Let's talk about orthopedic dog beds

Finding the right bed for your dog can be a real slog. Over the past decade, I've done a ton of legwork and have a great, affordable option for you to consider.

When we added Beezy to our home, Ted had only one hard and fast rule: no dogs in the human bed.

And even though I was completely obsessed with this new creature and didn’t want to spend a moment apart from her, I didn’t argue. Growing up, our family pets always slept in crates, and I understood the importance of crate training. So while Ted and I may have arrived at the decision from different angles, we ultimately agreed.

Crates give dogs a safe space, help with potty training, and can even save their lives during emergencies. Some people think crates seem harsh or unkind, but that’s usually a misunderstanding. In a crisis — say, a house fire — a dog who’s comfortable entering a crate is much easier to rescue. That comfort could make all the difference.

I try to make the crates as cozy as possible for each of my dogs, depending on their age and chewing habits. For example, until recently, Gus only had a thin pad in his crate because he’d destroy anything fluffier. Thankfully, he's mellowed out enough that I was finally able to upgrade him to a real bed — one that matches his brother’s.

The Bed We Found (and Love)

I stumbled across the JOYELF Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Bed on Amazon by accident. We’d been eyeing beds from some big-name companies, but they were so expensive — we’re talking hundreds of dollars.

Now, I don’t mind spending money on my dogs, especially for something they’ll use every day, but I want whatever I buy to benefit me as much as it benefits them. And after years of dog ownership, I’ve developed a short checklist for beds:

• A removable, machine-washable cover — an absolute must for large beds

• Durable, supportive interior materials
  

The JOYELF checks both boxes — and then some.

Why It Works For Us The cover is removable and washable, with a waterproof, non-slip bottom. A padded bolster fits around the top of the bed and zips into place. (Pro tip from Amazon reviews: if anything happens to the bolster, a pool noodle fits perfectly as a DIY fix.)

What I appreciate most is the protective liner that encases the memory foam. The top of the liner is waterproof — perfect for accidents — while the bottom is water-resistant. I usually just wipe it down with a damp cloth during laundry days, and it’s good to go.

Another nice bonus? Replacement covers and liners are available. I keep an extra cover on hand so I can rotate them during wash days. You also get a spare liner with the replacement, which I’m saving for when the original needs replacing.

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Pros

• Solid memory foam base

• Surrounding bolsters for neck and head support

• Waterproof/water-resistant interior liner

• Washable cover with non-slip bottom

• Replacement covers (with liners) available

• Comes in five sizes

Cons

• Not the cheapest option

• Bolster can be a bit tricky to zip back in after washing

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For full transparency: I’m not an Amazon affiliate, and I don’t earn anything for recommending this product. I’m sharing it simply because it’s something I use every day and genuinely love.

If you're curious, you can find the bed here. I have the XXL for Pike and the XL for Gus. The size difference is pretty minimal, so if you're on a budget, the XL may work just fine — unless your dog is truly massive. Replacement covers can be purchased here. That's all I've got for now. Until next time, WOOF!

#dogbedreview #joyelf #dogmomlife #cratecomfort #muttessentials