Orthopedic beds are usually made from materials which are intended to provide support and cushioning at the same time. Such materials are high-density foam and memory foam, which help in offering a good cushion and even weight distribution for hips, shoulders, elbows, and spine.

However, how do you know when a dog needs an orthopedic bed? The following are ten signs of the need for orthopedic beds.

What is Orthopedic Dog Bed?

Orthopedic dog bed differs from a conventional cushion and a fiber-filled bed since the former is made of dense foam which will provide cushioning and support for the body.

A good orthopedic bed provides the necessary space for your dog to stretch, proper thickness according to the body weight of your dog, and a solid surface which will not collapse under the dog’s weight.

Orthopedic beds are especially helpful for senior dogs, big dogs, dogs which have problems with mobility and movement and dogs which have been physically stressed recently. However, each dog has unique demands, so selecting a dog bed should be based on its size, weight, sleeping posture, activity level and comfort.

Your Dog Has Problems Getting Up After Sleeping

The first sign that your dog requires an orthopedic bed is the problem which the dog has getting up after having a nap or sleeping overnight.

You will see that the dog takes too much time to stand up, stretches and moves slowly, has problems moving or looks stiff after waking up. Sometimes your dog shows hesitation before walking.

Sometimes the dog might experience some stiffness after intensive activities, but if the problem is persistent and there is no improvement in this area, then your dog could benefit from having an orthopedic bed which will give the dog an opportunity to rest comfortably.

Your Dog Often Moves When Sleeping

It is normal for dogs to be moving while they sleep. Frequent switching positions may indicate that the dog is unable to find a good and comfortable sleeping position.

The dog may constantly turn, stand up, walk in circles before lying down again, or move between different sleeping locations. It may also keep moving its limbs or body.

An uncomfortable bed or one that has lost its shape may cause pressure points under the dog’s body. An orthopedic dog bed will offer more consistent padding and a wider base for weight distribution.

However, prior to changing the bed, there could be other factors causing the change in sleeping patterns. Room temperature, noise levels, anxiety, and disruption of sleeping schedule may affect the dog’s sleep.

Your Dog Refuses to Sleep in its Bed

Your dog may have a comfortable-looking bed, yet prefers sleeping on the ground instead.

While there are dogs who just like lying on cool or hard surfaces, the dog refusing to use its bed may indicate that something is wrong with it. The bed might be too soft, too small, too hot, or no longer offering sufficient comfort.

You may check whether the fillings inside are compressed or whether the foam bed has permanent impressions. Make sure that the bed is big enough for the dog to sleep comfortably.

An orthopedic dog bed is one of the good alternatives when the dog’s bed fails to offer enough support.

Your Dog Shows Signs of Stiffness or Changes in Its Movement

Any changes in the walking behavior and gait of your pet are the indicators worth paying attention to.

It can be slow movements after sleeping, fearfulness while climbing up the stairs, inability to jump, or abnormal gait. Also, a decrease in your pet’s desire to take part in the activities that it used to enjoy might be observed.

A comfortable sleeping area will allow your dog to have a good rest after any physical activity during the day. But a bed should not be viewed as an instrument to treat joint disease or any other medical problems.

The presence of stiffness, limping, whining, swelling, and signs of pain requires veterinary examination.

Your Dog Is Large or Heavy-Bodied

Large and giant breed dogs have increased pressure on the surface where they are sleeping due to the increased body mass. A thin cushion will be compressed very soon under the increased pressure and will not give the proper support to the body of a heavy-boded dog.

Dogs like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Great Danes, Rottweilers, and others need a sufficiently spacious sleeping surface.

While choosing an orthopedic bed for your large dog, pay attention not only to the size of the product but also its weight capacity, measurements, foam construction, and thickness.

Make sure your dog has enough space for stretching without its head, legs, or body hanging off the edge of the bed.

Reduced Mobility of Your Dog

The decreased mobility does not come abruptly; instead, your dog finds it increasingly challenging to jump on the sofa or climb stairs and is slower when moving around.

Since your dog spends a larger portion of the day lying, the quality of the resting surface becomes more critical with reduced mobility.

Consider putting a bed in an area easily reachable by your dog and avoiding locations where your pet needs to climb stairs or pass through obstacles. An orthopedic bed with low entry might be a great choice for those pets who find it hard to overcome high sides of the bed.

In case of a sudden loss of mobility, do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian and not assume that the age or bed is the reason of the problem.

Your Dog Has Some Joint or Mobility Problems

There are some dogs that suffer from joint and mobility problems making rest especially uncomfortable for them.

Orthopedic beds allow creating cushioning support for sensitive areas such as hips, shoulders, elbows, and the back. Dense foam allows spreading the load of your dog’s body evenly compared to a thin cushion that will quickly compress.

At the same time, the bed should be used to improve your dog’s comfort in addition to the other types of treatment.

If your dog suffers from joint problems, make sure that it follows all your veterinarian’s recommendations concerning exercise, medicine, keeping its optimal weight and rehabilitation, and other forms of therapy.

