This is true of all size dogs, and especially of large breeds. If you want a dog who runs, and plays, and doesn’t slow down as they gets older, they needs a bed that takes care of the joints while they sleeping 12-14 hours each day. 

Unfortunately, the word “orthopedic” has become meaningless when attached to a dog bed. Most of these beds are a thin layer of shabby padding that doesn’t keep your dog’s hips and elbows off the floor.

When your dog takes two tries to stand, hesitates before jumping up on a chair, or takes a few slow steps before walking, you may be seeing signs of arthritis.

Remember the last time you slept on a bad pillow at a hotel or an Airbnb? A pillow so thin, your head might as well have been right on the mattress? 

That’s how most dog beds feel to dogs. Is it better than the floor? Slightly. But it could be so much better. To stave off arthritis, your dog needs a bed that supports his weight evenly, without pressure points on sharp or heavy spots like hips and elbows.

Think about the last time you spilled something on your carpet or your couch. You were relieved if you could clean the visible stain off… 

But never for a second did you believe it was as good as new. The padding underneath had soaked up that spill and you were never going to get that out. 

Your dog’s bed is the same way. But what’s getting on your dog’s bed? Drool, dander, poop and urine residue, as well as common dust and allergen spores. 

Look for a bed with a removable waterproof liner that protects the inside and lets you keep your dog’s sleeping surface clean. 

When you purchased your own mattress, you took time to read about how it was made to be sure it wasn’t toxic. 

Makers of most dog beds don’t even bother to tell you. Toxic flame retardants like bromine are common in dog beds. (When was the last time your dog started a fire?)

But there are good companies making dog beds without toxic chemicals. This is the kind you want. 

Most dog beds are sold with the assumption that you’re going to buy it and forget about it. If your dog chooses the floor instead, you’ll just think he’s a floor sleeper. 

No dog prefers the floor to a good bed. If you care about your dog’s comfort, sleep quality, and joint health, choose a dog bed that has a money-back guarantee if your dog doesn’t love it.