When you take on the commitment of a dog, you want to provide for their every need and comfort. You give them a warm and comfortable place to sleep, the best food to eat, and all of your love and attention too.
But when your dog suddenly becomes disabled due to an accident, illness, or because of a degenerative condition like arthritis, you may begin to wonder just what is best for them. Does your dog need a specialized bed when they are disabled, and how do you choose such a bed?
Do Disabled Dogs Need Specialized Beds?
Healthy dogs will usually lie down wherever they like during the day, but no dog will say no to a soft, supportive bed. However, a disabled dog will likely lie down more frequently and for longer due to illness, weakness, or an inability to move without assistance.
Choosing a bed that caters to your disabled dog’s changed needs is a wise and kind move to ensure their continued comfort and health.
Considerations for Disabled Dog Beds (Buyer’s Guide)
There are several considerations when you start shopping for a new bed for your “newly” disabled dog. If you are unsure of what their needs will be, should the onset of their disability be sudden, you can consult with your vet to find out just how you can support your dog and keep them comfortable.
However, there are a few common factors to keep in mind when you go bed shopping for your dog:
Your Dog’s Particular Disability
If your dog is blind or visually impaired, you will have to get a soft dog bed without hard edges or metal frames that can hurt them when they get on or off the bed. But if your dog has severe arthritis, getting a bed that offers support for them when getting on and off is essential. A bed that has the correct height for your dog is equally important.
Dogs with incontinence issues will need beds that are hygienic for regular cleaning.
Bed Height
The height of your dog’s bed is determined not only by their physical size. Other essential considerations are their ability to get on and off the bed and what support the dog requires to get up from the bed.
Material of the Dog Bed Cover
The material your dog bed is made of needs to offer comfort and warmth, and it should also be safe for their particular needs. A dog with regular wounds, allergies, or incontinence issues must have a bed with materials that can be washed regularly and removed if soiled.
Washability of the Cover
The material the dog bed is made of should be resilient enough to be washed frequently and resisting tears and staining from wounds and injuries. A cover that’s too slick will cause dogs to slip while getting on and off the bed.
Non-Slip Dog Bed Bottoms
The weight of the dog may influence the bed’s position, and since disabled dogs often lose muscle control, they may need a bed that’s resistant to slipping away when they get up or off to prevent injuries.
Support for Amputations and Body Pains
A dog that has an amputated limb may also need additional support, shaping, and lift to sections of their bed to help them lie comfortably and get up more easily.
Cost of the Dog Bed
Ultimately, the best bed you buy for your disabled dog has to fit in with your budget, keeping in mind that you will have other expenses when looking after your disabled dog.
Top 5 Dog Beds for Disabled Dogs
Now you know what you are looking for to ensure the maximum comfort and practicality with your disabled dog’s bed, let’s go shopping.
1. Most Innovative Orthopedic Dog Bed for Dogs with Disabilities
The Furhaven XL Orthopedic Dog Bed (Luxe Faux Fur & Performance Linen Sofa-Style) is a unique bed with disabled dogs in mind in its design. The bed features various mattress types, so you can choose an inner that suits your dog’s needs and preferences, and you can also order accessories like a second (or fifth) cover so you can wash covers daily for incontinent dogs.
Pros
- Available in many different options, such as:
Available in five sizes (from small to jumbo plus)
Order in any of 12 color combinations (from a blanket top espresso color to a plush velvet gray)
Choose one of three mattress options (from cooling gel foam and memory foam to orthopedic foam)
- Size chart helps you choose a bed based on your dog’s size and weight
- Extra covers available, so you can wash the cover if your disabled dog dribbles or messes with extra covers available for rotation
- The sofa style back and side rests are ideal to support a dog according to their needs
Cons
- The mattress doesn’t come pre-fitted with a waterproof liner, so this needs to be purchased separately
- Given the sofa-shape, the cover will be slightly more difficult to fit, and some material shrinkage is expected after frequent washing, so an optimal fit may be a challenge
- Not anti-slip, which can be a challenge for disabled dogs if the bed slips under them while getting into or out of the dog bed
I adore the Furhaven orthopedic bed, and it really feels like it was designed with a disabled dog in mind, but the lack of non-slip rubber dots on the base is somewhat disappointing. Fortunately, I could solve this easily with a simple rubber under-carpet non-slip mat between the bed and the floor.
2. Best Overall Orthopedic Dog Bed for Dogs with Disabilities
The MIHIKK Orthopedic Dog Bed is an ideal all-rounder for dogs, and it’s super comfortable too for disabled or elderly dogs. This dog bed is so well-designed that it will ensure less aches and pains for disabled dogs that have to lie down for longer periods during the day.
Pros
- Available in 8 sizes (from 24 x 16 x 3 inches to 54 x 44 x 4 inches)
- Size chart makes handy recommendations on what size bed to get depending on your dog’s weight and size
- Thick, egg foam inner mattress adapts to your dog’s weight and shape for better joint support
- Fully washable fur-pile outer for better hygiene for incontinent dogs
- Fully waterproof inner around mattress to prevent seepage
- L-shaped zipper helps with removing and replacing the outer for regular washing
Cons
- No extra outers for sale, which makes daily clean-up a challenge
- The fur pile may stick to bandages or plasters covering wounds
- No additional head support, which some dogs prefer
Overall, this is a great bed for disabled dogs. There are a few challenges, such as not being able to use a secondary cover so you can have one cover fitted and one drying or in the wash for incontinent dogs.
