The Furhaven Jumbo Plus Pet Dog Bed being tested by our independent expert team.
The Furhaven bed's material is soft but durable and can be easily washed in the washing machine. This bed is available in different sizes, with the largest one being 135 cm long and 106 cm wide, which should be enough for almost any-sized dog.
In short, the Jumbo Plus Furhaven bed range is a star among large orthopedic dog beds that are available in Australia.
This Furhaven Jumbo Plus Pet Dog Bed is suitable for small dogs, like a Chihuahua to large dogs, like a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell |
#6: Best Orthopedic Bed For Medium Breeds: JOYELF Memory Foam Dog Bed
This dog bed from Joyelf is definitely among the most adorable dog beds we've come across. This bed has bolsters all around, but with a lowered part at the front for easier entrance. What makes this bed stand out to me is its interior sleeping area which is super fluffy and cosy. Meanwhile, the external part is made of a durable fabric with strong stitching to ensure longevity.
While its design is incredibly cute, it’s not the main reason why our expert team recommend this bed. The Joyelf bed is on our list because of its tough memory foam base that provides enough support for small and medium dogs. Yes, unlike our number five choice, this bed is not made for large breeds.
The JOYELF Memory Foam Dog Bed being tested by our independent expert team.
Another great thing about this bed is that it ensures there will be no mess on your floor. The bed features an internal waterproof layer, ensuring nothing soaks through the bed. This is especially important for elderly dogs, who might have an accident in the bed from time to time.
In addition to this, there is a non-slip backing on the base that prevents the bed from sliding around.
This JOYELF Memory Foam Dog Bed is suitable for small dogs, like a Chihuahua, to large dogs, like a Husky.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell | |
Cell |
#7: Best Orthopedic Bed For Small Dogs: FurHaven Snuggery Burrow Orthopedic Dog Bed
This adorable cave dog bed from FurHaven is perfect for dogs who like to burrow and nestle in. Many dogs like to have a closed den-like space for sleeping that helps them feel safer. With the Snuggery Burrow bed, the extra snuggles are built right into the bed.
With its dome-like top part, this addition can function as a blanket that is attached to the bed. I also tried adding the plastic insert to turn it into a standing little dome shape for my pups. Whichever way you use it, this bed looks adorable and dogs seem to love it.
The FurHaven Snuggery Burrow Orthopedic Dog Bed being tested by our independent expert team.
The base of the bed is made with a thick layer of egg-crate orthopedic foam. While egg-crate foam might not be the best for heavier dogs, it's completely fine for smaller pups.
The cover on this bed and the top blanket part are one connected piece. You can remove it from the orthopedic mattress and wash it as needed. Both the sleeping surface and the inner side of the blanket are made of a faux lambswool fabric, making it exceptionally warm. So unlike our number five choice that boasts cooling gel, this bed is not ideal for hotter climates but is perfect for chillier nights.
This FurHaven Snuggery Burrow Orthopedic Dog Bed is suitable for small dogs, like a Chihuahua, to large dogs, like a Husky.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell |
#8: Best Orthopedic Dog Bed For Arthritis: PetFusion Better Lounge Dog Bed
In Australia, arthritis is one of the most common issues among older dogs (2). While I know firsthand that this is not an easy issue to deal with, there are ways to make your pooch’s life more comfortable - and one of those ways is getting a good quality orthopedic dog bed.
After testing it out with our doggos, our team of experts soon discovered that the PetFusion Better Lounge Dog Bed is a great choice. It features a thick memory foam base, and its overall design is geared towards providing the ultimate comfort for your pooch.
When it comes to beds for dogs with arthritis, the most important part is the memory foam base. On this bed, it’s a solid piece of memory foam (not egg-crate) that is 4 inches thick. In addition to this, this bed features bolsters on 2 sides with soft polyester filling.
I also love how the cover on this PetFusion bed is removable and machine washable. The cover is made from a blend of polyester and cotton for a perfect balance between comfort, breathability, and water resistance.
This PetFusion Better Lounge Dog Bed is suitable for small dogs, like a Chihuahua, to large dogs, like a Husky.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell |
#9: Best Bed For Dogs With Hip Dysplasia: KOPEKS High-Grade Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
This bed from Kopeks is the best we could find in Australia for hip dysplasia. It provides optimal support thanks to its seven-inch thick premium memory foam mattress. Our team of vets and canine experts chose this mattress, in particular, because they know hip dysplasia often affects larger dogs (3).
The largest version of this bed is 50 inches long and 34 inches wide, which should be big enough for even the largest of pets. Of course, we also appreciate that the bed also comes in smaller sizes if you don’t need it so large.
In addition to the durable supportive mattress, this bed also features a headrest that is raised three additional inches above the sleeping surface.
The Kopeks bed also comes with a well-made removable cover, featuring an internal waterproof layer and soft suede on the outside. Like many of the other beds on this list, the bottom is lined with a grip fabric that prevents slipping.
This KOPEKS High-Grade Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed is suitable for small dogs, like a Chihuahua, to extra large dogs, like a Great Dane.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell | |
Cell |
#10: Top Orthopedic Dog Bed For Elderly Dogs: Milliard Quilted Padded Orthopedic Dog Bed
Once our dogs start getting into old age, it becomes more common for them to experience issues with their bones and joints. In this case, it becomes even more important to find a bed that provides adequate support. And as our team learned firsthand, a good memory foam mattress can go a long way to make life easier for our pooches.
