Wondering what materials you think is best for an older dog? I am investing in one wasn’t sure what the inside material is the best and keeps its fluffiness.
He tends to get stiff after laying down for awhile. All our floor is tile, so looking for some really good padding.
Thanks in advanced for the suggestions!
I like orthopedic beds the best, or I should say my dog likes them best! She always chooses her orthopedic bed first and is obviously less stiff in the morning. The memory foam ones are okay too, but she has trouble getting out of them because they squish, so she avoids them. She’s old (12) and arthritic, so your dog may not have this problem. The big, squishy ones that look fluffy are usually NOT good for old dogs. Not only do they lose their fluff over time, for an old dog it’s really hard to stand up and get out of these beds as the fluff move around as they try to walk.
For a cheap alternative to orthopedic, fabric stores sell thick green foam used for couch cushions. Choose the thickness and size you want and sew a fleece cover (leave one side open or attach a zipper so you can wash it). It’s not quite as nice as the orthopedic beds, but we use these foam beds around the house as extras and buy nice orthopedic beds for her main sleeping areas.
[QUOTE=Big_Grey_hunter;6096629]
I like orthopedic beds the best, or I should say my dog likes them best! She always chooses her orthopedic bed first and is obviously less stiff in the morning. The memory foam ones are okay too, but she has trouble getting out of them because they squish, so she avoids them. She’s old (12) and arthritic, so your dog may not have this problem. The big, squishy ones that look fluffy are usually NOT good for old dogs. Not only do they lose their fluff over time, for an old dog it’s really hard to stand up and get out of these beds as the fluff move around as they try to walk.
For a cheap alternative to orthopedic, fabric stores sell thick green foam used for couch cushions. Choose the thickness and size you want and sew a fleece cover (leave one side open or attach a zipper so you can wash it). It’s not quite as nice as the orthopedic beds, but we use these foam beds around the house as extras and buy nice orthopedic beds for her main sleeping areas.[/QUOTE]
Awesome! Thanks for the advice.
He is arthritic as well. He starts his cosequin on Monday. I am hoping that helps or we will treat him more aggressively. I just got him recently and noticed that after laying down for awhile he limps on his front right leg for a few steps. He works right out of it and is sound on walks.
I am on an island so I have to see exactly what materials they have available, but I can get a custom made bed for him so just trying to get the best idea of what would be good for him.
Does anyone have opinions on the bean bag beds?
Something that’s firm but gives seems to work best. If it shifts and gives when they step onto it, they seem to have a hard time keeping their footing on it.
So solid blocks of foam–memory foam or otherwise–are better than a bag full of polystyrene beads. Poly foam can be good or bad, depending on how tightly it’s packed and how dense it is.
I am a very cheap person by nature, but this is the best investment I have made in a dog bed.
See the Nest:
http://www.bigshrimpy.com
You simply cannot beat Kuranda beds. My dogs love them. I have both the regular ones and the bunk beds. They are so well made and the dogs seek them out, even over our human couch. If you want it to be softer, you can add a fleece blanket or something similar.
Here’s a link:
http://kuranda.com/
Our dogs love their bean bag shaped beds. I think they are called pouf beds. They look like fleece bean bags but they have cotton batting for filling. When ours started getting flat I cut up some foam from a mattress cover. They LOVE the beds.
Anti-fatigue mat
I just received this week my order of anti-fatigue mats that were factory seconds.
Amazing. Dogs are digging them. A fantastic base of support with a fuzzy fleece or sheepskin on top that is cheaper than purpose-made memory foam dog beds and easier to clean. Easy entry since it is low to the ground. Some beds are too high for an old, arthritic dog to get into.
(My cousin spent hundreds on a very nice, cushiony, waterproof ortho bed. Her old, incontinent, arthritic dog could not get his hind end onto the bed due to weakness and painful hips; his bottom half would be collapsed on the hardwood floor. Frequently his front half would then slide off. It was a struggle. 
Lesson learned: easy entry/low beds for ache-y dogs.)
I buy discarded quilted and down comforters at the thrift shops - they’re only ever $4 or so, so I don’t feel bad chucking them once someone pukes or pees on them. 
About foam from the fabric store - it’s great until it gets wet - you can try washing it, but it’ll start to break down at that point.
You can get foam from an upholstery store that is washable, though.
Like the idea of factory-second comfort mats - those things are expen$ive!
A stack of 2+ sheepskins (again, from the thrift shops, and Costco ones are also great value, even if they are from China) also make super-soft beds - there’s always a soft spot, as they never completely compress.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
