When our little pooches grew to be big boys and girls, we can no longer let them squeeze into our beds. They need to have their own best dog beds for large dogs where they can sleep and lie down freely. Some pet owners use large carpets and rags, and although this is money-saving, it simply doesn’t work, especially if you have an arthritic doggo at home.
Our dogs deserve to have their own space where they can enjoy some alone time. Aside from that, they will love curling and cozying up on their bed without being smacked by their hooman’s feet and arms. But to give us, owners, the benefit of the doubt, we also get kicked out sometimes.
Why get a bed dog in the first place?
Unlike small breeds, large dogs are more prone to joint and skeletal issues. Senior dogs are also likely to develop arthritis as they age. This requires a special bed that will support their joints and reduces the strain that’s usually brought by their own weight. You simply can’t toss layers of fabric and use it as their sleeping spot. Here are more benefits of investing in dog beds for large dogs with arthritis:
Warmth. Don’t be so heartless, hooman. No doggo deserves to sleep on the cold floor without any soft cushion or insulation. If you treat your pet as part of the family, the pooch should have his own sleeping area with a nice bed.
Injury prevention. Your dog is in pain when he has arthritis, much so if you let him sleep in cold surfaces. Even if you’re willing to let the arthritic dog into your bed, it’s not best for them to jump on and off elevated places. Lifting them up doesn’t guarantee that they won’t wander around when you’re asleep.
Privacy. Even lap dogs need their “me-time” sometimes. Although your big boy is cuddly and affectionate, you should let him retreat to his corner from time to time. Being a doggo is stressful too, especially if the hooman isn’t giving out treats lately.
Control over shedding. If you have a large breed that sheds a whole ton of fur (own a Samoyed and you’ll know what I mean), a dog bed will be helpful to control the spread of dander. Since your dog will stay on it for the most part of the day, their fur will stick to their bed – not on your couch, kitchen, or bedroom.
What is dog arthritis and how it affects your pet
A lot of pet owners find it hard to tell whether their dogs have arthritis or they are just injured. Usually, a visit to the vet will diagnose the condition properly. Dog arthritis is similar to what humans experience. Their joints swell and the thin layer of cartilage on their joints becomes less efficient during movement. The cartilage sustains tears and the fluid that lubricates the bones isn’t produced properly.
With this, the joint won’t move smoothly, thus stiffness on your dogs’ legs when they try to walk or get up.
If that’s enough of a suffering, a new bone will grow around the joint which experiences the unnecessary friction. The dog will be subjected to more pain and surgery might be needed.
Arthritis is typically seen on older dogs, just as the condition is associated with old age to humans. However, younger canines can also develop arthritis prematurely, especially if they are born with poor bone growth.
As much as the symptoms of arthritis are easy to observe externally, it can also be misdiagnosed. A ligament tear can also cause a dog to limp, become lethargic, and to whimper. If you’re not sure, it’s always best to consult the vet so proper diagnosis will take place.
Although all dogs can develop arthritis, some breeds are more prone to have it in their later years. Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Alaskan Malamute are prone to this joint problem. It’s one reason why a lot of pet owners need best dog beds for large dogs.
Signs that your dog has arthritis
Visiting the vet is the surefire way of diagnosing your dog. But even before your appointment day arrives, you should observe for potential symptoms of has arthritis. It’s also important to take note of your dog’s movement so you can give the vet some information to work into.
Here are some signs that your doggo is suffering from this joint problem:
Limping. Pain and stiff joints will force your dog to lift the affected leg or limp on its side. Limping becomes more visible when your big buddy warms up for movement or when they try to stand on their feet – much like our grannies when they are having bad knees.
Hunching. Take note that arthritis doesn’t just happen on the legs. It can also hit the backbone of your pet. Check if he’s hunching or sporting an abnormal posture. Aside from that, a sore neck and lameness are also some of the symptoms. I suggest that you get dog beds for large dogs with arthritis.
Reluctant to move. Since your dog is in great pain, he or she will be reluctant to move. Your large buddy may resist jumping out of the car, going for walks, or heeding your call. Don’t write it up as bad behavior. Your doggo probably has arthritis.
Exhaustion. Is your dog always sleeping or lying down with his neck flat on the floor? If your yappy pooch suddenly becomes tired and irritable, there’s something going on with his physical condition. Try pawing and if they resist or whimper, it’s possible that they are in pain.
Muscle atrophy. This happens when the muscle cells of your pet die due to prolonged inactivity. Their legs will look thinner than usual. However, this won’t be applicable to naturally lean canines like Greyhounds and Salukis.
Regardless if your dog is exhibiting a few or all these symptoms, bringing them to the vet should be automatic when something happened.
Is arthritis curable?