This dog mattress is made by Milliard, a company that mostly makes memory foam mattresses for humans. We love how their orthopedic dog bed is basically a miniature version of a regular mattress.
The mattress is made with a thick layer of memory foam which is supported by a base made of extra-dense memory foam. As a result, this bed can support the weight of even the heaviest dogs, and it’s super comfortable for pretty much any dog out there. The mattress comes with a soft cover that is water-resistant and machine-washable. It also features a non-slip material on the bottom that keeps the bed securely in place on any surface.
This Milliard Quilted Padded Orthopedic Dog Bed is suitable for small dogs, like a Chihuahua, to large dogs, like a Husky.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cell |
Why Buy An Orthopedic Bed Over a Standard Bed?
One thing is certain: all dogs love their sleep time. Not only this, but dogs also spend a significant portion of their day just lounging around, if they have nothing else to do.
“On average, most dogs spend about 50% of their day sleeping, about 12 hours in a 24-hour period. Puppies, large-breed dogs, and older dogs may sleep more, while small-breed dogs and working dogs may sleep less”, says Sandra Mitchell for PetMD (1).
Clearly, dogs ought to have the best dog bed that provides quality sleep. But what is the best type of bed for a dog? While it may seem like a bit of a personal preference, our team of researchers quickly discovered that any dog can benefit from sleeping on an orthopedic mattress.
Orthopedic dog beds, sometimes called posturepedic dog beds, contain mattresses just like those made for humans. They use one of a couple of types of memory foam available, providing optimal support to your dog’s body while sleeping.
Related How To Choose The Right Size Dog Bed?
The memory foam goes soft on pressure points, thus making your dog more comfortable and helping relieve any pain or soreness in their bones and joints. Although these beds are comfortable for any dog, they are especially helpful for older dogs, dogs dealing with issues like hip dysplasia and arthritis, and dogs recovering from surgery.
Check out our YouTube video on Why Dogs Sleep So Much.
My Final Thoughts
Getting an orthopedic dog bed is a great way to provide your pooch with some extra comfort and style. In addition, for some dogs, these beds can provide much needed relief.
The Barney Bed is far and away the greatest orthopedic bed option our team of expert testers experienced, and it comes in a variety of sizes so it is suited all breeds.
However, if the price of this one is beyond your budget, then our team notes that the FurHaven Orthopedic Quilted Sofa-Style Dog Bed is also a well-made option that comes at a much lower price.
Want to see some more dog bed guides? Check out the below:
FAQ
When getting an orthopedic bed for your dog, the sizing is basically the same as with any other type of bed. You can probably get the right size simply by guessing, but the only surefire way to know the right size is by measuring your dog. For best results, measure your dog in all of his or her favourite sleeping positions and choose the size accordingly.
There is no rule set in stone that says how thick an orthopedic mattress for dogs should be. If your pet is a small or tiny dog, you pretty much have nothing to worry about. Standard memory foam mattresses for dogs are usually 3-4 inches thick, and this will be enough for a dog that is not too heavy. However, for large and giant breeds, it is better to choose a 7-inch thick mattress.
Just like ours, the dog’s bedding should be washed on a regular basis. Even though the bed might not be visibly dirty, it can still become a breeding ground for various microorganisms. For this reason, getting a bed with a removable cover that you can wash in the washing machine is always a good idea - and all of the beds on our list have this feature. To be safe, remove the cover and wash it every couple of weeks (4).
References
- Mitchell, S. October 4, 2021. “Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?”. PetMD. Retrieved February 5, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/why-do-dogs-sleep-so-much
- Simonson, A. February 7, 2022. “Arthritis: How to Recognize and Manage the Condition”. PetMD. Retrieved February 5, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/evr_dg_arthritis_how_to_recognize_and_manage_the_condition
- AKC Staff. May 3, 2022. “Hip dysplasia in dogs” American Kennel Club. Retrieved February 5, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs/
- PetMD Editorial. March 01, 2016. “The Guide to Washing a Dog Bed”. PetMD. Retrieved February 5, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_dg_guide-to-washing-dog-bed
What do you think of the Barney bed?
Hi Kalley,
We have finally had a chance to test and review Barney Beds and Wow! They slide in straight to the number 1 dog bed spot. Far and away the best bed we’ve seen.
What’s the best one for a dachshund with a bad back? The Barney bed looks good but I fear the bolster and 3 layers of memory foam is too tall for a short legged pup. He recently hurt his spine so looking for a nice option. He loves a bolster as a He loves to rest his head.
Hi Nat,
Give the Imperial Dog Bed a go, they have bolsters on 3 sides and an easy access side.
Kind regards,
GDT Team.
Thanks for providing this list. When the vets reviewed these beds, did they take into account the materials used to make them? examples are formaldehyde, plastics, phthalates, polyester, brominated flame retardants and toxic dyes.
I’m looking for a non toxic option and i wondering if any of these fit the bill.
Hey Melissa,
Materials where definitely a consideration but not as in-depth as what you’re looking for.
However, this is a great idea and something we can look for in a new article.
Will let you know when we have something up and running. Research and testing will likely take up to 6 months.
Kind regards,
GDT Team.
That would be amazing. Thank you!