As our furry companions become seniors, their immune systems and bone and soft tissue healing are compromised. This means they can develop musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, adversely lowering their quality of life. In such cases, an orthopedic bed is highly beneficial and a great addition to your dog’s essential equipment.
The key benefit of orthopedic beds for senior dogs is the therapeutic support to their spine, bones, joints, and muscles. The even distribution of a dog’s weight and a comfortable night-long rest are also primary benefits of orthopedic beds. These benefits promote your senior dog’s overall wellness.
In the rest of the article, you will find in-depth details about these and other benefits of orthopedic beds for senior dogs. As the owner of an aging German Shepherd, I will give you my first-hand experience.
Are Orthopedic Dog Beds Good For Older Dogs?
If you’ve visited my blog before, you’ll know that I have a beautiful German Shepherd named Willow. In fact, she is the sole reason for this website, where I share my experiences from raising her as a pup into her senior years.
So, as my dog is now a senior, let’s start with the benefit that underscores the reason your older dog will benefit from an orthopedic bed.
Alleviates Pain and Stiffness in Dogs with Arthritis
Advanced age is often a trigger for arthritis in dogs. These dogs can benefit from clinically tested arthritis management solutions, including orthopedic beds.
Unfortunately, research on the benefits of orthopedic beds on dog musculoskeletal health is still in its initial stages. But one clinical study has set the pace.
The study by the University of Pennsylvania reported that owners of dogs who used the Big Barker Orthopedic Bed found it helped reduce joint stiffness and pain. The bed also improved gait and joint function and enhanced overall sleep quality for large-breed dogs with arthritis.
This is the bed my elderly dog sleeps on following her diagnosis of spinal osteoarthritis, and the study findings were the main reason why I chose it.
The milestone in improving dog wellness is why Big Barker received the Fear Free Preferred Product Programme in April 2023.
I will discuss the specific ways orthopedic beds help dogs with arthritis in the other benefits below. You can also read details on the topic in my complete article, Are Orthopedic Dog Beds Good for Arthritis?
Provides Spine and Joint Support
Regular dog beds are a good start for novice dog owners who want to give their pets a comfortable place for a good rest. However, they may not be enough if a dog has musculoskeletal conditions.
Big Barker’s earlier referred research found that regular beds do not provide enough support for big dogs, especially if these pets have orthopedic issues.
Instead, the orthopedic bed provides support to arthritic big dogs by:
- Holding up the spine, joints, and muscles.
- Distributing the dog’s weight evenly on the mattress.
This support controls the pressure points on your dog’s body and enhances overall comfort during your pet’s sleep.
Cushions Bones and Joints from the Hard Surface
When a dog lies in bed, its weight can cause the mattress to sink. This exposes its joints and bones to the hard surface below the mattress.
Because orthopedic dog beds are made from high-quality memory foam, they do not sink under the dog’s weight. As a result, the dog’s bones and joints are protected from the strain caused by such surfaces.
It’s important to note that the best orthopedic beds have more than a single layer of memory foam. In fact, the Big Barker is a triple-layer foam orthopedic bed. You can see its depth in the above photo.
Improves Mobility in Arthritic Dogs
According to Canine Arthritis Resources and Education, 20% of dogs will suffer from arthritis at some point in their lifespan.