Some disabled dogs, especially if they’ve had an amputation, may want a pillow with the bed to help support them better, so adding a smaller dog bed as a pillow or using a small scatter cushion can help in this regard.
3. Best Elevated Dog Bed for Dogs With Problems Getting Up
The K&H Pet Products Bolster Dog Cot solves one problem that dogs with severe arthritis or amputations have—getting up. With the elevated cot frame, this dog bed is higher off the ground, which means your dog has a shorter distance to lift themselves when getting up. It’s also not such a big drop for your dog to lie down, easing the pain of lying down and getting up off the ground or lower height beds.
Pros
- Sturdy frame is heavy enough to support the dog’s size without moving (and the rubber feet help), but still lightweight enough to carry as needed
- Bolstered bracket-shaped pillow along three sides prevents your dog falling off the bed
- Made from fully washable stretched canvas mesh to flick moisture away and cool your dog while they sleep
- Available in three sizes (small, medium, and large)
- Available in two color combinations
- Optional canopy available for outdoor use
Cons
- The mesh is not very soft for a pet with sore joints to lie on, but the fluffy cot cover that is an optional add helps in this regard
What I really like about this disabled dog bed is that I can hose the mesh cot with the garden hose or strip the cover and machine wash it for hygiene.
4. Best Plush Dog Bed for Disabled Dogs
The Furhaven Large Dog Bed Plush Faux Fur Beanbag-Style Ball Nest offers some of the best support and comfort to all sized disabled dogs. The bed is a large cube designed in the bean-bag style, and when not in use, it stands as much as an impressive 29.5 inches high.
Pros
- Available in four sizes from small to jumbo
- Eight colors to choose from
- The soft stuffing gently supports the dog, cradling them in a way that’s most comfortable for their disability
- Outer cover is removable for easy washing to aid incontinent dogs or dogs with wounds
- Inner liner has a zipper opening to add or replace stuffing as needed
Cons
- No additional outer cover available for the beanbag type dog bed, so you’ll have to wash and replace in the same day
- No non-slip feature to prevent the bed slipping out from under the dog when they get on or off it
As with many dog beds, one concern is the lack of a non-slip rubber dot backing to help stop your disabled dog from slipping off the bed or having the bed slip out from under them. However, I find if the cube bed is placed on a carpet, it’s pretty secure, and if I have to place it on a tiled floor, I simply add a non-slip mat beneath it.
5. Softest Bed for Disabled and Traumatized Dogs
The Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Cat and Dog Bed is a great option for a dog that is traumatized by their injuries, amputations, or feel stressed by becoming incontinent.
Known as the original calming bed, the bed is unbelievably soft and has deep crevices, reminding your dog of their mother’s fur, and encouraging them to burrow to find comfort.
Pros
- Available in five sizes from small to 2 XL
- Choose from 15 glorious colors to match your best friend’s bed to your bedroom
- A bed and blanket combo is also available to ensure ultimate comfort in cold climates
- Water resistant outer flicks away water
- Outer shell is fully washable for medium and larger beds, while the whole smaller bed can be washed
- Bed is chemical-free, ensuring no reaction with incontinent dogs or dogs with skin irritations
Cons
- Not quite as much stuffing as some other beds, so heavier dogs may find it uncomfortable
- Loft stuffing does bounce back, but while your dog is in the bed, it does compress quite a lot
I find the unique outer of the calming bed is ideal for dogs dealing with sudden disability or the trauma of losing their vision. However, for dogs with disabilities that require more support, such as arthritis, this was not the best option for me.
Disabled Dog Bed FAQs
What is an orthopedic dog bed?
An orthopedic dog bed is one that has been tested to offer better support to a dog, ensuring their joints remain in alignment when they lie on the bed. Orthopedic dog beds offer the best support to dogs with painful joint and bone conditions and to dogs with disabilities such as paralysis.
Should dogs sleep on memory foam?
Dogs can benefit from using a memory foam bed as the egg-carton shape of most memory foam mattresses will ease body pain and prevent forming painful contact points. For disabled dogs, memory foam mattresses can help provide a softer and supportive surface that counters inflammation and prevents stiffness.
Where is the best place for a dog to sleep?
Disabled dogs fare better if they have their own safe and comfortable dog bed to sleep or lounge in. While you may prefer to have your disabled or elderly dog sleep in your bed, it will make your dog uncomfortable if you accidentally roll onto them while sleeping. If your dog has a disability, they won’t be able to get out of your way or avoid getting hurt.
Conclusion
One of the main considerations when choosing to support your elderly or disabled dog on their journey is to provide them with as much comfort and help as possible. A great dog bed is part of this, and whether your dog needs a dog bed for their crate, the car, or in your room, choose a bed that is best for your dog’s unique needs.
Your dog’s dog bed needs to be:
- Comfortable
- Hygienic
- Supportive
- Large enough
- Comforting
When your disabled dog feels safe, supported, and happy, you will be happy too.