Choosing a Dog Bed for an Older Dog
Quick answer: The best dog bed for an older dog has foam deep enough for their weight, an edge that's easy to step onto, a bottom that doesn't slide, room to stretch out or curl up, and a cover you can machine wash.
On this page
What should the bed have?
An older dog's bed should be supportive, easy to get on and off, stable on the floor, roomy and easy to clean.
| Look for | Why it helps | On the EachPaw bed |
|---|---|---|
| Foam matched to weight | Keeps them off the hard floor | 3 to 6 in, deeper on bigger sizes |
| Easy step-on edge | Less to climb over | Open front and sides |
| Non-slip bottom | Bed stays put as they step on | Yes |
| Room to move | Space to stretch out or curl up | Four sizes |
| Washable cover | Easy cleanup after accidents | Machine-washable |
How thick should foam be?
An older dog's bed should have deeper foam the heavier the dog is; on the EachPaw bed, foam depth comes with the size.
| Size | Suggested dog weight | Foam depth | Sleeping area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Up to 30 lb | 3 in | 36 x 20 in |
| Medium | 30 to 60 lb | 4 in | 42 x 24 in |
| Large | 60 to 100 lb | 5 in | 48 x 30 in |
| XL | 100 lb and up | 6 in | 52 x 36 in |
Press your palm hard into your dog's usual spot on their current bed. If you can feel the floor, it's too thin for them.
Is a low edge easier?
A lower edge means less to step over. The raised bolster on the EachPaw bed sits at one end only, so the front and sides stay open and your dog can walk on instead of climbing over a wall.
On the Large and XL, the edge your dog steps onto is the same height as the foam: 5 in on Large and 6 in on XL.
See the bolster on the bed page
Will it slide on floors?
The EachPaw bed has a non-slip bottom, which matters most on hardwood, tile and laminate.
Put the bed where your dog can walk straight onto an open side, away from stairs, on a floor they already walk on confidently.
What size for a senior?
Choose the size that gives your older dog room to stretch out or curl up the way they like to sleep, not a bigger size for their weight alone.
- Measure from nose to base of tail while your dog lies down.
- Add about 6 in if they curl up, or 10 to 12 in if they stretch out.
- Pick the size whose sleeping length covers that number.
Size exchanges are allowed during the 90-day comfort trial on beds bought directly from EachPaw.
What about accidents?
The EachPaw bed is not waterproof, so after an accident take the cover off right away, wash it, and spot-clean the foam if anything reached it.
Cover care: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle; tumble dry low. Chlorine or oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) is safe.
Foam insert care: Never put the foam in the washer or dryer. Spot-clean it by blotting with mild soap and water, then let it air-dry completely.
An enzyme pet-accident cleaner is OK on the foam. A charcoal backup cover keeps the bed in use while one cover is in the wash.
Does it sleep warm?
No. The EachPaw bed isn't known to sleep warm.
Senior dog bed FAQ
Best bed for an old dog?
The best bed for an old dog has foam deep enough for their weight, an easy step-on edge, a non-slip bottom, room to stretch out or curl up, and a washable cover. The EachPaw bed has all five, in four sizes.
Do old dogs need more room?
An older dog needs enough room to sleep the way they like: stretched out flat or curled up. Measure them lying down and add about 6 in for a curler or 10 to 12 in for a sprawler.
Does a bolster help seniors?
A bolster gives an older dog somewhere to rest their head. On the EachPaw bed it's at one end only, so the front and sides stay open for stepping on.
What if the size is wrong?
Size exchanges are allowed during the 90-day comfort trial on beds bought directly from EachPaw.
Ready to choose?
The EachPaw bed is recommended by our 20+ veterinarian partners. Free shipping on orders $75 and up after discounts (contiguous US and DC), and a 10-year warranty that covers the bed flattening.