What is hip dysplasia? Well, hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic (bone) diseases in dogs, especially large dogs like German Shepherds and Labs. When a dog has hip dysplasia it means that the ball and socket joint in their hip don’t fit properly and can result in the two grinding against each other (ouch!). That’s why we’ve come up with the top 3 best beds for dogs with hip dysplasia.

Dysplasia Details

Dogs can develop hip dysplasia for a number of reasons:

• Rapid weight gain and obesity – Make sure you give your dog a balanced diet and play with them regularly! This is an easily avoidable cause.
• Nutritional factors – Most likely your dog is getting the nutrients they need from their food, but if you want to double, or triple, check to make sure they’re getting enough take them to the vet and let them know your concerns with hip dysplasia.
• Genetic Susceptibility – Not much we can really do here.

Some common symptoms you’ll start seeing once your dog begins developing hip dysplasia are:

• Decreased running/playing

• Difficulty getting up after sitting or laying

• Nervousness/Reluctance to jump or go up stairs

• Lameness or refusal to move

• Limping

• Muscle loss in thigh muscles

If your dog is showing these symptoms be sure to take them to the vet right away! Getting a confirmation from them and a pain prescription is the first step in helping your furry kid feel better.

How to pick the Best Beds for Dogs With Hip Dysplasia

“Oh no! My vet said my dog has hip dysplasia. What do I do?!” First step, calm down. Hip dysplasia is very common in dogs so there are supplements available as well as household items that can ease your dog’s discomfort. One way is to get your dog a bed designed to help alleviate pain from hip dysplasia or other orthopedic diseases.

What are the best beds for dogs with hip dysplasia you ask? You’ll want to get something with foam to cushion your dog. There are two main types of foam mattresses you’ll want to look out for, egg crate and memory foam. Both of these have their own advantages and disadvantages, but either will work in helping your dog.

Egg Crate Foam

You’ve probably seen egg crate foam before. It’s designed to have bumps and sockets and looks like a, you guessed it, egg crate! Egg crate mattresses are used in hospitals because they’re great for humans who have suffered from spinal surgery. The bumps and dips help with breathability, shock resistance and reduction of pressure points.

Memory Foam

I’m sure you’re already familiar with memory foam, but just in case you need a reminder, memory foam lets you (or in this case your dog) sink into the mattress. You don’t sink into it like you would if you sat in a bean-bag chair or water bed (but honestly who has a water bed anymore?), you sink into it until your spine is straight or in the case of your dog, until their hips or other contact points align better.

Best Beds for Dogs With Hip Dysplasia – Top 3!

Laifug® Premium Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Bed

The Laifug dog bed is one of the best beds for dogs with hip dysplasia because it’s 4 inches of foam, 2 inches of high quality memory foam and another 2 inches of a supportive foam.

Since it’s made with memory foam, when your dog lays on it, they won’t be putting a ton of pressure on their sore hip joints. Instead it’ll sink into the cushiony goodness and they’ll be able to sleep and relax without hurting.

Another reason why we love this bed for dogs with hip dysplasia is that the inner layers are waterproof, so if your dog has an accident on the bed, the inside won’t get ruined. Bonus points for this dog bed is that you can remove the cover and wash it if your dog does have that accident. Because of its dual foam, waterproof interior, and slip on/off cover, Laifug Premium Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Bed is our #1 choice for the best beds for dog with hip dysplasia.

Laifug Dog Bed Highlights

• Removable 2-sided cover makes for super easy cleaning
• Dual foam constructs gives the ultimate support system for customized comfort
• Memory foam liner provides tons of comfort and support for pups who need extra comfort
• Waterproof inner layers mean that no matter what happens on top won’t ruin the insides of the bed

Better World Pets 6” Thick Orthopedic Dog Bed

This dog bed sounds so comfortable I want to lay on it for my back! This bed has 6 inches of 100% memory foam there to support it. This will make your dog feel like they’re sitting or laying down on a cloud, and I mean, who doesn’t want to lay on a cloud? That alone makes if one of the best beds for dogs with hip dysplasia!

The cover for this dog bed is also removable, so you can wash how often you want, or if your dog has an accident during their sleep. If you don’t love the mattress or don’t see it improving your dog’s life, they have a 1-year money back guarantee. When you purchase this dog bed Better World Pet’s donates 10% of the sale to the Human Society of the United States to the dogs and cats who are suffering or without a home.

Better Worlds Dog Bed Highlights

• Designed in the USA with a durable cover and waterproof lining means that your Better Worlds bed will be around for a long time
• A non-skid bottom provides surefooted entry and exit for your sensitive pup
• It’s very easy to clean with it’s 2-sided, zippered cover that quickly removes for washing
  
• 1 year “Love It or Leave It” money back offer.  If you don’t love it, within 1 year of delivery simply return for a full refund
  
• 100% memory foam fill is shredded for ultimate softness then tightly packed for firmness the result is a flexible bed that provides great support and comfort
• Won’t sag or flatten out

Brentwood 4-Inch Gel Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Bed

The Brentwood Gel Memory dog bed is one of the best beds for dogs with hip dysplasia because it offers all the same benefits of an egg crate or memory foam bed, while keeping cool. The gel helps keep body temperatures down while simultaneously reliving aches and joint pain.

It’s 4 inches thick and 100% waterproof, meaning any accidents your dog may have won’t wreck the dog bed. It comes in six different sizes (small to extra-large) and comes in six different colors to match your, and your dog’s, personality. If you’re not absolutely in love with your new pet bed, or find that it’s attracting mites and bacteria, you have 3 years to return it!

Brentwood Dog Bed Highlights

• 2-inch gel memory foam layer keeps your pup cool while relieving aches and pains related to hip dysplasia and arthritis
• 2-inch foam base provides great orthopedic support
• 100% waterproof liner added protection against all kinds of stuff that your pooch can drag in
  
• The plush microfiber cover is removable and can be machine washed
• Resistant to mold, bacteria and dust mites the Brentwood Dog Beds come with a 3 Year Warranty

Hearing that your dog is in pain can be scary. But helping your dog manage the pain of hip dysplasia doesn’t have to be. Just remember to invest in a good orthopedic foam mattress so that your dog has a comfortable place to lay throughout the day.

These beds also work for dogs who don’t have hip dysplasia.  Giving your dog something comfy to lay on early on in life can help relieve pressure on joints and could end up preventing your dog from developing serious hip dysplasia later.

Does your dog have hip dysplasia? Let us know how you help your dog with pain in the comments down below!