Like how it manifests to humans, arthritis in dogs isn’t curable. Still, the pet owners can help ease the pain through home remedies and constant communication with the veterinarian. There are also medications intended to reduce the stiffness and to lubricate the cartilage for better movement.
You can’t cure but you definitely can help your dog minimize the friction on their joints. Help them reduce weight by monitoring their food intake. Excess weight can worsen the joint problem and end your dog impaired for the last years of his life. You can encourage your pet to exercise together with a painkiller the vet prescribes.
Don’t forget to ask the vet what you can do to regain the muscles lost on your doggo’s legs. Aside from the pain, lack of muscles also makes it harder to stand up or move.
Here’s an exercise that will help regain the muscles of your arthritic dog according to Dr. Jena Questen:
How to take care of an arthritic dog
The veterinarian will recommend medications and steps you should take to tend to an arthritic dog. They will likely recommend that you and your dog go back for further appointments to have treatments administered. The doggo doctor will give cartilage protector medicines, anti-inflammatory shots, and nutraceuticals to support joint health. Dog beds for large dogs with arthritis are also excellent additions.
When you’re back at home, you can use these tips I personally applied to my dog to ease his discomfort:
Hot showers. Long, hot showers ease the pain on their joints as the blood flows better to the cartilage and allows it to have less friction. You should also tuck them in blankets during bedtime to keep them warm.
Cold treatments. When the joint is swollen and painful, a small bag of ice can temporarily ease the soreness. Anyway, make sure that the vet recommends this.
Massage/therapy. Some vets recommend animal therapists that can provide massage sessions to dogs. This will help in blood circulation, joint health, and total well-being of your pet.
Acupuncture. This relaxing treatment isn’t just for humans. Treating your dog to an acupuncture session can ease his pain. Such a technique has shown soothing effects on animals.
Dog bed. Since your pet is in pain, he’s more inclined to lie down and rest. Make sure that he has one of the best dog beds for large dogs that will support his joint and cushion the crushing force of his weight.
What to look for a large dog bed
Don’t buy just any dog bed. Remember, you have an arthritic dog at home. You should get one that’s comfy and design to support their sensitive joints. Here’s my checklist when I first purchased a dog bed for my arthritic large canine:
Cushion. It should be soft, period. I personally prefer a bed with memory foam since it adjusts to the weight of my dog. It should be cozy enough that they can rest their aching legs with less strain.
Size. It’s not enough that you get a “large” size. Take another mile and measure the dimensions in contrast with your dog’s size. Get one that’s bigger than your dog so there would be extra space where the doggo could roll and move as he wishes. An extra five inches on each side should do the trick.
Durability. Chewing may happen in the onset of arthritis. I suggest that if your dog is a chewer, you go for a durable one. It could be a bit expensive, but worth it if you want quality.
Convenience. The bed should be easy to clean and won’t harbor smell. Fast drying dog beds for large dogs with arthritis are excellent.
But personally, even if it’s a bit of a pain to clean on my end, I would still purchase it if it means my arthritic dog gets the optimal comfort he deserves. Again, the preference depends on what you and your dog need.
Dog Beds For Large Dogs With Arthritis
Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed
Be it a large Golden Retriever, Sheltie, or German Shepherd, the Big Barker Orthopedic Bed will provide the relief your dog needs. The foam is specifically calibrated to accommodate big dogs, and true enough, my giant Samoyed is laying on it royally.
What I love the most about this Big Barker bed is it has a 10-year warranty. If the size and shape start to warp within that timeframe, you’ll get your money back. However, I’m not sure if they will cover damages caused by chewing.
This best dog beds for large dogs have a microfiber cloth which is gentle to the fur and skin. Although the design is simple, my dog and I can live with it. As long as it’s comfy and it cushions his sore legs, I have nothing to complain about.
This bed comes in large, extra-large, and giant sizes and I’m sure that you’ll get one that suits your pooch. Take note, this isn’t one of the cheap memory bed foams mass produced somewhere. The price is a bit steep, but it equates with the quality and durability.
Milliard Orthopedic Memory Foam
If your big boy is starting to have back issues related to his arthritis, you need to give him a bed with memory foam. This contours perfectly to the shape of the pooch’s body, thus reducing strain on the body. The Milliard dog beds for large dogs with arthritis come with a zip cover that you can wash and replace so your dog no longer has to wait for his bed.
I must say, this is way affordable than the Big Barker option. Still, the material is excellent and there are large sizes to suit your pet. However, it doesn’t come with warranty coverage as awesome as the first dog bed.
I want to commend Milliard bed for doing the basics right with the orthopedic support. The product also comes with a waterproof cover which is excellent if your doggo is in too much pain that he can no longer housebreak.
Getting the best dog beds for large dogs is a good way to ease the pain of your pet. Your senior buddy is in the late years of his life and it’s just right that you provide him with all the love and comfort you can give.