Are Orthopedic Dog Beds Worth It?
Usually yes for a heavy, long or older dog. A small young dog may be fine on a cheaper bed.
- You're paying for foam deep enough that your dog doesn't sink to the floor.
- Check any bed with a palm press, at any price.
- EachPaw costs $92 to $188, with a 10-year warranty that covers flattening.
Updated October 2026 · By the EachPaw team, the makers of the EachPaw Orthopedic Dog Bed.
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Is an orthopedic dog bed worth the money?
It's worth it when your dog is heavy enough to flatten a cheaper bed, long enough to hang off one, or old enough that getting up takes effort. For those dogs, what you pay for is foam deep enough for their weight and a bed sized to fit.
For a small, young dog who naps anywhere, a cheaper bed or a folded blanket may be all they need. Paying more only makes sense if the bed lasts longer.
What does orthopedic mean on a dog bed?
Not much on its own. "Orthopedic" has no set standard for dog beds, so any brand can use the word.
Look past the label at three things: whether it's solid foam or loose fill, how many inches deep it is, and whether the sleeping area fits your dog.
Read what makes a dog bed orthopedic
How can you tell if a dog bed is good enough?
Use the palm press. Push your palm hard into the spot where your dog sleeps. If you can feel the floor, the bed is too thin for them.
Then check the fit. Measure your dog lying down from nose to base of tail, and add about 6 in if they curl up or 10 to 12 in if they stretch out. The bed's sleeping length should cover that number.
Is a crib mattress or Costco bed good enough?
Some owners use a crib mattress or a warehouse-store bed and are happy with it. You can't judge what's inside one from the outside, so test it the same way you'd test ours:
- Size: does the sleeping area cover your dog's length plus their allowance?
- Support: does it pass the palm press where your dog lies?
- Cleaning: does the cover zip off and go in the washer?
- Floor: does it stay put when your dog gets on and off?
If a cheaper option passes all four for your dog, it may be all you need. If it fails one, keep looking, whatever the price.
What do you get for $92 to $188?
The EachPaw bed is a memory foam bed with a bolster at one end and a white faux-fur top. Foam depth goes up with size.
| Dog weight | Size (L x W x H) | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 30 lbs | Small, 36 x 20 x 3 in | $92 |
| 30 to 60 lbs | Medium, 42 x 24 x 4 in | $104 |
| 60 to 100 lbs | Large, 48 x 30 x 5 in | $140 |
| 100 lbs and up | XL, 52 x 36 x 6 in | $188 |
L x W is the sleeping area. H is the foam depth.
The cover zips off, goes in the washer and is safe with bleach. The front and sides are open, so there's no wall to climb over, and the bottom is non-slip.
Comparing brands? See how EachPaw compares with Big Barker.
Orthopedic dog bed FAQ
How long does an orthopedic dog bed last?
It depends on the foam and how heavy your dog is. The EachPaw bed comes with a 10-year warranty that covers the bed flattening.
How much should you spend on a dog bed?
The EachPaw bed costs $92 to $188 by size. Spend enough for a bed that fits your dog's length and passes the palm press at their weight. A cheap bed that goes flat gets replaced, so a warranty that covers flattening counts too.
Do vets recommend orthopedic dog beds?
Ask your own vet what suits your dog. The EachPaw bed is recommended by our 20+ veterinarian partners.
Will an orthopedic bed help my dog's arthritis or hip dysplasia?
A bed isn't a treatment, so ask your vet about your dog's joints and care. If you're choosing a bed for a stiff dog, look for foam they can't press flat, an edge that's easy to step onto and a bottom that doesn't slide.
Is memory foam good for dogs?
Yes, for most dogs, as long as it's one solid piece and deep enough for their weight. The EachPaw bed is one solid piece of memory foam, 3 to 6 in deep by size. Press your palm into any bed: if you can feel the floor, it's too thin for your dog.
Does the EachPaw bed sleep warm?
No. The EachPaw bed doesn't sleep warm.
What if my dog won't use the bed?
Beds bought directly from EachPaw come with a 90-day comfort trial, and 90-day returns apply to every product.
Read whether memory foam is good for dogs
Ready to decide?
Standard shipping is free (contiguous US and DC). Beds bought directly from EachPaw come with a 90-day comfort trial and a 10-year warranty that covers the bed flattening.