Your Dog Develops Elbow Calluses

Calluses are rough, hard and hairless spots that appear around the elbows of your dog if it lies on the hard floor regularly.

This problem is especially frequent for large breeds and dogs spending much time on hard surfaces. An orthopedic bed offers your dog an opportunity not to stay in hard spots.

While choosing an orthopedic bed, you need to select an option with enough cushioning but without too much softness creating the supportive surface.

In case of swelling, open wounds, bleeding, or water blisters around your dog’s elbows, you should visit a veterinarian.

Your Dog Is Reaching Its Senior Years

Age often becomes one of the main factors why people decide to upgrade their pet beds.

When dogs get older, they tend to spend more time sleeping, lose muscle mass and get less comfortable to lie on hard or uneven surfaces. Older dogs also find it more difficult to become comfortable after lying on the floor for too long.

In order to improve comfort and give additional cushioning, an insulating bed will make floors warmer.

If you have an old dog who moves little, try to find a low bed which will be easy to enter and leave. Washable covers are also preferable since older dogs may need more bedding care.

Please note that not all older dogs need orthopedic beds because of their age only. You should take into account your dog’s comfort level, movements, sleeping habits and preferences.

Your Dog Is Recovering from an Injured or Orthopedic Surgery

After injuries or surgeries, dogs tend to rest for long periods of time. At this period, it is important to give your pet a comfortable sleeping place.

The appropriate bed will give your dog stability while resting but the requirements for recovery vary from one case to another.

For instance, when you have a dog recovering from orthopedic surgery, there are certain restrictions concerning movements, jumping, the height of the bed and access to it.

Therefore, you should strictly follow your vet’s instructions rather than buying a bed according to the general recommendations.

Also, during the recovery period, it is important to place a bed in a safe and quiet place.

Factors to Look for in an Orthopedic Dog Bed

After concluding that your dog could use a good doggy bed, the next thing to consider would be what kind of bed.

Supportive Foam

One of the things to look for in an orthopedic bed would be dense and durable foam or any other material that consistently provides support but does not flatten completely under the dog’s weight.

Appropriate Thickness

An orthopedic bed should be thick enough to keep your pet’s body elevated above the floor. If the dog is heavy, the thicker and denser bed should be used.

Correct Size

You will need to measure your dog in a comfortable position of being fully stretched out. The bed should be able to accommodate turning, stretching, and changing sleeping positions comfortably.

Washable Cover

Dogs can bring various impurities into their beds. Therefore, a washable cover that allows you to clean the bed regularly is necessary.

Waterproof Inner Lining

Waterproof lining can help protect the foam bed in case of any accidents. It will be very helpful for senior dogs or dogs that have been through illnesses or surgeries.

Non-Slip Bottom

Non-slip base can help prevent your dog from slipping down or getting back from the bed. This will be especially helpful on hardwood, tile, and other smooth surfaces.

Low Entry Design

Dogs with mobility limitations can find it hard to access high-sides beds. You might want to consider the beds with low sides.

How to Choose a Bed Based on Your Dog’s Sleeping Position

Your dog’s preferred sleeping position will also play a role in selecting the right bed.

For Dogs That Love to Stretch

Flat and large mattress-like beds are best for dogs that like to stretch when sleeping.

For Dogs That Like to Curl

Orthopedic beds with bolsters may be best suited for dogs that love to curl and sleep by putting heads against something.

For Dogs That Feel Hot Easily

Beds made of breathable material that allows for proper air circulation will be best for hot dogs that tend to move away from warm cushions.

For Dogs That Have Limited Mobility

Low profile beds with easily accessible entry will be helpful for such dogs.

How to Persuade Your Dog to Use Its New Bed

There are some dogs that immediately love their new bed, while there are those who need time to get used to it.

Put the bed in a place where your dog likes to rest. You may consider adding a known blanket or a favorite toy to make it feel more comfortable.

Never force your pet to rest on the new bed. Let it discover it by itself and, if possible, reward calm behavior towards it.

If the dog ignores the new bed, let it have some time. Dogs are known to have a very specific attitude towards textures, temperatures, locations, and firmness.

When Should You Visit a Vet?

The new bed will certainly create a much more comfortable resting place for your dog, but it won’t diagnose nor cure any condition that it might have.

Contact a veterinarian if the dog starts limping or having trouble with walking, showing stiffness, crying and whining while moving, reluctance to exercise, swelling or behavioral change.

It will be a good idea to have your pet examined to understand if the symptoms are connected to age, injuries, joint issues, overweight or some other medical problem.

Conclusion

Your dog’s sleeping behaviors might indicate many things and show you how comfortable and healthy your pet is. The inability to get up, frequent changes of position, avoiding the existing bed, stiffness, big size of the body, lack of mobility, joint issues, elbows’ calluses, senior age, as well as the presence of an injury that is being treated, are all the signs that your dog’s bed should be replaced.

An orthopedic dog bed USA will offer your pet the comfort of resting in a supportive bed selected according to its weight, size, sleeping patterns, and mobility needs.

Remember, it is always best to go further than just changing the bed. Regular veterinary checks, appropriate exercises, proper nutrition and correct weight are all equally important.