Bed, mattress or sofa: which bed to choose for an older dog?

As dogs get older, they spend more time lying down. They take longer to find their position, flop down more heavily and get up stiffly. A good bed cures nothing, but it changes their daily life: it spreads their weight, insulates them from the cold floor and spares them needless effort when settling down.

1. Watch how they sleep

• Curls up or likes to rest their head: a bed with bolsters will suit them, like our orthopedic bolster bed or our orthopedic sofa.
• Sleeps fully stretched out: choose a flat mattress, with no edge in the way.
• Struggles to lift their legs: avoid high edges all round. Our beds and sofas have a low entrance at the front, and the mattress has no edge to step over.

2. Choose by size

Weights are a guide. Measuring your dog is the most reliable way.

3. Measure them lying down

Wait until they are asleep in their favourite position, then measure from nose to base of the tail. Add about fifteen centimetres: that is the sleeping length they need. For a bolster bed or sofa, compare with the inner sleeping area given in each product's size guide, not the outer dimensions. If between two sizes, take the larger one.

4. Think about cleaning

An older dog may have small accidents. Choose a removable, machine-washable cover and, ideally, a waterproof lining that protects the foam. All our beds have one.

And for a second resting spot?

For another room, the office or the car, a soft cushion is often enough. Keep the orthopedic bed for where they sleep at night.

Unsure between two sizes? Write to us with your dog's weight and length: we will reply personally.

This guide gives comfort advice. It does not replace your vet's advice, especially if your dog is in pain.